Arc 12The Iwagakure Exchange

After Hiruzen Sarutobi’s death, Tsunade prepared Konoha for a possible war with Kumogakure while building ties with Iwagakure and Sunagakure. She arranged for Luo Mang to travel to Iwagakure as an exchange student, leaving him to consider how Hinata Hyuga would react.

  • Luo Mang returned to Konoha with Hinata Hyuga, while Jiraiya and other Diary holders learned of Hiruzen Sarutobi’s death and the deaths of the Fourth Raikage and Killer B.
  • Tsunade took charge after Hiruzen’s funeral, exposed a Cloud Shadow Village agent urging immediate war, and told Konoha’s Jonin she would seek justice with allies and careful preparation.
  • Ōnoki revealed that Iwagakure’s Jinchūriki had disappeared and sought an alliance with Konoha, bringing Kurotsuchi to the village as part of his delegation.
  • Kurotsuchi repeatedly pursued Luo Mang, while Ōnoki and Tsunade discussed an alliance and an exchange program between their villages.
  • Tsunade told Ōnoki that the Fourth Raikage and Killer B were dead, and Ōnoki agreed to return to discuss their plans and proposed an exchange program that could include Sunagakure.
  • Temari agreed to lead Sunagakure’s exchange students to Iwagakure after seeing villagers work to restore their damaged home.
  • Tsunade ordered Luo Mang to go alone to Iwagakure as an exchange student, and Kakashi Hatake told him he would leave in six days despite Sakura Haruno and others asking to join.
Chapters 276–300 Vol. 3 Read

Ch. 276Returning to the village, revelations in the Diary

Luo Mang returned to Konoha with Hinata Hyuga after their outing, while his Diary revealed that Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Fourth Raikage, and Killer B had been killed. Uchiha Itachi and Konan read the revelations, leaving Konan astonished by Luo Mang’s strength.

  • Luo Mang and Hinata Hyuga returned to Konoha after finding their campsite destroyed, and a gate guard told Hinata that Lord Hyuga had been looking for her.
  • Luo Mang sent Hinata home, then headed to his own home to avoid raising suspicion about his absence.
  • Uchiha Itachi read Luo Mang’s Diary in the Kamui Dimension and learned that Luo Mang had witnessed Hiruzen Sarutobi’s death.
  • Luo Mang’s Diary said the Fourth Raikage and Killer B had been killed instantly, and Konan read the entry in a carriage and wondered at his power.

Ch. 277Jiraiya's sorrow

Luo Mang explained his diary reveal while choosing to keep Uchiha Itachi’s appearance secret, and Jiraiya grieved Hiruzen Sarutobi before reading that the Fourth Raikage and Killer B were dead. Jiraiya shifted toward planning Konoha’s future and came to regard Luo Mang as the stronger candidate for the Child of Prophecy.

  • Luo Mang explained that he had revealed enough about his abilities to make the Diary holders cautious, but chose not to write about Uchiha Itachi.
  • Jiraiya sat alone in the Hokage Building, mourned Hiruzen Sarutobi, and resolved to avenge him.
  • Jiraiya read that the Fourth Raikage and Killer B had died and considered claiming Cloud Shadow Village’s ore as compensation.
  • Jiraiya reflected on Konoha’s future and decided he had no need to leave while the suspected candidates for the Child of Prophecy were in the village.
  • Jiraiya judged Luo Mang to be the better Child of Prophecy candidate and accepted his role in Hiruzen Sarutobi’s death.

Ch. 278Tsunade's bluntness

After Hiruzen Sarutobi’s death, Tsunade confronted Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, demanding information and access to Konoha’s accounts. She left to consult Jiraiya about Kumogakure and the possible threat from Iwagakure, while the two elders discussed resisting her.

  • Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura were shocked when Tsunade told them Hiruzen Sarutobi was dead and that the Fourth Raikage of Cloud Shadow Village had killed him.
  • Tsunade demanded to know what Hiruzen had discussed with the elders and announced that she wanted to review the accounts.
  • Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura protested that Tsunade distrusted them, but Koharu agreed to have Homura provide the materials.
  • Koharu said Hiruzen had only told them that Iwagakure was sending people to Konoha, leaving Tsunade concerned about a possible wider conflict.
  • Tsunade ordered the elders to send the files to the Hokage Building and left to discuss the situation with Jiraiya.
  • After Tsunade left, Utatane Koharu complained about her and declared that she would not let Tsunade remove them from power.

Ch. 279A spray can?

Luo Mang wandered through Konoha after Hiruzen Sarutobi’s death, paid his respects to his adoptive parents, and discovered a mysterious medical spray can on a mountain. He recognized it as a Healing Foam Spray from the Boruto era, though he could not explain how it had appeared.

  • Luo Mang woke bored, reflected on Hiruzen Sarutobi’s death and the coming funeral, then decided to go out alone.
  • Luo Mang left flowers at his adoptive parents’ graves and took a walk without encountering anyone he knew.
  • Luo Mang heard a rattling sound near a tree on the mountain summit and found a silvery-white spray can hanging there.
  • Luo Mang tested the can, confirmed it sprayed medicinal foam rather than poison, and applied some to his arm.
  • Luo Mang recognized the can as a Healing Foam Spray from the Boruto era and wondered how it had appeared in Konoha.

Ch. 280Chatting with Tenten

Luo Mang encountered Tenten at their old training spot and sparred with her, easily dodging her weapons before offering advice. After they parted, he noticed that the passageways felt strange and left the response to the coming crisis to Tsunade and the others.

  • Luo Mang mistook a strange object for a possible test specimen and stored it in the Diary's space.
  • Luo Mang met Tenten at their old training spot, and they agreed to spar.
  • Tenten threw kunai, shuriken, and other weapons at Luo Mang, but he dodged them all.
  • Luo Mang offered to teach Tenten, though she later said his advice was too abstract for her.
  • Luo Mang walked through the passageways after leaving Tenten and wondered why everything felt strange.

Ch. 281The Announced News

Luo Mang agreed to take Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Karin on a mission, but their plans changed when they found an announcement at the Hokage Building. It revealed that Hiruzen Sarutobi had been killed, leaving Naruto shocked and Sasuke unsurprised.

  • Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Karin woke Luo Mang and asked him to take them on missions.
  • Luo Mang agreed to accompany them to the Hokage Building to find a mission, preferably one outside the village.
  • Luo Mang and the others noticed a crowd gathered around an announcement at the Hokage Building and pushed through to read it.
  • The announcement said that the Fourth Raikage and Killer B had killed Hiruzen Sarutobi in a surprise attack.
  • Naruto Uzumaki struggled to believe that the Hokage was dead, while Sasuke Uchiha said he already knew.

Ch. 282Funeral

Konoha held a rainy funeral for Sarutobi Nitten, and Luo Mang observed the mourners as they paid their respects. Jiraiya called for revenge against Cloud Shadow Village, but Tsunade urged patience before the coffin was buried.

  • Luo Mang attended Sarutobi Nitten’s funeral with Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Hinata Hyuga, and the other Konoha ninjas.
  • Utatane Koharu called the mourners forward to place white flowers beside the coffin, and Tsunade and Jiraiya led the ceremony.
  • After the mourners paid their respects, Jiraiya declared that Cloud Shadow Village had killed the Third Hokage and demanded retaliation.
  • Tsunade said Konoha would make Cloud Shadow Village pay when the time was right, and the coffin was lowered into the earth with the flowers.

Ch. 283Tsunade became Hokage

Tsunade was officially announced as Konoha’s Fifth Hokage and addressed the crowd’s calls for revenge against Cloud Shadow Village. She suspected one of the speakers was a Cloud Shadow Village spy and had Shizune record details about him, while Luo Mang grew bored and drifted away.

  • Tsunade announced that she had been chosen as the Fifth Hokage after Hiruzen Sarutobi’s death.
  • Some villagers demanded revenge against Cloud Shadow Village, and Tsunade said Konoha would act only after careful preparation.
  • Tsunade noticed that a man urging immediate retaliation had traits and wording that suggested he was a Cloud Shadow Village agent.
  • Tsunade questioned the man, then gestured for Shizune to record everything about him.
  • Luo Mang yawned and edged away as the ceremony continued.

