Chapter Summaries

Plot and key events

• Madara is baffled by how Aogetsu Hyuga knows so much about him, but Aogetsu refuses to explain and insults him.
• Enraged, Madara summons his Perfect Susanoo, enhanced with azure wings, and charges Aogetsu with overwhelming speed and force.
• Aogetsu stands his ground. He raises both hands and appears to warp or tear the air, producing ten bright cracks. The chapter ends before the effect—or Madara’s attack—can be resolved.
• On the battlefield below, Hanzō confronts Team 7 amid poison gas and numerous fallen ninjas. He praises the young team, then summons several enormous Ibuse to attack.
• The battlefield’s attention shifts to a brilliant white light in the sky, drawing the gaze of Team 7, Kabuto, and others.

Character developments and interactions

• Madara grows increasingly furious at Aogetsu’s mockery, while remaining wary of his unexplained abilities. Aogetsu’s remark about the Uchiha clan being wiped out briefly unsettles him, though he quickly regains his composure.
• Aogetsu remains calm and taunting despite Madara’s apparently devastating charge, suggesting confidence in a powerful technique.
• Naruto anxiously urges Aogetsu to dodge; Sasuke dismisses Naruto’s worry, arguing that Aogetsu must have a plan. Sakura cuts off their bickering to focus them on Hanzō.
• Tsunade watches Aogetsu’s aerial confrontation with concern. Hanzō recognizes Team 7’s exceptional strength but attacks them regardless.

Significant themes

• Power and composure: Madara relies on overwhelming force, while Aogetsu counters with unexplained control and confidence.
• Knowledge and mystery: Aogetsu’s familiarity with Madara’s future and the source of that knowledge remain unresolved.
• Teamwork under pressure: Team 7’s contrasting reactions—Naruto’s worry, Sasuke’s confidence, and Sakura’s practicality—show their different roles as danger closes in.
• Two simultaneous threats: The airborne duel and Hanzō’s assault leave the battlefield split between Aogetsu’s confrontation and Team 7’s immediate survival.

Key plot points and events

• Aogetsu Hyuga reveals his “Vibration Power” as Madara’s Susanoo blade stops just short of him. The vibrations spread through Susanoo and into Madara’s Impure World Reincarnation body, damaging both.
• Aogetsu intensifies the power, warping the sky, tearing through clouds, and stirring a sandstorm across the battlefield. Susanoo cracks apart and ultimately shatters, restoring hope among the Allied Forces.
• Allied shinobi cheer Aogetsu, while the Sand forces’ morale collapses. Baki, fearing Sunagakure’s defeat, urges Kabuto Yakushi to act.
• Kabuto proposes capturing the Seven-Tails and Nine-Tails jinchūriki to revive the Ten-Tails and give Sunagakure a chance to survive. Baki must help.
• Tsunade jokes that Aogetsu has stolen her spotlight, then turns to aid Mei Terumi, who is struggling against Tobirama. The other Kage are also losing ground against the reanimated Hokage.

Character developments and interactions

• Aogetsu demonstrates a formidable, unfamiliar ability and becomes the Allied Forces’ symbol of hope.
• Madara is shaken by a power he cannot understand; his confidence in Susanoo’s supposedly ultimate defense is broken.
• Baki reveals the depth of his desperation: he views the war as deciding Sunagakure’s fate and is willing to pursue a drastic plan.
• Kabuto drops his usual mocking manner and speaks seriously, aligning his plan with Baki’s need to save the village.
• Tsunade remains composed and wry, but shifts from watching Aogetsu’s triumph to supporting her fellow Kage. She moves to help Mei, whose battle has left her badly battered.

Significant themes

• Power and vulnerability: Even a defense believed unbeatable can be overcome.
• Hope and morale: Aogetsu’s victory inspires the Allied Forces, while the Sand’s confidence falters with Madara’s defeat.
• Desperation and sacrifice: Baki’s concern for his nation pushes him toward a dangerous plan involving the jinchūriki and the Ten-Tails.
• Leadership and responsibility: Tsunade responds to the Kage’s worsening situation by taking action rather than remaining a spectator.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tsunade defeats her opponent with Cangyue’s assistance and joins Mei Terumi in fighting Tobirama Senju.
• Tobirama uses the Flying Thunder God Technique, scattering kunai around the battlefield before launching a surprise attack on Mei with Flying Thunder God Slash.
• Tsunade disrupts Tobirama’s positioning by smashing the ground, allowing Mei to counter with Water Release: Water Gun Technique. Although Tobirama remains difficult to defeat, the two Kage believe they can eventually overcome him.
• Hanzō, bound by a sealing scroll, attempts to bestow a title on Naruto and the other members of Team 7, hoping to imitate his legendary naming of the Sannin. However, they ignore him while discussing Aogetsu Hyuga’s earlier attack.
• Hashirama is surrounded by a sealing squad and casually chats with Kirigakure and Iwagakure ninja, expressing his characteristic kindness and regret over dying before helping improve Iwagakure’s environment.
• Itachi and Nagato suddenly attack. Itachi uses Amaterasu to incinerate the sealing squad before they can finish sealing Hashirama.
• Hashirama is disturbed by the deaths and reflects on the cruelty of war. He recognizes Itachi as an Uchiha and discovers that Nagato belongs to the Uzumaki Clan and possesses the Rinnegan.
• Nagato attempts to remove the six-ton Ruyi Jingu Bang embedded in Hashirama’s chest, even transforming his arms into mechanical limbs, but cannot move it. He concludes that the bizarre weapon must belong to Aogetsu Hyuga.

Character Developments

• Tsunade remains aggressive, confident, and emotionally attached to her family, especially her “Granduncle” Tobirama. She rejects Tobirama’s warning against Cangyue and fights with determination.
• Mei Terumi helps Tsunade against Tobirama but privately feels jealous that Cangyue assisted Tsunade rather than her. Her rivalry and camaraderie with Tsunade are both evident.
• Tobirama retains his tactical, speed-based fighting style and old-fashioned attitude toward Tsunade. Despite being outnumbered, he remains composed and dangerous.
• Hanzō is shown as proud and eager to preserve his legendary role, but Team 7’s indifference leaves him ignored and somewhat comically sidelined.
• Hashirama demonstrates his usual friendliness, humility, and concern for others. However, witnessing the sealing squad’s deaths reminds him of the emotional cost of war.
• Itachi acts decisively and ruthlessly by using Amaterasu, but his apology afterward suggests he is not indifferent to the destruction he causes.
• Nagato is impatient and tired of the conflict. His frustration and bafflement over the immovable staff reinforce the chapter’s comedic portrayal of his reactions to Aogetsu’s abnormal abilities and equipment.

