Chapter Summaries

Hiruzen Sarutobi removed Kakashi from ANBU and appointed him leader of a team with Naruto Uzumaki, Hinata Hyuga, and Sakura Haruno. Kakashi accepted the assignment and resolved to pass on what Minato had taught him, while Hiruzen considered bringing Jiraiya into his plans for Naruto.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered Kakashi summoned and had his records transferred out of ANBU.
• Kakashi reported to Hiruzen, who relieved him of his ANBU duties and appointed Tenzo to take over as captain.
• Hiruzen gave Kakashi the files for Naruto Uzumaki, Hinata Hyuga, and Sakura Haruno and named him their Jonin team leader.
• Hiruzen reminded Kakashi that Naruto was Minato's son and asked him to pass on Minato's teachings.
• Kakashi accepted the assignment, and Hiruzen decided that Jiraiya would be next.

Tetsuya learned that Sasuke had gone mad after studying Impure World Reincarnation and told Orochimaru to send him back. He then discovered that Gato had bought enough support to meet the Commercial Alliance’s membership condition and went to meet him.

• Orochimaru told Tetsuya that Sasuke had accused him of lying and tried to kill him, so Kabuto and Kimimaro had restrained Sasuke.
• Tetsuya told Orochimaru to send Sasuke back to him and encouraged Orochimaru to research Cursed Seals further.
• Shinada told Tetsuya that Gato had won support from more than half of the alliance’s member nations by spending money.
• Tetsuya agreed to meet Gato, who explained to his assistant that joining the Commercial Alliance would let them sell their goods throughout the shinobi world.

Gato secured Tetsuya’s support for the Land of Waves to join the Commercial Alliance, then considered using the alliance to remove the bridge builders. Later, Tetsuya learned that Kimimaro had restrained a furious boy named Sasuke and had been cured by Orochimaru.

• Tetsuya met Gato and promised to support the Land of Waves’ entry into the Commercial Alliance.
• On the train, Gato explained to his assistant why Tetsuya’s support mattered and considered asking him to deal with the bridge builders.
• Shinada brought a raging Sasuke to the Daimyo’s Mansion, where Kimimaro restrained him in a cage of bone.
• Tetsuya noticed Kimimaro’s improved health, and Kimimaro said Orochimaru had cured his bloodline disease and praised him.

Tetsuya subdued Sasuke with genjutsu and learned that Sasuke had attacked Orochimaru because he believed Impure World Reincarnation was a false resurrection. Tetsuya explained it was only the first step toward truly reviving the Uchiha, and Sasuke calmed down after realizing he had misunderstood Orochimaru.

• Kimimaro silenced Sasuke when he insulted Orochimaru, while Tetsuya and the others discussed Kimimaro's devotion.
• Sasuke used Sharingan Genjutsu on Tetsuya, but Tetsuya trapped him in an illusion and showed him his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
• Tetsuya asked why Sasuke had attacked Orochimaru, and Sasuke accused them of lying because Impure World Reincarnation only temporarily summoned the dead.
• Tetsuya explained that Impure World Reincarnation was a preliminary step toward a separate technique that could truly resurrect Sasuke's family and clansmen.
• Sasuke realized he had misunderstood Orochimaru, and Tetsuya ended the genjutsu and told Kimimaro to release him.

Tetsuya settled the dispute between Sasuke and Kimimaro, then urged Kimimaro and Kabuto to grow stronger as the shinobi world approached a turbulent era. He sent them back to Orochimaru with encouragement to develop their abilities, including a possible attempt at Ryūchi Cave for Kabuto.

• Tetsuya told Kimimaro to discard his bone spikes instead of retracting them, and Kabuto explained the risk of carrying germs into his body.
• Sasuke freed himself from the bone spikes, while Tetsuya decided to keep him in the Land of Grass until he chose a punishment.
• Kimimaro and Kabuto declined Tetsuya's offer to rest and said they needed to return to the Land of Rice Fields to report to Orochimaru.
• Tetsuya hinted that Kabuto might get a chance to stab Danzo and suggested that he try Ryūchi Cave.
• Tetsuya urged Kimimaro to increase his chakra and develop his kekkei genkai, predicting that he could become a legend.

