Recaps

Madara Uchiha saved Shinhiko Kōzuki and the samurai from Sōsuke Aburame’s insect swarm by using his remaining chakra to create a ring of fire. After the scattered samurai reunited, Madara decided they would stay and wait for their missing companions.

• Sōsuke Aburame surrounded Madara Uchiha, Shinhiko Kōzuki, and the samurai with a swarm of insects.
• Shinhiko Kōzuki urged the samurai to sit close, and Madara asked whether they had ever seen fireworks.
• Madara dropped the Overhead Steel Wire Net and used Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique to burn away the approaching insects.
• Shinhiko and the samurai applauded Madara’s display as the Dual-Blade Samurai returned with news that Sōsuke was missing, Hayato Hyuga was exhausted, and Kazuhiko Sarutobi had gone after the enemy.
• Madara told the group to rest where they were and wait for the others to return.

Sōsuke Aburame died after Kazuhiko Sarutobi found him gravely wounded, and Kazuhiko told the others that Sōsuke had fallen in battle. Later, Kazuhiko revealed to Hayato Hyuga that Sōsuke had been a Root spy and had attacked Uchiha Itachi before Kazuhiko killed him.

• Kazuhiko Sarutobi found Sōsuke Aburame being eaten by his insects and killed him, agreeing to report that he had died protecting Shinhiko Kōzuki.
• Hayato Hyuga and the survivors regrouped with Shinhiko Kōzuki while the remaining Iwagakure ninja waited for Sunagakure's team, then withdrew when it never appeared.
• Kazuhiko told Hayato that Sōsuke was dead, and Hayato grieved for his childhood friend.
• Madara Uchiha rebuked Hayato for doubting himself and walked away from the campfire.
• Kazuhiko told Hayato that Sōsuke had been sent by Root to watch Uchiha Itachi, had attacked Itachi with a Forbidden Technique, and had been finished off by Kazuhiko.

Madara and Hayato reconciled before Shinhiko Kōzuki learned that Madara had secretly killed the Sunagakure attackers. After reaching his fief safely, Shinhiko rewarded Madara by giving him the Futsu-no-Mitama sword.

• Hayato apologized to Madara for saying he would die before they fulfilled their dream, and Madara kicked him back into his tent.
• Shinhiko Kōzuki learned that all three Root members and four Sunagakure ninja had died, while four Iwagakure ninja had escaped.
• Shinhiko realized Madara had likely killed the Sunagakure ninja and ordered his men to claim the kills themselves if asked.
• Madara and his companions escorted Shinhiko safely to his fief, where hundreds of armored samurai welcomed him.
• Shinhiko gave Madara the Futsu-no-Mitama sword, calling it a Precious Blade fit for a hero.

Madara Uchiha accepted Shinhiko Kōzuki’s sword and became his trusted retainer, while each man quietly pursued his own agenda. In Konoha, the Third Hokage challenged Shimura Danzō’s accusations against the Uchiha Clan and began questioning the village’s response to the Nine-Tails’ Attack.

• Shinhiko Kōzuki gave Madara Uchiha his treasured sword before his soldiers, marking him as a close retainer.
• Madara Uchiha and Shinhiko Kōzuki privately considered their own plans for their new relationship.
• Shimura Danzō, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu reviewed Kazuhiko Sarutobi’s mission report, including the deaths and the Uchiha Clan’s role in the mission.
• Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu worried that Madara Uchiha’s favor with Shinhiko Kōzuki could strengthen the Uchiha Clan.
• Shimura Danzō accused the Uchiha Clan of threatening rebellion and implied they were behind the Nine-Tails’ Attack.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi demanded evidence from Shimura Danzō, silenced his argument, and questioned whether Konoha had mishandled the Nine-Tails’ Attack aftermath.

The Third Hokage admitted that Konoha’s leaders had driven the Uchiha Clan into resentment and resolved to treat them fairly, including rewarding Uchiha Itachi. After returning from his mission, Madara Uchiha met Naruto Uzumaki at home and wondered whether the Third Hokage had sent him there to earn his trust; Madara then left again to handle something.

