Ch. 41Damn That Bastard!
Key plot points
- The Raikage concludes that the mysterious fighter who used Wood Release is unlikely to be a Konoha shinobi, since such a powerful user would already be famous.
- Back in Konoha, Yi meets Naruto, who recounts the Kazekage rescue mission. Naruto has grown stronger: he defeated Sasori with the Rasenshuriken, while Kakashi learned to use Kamui early and crippled Deidara. Yi reveals that he had already killed Kakuzu.
- Naruto asks Yi to help retrieve Sasuke, but Yi refuses because of his eye condition and because he expects Sasuke to attack him. He teases Naruto about his accidental kiss with Sasuke, embarrassing him.
- Yi and Hinata establish a home called the Moon Palace. Yi has been combining chakra from four tailed beasts through special Shadow Clones; Koyuki and Sara soon join them. Koyuki stays, and Yi’s clone continues serving as the Snow Queen in the Land of Snow.
- Tsunade summons Yi over the Raikage’s wanted notice, which labels him an Akatsuki member. Yi explains that he intervened when Akatsuki attacked Yugito, but she and Killer B mistook him for an enemy. He confirms that he has the Rinnegan.
- Tsunade considers keeping Naruto in the village, but Naruto has already slipped away. She blames Kakashi for failing to stop him and orders Yamato to lead a team after him. Yi dodges being assigned to the pursuit and goes home instead.
- Yi realizes Naruto’s journey may lead him to the Three-Tails and Obito, and decides he should locate the beast first.
- The chapter ends with Sasuke sitting among defeated opponents. Orochimaru berates him for failing to kill the group, while Sasuke says the person he is searching for was not there.
Character developments and interactions
- Naruto is more confident after his victory over Sasori and remains determined to bring Sasuke back. Yi’s teasing exposes his discomfort about their kiss.
- Yi stays secretive about his motives, including why he sought tailed-beast chakra, but openly admits having the Rinnegan. He prioritizes his own plans—and dinner with Hinata—over Tsunade’s request.
- Hinata is affectionate and supportive, welcoming Yi home and caring for him, though she is shy about playful intimacy. Her improved physical condition and thought of learning Flying Thunder God suggest growing ambition.
- Tsunade trusts Yi’s strength but is frustrated by the diplomatic trouble his encounter with Kumogakure has caused. Her concern for Naruto turns to anger when she learns he has left.
- Koyuki and Sara are welcomed into Yi and Hinata’s household; Hinata’s lack of jealousy reinforces the household’s unusual but warm dynamic.
- Sasuke and Orochimaru remain in a tense teacher–student relationship: Orochimaru is impatient and insulting, while Sasuke is coldly focused on his own target.
Significant themes
- Misunderstanding and reputation: Yi’s attempt to help Kumogakure is recast as an Akatsuki attack, turning him into a wanted man.
- Power and responsibility: Yi’s Rinnegan and tailed-beast experiments give him immense capabilities, but his priorities often differ from the village’s.
- Loyalty and attachment: Naruto’s pursuit of Sasuke, Hinata’s devotion to Yi, and Yi’s unconventional household all emphasize bonds that persist despite danger and awkwardness.
- Competing agendas: Naruto, Tsunade, Yi, and Sasuke each pursue separate goals, setting up parallel journeys involving the tailed beasts and the search for Sasuke.