Ch. 284Luo Mang's thoughts

After Tsunade eased tensions in Konoha, Luo Mang resumed writing in the Diary and warned that the village should act decisively against Kumogakure or avoid war altogether. The possibility of conflict prompted Konan to consider joining Konoha, while Uchiha Itachi planned to investigate Cloud Shadow Village despite being confined.

  • Tsunade's spy purge eased tensions in Konoha and quieted calls for war against Cloud Shadow Village.
  • Luo Mang wrote in the Diary that Konoha should either strike Kumogakure soon or avoid a drawn-out war that would weaken it against White Zetsu.
  • Sasuke Uchiha read Luo Mang's entry, dismissed it as boring, and went back to sleep beside Karin.
  • Konan considered cooperating with Konoha and sending Amegakure's people to help defeat Cloud Shadow Village.
  • Uchiha Itachi decided to investigate Cloud Shadow Village and asked Tobi to contact Uchiha Madara so he could deceive Obito Uchiha into letting him go.

Ch. 285Tsunade drew up a plan

Tsunade convened Konoha’s Jonin to discuss demanding justice and resources from Kumogakure, explaining that Sunagakure and Amegakure would help lead the effort. After the meeting, she read the Diary and suspected its writer was slandering her.

  • Tsunade told the Jonin that Kumogakure’s jinchūriki and Kage were responsible for Hiruzen Sarutobi’s death and said Konoha would demand justice and resources.
  • Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yuhi, and other Jonin raised concerns about planning, enemy strength, and the risk of betrayal.
  • Tsunade said Sunagakure would lead the charge and explained that Amegakure’s ruling organization had agreed to cooperate.
  • Tsunade hinted that Konoha might have other allies, and Kakashi Hatake regretted missing information about the plans.
  • The Jonin pledged to follow Tsunade’s orders and left the meeting; alone, Tsunade read the Diary and threatened to make trouble for its writer.

Ch. 286A rational discussion

Tsunade considered how to reduce Konoha’s casualties and decided to explore cooperation with Iwagakure. Meanwhile, Jiraiya and Kakashi discussed arranging a marriage alliance for Luo Mang and wondered whether his prophecies could be trusted.

  • Tsunade considered using Luo Mang’s ability against enemy leaders but decided not to rely on it until she knew whether he could use it again.
  • Tsunade recalled Iwagakure’s offer to open talks and decided to draft a letter exploring cooperation.
  • Jiraiya and Kakashi met by a river and discussed proposing an Iwagakure marriage alliance for Luo Mang.
  • Jiraiya suggested Temari as another possible match if the Iwagakure plan failed, and Kakashi agreed Luo Mang would not pester someone who rejected him.
  • Kakashi asked whether the future in a prophecy was accurate, and Jiraiya admitted he did not know.
  • Other Diary holders, including Uchiha Itachi and Konan, considered whether to gather intelligence or help when war broke out.

Ch. 287Kurotsuchi's newly acquired Diary

Kurotsuchi read her newly acquired Diary, became curious about its owner Luo Mang, and decided to visit Konoha. Ōnoki agreed to take her along as a guard for an upcoming exchange.

  • Kurotsuchi discovered the Diary in her mind and was startled by its videos and Luo Mang’s praise of her.
  • Kurotsuchi read Luo Mang’s comments about her appearance and fashion, feeling flattered by his compliments but annoyed by his criticism.
  • Kurotsuchi reread the Diary from the beginning, inferred that Luo Mang was in Konoha, and hurried to ask Ōnoki for permission to go there.
  • Akatsuchi noticed Kurotsuchi leave training and decided to check on her.
  • Kurotsuchi told Ōnoki she wanted to visit Konoha to learn from the village, and Ōnoki agreed to bring her along as a guard for an upcoming exchange.

Ch. 288A coincidence?