• The Third Hokage told Danzo and the other leaders that their suspicion and ostracism of the Uchiha Clan had been wrong, and said they should treat the clan fairly and reward Uchiha Itachi.
• Kazuhiko Sarutobi, Hayato Hyuga, and Madara Uchiha returned to Konoha after their long mission, and Hayato rushed home.
• Madara arrived at his home and found Sasuke Uchiha playing with Naruto Uzumaki, whom Mikoto had invited over.
• Madara recognized Naruto and wondered whether the Third Hokage had deliberately placed him with the Uchiha family, while the Nine-Tailed Fox inside Naruto felt uneasy around Madara.
• Madara put down his luggage, told Sasuke to keep playing with Naruto, and left to take care of something.

Madara Uchiha chose to confront the Uchiha Clan Hardliners after the Third Hokage placed Naruto Uzumaki in Mikoto's care, making clear that Naruto mattered more to him than keeping the Hardliners as allies. The Third Hokage and his advisors watched as Madara arrived at the Hardliners' gathering, where Fugaku was already challenging their plans for rebellion.

• Shisui Uchiha told Madara Uchiha that the Third Hokage had sent Naruto Uzumaki to Mikoto and warned that the Hardliners had gathered in response.
• Madara Uchiha asked Shisui to take him to the Hardliners, accepting that doing so under the Hokage's surveillance would force him to choose a side.
• Madara Uchiha decided Naruto was more valuable to his plans than the Hardliners and welcomed the chance to earn Naruto's trust through his family's kindness.
• The Third Hokage, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu watched Madara's decision through Crystal Balls and reconsidered whether the Uchiha Clan still threatened Konoha.
• Shisui Uchiha led Madara Uchiha to the Hardliners' gathering, where Uchiha Fugaku argued that rebellion would bring the clan no benefit; a Hardliner then asked whether Uchiha Itachi had earned Shinhiko Kōzuki's favor.

Madara Uchiha confronted the Uchiha Hardliners after they proposed rebelling against Konoha or pledging allegiance to Shinhiko Kōzuki. He rejected their first proposal and laughed at their schemes, leaving Ajin to answer his challenge.

• Uchiha Ajin proposed that the Uchiha Clan pledge allegiance to Shinhiko Kōzuki and leave Konoha.
• Madara Uchiha entered the meeting and refused to defect, reassuring Uchiha Fugaku and the Third Hokage.
• Ajin proposed killing Naruto Uzumaki, releasing the Nine-Tailed Fox, and using it to overthrow Konoha.
• Fugaku warned that controlling the Nine-Tailed Fox was uncertain and that the Third Hokage and Danzo could stop them.
• Ajin and the other Hardliners argued that the Uchiha should leave Konoha and serve Shinhiko Kōzuki instead.
• Madara laughed at Ajin’s proposals and asked whether those were the only plans the Hardliners had devised.

Madara Uchiha exposed the Hardliners’ rebellion plans as dependent on people who opposed them, while Uchiha Fugaku pledged the clan’s loyalty to Konoha. Madara subdued Uchiha Ajin and challenged the Hardliners over dragging the wider clan into war.

• Madara Uchiha pointed out that the Hardliners’ plans relied on uncertain support from Uchiha Fugaku and himself, and refused to negotiate with Shinhiko Kōzuki on their behalf.
• Uchiha Fugaku declared that he would not lead the Uchiha Clan into rebellion and affirmed that the clan belonged to Konoha.
• Madara Uchiha attacked Uchiha Ajin, cut through Ajin’s kunai with the Futsu-no-Mitama, and forced him to the floor.
• The Third Hokage stopped the Senior Advisors from sending ANBU immediately, trusting that Madara had a reason for his actions.
• Madara Uchiha asked whether the Hardliners’ families and noncombatant clan members supported their rebellion, and most of the room fell silent.
• Madara Uchiha called the Hardliners a rabble, arguing that they lacked the clan head’s support, his support, and the strength to rebel without relying on the Nine-Tailed Fox.