Significant Themes

• The brutality and tragedy of war: Hashirama’s reaction to the sealing squad’s sudden deaths highlights how war destroys ordinary people who were moments earlier engaged in peaceful conversation.
• Legacy and reputation: Hanzō tries to recreate his historical naming of the Sannin, while the resurrected legends—Hashirama and Tobirama—continue to shape the battlefield.
• Family, loyalty, and affiliation: Tsunade values her bond with Tobirama despite fighting him, while Itachi emphasizes that he remains a Konoha ninja even as an Uchiha.
• The overwhelming influence of Aogetsu Hyuga: His powerful attacks, six-ton weapon, and mysterious abilities become a recurring explanation for anything unusual, leaving even powerful figures like Nagato and Hashirama bewildered.
• Humor amid conflict: Hanzō’s ignored speech, Hashirama’s awkward apologies, and Nagato’s inability to move the staff provide comic relief within an otherwise violent battle.

Character Interactions

• Tsunade and Mei cooperate against Tobirama while teasing and challenging each other.
• Tobirama tries to persuade Tsunade to abandon Cangyue, creating tension between family loyalty and her chosen alliance.
• Hanzō attempts to engage Team 7, but Naruto and the others effectively disregard him.
• Hashirama interacts warmly with the sealing ninja, making their deaths especially poignant.
• Itachi and Hashirama share a brief exchange about the Uchiha and Konoha.
• Nagato questions Hashirama about the Rinnegan and struggles humorously with Aogetsu’s weapon, strengthening the growing connection between Aogetsu and the battlefield’s strange events.

Plot points and events

• Itachi tries to help break Hashirama’s restraints by lifting the Ruyi Jingu Bang with Susanoo. Sakura interrupts, shattering his Susanoo with a single punch and sending him flying.
• Sakura’s strength impresses Itachi and reminds Hashirama of Tsunade’s technique. Sakura proudly confirms that Tsunade is her teacher.
• Sasuke confronts Itachi, but now does so without his former rage or uncertainty. Itachi realizes Sasuke has chosen his own path with Aogetsu’s help. He explains that he and Nagato are being controlled and asks Team 7 to stop them.
• Team 7 joins the fight against Itachi and Nagato. Nagato seems unsure what he is fighting for, while Konan—now devoted to her “Master”—taunts him and rejects their shared past with Yahiko. Devastated, Nagato blasts her with the Chakra Cannon, but she transforms into paper and attacks with the Dance of the Shikigami.
• Kabuto, frustrated by the battle’s progress, pressures Baki to make Sunagakure act. Zetsu reveals that the Sand secretly obtained the Box of Ultimate Bliss, a powerful weapon once used by the Land of Grass.
• Baki reluctantly summons the box and rallies the Sand Ninja to sacrifice themselves for the village. His speech sparks an enthusiastic rush toward it, while Temari watches with disgust and disbelief.

Character developments and interactions

• Sakura demonstrates formidable strength and confidence, and her bond with Tsunade is highlighted.
• Sasuke has grown more composed: he can face Itachi without being consumed by anger and stands alongside Naruto and Sakura.
• Itachi recognizes Sasuke’s independence and openly asks Team 7 to stop him, showing acceptance of Sasuke’s choices.
• Nagato is emotionally adrift and deeply hurt by Konan’s rejection of Yahiko and their former bonds. Their confrontation turns immediately into combat.
• Konan appears fanatically loyal to her new Master, treating her former friends as worthless.
• Baki is pressured by Kabuto and Zetsu into deploying a dangerous weapon, while Temari resists the rhetoric of self-sacrifice.

Significant themes

• Growth and self-determination: Sasuke has found his own path rather than following Itachi’s plan.
• Betrayal and grief: Konan’s repudiation of Yahiko and Nagato’s pain make their broken past central to the fight.
• Manipulation and sacrifice: Kabuto’s pressure and Baki’s speech turn the Sand Ninja toward a potentially costly weapon.
• Loyalty and power: The chapter contrasts sincere bonds—such as Team 7’s cooperation—with devotion imposed or exploited by those seeking victory.

Key plot points and events

• Temari unsuccessfully tries to stop a fellow Sand Ninja from entering the Box of Ultimate Bliss; the friend denounces her as a traitor and goes anyway.
• The box consumes the Chakra of those who enter, but after hundreds of ninja it is still not full. Desperate, Baki orders villagers brought in to replace the village’s remaining combat forces.
• Temari challenges Baki, arguing that ninja should protect villagers. He threatens her with military punishment, and the villagers are forced into the box. Nearly twenty thousand are sacrificed.
• Once the box is full, Baki asks it for power to conquer the world and restore Sunagakure. It transforms him into a huge, winged monster with overwhelming Chakra. Though he briefly unsettles Kankuro, Baki claims he feels better than ever, and the Sand Ninja cheer.
• Kabuto and Obito discuss the box’s power. Obito says their real priorities are bringing Hashirama’s and Madara’s powers together and capturing the Nine-Tails and Seven-Tails.
• Elsewhere, Aogetsu notices the transformation, distracting Madara during their fight. Aogetsu’s Turtle Destruction Wave splits and curves around Madara’s attempted dodge. Madara’s Shinra Tensei blocks only part of it, and the remaining blasts destroy half his body.

Character developments and interactions

• Temari becomes increasingly horrified by Baki’s choices and stands up for the villagers, but is powerless to stop the sacrifice.
• Baki abandons his duty to protect the population, treating villagers as expendable fuel for the box. His monstrous transformation seems to amplify his power and confidence.
• Kankuro approaches Baki with fear, then shifts to excitement when Baki reassures him.
• Kabuto and Obito view the events through their own strategic interests; Kabuto notes that Konoha treats ordinary people better, while Obito argues that power inequality is why the Infinite Tsukuyomi is needed.
• Aogetsu and Madara continue their battle: Madara’s anger at Aogetsu’s distraction gives way to a devastating hit.