Ōnoki told Kurotsuchi that both of Iwagakure’s Jinchūriki had been taken and explained that he planned to seek an alliance with Konoha. He sent her to prepare for the trip, while she ended the chapter browsing expensive clothes.

  • Ōnoki revealed to Kurotsuchi that both of Iwagakure’s Jinchūriki had disappeared, with traces suggesting a Tailed Beast Bomb and powerful Fire Release Ninjutsu.
  • Ōnoki explained that Iwagakure had lost considerable strength and hoped to avoid conflict by seeking protection and an alliance with Konoha.
  • Ōnoki asked Kurotsuchi to accompany him to Konoha as his Guard, and she agreed to prepare for the journey.
  • Ōnoki and the other officials settled on prioritizing an alliance and planned to bring Iwagakure’s local specialties to congratulate Tsunade on becoming Hokage.
  • Kurotsuchi wandered into a clothing shop and wondered whether she could afford to buy anything.

Ch. 289After the mission

Luo Mang and Sakura Haruno spent a day together after returning from a minor mission, discussing the upcoming sparring tests and Luo Mang’s possible interest in Temari. They left for a shopping trip after breakfast, while Sakura remained wary of him pursuing too many women.

  • Luo Mang prepared breakfast for Sakura Haruno, who arrived early and hugged him before helping finish the meal.
  • Sakura Haruno complained that Kakashi Hatake had not explained the upcoming sparring matches and objected to fighting Luo Mang because of their relationship and the gap between them.
  • Luo Mang recognized that Sakura Haruno let her emotions influence her too much, but decided not to press the issue.
  • Sakura Haruno asked what Luo Mang thought of Temari after Kakashi Hatake had raised the subject, and warned him to show restraint about other women.
  • Luo Mang said he would let things happen naturally and mentioned that something seemed to be happening in Sunagakure.
  • Luo Mang urged Sakura Haruno to finish breakfast so they could go shopping.

Ch. 290Kurotsuchi

Luo Mang encountered Kurotsuchi while shopping with Sakura Haruno and correctly guessed that she owned a Diary. He continued his date with Sakura after drawing a golden system-branded phone that he considered nearly useless.

  • Luo Mang spotted Kurotsuchi while browsing shops with Sakura Haruno, and Kurotsuchi briefly felt attracted to him before recognizing Sakura and leaving in irritation.
  • Sakura told Luo Mang that a delegation from another village had come to meet the Hokage and that her master had mentioned cooperation.
  • Luo Mang guessed that Kurotsuchi owned a Diary, and the Diary confirmed his guess.
  • Luo Mang drew a gold System-Brand Phone and dismissed it before returning his attention to shopping with Sakura Haruno.

Ch. 291Kurotsuchi's Little Sulk

After parting from Sakura Haruno, Luo Mang ran into Kurotsuchi, Ōnoki, Kitsuchi, and Tsunade near the Hokage Building. Kurotsuchi tried to get his attention as he left, while Tsunade and Ōnoki discussed him, and Ōnoki froze when he heard his name.

  • Luo Mang parted from Sakura Haruno and unexpectedly encountered Kurotsuchi with Ōnoki, Kitsuchi, and Tsunade.
  • Kurotsuchi snorted at Luo Mang, but he ignored her and walked away to shop for supplies before Hinata Hyuga's visit.
  • Kurotsuchi called after Luo Mang, but he did not turn around, leaving her puffed up with frustration.
  • Kitsuchi told Ōnoki that Kurotsuchi seemed interested in Luo Mang, and Ōnoki considered the possibility of a marriage alliance with Konoha.
  • Tsunade recognized Luo Mang and suspected that Kurotsuchi had been guided toward him, while Ōnoki asked about the young man's name and background.
  • Tsunade said Luo Mang had no powerful backing, and Ōnoki froze at the mention of his name.

Ch. 292Kurotsuchi's strange behavior

Kurotsuchi approached Luo Mang after reading his Diary, while Ōnoki and Tsunade watched and discussed Luo Mang’s standing in Konoha. Kurotsuchi pulled Luo Mang away to talk privately, leaving Ōnoki and Kitsuchi behind.