Madara Uchiha stopped Uchiha Ajin’s rebellion plans by revealing his Mangekyō Sharingan and urging the Uchiha Hardliners to reconcile with Konoha. After the clan members left, the Third Hokage and his advisers decided to reconsider their treatment of the Uchiha and discuss moving the clan back to the village center.

• Madara Uchiha challenged Uchiha Ajin to consider whether the clan would support rebellion and revealed his Mangekyō Sharingan to demonstrate his strength.
• Madara Uchiha urged Uchiha Fugaku and the Hardliners to abandon rebellion and seek better relations with Konoha, while Uchiha Ajin stopped Uchiha Ichiro from interrupting.
• Uchiha Ajin called off the confrontation for the time being, warning that he would fight if the village continued to distrust or discriminate against the clan, and the Hardliners gradually left.
• Uchiha Fugaku reproached Madara Uchiha for entering a dangerous gathering, and Madara Uchiha said he had come to bring him home for dinner with Naruto’s father’s child.
• The Third Hokage, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu watched Madara Uchiha’s actions and questioned the accuracy of Danzo’s intelligence about the Uchiha.
• The Third Hokage proposed discussing with Uchiha Fugaku a plan to move the Uchiha Clan back to the village center, and Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu agreed.

The Third Hokage defended his decision to entrust Naruto Uzumaki to Uchiha Fugaku, rejected Danzo’s attempt to take the boy back, and ended the surveillance on Naruto. Danzo yielded for now, while the advisors recognized the Third Hokage’s renewed resolve; Fugaku and Mikoto prepared to protect Naruto’s identity.

• Danzo entered the Hokage Office and challenged the Third Hokage for placing Naruto with Fugaku, arguing that the Uchiha Clan was plotting a rebellion.
• The Third Hokage showed Danzo footage of Naruto happily playing at Fugaku’s home and said Fugaku had proved trustworthy.
• The Third Hokage ended his surveillance of Naruto and insisted that the Fourth Hokage’s son should not be treated like a monster.
• Danzo threatened to send Root to retrieve Naruto, but the Third Hokage stopped him, and Danzo agreed to leave Naruto with Fugaku for now.
• Koharu asked Homura whether the Third Hokage had changed, and Homura said the determined Hokage they had known had returned.
• Fugaku learned Naruto was Kushina and Minato’s child, and Mikoto warned him to keep the boy’s identity secret.

Madara Uchiha decided not to scheme against young Naruto, while the Uchiha Clan and the Third Hokage reconciled over the clan’s treatment. When the Third Hokage offered to relocate the clan, Madara proposed establishing a Military Police Force headquarters in central Konoha and taking responsibility for security there, prompting concern about Danzo.

• Naruto cried over dinner but insisted he was fine, and Sasuke helped him eat more than rice.
• Madara decided to leave Naruto alone, believing their goals could align as long as Naruto wanted to become Hokage.
• The Third Hokage apologized to the Uchiha Clan and offered to move them back to their original grounds, but Fugaku said relocation was unnecessary.
• Uchiha Ajin and the other Uchiha accepted the Third Hokage’s apology and agreed to follow Fugaku’s decision.
• Madara proposed building a Military Police Force headquarters in central Konoha and having the Uchiha Clan oversee security there.
• Someone asked Madara whether his proposal meant going to war with Danzo.

Madara Uchiha persuaded the Third Hokage to restore the Uchiha Clan’s central Konoha patrols and move their Military Police Force headquarters there, gradually limiting Danzo’s influence without risking war. In private, Madara explained his dedication to training, and the Third Hokage praised his Hokage-like outlook before taking a small scroll from his sleeve.

• Madara Uchiha proposed that the Uchiha Clan resume central district patrols without directly confronting Root, and the Third Hokage agreed to support the plan.
• The Third Hokage ordered a new Military Police Force headquarters built on the Uchiha Clan’s former site and restored the clan’s authority to patrol the central district.
• After the Uchiha leaders left with Uchiha Fugaku, the Third Hokage asked Madara Uchiha about his training and learned he had mastered the clan’s ninjutsu.
• Madara Uchiha said witnessing the Third Shinobi World War made him hate war and that he trained to protect Konoha and prevent others from attacking it.
• The Third Hokage praised Madara Uchiha’s outlook and took a small scroll from his sleeve.