Significant themes

• Power and inequality: Obito frames unequal power as the source of ordinary people’s suffering.
• Duty versus survival: Temari’s belief that ninja must protect villagers clashes with Baki’s claim that sacrificing them is necessary to save the village.
• Corruption through desperation: Sunagakure’s leaders turn against their own people in pursuit of strength, exposing the cost of desperate ambition.
• The danger of power: Baki gains immense force, but his transformation leaves those around him uncertain whether he remains fully himself.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Madara Uchiha is immobilized, causing the Allied Shinobi Forces to believe the war is nearly over. Their morale rises, and sealing teams move in to capture him.
• Aogetsu Hyuga senses an extremely sinister chakra and rises into the sky using the Tenseigan’s enhanced vision. He identifies the source as Baki, who has become a monstrous, winged creature through the Box of Ultimate Bliss.
• Aogetsu realizes Baki’s transformation is far more powerful than the version seen in the film because Baki wished for a weapon capable of conquering the world. This allowed the Box of Ultimate Bliss to release much more of its power.
• Baki retains his intelligence and immediately identifies Naruto as the key target. His goal is to capture Naruto’s Nine-Tails and obtain the Seven-Tails, enabling the revival of the Ten-Tails.
• Baki dives toward Team 7, destroying a massive Earth Release barrier without slowing down and injuring nearby Allied Shinobi.
• Sasuke shields Team 7 with Susanoo, but Baki’s impact sends him flying roughly two hundred meters.
• Sasuke attempts to use Amaterasu, but Baki anticipates the attack and creates a feather shield that catches the black flames.
• Sakura attacks Baki with Chakra Enhanced Strength and the Added-Weight Rock Technique, but Baki evades her punch and knocks her away with a kick.
• Naruto manifests a giant golden Nine-Tails avatar and attacks Baki. Despite the avatar’s power, Baki outmaneuvers it, knocks it down, and withstands several Chakra shells without injury.
• Baki then attacks Naruto with a massive black feather greatsword. Naruto catches the blade with the Nine-Tails avatar and begins charging a Tailed Beast Bomb.

Character Developments

• Aogetsu Hyuga: Demonstrates his calm battlefield awareness and advanced Tenseigan perception. He quickly understands the source and nature of Baki’s new power, comparing it with the Box of Ultimate Bliss’s earlier appearance.
• Baki: Becomes the chapter’s primary threat. Though physically transformed into a gigantic monster, he remains intelligent and tactically aware. His knowledge of Team 7’s techniques allows him to counter Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto effectively.
• Sasuke: Acts protectively by placing himself between Baki and the rest of Team 7. He confidently attempts Amaterasu but is surprised when Baki predicts and counters it.
• Sakura: Shows immense destructive strength and courage, attacking Baki directly. However, she is shocked by his speed and is forced to recognize the gap between them.
• Naruto: Responds emotionally when his teammates are struck and immediately brings out the Nine-Tails’ power. Although his attacks fail to injure Baki, he quickly counters Baki’s sword assault and prepares a Tailed Beast Bomb.

Significant Themes

• False victory and sudden reversal: The Allied Forces believe Madara’s defeat means the war is ending, but Baki’s arrival abruptly overturns their optimism.
• The danger of unchecked desire: Baki’s wish for a world-conquering weapon unlocks the Box of Ultimate Bliss’s full destructive potential.
• Power versus adaptability: Baki is dangerous not merely because of his strength and durability, but because he combines them with speed, intelligence, and knowledge of his opponents.
• Teamwork under pressure: Team 7 members instinctively defend one another, with Sasuke protecting the group, Sakura launching a direct assault, and Naruto retaliating with the Nine-Tails.
• Escalation of the war: Even after major enemies appear defeated, new powers and threats continue to emerge, preventing the conflict from reaching a conclusion.

Character Interactions

• The Allied Shinobi celebrate Madara’s apparent defeat and encourage the sealing unit to capture him.
• Aogetsu observes Baki from above and analyzes the difference between his power and the weaker version known from the film.
• Baki targets Naruto while confronting all of Team 7, demonstrating that he has studied their abilities.
• Sasuke protects his teammates with Susanoo and attempts to burn Baki with Amaterasu.
• Sakura follows up with a devastating physical strike but is outmaneuvered and kicked aside.
• Naruto uses the Nine-Tails to defend Sakura and Sasuke, while Baki repeatedly overwhelms the avatar and then attacks Naruto directly.
• The chapter ends with Naruto holding back Baki’s feather blade and preparing a Tailed Beast Bomb, setting up the next confrontation.

Key plot points and events

• Baki uses his overwhelming speed and strength to hold Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi at bay while Nagato and Itachi free Hashirama from the Ruyi Jingu Bang’s restraint.
• Kabuto regains control of Hashirama and sends him after Fū, the Seven-Tails’ jinchūriki. Hashirama defeats the shinobi guarding her, immobilizes Fū, and Nagato extracts the Seven-Tails.
• With the Allied Forces shaken, Hashirama reaches Madara and removes the seals restraining him.
• Hashirama and Madara argue over the war and the consequences of the order Hashirama helped create. Before they can continue, both are compelled to race toward Naruto.
• Aogetsu notices the revived Hashirama and Madara heading for Naruto, while holding an unidentified small figure.

Character developments and interactions

• Hashirama is troubled by the war’s devastation and acknowledges that his ideals may have failed, but rejects Madara’s attempt to impose his own vision through conflict. Despite their argument, he feels genuine excitement at fighting beside Madara.
• Madara condemns the shinobi system for producing a war on an unprecedented scale. He remains proud and combative, though Hashirama’s enthusiasm briefly affects him.
• Kabuto and Nagato advance their side’s goal by capturing the Seven-Tails; Kabuto now sees the Nine-Tails as the remaining target.
• Naruto reacts furiously to Fū’s capture, but Baki keeps him from intervening.
• Aogetsu appears emotionally detached from Fū’s defeat, even while recognizing her presence.

Significant themes

• The war’s immense casualties challenge the idea that Hashirama’s peace brought lasting order.
• The clash between ideals and methods: Hashirama admits failure but rejects violence as a path to a better world, while Madara sees the existing system as proof that it must be overturned.
• Old bonds persist beneath conflict, shown by Hashirama and Madara’s uneasy but familiar banter as they move into battle together.

Key plot points and events

• Aogetsu saves Fū with a Senzu Bean after she nearly dies. He admits he had expected both Fū and Naruto to be potential sacrifices in his plan to deal with Zetsu and Kaguya—but a mission to protect his disciples brought him to the battlefield. He decides to stay and enjoy the fight.
• Tsunade and Mei Terumi seal Tobirama Senju, who reveals that the Impure World Reincarnation has restored him to roughly 77% of his full strength. They leave others to guard him while the sealing unit arrives.
• The two women join Ōnoki against the Third Hokage. Tsunade confronts her former teacher over the burden he left her, but he apologizes and accepts responsibility for his failures. Together, the three Kage defeat and seal him.
• The Kage then reach the badly wounded Raikage and Tsunade begins healing him. With the four Kage assembled, they prepare to face Minato, who taunts them about their delay.
• Hashirama and Madara arrive at Team 7’s battlefield. The Nine-Tails urgently warns Naruto that they are dangerous and tells him to flee if necessary. Naruto refuses to run, insisting that his teacher Aogetsu is stronger. Hashirama then moves to attack the Nine-Tails’ jinchūriki, but his body appears to act against his will.