  • Kurotsuchi ran up to Luo Mang and accused him of thinking about her, then offered him a chance if he gave up Sakura Haruno.
  • Tsunade and Ōnoki watched Kurotsuchi and Luo Mang, and Ōnoki questioned whether Luo Mang had any standing in Konoha.
  • Ōnoki approached Kurotsuchi and Luo Mang and asked Luo Mang to introduce himself and explain their misunderstanding.
  • Tsunade introduced Ōnoki to Luo Mang, who greeted the Tsuchikage and said he and Kurotsuchi had only just met.
  • Kurotsuchi asked Ōnoki and Kitsuchi to leave her alone with Luo Mang, then took Luo Mang away by the hand.

Ch. 293An alliance

Tsunade and Ōnoki negotiated an alliance against Kumogakure after she revealed that the Fourth Raikage and Killer B were dead. They agreed to exchange information and consider a student exchange between Konoha, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure, while Tsunade planned to send Luo Mang away from Konoha.

  • Tsunade brought Ōnoki and his delegation back to the Hokage Office and bluntly stated that Konoha intended to avenge the Third Hokage by confronting the Fourth Raikage.
  • Ōnoki committed Iwagakure to helping Konoha if war came, but urged caution because Kumogakure was powerful.
  • Tsunade told Ōnoki that the Fourth Raikage and Killer B were dead, and said Konoha was investigating Kumogakure before deciding on a plan within three months.
  • Ōnoki agreed to return in two months to discuss their plans and proposed an exchange program between their villages.
  • Tsunade suggested including Sunagakure in the exchange, then privately decided to send Luo Mang away from Konoha.

Ch. 294Discussion in Kumogakure

Cloud Shadow Village’s leaders argued over the disappearance of the Fourth Raikage and Killer B, learning that they had killed Konoha’s Third Hokage. As they debated whether to choose a new Kage, fight, or seek peace, a Sharingan crow watched and recorded them.

  • The secretary told Cloud Shadow Village’s leaders that the Fourth Raikage had gone to Konoha on a secret mission, while admitting he knew nothing more.
  • A Bodyguard with access to Anbu intelligence revealed that the Third Hokage had died and that the Fourth Raikage and Killer B were responsible.
  • The leaders worried that the Raikage and Killer B had not returned, and some proposed choosing a new Kage to claim power and influence.
  • Cloud Shadow Village’s leaders argued over whether to fight Konoha or seek peace, while Darui and others withheld judgment.
  • A black crow with a Sharingan watched the meeting from the Raikage’s Office sign and recorded the discussion.

Ch. 295Rebuttal

Kurotsuchi took Luo Mang shopping to question him about rumors of his love life, while keeping her Diary secret. Their stroll left her wondering whether he was truly interested in her, and she began to doubt her appearance.

  • Kurotsuchi claimed she had heard that Luo Mang brought beautiful women home, and she accused him of having improper thoughts about her.
  • Luo Mang denied the rumors and agreed to shop with Kurotsuchi, planning to buy supplies for his home.
  • Kurotsuchi praised Konoha’s pleasant terrain, while Luo Mang reflected on why he had chosen to stay in the village.
  • Luo Mang said he was buying groceries rather than treating Kurotsuchi to dinner, leaving her wondering if his Diary entries about her were lies.
  • Kurotsuchi questioned whether she was pretty enough to catch Luo Mang’s eye.

Ch. 296How the Two of Them Saw Things

Kurotsuchi tried to get Luo Mang’s attention by acting upset, but he left to buy groceries instead. When Ōnoki and Kitsuchi found her, they discussed returning to Iwagakure and selecting exchange students, leaving Kurotsuchi surprised by the plan.