The Third Hokage gave Madara Uchiha a secret scroll of Hokage-developed ninjutsu, and Madara quickly mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique. After training with Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki, Madara began planning how to overcome Naruto’s slow progress.

• The Third Hokage entrusted Madara Uchiha with the Ninjutsu Scroll and told him to keep its contents secret.
• Madara Uchiha studied the scroll, focused on the Flying Thunder God Technique, and learned to teleport using a marked kunai.
• Madara Uchiha practiced until he could place the technique’s Sealing Formula instantly, then returned home.
• Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki invited Madara Uchiha to train with them at the Uchiha Clan's Training Ground No. 1.
• Madara Uchiha observed Naruto Uzumaki struggling with ninjutsu because of the Nine-Tailed Fox's chakra and formed a plan to make him stronger.

Madara Uchiha taught Naruto the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique and helped reunite the Uchiha Hardliners with Fugaku. The Third Hokage offered Madara a chance to become a jōnin, but the senior advisors required him to pass a demanding test.

• Madara Uchiha told Naruto to focus on taijutsu after learning the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique.
• Uchiha Ajin and Uchiha Ichiro apologized to Fugaku for pushing the clan toward rebellion and pledged to follow his leadership.
• Fugaku welcomed the Hardliners back and urged them to help the Uchiha integrate into Konoha.
• The Third Hokage offered Madara Uchiha a jōnin promotion, and Madara accepted.
• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura said Madara would need to pass their test, with failure barring him from trying again for three years.

Madara Uchiha accepted the conditions for his Jōnin promotion and was assigned an S-rank assassination mission alongside Kakashi Hatake. They agreed to depart the next morning, leaving Kakashi reflecting on how different Madara was from Obito.

• Madara Uchiha agreed to the Senior Advisors’ conditions, and the Third Hokage introduced Kakashi Hatake as his mission partner.
• The Third Hokage explained that Kakashi’s Sharingan had been given to him by Obito Uchiha, not taken from the Uchiha Clan.
• The Third Hokage briefed Madara and Kakashi on their S-rank mission to assassinate Maeda Shin, a powerful Land of Wind general opposing the alliance with the Land of Fire.
• Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu stressed that the mission had to succeed, even if Madara and Kakashi had to reveal their identities.
• Kakashi and Madara agreed to meet at Konoha’s main gate at eight the next morning, then went their separate ways.

Madara Uchiha traveled with Kakashi to the Land of Wind for a mission to kill Maeda Shin, while Kakashi tested whether the nine-year-old could handle his new Jōnin responsibilities. Near the capital, Madara took charge of their cover and prepared to enter disguised as part of a caravan.

• Kakashi visited Obito's grave, where Madara found him and challenged him to explain whom he was mourning.
• Kakashi led Madara to the Konoha Gate at full speed, but Madara kept pace and deepened Kakashi's curiosity about his abilities.
• Kakashi and Madara traveled in silence for three days from the Land of Fire to the Land of Wind.
• Near the capital, Kakashi explained the mission's rules and gave Madara seven days to find and kill Maeda Shin before Kakashi took over.
• Madara used his three-tomoe Sharingan to control three caravan travelers, transformed into a man from the Land of Lightning, and told Kakashi to disguise himself as well.

Madara Uchiha used a pre-planned Flying Thunder God ambush to kill Maeda Shin and escape the Land of Wind's Capital with Kakashi. Kakashi was left stunned by Madara's use of the technique.

• Madara Uchiha entered the Land of Wind's Capital with Kakashi under genjutsu and spent five days preparing for the assassination.
• On the final day of the deadline, Madara Uchiha told Kakashi to pack and led him to a restaurant overlooking Maeda Shin's route.
• Kakashi sensed ninja guarding Maeda Shin and warned Madara Uchiha that an attack from the restaurant would be dangerous.
• Madara Uchiha teleported beneath Maeda Shin's palanquin using a Flying Thunder God Formula mark and struck with Majestic Destroyer Flame.
• Madara Uchiha teleported back to the restaurant, took Kakashi with him, and escaped to the capital's gates.
• Kakashi recognized the Flying Thunder God Technique and demanded to know how Madara Uchiha had learned it.