Character developments

• Aogetsu reveals the cold, strategic side of his plans, but his decision to save Fū and protect his disciples shows that personal loyalties can override his calculations.
• Tsunade displays resilience and strength, quickly recovering and taking charge in battle. Her exchange with Hiruzen reveals lingering hurt, while his apology offers a measure of reconciliation.
• Naruto remains defiant and loyal to his principles, refusing to retreat despite the Nine-Tails’ fear.
• The Nine-Tails is unusually alarmed by Hashirama and Madara, exposing the depth of its past trauma and concern for Naruto.
• The Raikage demonstrates fierce resolve by continuing to fight despite severe wounds.

Significant themes

• Duty versus sacrifice: Aogetsu’s willingness to treat people as costs in a larger plan conflicts with his obligation to protect his disciples.
• Endurance and resolve: The Kage, Raikage, and Naruto keep fighting despite exhaustion, injuries, or overwhelming opponents.
• Accountability and reconciliation: Hiruzen acknowledges his failures, allowing Tsunade to confront their shared past.
• Power and fear: The Nine-Tails’ reaction underscores the threat Hashirama and Madara pose, even to a formidable tailed beast.

Character interactions

• Aogetsu revives Fū, whose emotional response hints at their personal intimacy.
• Tsunade challenges Hiruzen over his past actions; he apologizes, and they then fight together.
• Tsunade and Mei work in tandem with Ōnoki to subdue Hiruzen, then help support the Raikage against Minato.
• The Nine-Tails warns Naruto about Hashirama and Madara, while Naruto counters with confidence in Aogetsu.
• Hashirama’s apparent loss of control as he attacks the jinchūriki creates an ominous cliffhanger.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Naruto realizes he is the target of the attack and flees at extreme speed, but Hashirama’s enormous chakra-enhanced punch devastates the surrounding terrain.
• Sakura attempts to restrain Hashirama with Ice Release, successfully trapping him in an iceberg, but Madara immediately counters with powerful Fire Release through his Gunbai and melts the ice.
• Madara recognizes Sasuke’s resemblance to his brother Izuna, though he dismisses the possibility that Sasuke is Izuna’s descendant. He then declares that anyone opposing his plan will die and summons his immense blue Susanoo.
• Hashirama enters Sage Mode, revealing that the person controlling him is exerting greater power. He uses Sage Art: Gate of the Great God, surrounding Naruto with numerous red torii gates.
• The gates suppress the Nine-Tails’ chakra, reducing Naruto from his usual powerful form to the weaker Four-Tails state. Naruto is forced to rely on Sakura and Sasuke while he confronts Baki.
• Other ninjas move to contain Nagato and Itachi, leaving Team 7 to battle Hashirama, Madara, and Baki.
• Sakura fights Hashirama’s Wood Golem and Wood Dragon, using Dust Release to slow them. When ordinary evasion becomes insufficient, she opens the Third Gate and combines Shave with the Body Flicker Technique.
• Sakura reaches Hashirama and lands a devastating Yin Seal-enhanced punch, destroying the Wood Golem. However, Hashirama himself remains unharmed, shocking her and ending the chapter on a cliffhanger.

Character Developments

• Naruto: Despite being dramatically weakened by the Gate of the Great God, he remains determined and directs Sakura and Sasuke to handle Hashirama and Madara. His playful rivalry with Sasuke continues even under desperate circumstances.
• Sakura: Demonstrates major growth in combat ability. She uses Ice Release, Dust Release, the Eight Gates, high-speed movement techniques, and Uzumaki sealing knowledge. Her confidence rises as she successfully damages Hashirama’s Wood Golem, but Hashirama’s immunity to her final blow leaves her stunned.
• Sasuke: Maintains his readiness by summoning Susanoo and supports Sakura in confronting the two legendary Uchiha-era figures. His banter with Naruto shows their familiar competitive relationship.
• Hashirama: Displays overwhelming physical strength, Wood Release, Sage Mode, and the ability to suppress tailed-beast chakra. He remains surprisingly good-natured, admiring Sakura’s Ice Release and Sasuke’s resemblance to Izuna even while fighting.
• Madara: Acts as the more openly hostile and ruthless opponent. His rapid Fire Release neutralizes Sakura’s technique, and his Susanoo reinforces the sense that Team 7 is facing an almost unbeatable enemy.
• Baki: His monstrous transformation makes him more aggressive and irritable. Naruto provokes him with insults, setting up their individual confrontation.

Significant Themes

• Overwhelming power versus teamwork: Team 7 cannot defeat the revived legends individually and must divide responsibilities and cooperate.
• Growth through training: Sakura’s new techniques show how far she has advanced, allowing her to challenge Hashirama despite the enormous gap in power.
• Suppression and helplessness: Naruto’s loss of the Nine-Tails’ power emphasizes how dependent he is on his strongest abilities and forces him to fight under severe limitations.
• Legacy and resemblance: Madara’s observation that Sasuke resembles Izuna highlights the continuing influence of the past on the present generation.
• Humor amid danger: Naruto and Sasuke’s insults provide comic relief while also reinforcing their close, competitive bond.

Character Interactions

• Sakura attempts to restrain Hashirama, while Madara intervenes and frees him, establishing the two revived legends’ coordinated threat.
• Hashirama reacts warmly to Sakura’s Ice Release and shows curiosity about Sasuke’s resemblance to Izuna; Madara responds bitterly and denies any family connection.
• Hashirama warns Team 7 about his Sage Mode and explains the suppressive properties of the Gate of the Great God.
• Naruto asks Sakura and Sasuke to take responsibility for fighting Hashirama and Madara. Sasuke insults him but also implicitly encourages him to survive.
• Naruto deliberately antagonizes Baki, choosing him as his opponent while the rest of Team 7 faces the more powerful Hashirama and Madara.
• Sakura’s direct assault on Hashirama demonstrates her growing confidence, but his complete resistance reveals that Team 7 still faces an immense power gap.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hashirama’s apparent body is revealed to be a Wood Release: Human-Shaped Hōbi Technique—a wooden construct designed to endure attacks as powerful as a Tailed Beast Bomb.
• The construct punches Sakura with overwhelming force, leaving her badly injured and barely able to gather chakra.
• Sakura attempts to restrain Hashirama with Uzumaki sealing chakra chains, but the wooden construct effortlessly breaks them.
• Hashirama explains the technique while advancing on Sakura, regretting that he may have to kill a young ninja.
• Elsewhere, Sasuke continues his fierce battle against Madara. Sasuke attacks with Susanoo, the Heavenly Magatama Bow, and black-flame arrows enhanced by Blaze Release: Kagutsuchi.
• His assault cracks Madara’s Susanoo and spreads Amaterasu across it, but Madara responds by activating the Perfect Form Susanoo, vastly increasing his defense.
• Madara overwhelms Sasuke physically and reveals the difference in their Sharingan abilities and combat experience.
• Sasuke uses Kagutsuchi again to form a giant black-flame sword, forcing Madara to evade and briefly creating an opening.
• Madara then places a black sphere on Sasuke’s Susanoo and activates Planetary Devastation, drawing surrounding sand, debris, corpses, and weapons into a massive stone sphere.
• The added weight immobilizes Sasuke’s Susanoo. Madara pierces the sphere with his Susanoo’s sword and detonates it, breaking open Sasuke’s defenses.
• Madara follows with a powerful upward slash that tears through Sasuke’s Susanoo. Unable to withstand the attack, Sasuke abandons the Susanoo and leaps away.

