Arc 16The Land of Waves Mission

Shin gathered his allies for a mission to protect the Land of Waves, while secretly taking chakra from Gaara and Yugito to advance his Rinnegan. When Kakuzu and Hidan attacked the bridge builders, Konoha’s teams and Shin’s allies drove them off, leaving Kakuzu to abandon Gato’s contract.

  • Shin invited Mikoto and Kushina to join the mission, then visited Uchiha Shi and began seeking tailed beast chakra to evolve his Rinnegan.
  • Shin entered Sunagakure, subdued Gaara and Shukaku, and absorbed more than a third of the One-Tail’s chakra.
  • Shin joined Kakashi’s teams on their journey, taught Naruto the simplified Flying Thunder God Technique and Uzumaki sealing knowledge, and helped defeat Raiga Kurosuki before arranging for Ranmaru to receive care in Konoha.
  • The group reached the Land of Waves, where Shin trained Team Ten and told Tazuna that Gato would try to stop construction of the Great Bridge.
  • Shin obtained much of Matatabi’s chakra with Yugito’s consent, while Gato’s samurai failed to overcome the young ninja guarding Tazuna’s home.
  • Kakuzu and Hidan attacked the bridge, but Shikamaru, Ino, Choji, Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke confronted them as Zabuza and Haku joined the fight.
  • Kakashi and Zabuza faced Kakuzu while Haku drew Hidan away, and Kakuzu reconsidered his contract after learning Shin was nearby.
  • Zabuza filled the battlefield with mist, Kakuzu judged Gato’s payment inadequate, and Kakuzu abandoned the mission by handing the scroll to Kakashi.
Chapters 376–400 Vol. 4 Read

Ch. 376Students

Shin invited Uchiha Mikoto and Kushina to accompany him on a mission to the Land of Waves, and they agreed. He then used a space mark to travel to an unfamiliar, windblown place, where he met Uchiha Shi.

  • Shin explained that he would take Team Ten and Team Kakashi on a mission to the Land of Waves and invited Mikoto and Kushina to come along.
  • Mikoto worried that their appearance would cause trouble, but Shin reassured her that he could handle any opposition.
  • Mikoto and Kushina accepted Shin’s invitation and began discussing what they would do on the trip.
  • Shin told Uchiha Izumi to help the women pack, then went to the mountaintop and waited for something.
  • Shin followed a space mark to an unfamiliar place and found Uchiha Shi kneeling to greet him.
  • Shin told Uchiha Shi to stand, but Shi insisted that he should kneel before his clan leader.

Ch. 377Sunagakure's little red panda

Shin Uchiha confirmed how to shorten the cooldown on Rinne Rebirth and learned that gathering chakra from all nine tailed beasts would evolve his Rinnegan and reset the cooldown. He infiltrated Sunagakure and approached Gaara, whose chakra was becoming dangerously agitated.

  • Shin Uchiha encouraged Uchiha Shi to train toward awakening his Mangekyō Sharingan and sent him back to Whirlpool Island.
  • Shin Uchiha reviewed the methods for reducing Rinne Rebirth's cooldown and learned that collecting chakra from all nine tailed beasts would evolve his Rinnegan and reset the cooldown.
  • Shin Uchiha decided to collect the tailed beasts' chakra and secretly flew into Sunagakure.
  • Shin Uchiha located Gaara and sensed the powerful chakra of the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, nearby.
  • Shin Uchiha found Gaara awake in a brightly lit room after midnight, with his chakra growing dangerously agitated.

Ch. 378The One-Tail, Shukaku of the Sand

Shin Uchiha entered Gaara’s room to take some of the One-Tail’s chakra, promising it would let Gaara sleep. He subdued Gaara and Shukaku with his Rinnegan, absorbed more than a third of Shukaku’s chakra, then left Gaara asleep.

  • Shin Uchiha sealed Gaara’s room and found the exhausted boy ready to attack him.
  • Gaara struck Shin Uchiha with Sand Burial, but Shin repelled the sand with Shinra Tensei.
  • Shin Uchiha revealed he wanted some of the One-Tail’s chakra, and Gaara refused to cooperate.
  • Shin Uchiha used his Rinnegan to put Gaara and Shukaku into a deep sleep.
  • Shin Uchiha absorbed more than a third of Shukaku’s chakra, released Gaara from the genjutsu, and left.