Madara Uchiha returned to Konoha after killing Maeda Shin and revealed that he had mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, astonishing the Hokage and senior advisors. The Third Hokage began considering Madara for dangerous missions, while the advisors recognized that his rise had made Danzo their chief problem.

• Madara Uchiha told Kakashi that he had delayed killing Maeda Shin because he had gotten lost, though he had spent the extra days exploring and studying in the Land of Wind's Capital.
• The Third Hokage and the two Senior Advisors received Kakashi and Madara Uchiha's report and were shocked when Kakashi revealed Madara knew the Flying Thunder God Technique.
• Madara Uchiha credited the Third Hokage's Ninjutsu Scroll for helping him learn the technique, and the advisors became convinced of his talent.
• The Third Hokage dismissed Madara Uchiha and Kakashi, then discussed assigning Madara dangerous missions to build his reputation and protect Konoha's jōnin.
• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura identified Danzo as the main obstacle, since Madara Uchiha's potential had made him a threat to Danzo's standing.

Madara Uchiha left the Hokage Office and encountered Ino Yamanaka while returning to the village center with his family. Sasuke returned Ino’s ball and captivated her, while Madara continued toward the Police Force headquarters.

• Homura and Koharu discussed the clans supporting Danzo, and the Third Hokage resolved to weaken Danzo and prepare Konoha’s younger generation for the future.
• Madara headed toward the village center to inspect the Uchiha Police Force headquarters and found Ino’s pink ball in his path.
• Sasuke and Mikoto arrived to welcome Madara, and Madara gave Sasuke a wooden Puppet doll from the Land of Wind.
• Sasuke returned the ball to Ino, whose mother, Rino, introduced herself to Mikoto after realizing the boys meant no harm.
• Mikoto said goodbye to Rino, and Rino teased Ino for watching Sasuke as he left with his family.

Madara Uchiha saw the Uchiha Clan build goodwill with Konoha villagers as its Military Police Force settled into its new headquarters. The clan shared a moment of happiness together, while an ANBU reported to Danzo that Uchiha Itachi had returned from killing Maeda Shin.

• Madara Uchiha, Mikoto, and Sasuke met Uchiha Nobuo and Uchiha Itsuki helping an elderly woman push her cart uphill.
• Sasuke joined in, and Mikoto bought the elderly woman's remaining strawberries to share with the Military Police Force.
• Nobuo took Mikoto and the others to the new Military Police Force headquarters, where they met Fugaku and shared the strawberries with the clansmen.
• Madara Uchiha watched his family and clan members enjoy the gathering and felt that this was happiness.
• An ANBU wearing a Tengu Mask reported to Danzo that Uchiha Itachi had returned after successfully killing Maeda Shin.

Danzo blamed Madara Uchiha for the Third Hokage’s growing support of the Uchiha Clan and plotted to obtain intelligence that could help destroy him. Meanwhile, Madara completed more high-profile assassinations, and the Third Hokage assigned him Tanaka Qinghai as his next target.

• Danzo learned that Maeda Shin had been killed by Fire Release but could not discover how, and the Third Hokage refused to remove the Uchiha Clan from central Konoha patrols.
• Danzo ordered Root to trade Madara’s whereabouts to Raikō Shōta for intelligence on Tanaka Qinghai, then recalled Root’s village patrols.
• The Third Hokage assigned Madara missions to assassinate Hoshino Jun in the Land of Water and Yamashita Kaede in the Land of Earth, with Shikaku Nara and Chōza Akimichi as examiners.
• Madara killed nobles in the Land of Wind, the Land of Earth, and the Land of Water in conspicuous fires that spread fear and drew attention to his ninjutsu.
• After Madara returned from killing Yamashita Kaede, the Third Hokage told Chōza not to discuss the mission with anyone except Kakashi and Shikaku Nara.
• The Third Hokage assigned Madara Tanaka Qinghai of the Land of Lightning as his next assassination target.