Character Developments

• Sakura demonstrates resourcefulness by switching from physical attacks to sealing techniques, but she is severely outmatched and physically weakened by Hashirama’s initial blow.
• Hashirama remains reluctant to harm Sakura, showing compassion despite fighting her, but his overwhelming strength and technical knowledge make him a terrifying opponent.
• Sasuke displays strong tactical awareness, combining Susanoo, Kagutsuchi, Amaterasu, and ranged attacks. However, his chakra is running low, and he cannot overcome Madara’s superior power and combat mastery.
• Madara is portrayed as calm, analytical, and dominant. He recognizes Sasuke’s talent but repeatedly emphasizes the gap between them, defeating him through carefully coordinated techniques rather than brute force alone.

Significant Themes

• The gap between generations and levels of power: Sasuke is exceptionally strong for his age, yet Madara’s superior eyes, experience, and mastery place him far above Sasuke.
• Defense versus offense: Hashirama’s human-shaped wooden defense and Madara’s Perfect Susanoo demonstrate nearly impenetrable protection, forcing opponents to seek unconventional methods.
• Tactical combat and layered techniques: Madara’s use of Planetary Devastation followed by a timed sword strike shows how battles are decided through combinations and preparation.
• Compassion amid violence: Hashirama’s discomfort at attacking Sakura contrasts with the brutality of the battle.
• Perseverance under overwhelming odds: Despite exhaustion and failing defenses, Sasuke continues resisting and searching for openings.

Character Interactions

• Hashirama and Sakura: Hashirama injures Sakura but explains his defensive technique, creating a tense interaction between his remorse and his duty to defeat her.
• Sasuke and Madara: Their battle is both physical and psychological. Madara acknowledges Sasuke’s talent while taunting him about his inferiority, and Sasuke repeatedly attempts to counter Madara’s superior techniques.
• The chapter ends with Sasuke forced to abandon his Susanoo, leaving him exposed and emphasizing Madara’s control over the confrontation.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sasuke escapes Madara’s attack, but Madara destroys the head of Sasuke’s purple Susanoo with one sword strike. Sasuke lands unsteadily and discovers that his chakra is nearly depleted, leaving him vulnerable as Madara’s Susanoo approaches.
• Naruto continues fighting Baki alone after Sakura and Sasuke are overwhelmed. Although Baki has knocked him down repeatedly, Naruto grows increasingly fierce instead of tiring, puzzling Baki.
• When surrounding ninjas learn that the Seven-Tails has already been captured, they realize Naruto—the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki—is the Akatsuki’s remaining major target and rush to aid him.
• Itachi blocks their advance. When they ignore his warning, his crimson Susanoo kills dozens of them in a single sweep. Itachi calmly reminds them that he had warned them, while privately observing Nagato’s poor leadership.
• Encouraged by concern for his teammates and the battlefield, Naruto rises again and entrusts himself to the Dragon-Patterned Griddle.
• The griddle restores Naruto’s strength and stamina, allowing him to attack Baki with renewed speed. During the clash, it unexpectedly emits a brilliant red light.
• Naruto lands a devastating strike against Baki’s face, severely denting and crushing his cheek and slamming him into the ground. The surrounding ninjas gain hope from Naruto’s breakthrough.
• Humiliated and enraged, Baki declares himself the ultimate weapon of Sunagakure and begins charging a massive black energy sphere.
• The Nine-Tails warns Naruto to flee. Naruto attempts to dodge, but his exhausted body cannot move quickly enough. Kabuto fears Baki has lost control, and Obito is angered but too far away to use Kamui.
• As the black sphere approaches, the Dragon-Patterned Griddle moves in front of Naruto to shield him. Naruto warns it not to sacrifice itself pointlessly, leaving the outcome unresolved.

Character Developments

• Naruto: Displays extraordinary endurance, determination, and concern for his allies. His bond with the Dragon-Patterned Griddle deepens as he treats it like a trusted companion, while his combat ability increases through its support.
• Sasuke: Is left nearly helpless after Madara destroys his Susanoo and exhausts his chakra, emphasizing the overwhelming gap between him and Madara.
• Baki: Shifts from confident superiority to humiliation and desperation after Naruto’s counterattack. His decision to unleash a dangerous black sphere suggests that rage is overriding his judgment.
• Itachi: Remains composed and mercilessly effective, warning the ninjas before eliminating them. His calm behavior contrasts with the chaos around him.
• The Nine-Tails: Continues advising Naruto and urgently warns him of Baki’s attack, showing a practical concern for Naruto’s survival.
• The Dragon-Patterned Griddle: Demonstrates increasing power and apparent loyalty, restoring Naruto’s strength and attempting to protect him from the energy sphere.

Significant Themes

• Determination overcoming exhaustion: Naruto becomes stronger through persistence and resolve, defying Baki’s expectations.
• Trust and companionship: Naruto’s relationship with the Dragon-Patterned Griddle develops into a genuine partnership, with both protecting and relying on each other.
• Desperation versus control: Baki’s wounded pride drives him toward an indiscriminate, potentially lethal attack.
• Hope amid overwhelming odds: Naruto’s successful strike briefly restores morale to the battlefield, even while Sasuke and Sakura remain in danger.
• Power imbalance: Sasuke’s defeat highlights Madara’s superiority, while Naruto’s unexpected growth suggests that unconventional strength can challenge seemingly dominant opponents.

