Ch. 241Three Choices at the Start in Konoha
Summary
Key plot points and events
- On the fourth battlefield, Ōnoki uses the Ultra-Light-Weight Rock Technique to stop Madara’s first enormous meteorite. Madara summons a second, larger one, which drives the first back down.
- Ōnoki weakens the combined weight, while Gaara and Naruto’s golden Chakra arms help brace the rocks. Despite their efforts, the meteorites crash down, devastating the battlefield.
- The impacts also strike battlefields across the Shinobi World, inflicting widespread destruction and casualties.
- Elsewhere, Naruto and Killer B confront Obito and the Six Paths Jinchūriki puppets. Kakashi and Guy join the fight, while Kakashi’s division is redirected to reinforce the fourth battlefield.
- Kakashi asks Obito why he never returned to Konoha. Obito rejects his former identity, calling himself Madara and claiming that “Obito” died when Rin did. Kakashi apologizes for failing to protect Rin, but Obito refuses reconciliation and resumes the attack.
- After the meteorites fall, Madara and Kabuto discuss Obito’s struggle to capture Naruto and Killer B. Madara decides to take matters into his own hands.
- The Five Kage—Minato, Mei, A, Gaara, and Ōnoki—assemble against Madara. Sakura and other Medical Ninjas treat the survivors; once recovered enough, Ōnoki joins the other Kage.
Character developments
- Ōnoki shows extraordinary resolve and strength by slowing the meteorites, but the devastation leaves him shaken and seemingly aged by the losses.
- Gaara helps defend the Allied forces and remains composed, though the ordeal visibly strains him.
- Kakashi confronts his guilt over Rin’s death and openly apologizes to Obito.
- Obito remains committed to his Madara persona, using his grief over Rin to justify rejecting his old life and continuing the war.
- Madara displays confidence and impatience with Obito’s progress, choosing to intervene personally.
- Sakura takes charge of treating the badly injured survivors, prioritizing those who must face Madara.
Significant themes
- The scale and cost of war: Madara’s attack inflicts mass casualties across multiple battlefields.
- Grief and identity: Obito has turned his loss of Rin into a rejection of his former self.
- Duty and perseverance: Ōnoki, the Kage, and the medical teams keep fighting and helping despite overwhelming losses.
- Cooperation: Survivors from different divisions and villages redirect their efforts to support the most endangered battlefield.
Character interactions
- Ōnoki and Gaara work with Naruto to hold back the meteorites, while allied forces watch helplessly or rush to reinforce them.
- Kakashi’s apology to Obito contrasts with Obito’s refusal to reconnect, turning their personal history into part of the battle.
- Madara and Kabuto discuss Obito’s progress, with Madara deciding to take over.
- Sakura and the medical teams treat Gaara and Ōnoki, after which Ōnoki joins the other Kage to confront Madara.