Ch. 379Karin's unusual behavior

Gaara found the One-Tail alive but too weakened to wake after an unknown visitor drained his chakra, and he hoped he could finally sleep peacefully. As Team Kakashi and the Ino-Shika-Cho team set out with Shin Uchiha, Karin offered Shin breakfast and bristled when he called her someone he had watched grow up.

  • Gaara woke at dawn, entered his mindscape, and found the One-Tail emaciated but alive and still asleep.
  • Kakashi led Team Kakashi and the Ino-Shika-Cho team out of Konoha, while Shikamaru explained that Shin would catch up using the Flying Thunder God Technique.
  • Naruto wondered whether he could learn the technique his father had used, while Sasuke recalled struggling to understand Shin's lessons.
  • Shin sent a Wood Clone through the Flying Thunder God Mark beside Shikamaru and appeared among the teams, startling them.
  • Karin offered Shin an extra breakfast, then resented his comment that he had watched her grow up.

Ch. 380Ino's invitation

Ino approached Karin during the group's journey and proposed that they team up because they both liked Shin. Karin worried about hurting Hinata, but Ino argued that Shin's status and existing relationships made having multiple partners normal, then claimed Kurenai Yuhi was also one of his women.

  • After Karin gave Shin's Wood Clone a lunch box, Ino noticed her and quietly went over to speak with her.
  • Ino told Karin that they shared a goal and should team up, prompting Karin to deny that she liked Shin.
  • Ino explained that she preferred mature, powerful men and knew Shin was engaged to Hinata, then said his status made having multiple partners normal.
  • Karin reconsidered her worries about Hinata and became excited by Ino's argument.
  • When Karin asked why Ino wanted an ally, Ino said Shin already had several women and claimed Kurenai Yuhi was among them.

Ch. 381Naruto's Shadow Clones

Ino and Karin formed an alliance to support each other as they pursued Shin, despite the consequences for Ino’s place in the Ino-Shika-Cho. When two Chunin attacked Kakashi’s group, Naruto revealed his Shadow Clone Technique and startled his assailant with over a hundred clones.

  • Ino persuaded Karin to form an alliance, and Karin agreed.
  • Shikamaru warned Ino that pursuing Shin could mean leaving the Ino-Shika-Cho, but Ino said she was prepared to accept the consequences.
  • Shin sensed two Chunin hiding in puddles, and Kakashi led the group past them while Karin and Sasuke noticed something was wrong.
  • The Chunin sprang from the puddles and attacked Kakashi, whose apparent defeat was a trick that Shin and Sasuke saw through.
  • Shikamaru called for Ino and Choji to protect Kadzuna as one attacker charged Naruto.
  • Naruto used the Shadow Clone Technique to summon over a hundred clones, causing the Chunin to stop and Sasuke to halt his own move.

Ch. 382Sasuke's first battle

Naruto's shadow clones forced two Kirigakure chunin to retreat, but Sasuke stopped them and killed them in his first battle. Afterward, Sasuke questioned how far he was behind someone else, while Kakashi revealed he had staged his death and Shin reassured Mikoto that Sasuke could handle such enemies.

  • Naruto filled the area with shadow clones, prompting the two Kirigakure chunin to throw smoke bombs and attempt to escape.
  • Sasuke intercepted the chunin, revealed his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, and fought them when they refused to surrender.
  • Sasuke used his Lightning Release Armor to dodge their chains and kill both chunin with his kunai.
  • As the smoke cleared, Shin checked on Sasuke, who asked how far he was behind someone else.
  • Kakashi emerged from behind a tree and told Naruto to help clean up, while Naruto reacted with relief that Kakashi was alive.
  • Shin comforted Mikoto inside a hidden barrier, telling her that Sasuke was strong enough to face minor enemies.

Ch. 383Naruto's Teacher

Shin reassured Kushina that Jiraiya would be the right teacher for Naruto and promised to teach Naruto Uzumaki sealing techniques and the Flying Thunder God Technique. Kakashi led the group toward the Land of Waves and asked Shin for help making a secure place to rest.