Character Interactions

• Naruto and Baki: Their battle escalates from repeated physical exchanges to a dramatic reversal when Naruto’s griddle-enhanced strike injures Baki.
• Naruto and the Nine-Tails: The Nine-Tails warns Naruto about the black sphere, and Naruto finally responds without arguing, showing increased trust.
• Naruto and the Dragon-Patterned Griddle: Naruto openly praises and embraces the weapon, while it restores his strength and attempts to shield him.
• Itachi and the allied ninjas: Itachi warns them to stay back, then demonstrates the consequences of ignoring him through Susanoo.
• Sasuke and Madara: Madara decisively overwhelms Sasuke, destroying his Susanoo and leaving him nearly defenseless.
• Obito and the battlefield: Obito recognizes the danger to Naruto and wishes he could intervene, but distance prevents him from using Kamui.

Plot points and events

• Temari saves Naruto from Baki’s attack, taking a devastating wound to the abdomen. She explains that Naruto is the Shinobi World’s hope and that she will protect the student of Lord Cangyue.
• Baki condemns Temari for betraying Sunagakure and prepares to kill her. Temari urges Naruto to escape, while the Nine-Tails tells Naruto not to let her sacrifice be in vain. Naruto stays back, shaken but unwilling to interfere.
• Aogetsu Hyuga arrives just in time to shield Temari. He gives her a Senzu Bean, which rapidly heals her wound.
• Aogetsu dismisses Baki’s power from the Box of Ultimate Bliss as unimpressive. Baki attacks with a storm of black feathers, but Aogetsu repels them with an invisible shockwave and sends Baki crashing to the ground.

Character development

• Temari openly rejects loyalty to her village when it conflicts with her devotion to Aogetsu and her desire to save Naruto. Her willingness to die for them shows her courage and deep admiration for Aogetsu.
• Naruto faces the tension between his instinct to help Temari and the Nine-Tails’ reminder to follow his teacher’s guidance. He remains behind rather than wasting her sacrifice.
• Aogetsu appears calm and overwhelmingly confident, quickly healing Temari and effortlessly countering Baki.
• Baki is enraged by Aogetsu’s contempt and responds with a direct attack.

Significant themes

• Sacrifice and loyalty: Temari chooses Naruto and Aogetsu over her village.
• Trust and restraint: Naruto must accept that acting impulsively could undermine Temari’s sacrifice.
• Power and arrogance: Baki’s confidence in his new strength is challenged by Aogetsu’s easy defeat of his attack.

Character interactions

• Temari protects Naruto and explains her reasons to him, then defies Baki, her teacher.
• The Nine-Tails advises Naruto to honor Temari’s sacrifice rather than intervene recklessly.
• Aogetsu rescues and heals Temari, whose admiration for him intensifies.
• Aogetsu provokes Baki by belittling his power, prompting Baki’s failed assault.

Key plot points and events

• Baki, empowered by the Box of Ultimate Bliss, attacks Aogetsu Hyuga but is easily outmatched. Aogetsu blocks his strike without moving, then has his invisible Stand, Star Platinum, punch Baki into the distance.
• Star Platinum unleashes a rapid barrage for ten seconds, leaving Baki battered in a vast crater. The watching ninjas are stunned by the power and by their inability to sense any chakra behind the attacks.
• Aogetsu tells Temari to stay back. She responds to his detached manner with even greater admiration.
• Naruto warns Aogetsu that Sasuke and Sakura are in immediate danger: Madara and Hashirama are poised to strike their severely wounded former disciples, while Kabuto watches, convinced Aogetsu cannot save them.
• Aogetsu snaps his fingers and says, “The World,” stopping time. He reaches Madara’s Susanoo and draws Ryūjin Jakka, preparing to use “Tenchi Kaijin.”

Character developments and interactions

• Aogetsu remains calm and almost bored, displaying overwhelming confidence. He had been observing the fight before intervening and acts decisively when Temari is about to die; now he moves to protect Sasuke and Sakura.
• Baki shifts from arrogant confidence to disbelief and despair after his power proves useless against Aogetsu.
• Temari survives and is openly enamored with Aogetsu, interpreting his coldness as something to admire.
• Naruto urgently appeals to his teacher to save Sasuke and Sakura.
• Kabuto is excited by the prospect of Aogetsu’s failure, though Aogetsu’s time-stopping ability immediately changes the situation.
• Madara and Hashirama are positioned to kill Sasuke and Sakura, setting up Aogetsu’s next intervention.

Significant themes

• The chapter emphasizes the vast gap between apparent power and true strength: Baki’s immense borrowed power cannot challenge Aogetsu.
• Aogetsu’s detached demeanor contrasts with his willingness to protect his allies.
• The ninja audience’s shock highlights how Aogetsu’s abilities operate beyond the familiar chakra-based rules of their world.

Chapter 314 Summary

• Aogetsu demonstrates overwhelming speed and power. In a brief burst of movement, he lands two attacks before anyone can follow him: one carves a deep scar through Madara’s Susanoo, while the other caves in Hashirama’s towering wooden statue. Both giants collapse, leaving the battlefield stunned.
• Madara and Obito are shaken. Madara is alarmed that his Sharingan could not track Aogetsu’s attack. Obito is equally disturbed: the strike seemed fast enough to hit him before he could activate his intangibility, making him feel genuine fear for the first time in years. Kabuto is also left speechless.
• Hashirama praises Aogetsu, but is ignored. Hashirama thanks him for saving Sakura and acknowledges the Hyuga’s strength. Aogetsu pays him no attention, instead carrying his injured students back to Naruto. Hashirama is dejected by the snub, though he remains cheerful and admiring.
• Aogetsu teases his students and heals them. He scolds Sasuke and Sakura for losing to Madara and Hashirama, provoking disbelief from everyone present. He then gives all three Team 7 members Senzu Beans. Their wounds rapidly heal, and they feel restored to peak condition. Sakura is amazed by the medicine’s effectiveness.
• Aogetsu challenges both legends at once. Madara and Hashirama stand together and prepare to face him. Hashirama is excited by the rare chance to fight beside Madara, while Madara finds his enthusiasm irritating but briefly reflects on their history as friends and rivals. The watching shinobi retreat to make room.
• Team 7 offers to help, but Aogetsu refuses. Naruto says the team can join without holding him back. Aogetsu calmly insists that he is the strongest and summons Kubikiribōchō as the confrontation begins.