Tetsuya arranged to use Gato’s request for help as an opportunity to gain influence over the Land of Waves, then took Sasuke out to experience real combat and possibly meet Naruto. Meanwhile, Team 7 continued escorting Tazuna after learning that stronger enemies might be waiting for them.

• Tetsuya agreed to help Daimyo Chiba when asked and realized Gato’s request gave him a chance to gain indirect control over the Land of Waves.
• Tetsuya told Sasuke that sweeping was meant to clear his mind, then invited him on a trip to experience real combat and mentioned Naruto’s graduation.
• Team 7 encountered an assassination attempt by Mist Shadow ninja while escorting Tazuna, prompting Kakashi to question the mission.
• Tazuna admitted that Gato had recruited a stronger wandering ninja, and Kakashi warned Naruto to protect his teammates if anything went wrong.
• Sakura explained that Team 7 could abandon the incorrectly ranked mission, while Hinata defended Naruto and Naruto promised to protect everyone.

Kakashi's team encountered Zabuza Momochi, who tried to seize Mr. Tazuna and targeted Hinata for her Byakugan. Kakashi revealed his Sharingan and Hatake swordsmanship, forcing Zabuza back as their sword fight began.

• Zabuza Momochi ambushed Kakashi's team and demanded that they hand over Mr. Tazuna.
• Kakashi drew the White Fang Ninja Blade, while Naruto and the others stayed back to protect Mr. Tazuna.
• Zabuza used the Hidden Mist Technique, but Hinata spotted him with her Byakugan and alerted Kakashi.
• Zabuza identified Hinata as a Hyuga and considered taking her eyes, prompting Kakashi to threaten him.
• Kakashi revealed his Sharingan and struck Zabuza with Hatake Style: White Fang Flash, driving him back.
• Zabuza recognized Kakashi as Hatake Sakumo's son and challenged him to a contest of swordsmanship.

Kakashi fought Zabuza on the lake while Tetsuya and Sasuke watched and discussed Kakashi’s Lightning Blade. As Zabuza and Kakashi began forming seals for Water Dragon Bullet, Sasuke questioned why Kakashi did not simply attack him, leaving Tetsuya to suggest Kakashi wanted to make the moment look cooler.

• Kakashi and Zabuza clashed with their swords, and Kakashi used his Sharingan to see through Zabuza’s Water Clones.
• Tetsuya and Sasuke arrived to watch the fight, and Tetsuya recognized Kakashi’s Hatake Style swordsmanship.
• Kakashi struck Zabuza with Lightning Blade, sending him across the lake and cracking the Kubikiribōchō.
• Zabuza began forming seals for Water Dragon Bullet, and Kakashi copied his movements.
• Sasuke questioned why Kakashi did not attack Zabuza while he was standing still, and Tetsuya speculated that Kakashi wanted to look cool.

Tetsuya calmed Sasuke after he reacted to hearing Uchiha Itachi’s name, while Kakashi defeated Zabuza in their water-style battle. A Kirigakure ANBU pursuit ninja named Haku killed Zabuza before Kakashi could finish him, prompting Naruto to complain that he and his teammates were too weak to help.

• Sasuke spotted someone in the woods, and Tetsuya explained that the hidden ninja was Zabuza’s backup.
• Sasuke grew upset when Tetsuya mentioned Uchiha Itachi, but Tetsuya reminded him to train and focus on revenge.
• Kakashi and Zabuza clashed with Water Dragon Bullet, and Kakashi’s water dragon overwhelmed Zabuza.
• A masked Kirigakure ANBU pursuit ninja struck Zabuza with senbon, and Kakashi confirmed that Zabuza was dead.
• Naruto confronted the masked ninja, Haku, and complained that he and his teammates could not help Kakashi.
• Kakashi told Naruto to recognize his shortcomings and practice more.

Tetsuya and Sasuke traveled to the Land of Waves to support Gato, presenting themselves as Tobi and Uchiha Sasuke. Tetsuya left surprised by Sasuke’s belief that the Uchiha should join a unified Shinobi World rather than isolate themselves.

• Tetsuya persuaded Sasuke to wait until Kakashi had recovered before challenging him.
• Tetsuya and Sasuke used the Chiba Clan’s token to board a luxurious ferry to the Land of Waves.
• Tetsuya introduced himself to Gato as Tobi and handed him a letter promising that they would protect him at critical moments.
• Gato read the letter and ordered his men to look after the guests.
• Tetsuya asked Sasuke whether the Uchiha should rule the Land of Waves, and Sasuke said they should integrate into the new world if Tetsuya unified the Shinobi World.
• Sasuke said Orochimaru’s teachings had helped him form that view, leaving Tetsuya surprised by how much he had changed.