  • Shin explained that Jiraiya would return to Konoha for the Chunin Exams and would be a suitable teacher for Naruto.
  • Kushina asked Shin to teach Naruto the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Jutsu, and Shin promised to teach him those techniques and the Flying Thunder God Technique.
  • Shin took Mikoto and Kushina away under cover of the barrier while Kakashi led Naruto, the other young ninja, and Tazuna toward the Land of Waves.
  • The group traveled at a steady pace and stopped for the night with their provisions.
  • Kakashi asked Shin whether he knew Yamato's Four Pillars House Technique so the group could rest in a secure shelter.

Ch. 384The sound of crying

Shin Uchiha taught Naruto the Flying Thunder God Technique and passed on the Uzumaki Clan’s Sealing Jutsu before returning to Mikoto and Kushina. The group reached the Land of Waves coast, where Kakashi dodged a sudden lightning attack as an eerie crying sound rang out.

  • Shin Uchiha built a wooden house for the group with Wood Release: Four Pillars House.
  • Shin Uchiha taught Naruto the simplified Flying Thunder God Technique and gave him extensive knowledge of the Uzumaki Clan’s Sealing Jutsu.
  • Naruto vowed to train hard and preserve the Uzumaki Clan’s techniques, and Shin Uchiha returned to Mikoto and Kushina.
  • Kakashi’s group traveled without further attacks until they reached the fog-covered coast of the Land of Waves.
  • Kakashi dodged a burst of blue lightning, and a spine-chilling sound of crying reached the group.

Ch. 385Three Auspicious Treasures

Kakashi confronted Raiga Kurosuki in the mist, using his Sharingan and Lightning Blade to attack the former wielder of Kiba. After Raiga revealed himself, Kakashi taunted him about the defeat of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, provoking Raiga into a furious attack.

  • A hidden man and Ranmaru thickened the mist and announced their plan to give Kakashi a funeral.
  • Kakashi ordered Team 7 and Team 10 to protect Tazuna, then activated his Sharingan and charged through the mist with his Lightning Blade.
  • Raiga Kurosuki countered Kakashi's strike with a lightning attack, forcing Kakashi to retreat.
  • Kakashi recognized Raiga as a former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and the wielder of Kiba.
  • Kakashi taunted Raiga about being defeated by Might Duy, and Raiga flew into a rage and threatened the Konoha shinobi.

Ch. 386Ranmaru's warning

Naruto and the others worked together to defeat Raiga Kurosuki and seize the bundle he carried. Inside, they found Ranmaru, whose rare sensory ability had detected Shin Uchiha and warned Raiga of his strength.

  • Raiga Kurosuki unleashed Lightning Release: Lightning Dragon Tornado, and Naruto charged him with hundreds of shadow clones.
  • Sasuke revealed himself from a transformed shadow clone and attacked Raiga, but Raiga dodged and struck back.
  • Shikamaru used the Shadow Imitation Technique to immobilize Raiga, allowing Choji to hit him with Human Bullet Tank.
  • Raiga’s bundle flew loose, and Ino grabbed it before Raiga could recover it.
  • A voice from inside the bundle warned Raiga to flee from the powerful ninja nearby, and Ino opened the bundle to reveal Ranmaru.
  • Kakashi recognized Ranmaru’s eyes as a rare sensory kekkei genkai that had detected Shin Uchiha.

Ch. 387The return of the Ninja Blades

Shin Uchiha intervened when Raiga Kurosuki begged to reclaim Ranmaru, and told him that Kirigakure had changed under its Fifth Mizukage. Raiga accepted the chance to return to the village, while Shin arranged for Ranmaru to go to Konoha for treatment before they could reunite.

  • Shin Uchiha appeared beside Kakashi and told him to take Ranmaru to Konoha so the child could grow up normally.
  • Raiga Kurosuki pleaded for Ranmaru and offered Kakashi his Kiba blades in exchange, but Shin kicked the blades back to him.
  • Shin told Raiga that the Fourth Mizukage was dead and that Mei Terumi and Elder Genji now welcomed repentant Missing-nin back to Kirigakure.
  • Shin cited Demon Zabuza's return to Kirigakure as proof, and Raiga said he trusted him and wanted to take Ranmaru back with him.
  • Shin refused to send Ranmaru with Raiga immediately, explaining that the child needed treatment in Konoha and promising to consider their reunion once Raiga had reestablished himself.