Character developments and themes

Aogetsu’s casual confidence is reinforced by feats that unsettle even Madara and Obito, while his protective side appears in his rescue and healing of Team 7. Obito’s confidence in his supposedly secure escape ability is badly shaken, and Hashirama’s optimism contrasts with Madara’s hostility and caution. The chapter emphasizes overwhelming strength, the limits of even legendary abilities, mentorship, and the unexpected possibility of former rivals fighting as allies.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hyuga Aogetsu launches a devastating opening attack against Hashirama Senju and Uchiha Madara using the Kubikiribōchō as an electrically charged projectile.
• He calls the technique “Railgun,” then detonates the sword in midair, splitting it into two lightning-wrapped halves that fly toward the opponents’ escape routes.
• The resulting explosions cover roughly two thousand meters and injure both Hashirama and Madara, shocking the surrounding ninja.
• Aogetsu immediately follows with close-quarters combat. He clashes physically with Hashirama, dodges Madara’s scythe attack, and uses acrobatic movements and Rankyaku to sever one of Hashirama’s arms.
• Madara counterattacks with wire-guided shuriken, trapping Aogetsu in steel wire. He then uses Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique, sending flames along the wires and engulfing Aogetsu.
• Hashirama reinforces the attack with Wood Release: Wood Coffin, imprisoning Aogetsu inside a burning wooden structure.
• Madara amplifies the flames with his Uchiha Gunbai, generating enough heat to crystallize the surrounding sand.
• Despite the combined assault, Aogetsu disappears from the trap and reappears behind Hashirama and Madara. He strikes Madara, blasting him away, while Hashirama remains standing.

Character Developments

• Hyuga Aogetsu: Demonstrates exceptional intelligence, battle calculation, speed, physical strength, and versatility. He anticipates his opponents’ movements, turns the fragile Kubikiribōchō into a tactical weapon, escapes a coordinated fire-and-wood trap, and repeatedly surprises two legendary fighters.
• Uchiha Madara: Shows dissatisfaction with Aogetsu’s powerful opening attack but quickly adapts. His shurikenjutsu, wire manipulation, Fire Release, and use of the Gunbai reveal his tactical creativity and relentless caution.
• Hashirama Senju: Matches Aogetsu’s physical strength, regenerates his severed arm, and supports Madara with Wood Release. He functions as the defensive and restraining half of their combined assault.
• Team 7: Recognizes the danger of remaining near Aogetsu’s battle and retreats, focusing instead on Itachi and Nagato.
• The observing ninja: Become increasingly impressed and frightened by Aogetsu’s destructive power and sophisticated combat techniques.

Significant Themes

• Strategy over brute force: Aogetsu wins advantages by predicting enemy movements and manipulating the battlefield rather than relying only on raw power.
• Escalation of combat: The battle progresses from a large-scale projectile attack to hand-to-hand fighting, traps, elemental ninjutsu, and regeneration.
• Innovation and adaptation: Familiar ninja tools and techniques—such as the Kubikiribōchō, shuriken, and wire—are used in unexpected ways.
• The limits of legendary power: Even Hashirama and Madara are injured and repeatedly caught off guard, emphasizing Aogetsu’s extraordinary strength.
• Mutual tactical respect: Although Madara is frustrated by Aogetsu, his reactions show that he takes the young Hyuga seriously as a dangerous and intelligent opponent.

Character Interactions

• Aogetsu confronts Hashirama and Madara as a coordinated pair, forcing them to evade and defend together.
• Hashirama meets Aogetsu directly in a clash of physical strength, while Madara attacks from the side with his scythe.
• Madara openly taunts Aogetsu while using his signature shurikenjutsu, but Aogetsu’s instincts allow him to evade the initial trap.
• Madara and Hashirama combine their abilities—wire-guided Fire Release and Wood Release—to restrain and burn Aogetsu.
• Aogetsu ultimately reverses the situation by escaping unnoticed and striking Madara from behind, leaving the confrontation unresolved with Hashirama still engaged.

• The fight escalates: Aogetsu Hyuga uses “Ultra Instinct” to evade Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha’s combined taijutsu without taking his hands from his pockets. He then demonstrates lightning techniques that appear to use no detectable chakra, including El Thor, a massive blast that forces the two opponents to abandon close combat.
• Hashirama and Madara press their advantage: Hashirama transforms the battlefield with Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence, sending sharpened branches after Aogetsu. Madara counters Aogetsu’s earlier meteor-slicing feat by summoning a vast meteor shower. The falling rocks and attacking vines are meant to split Aogetsu’s attention while the two launch their own attacks.
• A rare opening: Amid the barrage, Hashirama lands a punch that makes Aogetsu step backward twice—the first time the pair have managed to check him. Aogetsu praises Hashirama as the “God of Shinobi,” though the bystanders interpret the remark as possible mockery. Hashirama takes it as a sincere compliment; Madara remains focused on the fight.
• Aogetsu reveals another area attack: After calling the meteor-and-branch tactic impressive but irritating, Aogetsu points toward the sky and quickly completes Mamaragan. Dark clouds gather, and bolts of azure lightning strike around Hashirama and Madara, destroying trees and even breaking apart some meteors. The two are forced to scatter and evade the repeated strikes.
  Character dynamics and development: Aogetsu remains calm, playful, and seemingly far from his limits, treating the duel as a chance to show off new abilities. Hashirama is impressed and cheerful, even amid the danger; Madara is more wary and tactical, recognizing the threat and staying close to Hashirama for reassurance.
  Themes: The chapter emphasizes the gap between extraordinary power and conventional fighting methods, as well as the value of adaptation: Hashirama and Madara combine terrain control, distractions, and direct attacks to create an opening, while Aogetsu answers with increasingly broad, unconventional techniques.

Chapter summary

Key plot points and events

• Aogetsu Hyuga unleashes Mamaragan, a storm domain whose lightning destroys Hashirama Senju’s forest and intercepts tens of thousands of meteors. Hashirama recognizes the technique as even more formidable than his Nativity of a World of Trees, since it is difficult to destroy and can relentlessly pursue its targets.
• The immense display leaves the observing ninja stunned, making the battle seem more like a clash between gods than ordinary combat.
• Elsewhere, the four Kage gain the upper hand against Minato Namikaze. Ōnoki’s Earth Release Armor blunts Minato’s attacks, while Mei Terumi coats his scattered Flying Thunder God kunai with Lava Release, limiting his teleportation options. The Kage prepare to seal him.
• A huge sphere of lightning—identified by Aogetsu as Raigo—appears in the sky and distracts the Kage. The Raikage confirms that Kumogakure has no technique of comparable power.
• Obito arrives beside Minato. He refuses to explain why the Akatsuki is working with Sunagakure, then uses Kamui to escape with Minato.
• Tsunade warns the Kage not to relax: the Seven-Tails has been captured, and they must hurry to Naruto.