  • Kurotsuchi asked Luo Mang whether her outfit or looks were the problem, and he admired her appearance while privately thinking about her legs.
  • Kurotsuchi called Luo Mang a pervert and walked away, but he chose not to follow her and went to buy groceries for Hinata or Hanabi’s expected visit.
  • Kurotsuchi looked back for Luo Mang, realized he had not followed, and stamped her feet in frustration.
  • Ōnoki and Kitsuchi encountered Kurotsuchi, and Kitsuchi offered to confront Luo Mang if he had bullied her, but Kurotsuchi denied that anything had happened.
  • Ōnoki urged Kitsuchi to be cautious while they were in Konoha, then told Kurotsuchi they would return to Iwagakure after choosing exchange students, surprising her.

Ch. 297Transition

Luo Mang spent the day at home with Hinata Hyuga and Hanabi Hyuga, playing cards and telling stories. Hinata Hyuga and Hanabi Hyuga left after sharing a farewell kiss with him, while Hanabi Hyuga still seemed amused by his frustration.

  • Hanabi Hyuga beat Luo Mang at cards and teased him, while Hinata Hyuga urged her not to make trouble.
  • Hinata Hyuga asked what they should do next, and Luo Mang agreed to tell stories when she suggested it.
  • Hinata Hyuga nestled into Luo Mang's arms, and Hanabi Hyuga settled on the bed to listen.
  • Luo Mang told stories to Hinata Hyuga and Hanabi Hyuga as the day passed and their relationships grew closer.
  • Hinata Hyuga and Hanabi Hyuga said goodbye and left, and Luo Mang noticed Hanabi Hyuga trying to hide her smile.

Ch. 298Choosing an exchange student

Tsunade and Jiraiya discussed Iwagakure’s proposal to deepen cooperation by exchanging students. They considered several candidates and ended with Tsunade asking Jiraiya to hint to Luo Mang that he should go, despite Jiraiya’s objections.

  • Jiraiya met Tsunade after she finished discussing cooperation with Iwagakure.
  • Tsunade told Jiraiya that Iwagakure wanted to arrange an exchange student program.
  • Jiraiya and Tsunade rejected Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha as candidates, then briefly considered Sakura Haruno before realizing Luo Mang might object.
  • Tsunade proposed sending Luo Mang, arguing that he could handle danger and relay information quickly.
  • Jiraiya objected that Luo Mang, Sakura Haruno, and Hinata Hyuga might not agree, but Tsunade urged him to hint at the idea anyway.

Ch. 299Sunagakure's next move

Baki considered how Sunagakure could benefit from an exchange program with Konoha and Iwagakure, then asked Temari to lead the students. After seeing the villagers work to rebuild, Temari agreed and went to tell Baki.

  • Baki told Temari that Konoha and Iwagakure had arranged an exchange program and explained how it could help Sunagakure.
  • Baki asked Temari to lead the exchange students, but she hesitated over traveling to an unfamiliar village.
  • Temari walked through the ruined streets and saw villagers working to restore Sunagakure.
  • Temari decided she could not give up while the villagers kept working and returned to the Kazekage Building.
  • Temari told Baki she was willing to lead the exchange students to Iwagakure, and Baki agreed.

Ch. 300Luo Mang learned about the exchange student program

Kakashi Hatake told Luo Mang that Tsunade had chosen him as Konoha’s sole exchange student to the Sand Village, prompting his friends to protest. Luo Mang decided the trip could be a useful chance to travel, though he worried about leaving Hinata behind, and he was given six days to prepare for Iwagakure.

  • Kakashi Hatake informed Luo Mang that he had to go alone as an exchange student under Tsunade’s orders, while Sakura Haruno, Naruto Uzumaki, and Sasuke Uchiha asked to join him.
  • Kakashi Hatake refused to add anyone else, and Luo Mang realized Tsunade had arranged the assignment and considered why she had sent him.
  • Luo Mang decided the exchange could give him a chance to explore and rely on his own abilities, but wondered how Hinata would react to his departure.
  • Sakura Haruno pressed Kakashi Hatake to reconsider, but he told her to ask Tsunade herself and announced that Luo Mang would leave for Iwagakure in six days.
  • Kakashi Hatake sent Sasuke Uchiha, Karin, and the others home, then covered Naruto Uzumaki’s mouth and dragged him away while Luo Mang and Sakura Haruno stayed behind.
Arc 12 of 14