Ch. 388Raiga's return

Raiga Kurosuki entrusted Ranmaru to Shin Uchiha and returned to Kirigakure, warning Shin about Gato’s black-market contract. Shin’s group reached the Land of Waves, where Tazuna explained that the bridge was needed to free the island from Gato’s control.

  • Raiga Kurosuki accepted that Ranmaru would stay with Shin Uchiha, gave Shin his Lightning Release notes, and took his lightning blades back to Kirigakure.
  • Shin Uchiha suggested Raiga could seek a liaison post between Kirigakure and Konoha after atoning, but Raiga left his fate to Mei Terumi.
  • Before departing, Raiga warned Shin that Gato had hired wandering samurai and posted another job on the black market that a powerful person had accepted.
  • Raiga Kurosuki left through the mist, and Tazuna later found a small boat to take the group to the Land of Waves.
  • The group arrived beneath a clear sky, and Tazuna explained that Gato had cut off the island’s economic lifeline and that the bridge could free its people from his control.

Ch. 389Body-Refining Secret Technique

Shin Uchiha persuaded Tazuna to continue building the Great Bridge, promising protection from Gato, and brought Kakashi’s group to Tazuna’s home. He then took Team Ten aside to teach them a Body-Refining Secret Technique to improve their Taijutsu.

  • Shin Uchiha warned Tazuna that Gato would seize the Great Bridge if it were completed, and explained that Gato would therefore try to stop construction.
  • Kakashi assured Tazuna that the group would protect him and his family, and Shin Uchiha promised to intervene if necessary.
  • Tazuna agreed to organize the residents to build the Great Bridge, and the group arrived at his home, where they met his daughter and his gloomy grandson, Inari.
  • After resting, Shin Uchiha left Naruto, Sasuke, and the others with Kakashi and took Team Ten out for training.
  • Shin Uchiha told Shikamaru, Ino, and the others he would teach them a top-tier Body-Refining Secret Technique to strengthen their Taijutsu.

Ch. 390Yugito's Wait

Shin Uchiha trained Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji in taijutsu and their inherited techniques, then returned to his island space, where Yugito was waiting for him. The chapter ended with Shin affectionately greeting Yugito as she smiled and shook her head.

  • Shikamaru asked why he, Ino, and Choji needed taijutsu training when they already studied their families' secret techniques.
  • Shin Uchiha explained that physical training strengthened their chakra, prepared them to fight independently, and introduced them to the Eight Gates Released Formation.
  • Shin put the three through strenuous drills and used his Dōjutsu Illusion Realm to review their techniques; Ino asked to continue training for another month, but Shin refused.
  • Shin left a Wood Clone with the youngsters and returned to his island space, where he found Yugito waiting on the roof.
  • Yugito jumped down to greet Shin, and he stroked her hair while reminding her that she might wait there for nothing.

Ch. 391The Two-Tails' Choice

Shin Uchiha asked Matatabi to give him tailed beast chakra to help his Rinnegan evolve, offering to free her from Yugito’s seal in return. Matatabi agreed to give him chakra but chose to remain with Yugito until the end of her life.

  • Shin Uchiha asked Yugito to seek Matatabi’s consent to provide chakra for his training.
  • Matatabi took control of Yugito’s body and asked Shin why he wanted her chakra.
  • Shin explained that he wanted to use tailed beast chakra to push his Rinnegan’s evolution further and requested about a third of Matatabi’s chakra.
  • Shin offered to release Matatabi from her seal within ten years, while warning that he could take the chakra by force if she refused.
  • Matatabi agreed to give Shin the chakra but declined his offer of freedom because she wanted to stay with Yugito.

Ch. 392The Two-Tails, Packed Up and Taken Away

Shin Uchiha extracted much of the Two-Tails' chakra from Yugito after the beast agreed to remain with her until her death, then brought Yugito home and agreed to her wish to have a child. As the bridge in the Land of Waves neared completion, Shin trained the young ninjas, searched for the revived Three-Tails, and wondered how Black Zetsu and Obito Uchiha would react to the Two-Tails' disappearance.