Character developments and interactions

• Aogetsu further demonstrates his extraordinary command of Lightning Release, impressing even Hashirama and the Raikage.
• The four Kage adapt effectively to Minato’s fighting style, coordinating their defenses and Mei’s countermeasure. Their progress is interrupted by Obito’s intervention.
• Minato remains calm and good-humored despite being cornered; he praises Mei’s tactic and briefly hopes he might get to speak with Naruto.
• Mei and Minato exchange playful banter, while Tsunade restrains Ōnoki when he tries to attack Obito.
• Obito remains evasive and enigmatic, escaping rather than fighting and withholding the Akatsuki’s true purpose.

Significant themes

• Power on a near-mythic scale: Aogetsu’s techniques and the battlefield’s spectacle blur the line between ninja combat and divine conflict.
• Adaptation and teamwork: The Kage come close to defeating Minato by studying his abilities and combining their skills.
• Uncertainty and hidden motives: Obito’s unexplained alliance with Sunagakure leaves the larger conflict unresolved.
• Urgency amid shifting battles: The capture of the Seven-Tails redirects attention toward Naruto, even as major confrontations remain unsettled.

Key plot points and events

• The four Kage agree that Akatsuki must be stopped before the captured Tailed Beasts can be released, then move out after a short rest.
• Madara is stunned to learn that Aogetsu’s Raigo is an enormous sphere of storm clouds filled with lightning.
• Madara and Hashirama team up. Hashirama summons Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands, a colossal Buddha statue with more than a thousand arms.
• Madara covers the statue in Susanoo armor, creating the fearsome Susanoo-clad Buddha. Its oppressive presence weakens nearby Allied Ninja, allowing their opponents to kill many of them.
• Aogetsu’s Raigo descends toward the Buddha. When its cloud layer bursts, it reveals a gigantic azure sphere of lightning. The collision triggers an immense explosion, scattering lightning across the sky and clearing the storm clouds.

Character developments and interactions

• Madara begins by raging at Aogetsu’s taunt, but sets aside his Susanoo when Hashirama proposes fighting together. He then takes control of their combined construct, balancing their familiar rivalry with genuine cooperation.
• Hashirama is delighted to fight beside Madara again and supplies the enormous Chakra needed for the Buddha, even as Madara complains that he is providing too much.
• Aogetsu remains calm and amused by the spectacle, judging the combined power impressive while preparing to reveal his own strength.
• The Allied Ninja watch the clash in awe, caught between fear of Madara and hope that Aogetsu’s attack can stop him.

Significant themes

• Cooperation amid rivalry: Madara and Hashirama’s old bond lets them combine their abilities despite their opposing temperaments.
• Power and spectacle: The chapter emphasizes the near-mythic scale of Ninja techniques and how overwhelming force can affect both the battlefield and morale.
• Reversed expectations: The Allied Forces’ enemies command the magnificent Buddha, while the destructive-looking Raigo is their best chance of survival.

Key plot points and events

• Aogetsu Hyuga’s Raigo lightning attack destroys all of the giant Buddha’s thousand-plus wooden arms and severely damages the Susanoo protecting its head.
• Madara reinforces the Susanoo with his chakra, while Hashirama supports him by supplying Senjutsu Chakra. Together, they endure the attack, though the Buddha’s head and armor are left badly cracked.
• The Allied Forces are disheartened when the giant Buddha survives. Aogetsu is surprised by its resilience, noting that he did not use Raigo at full power.
• Madara calls the defense “the power of the old era.” Aogetsu dismisses him as stuck in the past and announces that he will demonstrate an even greater power.
• The four Kage reach Naruto and confirm he is safe. They watch the confrontation, awed by the scale of the battle. Mei worries that Aogetsu is facing Madara and Hashirama alone; Tsunade advises against intervening, but her expression hints at a growing determination.

Character developments and interactions

• Aogetsu remains confident after his attack is withstood. Rather than being discouraged, he reveals that Raigo was not his full strength and challenges his opponents’ assumptions about power.
• Madara is shaken by how close he came to being overwhelmed, even as an Impure World Reincarnation. His exchange with Hashirama briefly exposes their old camaraderie: he instinctively smiles at Hashirama’s remark, then awkwardly denies enjoying fighting beside him.
• Hashirama quickly understands Madara’s need for support and supplies Senjutsu Chakra without hesitation, demonstrating their coordination and enduring bond.
• The Kage react with awe and concern. Ōnoki regrets having once underestimated Aogetsu, while Tsunade and Mei disagree over whether the others should help. Tsunade’s resolve suggests she may yet act.

Significant themes

• Changing eras and evolving power: Aogetsu rejects Madara’s claim that the old era defines strength.
• Cooperation against overwhelming force: Madara and Hashirama survive through mutual support, while the Kage debate whether to join the fight.
• Limits and perspective: The survivors’ powerful defense is impressive, but Aogetsu’s withheld strength suggests that appearances—and even extraordinary feats—may not reveal the full extent of someone’s power.

Plot points

• The Kage agree not to join Aogetsu Hyuga’s fight. They trust him to handle the colossal Susanoo-clad Buddha and Raigo, while remaining wary of other unseen enemies—especially the masked man and the two-faced, pitcher-plant-like figure.
• Obito and Kabuto reveal their plan for Minato: use Orochimaru’s Living Corpse Reincarnation to move his soul into a living body, making it possible to extract the Nine-Tails half sealed within him. Minato recognizes the Uzumaki seal and realizes the threat is real.
• Aogetsu unleashes another Raigo. Madara believes the attack is too slow to threaten his mobile Susanoo-clad Kurama, but Aogetsu prepares a new technique by combining the Ryūmyaku with his lightning powers: “Ryūmyaku Two Hundred Million Volt Thunder God.” Purple lightning begins to engulf him.

Character developments and interactions

• Tsunade expresses complete trust in Aogetsu, despite the Kage’s concerns. Mei is visibly shaken by Tsunade’s confidence.
• Minato shifts from suspicion to horror when he misunderstands Obito’s torn clothing, then quickly focuses on the seal and Obito’s intentions. Obito is briefly embarrassed by Minato’s reaction but continues with his plan.
• Kabuto eagerly explains the resurrection technique and treats using it on the Fourth Hokage as an honor. Minato’s hope fades as he understands the likely cost.
• Madara underestimates Aogetsu’s next move, confident he can evade Raigo.

Significant themes

• Trust amid overwhelming danger: The Kage stand back because they believe Aogetsu is their best chance.
• The cost of power and survival: Minato’s resurrection would come at the expense of his strength and could enable the extraction of the Nine-Tails.
• Innovation and underestimation: Aogetsu’s Ryūmyaku-powered technique challenges Madara’s assumption that Raigo’s slowness makes it harmless.