Ch. 381The enemy was coming soon
Summary
Key plot points and events
- After a major evolution, Uchiha Yi says his strength has at least doubled and that he may continue growing faster. He believes he may soon face Ōtsutsuki opponents, some potentially stronger than Isshiki.
- Yi warns Konoha’s allies that enemies may arrive in the shinobi world soon. He confirms his recent aura drew them closer, though they would likely have found the world within about twenty years regardless.
- Tobirama assesses the forces available to defend the world. Besides Yi, Hyuga Rinka may be able to fight at Six Paths level; Madara is also a powerful potential ally, despite Tobirama’s hatred of him.
- Yi argues that the coming Ōtsutsuki could be a source of strength as well as a threat: their chakra and abilities have already helped him and others grow, and Rinka’s Kāma gives her the potential to become an Ōtsutsuki.
- Yi reasons that the newcomers are probably not among the clan’s strongest. Powerful Ōtsutsuki tend to remain on their homeworld, while ordinary members travel to gather Chakra Fruits and earn Chakra Pills. Tobirama realizes that even Isshiki may have been relatively low-ranking.
Character development
- Uchiha Yi is more confident after his evolution, viewing the impending conflict as an opportunity as well as a danger.
- Tobirama Senju remains cautious and pragmatic. Though he despises Madara, he recognizes that Madara’s power could protect the shinobi world and help in battle.
- Hyuga Rinka is established as a particularly important potential fighter because of the Kāma implanted by Isshiki.
- Madara Uchiha, though absent and still an object of Tobirama’s resentment, is increasingly treated as a strategic asset.
Significant themes
- Threat and opportunity: Powerful enemies may also provide resources and knowledge that help the defenders grow stronger.
- Preparation and uneasy alliances: Survival may require relying on former enemies and building strength before danger arrives.
- Power within a hierarchy: Even formidable opponents like Isshiki may be minor figures compared with the wider Ōtsutsuki Clan.
Character interactions
- Yi’s warning prompts Tobirama to question the enemy’s strength and how the Ōtsutsuki found the shinobi world.
- Tobirama weighs the capabilities of their allies and reluctantly considers Madara’s usefulness.
- Yi’s optimistic suggestion that the invaders could become “nourishment” contrasts with the group’s concern, before his explanation about the Ōtsutsuki hierarchy offers them a more reassuring assessment.