Kakashi warned that Zabuza had likely survived and advised Tazuna to commission a stronger mission, while he trained Naruto, Hinata, and Sakura. Tazuna chose to return to Konoha for help, but at the bridge they found the workers fallen and Zabuza and Haku emerging from the fog.

• Kakashi told Tazuna that Zabuza was probably alive and said the mission exceeded their squad’s rank, so Tazuna should seek help from Konoha.
• Kakashi led Naruto, Hinata, and Sakura into the forest and taught them the tree-climbing exercise.
• Haku revived Zabuza, who planned to return and fight Kakashi, while Gato prepared to kill the Konoha Ninja and the bridge builders.
• Tetsuya learned from Itachi that they had found Gato’s secret treasuries and ordered a letter sent to the Chiba Commerce Association to prepare to take over the Land of Waves.
• Tazuna decided to return to Konoha with Kakashi’s team, but at the bridge they found the workers strewn across the ground as Zabuza and Haku appeared through the fog.

Kakashi and Zabuza began their second duel while Naruto fought Haku, using the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique to break through Haku’s ice attack and knock off his mask. Haku revealed his face and vowed to stop holding back, as Naruto eagerly challenged him to continue.

• Kakashi ordered Tazuna to retreat and Naruto, Hinata, and Sakura to prepare, then clashed with Zabuza.
• Haku attacked Naruto with senbon, but Naruto dodged and used the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique to swarm him.
• Hinata warned Naruto that Haku was preparing a ninjutsu, and Haku unleashed the Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death.
• Naruto evaded Haku’s ice needles, struck him from behind, and knocked off his mask.
• Sakura wondered whether Haku was a girl, Hinata identified him as a boy, and Haku declared he would no longer hold back.

Tetsuya and Sasuke watched Kakashi, Naruto, and their allies battle Zabuza and Haku from a boat. Tetsuya transported himself and Sasuke onto the battlefield, where Kakashi recognized him as Tobi and worried about the report he would have to write.

• Tetsuya and Sasuke ate grilled fish while Sasuke watched Kakashi fight Zabuza and Naruto battle Haku's ice mirrors.
• Sasuke praised Naruto's Multiple Shadow Clone Technique and asked Tetsuya to teach it to him.
• Haku trapped Naruto in Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals, while Hinata and Sakura failed to break through and Naruto began taking injuries.
• Tetsuya asked Sasuke if he could break Haku's ice mirrors, and Sasuke said his Chidori could likely do it.
• Tetsuya used a kunai and the Flying Thunder God Technique to bring himself and Sasuke onto the ice mirrors.
• Kakashi recognized Tetsuya as the legendary Tobi and wondered how he was connected to Sasuke, while deciding he would have to report the encounter to the Hokage.

Tetsuya left Sasuke at the battle, where Sasuke broke through Haku’s ice mirrors and joined the fight against him. Sasuke overwhelmed Haku with his Sharingan, swordsmanship, and Chidori, then countered a storm of ice spikes with a Great Fireball Technique.

• Tetsuya left Sasuke behind as Kakashi and Zabuza resumed their fight.
• Sasuke used Chidori to shatter the ice mirror dome and enter Haku’s labyrinth.
• Sasuke ignored Naruto’s pleas for help and charged Haku, who struggled against his attacks.
• Haku launched countless ice spikes at Sasuke, who burned half of them with a Great Fireball Technique.

Sasuke defeated Haku’s ice dome and reunited with Team 7, but he barely recognized Sakura and left without them. As Kakashi prepared to kill Zabuza, Haku intervened and took the Lightning Blade through his chest.

• Sasuke burned through Haku’s ice attacks and struck him with Chidori Thunderfall, shattering the Demonic Crystal Ice dome.
• Hinata and Sakura reached the injured Naruto, while Sakura asked Sasuke where he had been and whether he would return to the village.
• Sasuke said he did not know Sakura, dismissed Naruto’s challenge, and left by running across the seawater into the mist.
• Kakashi’s Ninja Dogs restrained Zabuza, and Kakashi charged him with Lightning Blade.
• Haku emerged from an Ice Mirror and shielded Zabuza, taking Kakashi’s Lightning Blade through his chest.