  • The Two-Tails agreed to remain with Yugito until her death, and Shin Uchiha extracted much of her chakra, leaving both her and Yugito weakened.
  • Shin Uchiha carried Yugito home, where she asked to have a child with him, and he agreed.
  • Shin Uchiha returned to the Land of Waves and spent the night with Mikoto and Kushina.
  • Gato sent wandering samurai to probe Tazuna's house, but Naruto, Sasuke, and the other youngsters defeated them, while Kakashi failed to find Gato.
  • Shin Uchiha trained Shikamaru and the other two youngsters with a Wood Clone, enjoyed time with Mikoto and Kushina, and ordered his spies to locate the revived Three-Tails.
  • Shin Uchiha set out to find the Three-Tails before Obito Uchiha and wondered whether Obito Uchiha and Black Zetsu would notice that the Two-Tails was gone.

Ch. 393Kakuzu and Hidan

Kakuzu and Hidan arrived at the Great Bridge, where Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji confronted them while trying to buy time for reinforcements. Kakuzu saw through Shikamaru’s stalling and ordered Hidan to kill them.

  • Kushina fished with Uchiha Mikoto while Shin Uchiha rested on the island.
  • Kakuzu and Hidan reached the Great Bridge, where Kakuzu dismissed Hidan’s urge to kill civilians.
  • Shikamaru noticed the intruders, and Ino sent up a signal flare to summon Kakashi, Naruto, and the others.
  • Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji confronted the Akatsuki members and prepared to stall or escape.
  • Kakuzu recognized their delay and told Hidan to kill them.

Ch. 394Combined Ninjutsu

Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji tried to ambush Akatsuki members Kakuzu and Hidan, but the pair overwhelmed them until Kakashi arrived to intervene. Naruto, Sasuke, and the others joined the confrontation, and Kakuzu unleashed his four masked monsters as the battle escalated.

  • Shikamaru trapped Hidan and Kakuzu with the Shadow Imitation Technique, then Ino and Choji attacked in coordination.
  • Ino's Mind Body Switch Technique was repelled, Kakuzu blasted Choji into the sea, and Kakuzu broke Shikamaru's hold before Hidan attacked.
  • Kakashi blocked Hidan's scythe, rescued Shikamaru and Ino, and identified the enemies as the Akatsuki's Immortal Duo.
  • Naruto and Karin supported Shikamaru and Ino while Sasuke confronted Kakuzu, who recognized him as Uchiha Itachi's younger brother.
  • Kakuzu exposed his stitched body and released four mask-and-thread monsters, preparing to fight with his Combined Ninjutsu.

Ch. 395Kakuzu's strength

Kakuzu and Hidan cornered Kakashi and six Konoha genin, forcing Kakashi to use Kamui to absorb Kakuzu’s combined fire-and-wind attack. After Kakuzu recognized Kakashi’s Mangekyō Sharingan and charged at him, Naruto and Sasuke stepped in, leaving Kakashi desperate to protect them.

  • Kakuzu assessed the Konoha group, warned Hidan to be careful, and revealed that he planned to claim Kakashi’s bounty and head.
  • Kakuzu’s hearts combined Fire and Wind Release into a sweeping blaze aimed at Kakashi and the six genin.
  • Kakashi used his Mangekyō Sharingan’s Kamui to absorb the flames, exhausting himself in the process.
  • Kakuzu recognized the Mangekyō Sharingan, then hardened his arms with Earth Release and charged at Kakashi.
  • Kakashi drew White Fang and prepared to fight Kakuzu, but Naruto and Sasuke rushed between them.
  • Kakashi shouted for Naruto and Sasuke to flee, warning that Kakuzu and Hidan were both Kage-level threats.

Ch. 396Zabuza and Haku

Zabuza and Haku arrived to support Kakashi against Kakuzu and Hidan, while Naruto and Sasuke insisted they could fight without troubling Shin. The Akatsuki duo blasted away Zabuza’s Hidden Mist Technique, leaving the confrontation underway.