Madara Uchiha received a final S-rank mission to assassinate Tanaka Qinghai and was allowed to choose a jōnin partner. Shikaku Nara explained that the Third Hokage was testing how the Nara and Akimichi clans might respond to Uchiha Itachi becoming Hokage, and decided the Nara jōnin would support Itachi’s jōnin promotion.

• The Third Hokage assigned Madara Uchiha the assassination of Tanaka Qinghai and let him choose a jōnin partner without an assessment.
• Shikaku Nara met Madara Uchiha and Chōza Akimichi outside the Hokage building, then took Chōza to his house to talk privately.
• Chōza Akimichi confirmed that Madara had likely used the Flying Thunder God Technique during their mission, though he had been distracted by grilled meat.
• Shikaku Nara told Chōza that the Third Hokage had used the jōnin exam to demonstrate Itachi’s strength and gauge clan support for his future leadership.
• Shikaku Nara warned Chōza not to leak information or offend the Uchiha Clan, and said the Nara jōnin would vote for Itachi’s promotion.

Shikaku and Chōza worried about the political consequences of Itachi’s promotion and Madara’s return, while Inoichi sensed that Shikaku was troubled. Madara met Might Guy for a spar, and their clash ended with Guy confronting Madara’s fire technique.

• Shikaku told Chōza that Inoichi’s ties to Danzo made it difficult to involve him in the secret mission, and Chōza wondered which side Inoichi would choose if the Third Hokage and Danzo became enemies.
• Shikaku considered speaking with Fugaku as the Uchiha Clan’s reputation improved, while Inoichi guessed that Madara must be powerful after hearing of Kaede’s death and the others’ return.
• Might Guy met Madara in a grove and proposed a spar after hearing that the nine-year-old Uchiha was ready for promotion to Jōnin.
• Madara activated his Three-Tomoe Sharingan and fought Guy, but Guy’s assault sent him flying and forced him to block with his sword.
• Madara unleashed the Fire Release: Dragon Flame Song Technique, and Guy began spinning to meet the incoming fire dragons.

After a fierce sparring match, Madara chose Might Guy as his companion for a mission to the Land of Lightning. As Madara prepared to leave, Mikoto mentioned a Yamanaka Clan family gathering, prompting Fugaku’s surprise and Madara’s frown.

• Madara and Guy fought through the night, and Guy called their match a draw despite Madara running out of stamina first.
• Madara gave his name as Uchiha Itachi, acknowledged his loss, and invited Guy to join him in causing trouble in the Land of Lightning.
• Guy declared Madara his second lifelong rival and proposed making the mission their next contest, while Madara privately reserved that title for Hashirama.
• The Third Hokage approved Madara’s choice of Guy as his companion and advised him to withdraw if the mission became dangerous.
• At home, Mikoto lamented that Madara had to leave again and mentioned that the Yamanaka Clan had invited the family to a picnic, surprising Fugaku and making Madara frown.

Mikoto invited the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi families to dinner so their children could befriend Sasuke and Naruto, but the unexpected Uchiha invitation alarmed Fugaku, Inoichi, the Third Hokage, and Danzo. Danzo ordered Yamanaka Fū and five Root operatives to kill Uchiha Itachi during his mission, setting a dangerous plot in motion before the dinner.

• Mikoto told Fugaku that Rino Yamanaka had invited their family to dinner with the Nara and Akimichi families, and Fugaku asked Madara to watch over them.
• Fugaku and Madara suspected the invitation might be a scheme, while Inoichi was startled to learn that his wife had invited the Uchiha family and Ino celebrated the chance to see Sasuke.
• The Third Hokage heard about the dinner and wondered whether the Yamanaka Clan was aligning itself with the Uchiha Clan.
• Danzo summoned Yamanaka Fū and ordered him to kill Uchiha Itachi during Itachi's mission, assigning five elite Root operatives to support him.