Haku sacrificed himself to save Zabuza, and Kakashi defeated Zabuza in their ensuing fight. Tetsuya summoned a powerful reflection of Izuna as Gato arrived with a large force to kill the people on the bridge.

• Haku emerged from an ice mirror and took Kakashi's Lightning Blade through the chest, then held Kakashi in place so Zabuza could attack.
• Kakashi used the Body Flicker Technique to retreat with Haku's body, and Zabuza's Kubikiribōchō struck the bridge instead.
• Kakashi laid Haku down and closed his eyes, then crippled both of Zabuza's arms as Naruto watched.
• Tetsuya told Sasuke he could eliminate Gato's men without spilling blood, then created a reflection of Izuna with eighty percent of the original's strength.
• Tetsuya gave Reflection Izuna the White Mask, and the reflection put it on.
• Gato arrived with his men, mocked Zabuza, and revealed he planned to have him die on the bridge.

After Zabuza admitted Naruto was right about ninja having emotions, he charged Gato and was fatally wounded by Gato’s men. Tetsuya appeared and offered Zabuza a way to stay with Haku forever, sealing a contract with him as the chapter ended.

• Zabuza ended his fight with Kakashi, then accepted Naruto’s words and asked to borrow a kunai.
• Zabuza fought through Gato’s samurai with the kunai in his teeth and stabbed Gato, but the samurai stabbed Zabuza in return.
• A White Mask appeared with Sasuke, and the group vanished along with Gato and the samurai.
• Zabuza asked Kakashi to take him to Haku, and Kakashi brought him to Haku’s side as snow began to fall.
• Tetsuya appeared, offered to grant Zabuza’s wish to stay with Haku forever, and sealed a contract with him.

Tetsuya revived Zabuza and Haku, then took them to the Land of Grass and made them servants in his household. Kakashi’s team returned to the village after Gato’s death, while Tobirama became interested in studying Haku’s Ice Release.

• Tetsuya treated Zabuza and Haku’s wounds, restored their souls to their bodies, and left with them after introducing himself as Tobi, the Shinobi World's Dream Ambassador.
• A weasel dragged away Zabuza’s Kubikiribōchō while Kakashi decided his team would return to the village.
• Tazuna thanked Kakashi’s team and agreed to raise the mission’s rank, then invited them to a meal.
• Tetsuya brought Zabuza and Haku to the Daimyo’s Mansion in the Land of Grass and assigned Shinada of the Salamander to look after them as household servants.
• Tetsuya told Tobirama that Haku’s Ice Release let him move through ice mirrors, prompting Tobirama to study the ability.

Hiruzen Sarutobi told Danzo that Sasuke Uchiha had appeared with Madara Uchiha and the mysterious Tobi, who could resurrect the dead. Danzo failed to take control of Naruto or Kakashi’s Sharingan, then ordered Root to investigate Tobi.

• Kakashi submitted a report about the mission to the Hokage Office.
• Danzo demanded that Hiruzen hand Naruto and Kakashi’s Sharingan over to him, but Hiruzen refused.
• Hiruzen revealed that Kakashi’s team had encountered Sasuke Uchiha, Madara Uchiha, and Tobi in the Land of Waves.
• Hiruzen said Tobi could resurrect the dead and that witnesses and an investigation had confirmed the reports.
• Danzo stormed out after arguing with Hiruzen, then ordered a Root ninja to investigate Tobi.

Itachi learned from a letter that Sasuke was alive and vowed to find him and return him to Konoha. Meanwhile, Tetsuya accepted the Fire Daimyo’s invitation to the joint Chunin Exams and began considering whom to bring.

• Kisame praised Itachi after their mission, and Itachi used a genjutsu to make Kisame wait while he met a crow carrying a letter from Konoha.
• Itachi read that Sasuke was alive and considered the mysterious Tobi, Madara Uchiha, and the possibility that people had been resurrected.
• Itachi burned the letter, released the crow, and vowed to find Sasuke and send him back to Konoha.
• Tetsuya spoke with the Fire Daimyo, who invited him to attend the joint Chunin Exams and bring Grass candidates.
• Tetsuya accepted the invitation and wondered whom he would bring to the exams.