  • Kakuzu charged at Naruto and Sasuke, but Zabuza’s Hidden Mist Technique filled the battlefield and let Kakashi pull the boys to safety.
  • Zabuza joined Kakashi in the fog and said Shin had sent him to help stop the Akatsuki duo.
  • Naruto and Sasuke declared they could handle the enemy without Shin’s help.
  • Haku appeared through an ice mirror, and Zabuza said Haku’s Ice Release could seal Kakuzu and Hidan.
  • Kakuzu and Hidan unleashed a combined fire-and-wind technique, tearing through the Hidden Mist Technique as Kakashi, Zabuza, Haku, Naruto, and Sasuke dodged.

Ch. 397Hidan and luring the enemy in deep

Kakuzu broke through the Hidden Mist Technique, and Hidan rushed after a figure luring him deeper into the mist while Haku, Naruto, and Sasuke followed. The chapter ended with Kakashi and Zabuza blocking Kakuzu from going after Hidan.

  • Kakuzu used Composite Ninjutsu-Flame Wind Turbulence to disperse most of the Hidden Mist Technique.
  • Haku volunteered to face Hidan, saying his Ice Release could counter Hidan's blood-based curse technique, and vanished into the mist.
  • Naruto chased after Haku, so Kakashi sent Sasuke after him to keep him safe from Hidan.
  • Hidan pursued a figure through the mist despite Kakuzu warning him that he was being lured away.
  • Kakashi and Zabuza appeared in front of Kakuzu and blocked his path.

Ch. 398White Fang's splendor

Kakashi and Zabuza confronted Kakuzu after Hidan fled, and Kakuzu recognized the threat posed by Kakashi’s White Fang swordsmanship and Zabuza’s Kubikiribōchō. Kakuzu prepared to fight them, and his four monsters attacked as the battle began.

  • Kakuzu recognized Kakashi’s White Fang swordsmanship and questioned how much of his father’s splendor Kakashi could reproduce.
  • Kakashi admitted his swordsmanship fell short of his father’s but vowed to fight with everything he had, even at the cost of his life.
  • Zabuza introduced himself as Lord Shin Uchiha’s number one subordinate and identified himself as the man who would kill Kakuzu.
  • Kakuzu assessed Kakashi and Zabuza as dangerous opponents, then gathered chakra and thickened the black threads connecting him to his four monsters.
  • Kakuzu challenged Kakashi and Zabuza to show their signature techniques, and his four monsters shrieked and attacked them.

Ch. 399The Thought of Abandoning the Mission

Kakuzu fought Kakashi and Zabuza with his Earth Grudge Fear clones, but the battle ended in a standoff. Kakashi revealed that Shin Uchiha was in the Land of Waves, giving Kakuzu a reason to abandon the mission while saving face.

  • Kakuzu's Earth Grudge Fear clones attacked Kakashi and Zabuza with combined Fire and Wind Release, forcing them to flee in different directions.
  • Kakuzu targeted Zabuza with a combined Lightning and Water Release attack, but Zabuza threw the Kubikiribōchō, used the Hidden Mist Technique, and disappeared into the fog.
  • Kakashi attacked Kakuzu with the White Fang, while Kakuzu unleashed Earth Grudge Fear threads and retreated from the advancing mist and nearby explosions.
  • Kakuzu stopped attacking and asked whether Konoha was determined to protect the Land of Waves, and Kakashi explained that the village had become Konoha's vassal.
  • Kakashi warned that Shin Uchiha, the head of Konoha's Anbu, was also in the Land of Waves, and Kakuzu asked what would happen if he continued the mission.

Ch. 400A reputation that reached far and wide

Kakuzu learned that Shin Uchiha was in the Land of Waves and decided the mission was not worth the risk. He abandoned Gato’s job and threw its Mission Scroll to Kakashi.

  • Kakashi told Kakuzu that Shin Uchiha, Konoha’s strongest fighter, was nearby and instructed the Ino-Shika-Cho trio.
  • Kakuzu recognized Shin as someone he could not afford to provoke and asked whether he had come to the Land of Waves.
  • Zabuza surrounded Kakashi and Kakuzu with dense mist and declared that he would complete Shin’s task and let no one escape.
  • Kakuzu judged Gato’s payment insufficient for the danger and announced that he was abandoning the mission.
  • Kakuzu tossed the Mission Scroll to Kakashi.
Arc 16 of 26