Chapter Summaries

Sasuke slaughtered the Sound Ninja under the Cursed Seal’s influence, then collapsed from its backlash, while Sasuke in the Academy became determined to seek Orochimaru’s power. Naruto and Sakura reached the exam venue, where Sasuke advanced through the preliminaries and Rock Lee began fighting Gaara.

• Sasuke killed the three Sound Ninja, reveled in the Cursed Seal’s power, and then collapsed unconscious when its backlash overwhelmed him.
• Sakura checked on Sasuke, and Naruto returned to find the bloody aftermath; Naruto carried Sasuke while Sakura took the Heaven and Earth Scrolls, and they headed for the exam venue.
• Sasuke in the Academy watched the Sky Screen and resolved to obtain Orochimaru’s power so he could kill Uchiha Itachi and avenge the Uchiha.
• The candidates reached the exam venue, where Sasuke won his preliminary match despite the Cursed Seal flaring up again.
• Rock Lee faced Gaara in the preliminaries, but Gaara’s automatic sand defense blocked Lee’s attacks.

Rock Lee removed his weights and used the Eight Gates to overwhelm Gaara, but the technique exhausted and injured him, allowing Gaara to win. Lee took pride in proving his hard work had made him strong, while Might Guy celebrated and accidentally choked Kakashi.

• Might Guy told Rock Lee to remove his weights, and Lee revealed the speed and strength he had restrained during years of training.
• Rock Lee opened the Gate of Opening and the Gate of Healing, shattered Gaara's sand defense, and drove him onto the defensive with a barrage of attacks.
• As the Eight Gates strained Rock Lee's body and his speed declined, Gaara seized an opening and engulfed him in a massive wave of sand, winning the fight.
• Rock Lee watched his defeat on the Sky Screen, then declared that hard work had paid off and called himself a genius of hard work.
• Might Guy tearfully praised Rock Lee while squeezing Kakashi Hatake in a chokehold, and Kakashi struggled to breathe and begged him to let go.

After the preliminary matches, Kakashi offered to train Sasuke for the month before the finals, and Sasuke asked to learn all three of Kakashi’s specialties. The Sky Screen sparked debate over Kakashi’s apparent favoritism, which Kakashi defended by pointing out Guy’s focus on Rock Lee.

• Naruto and Sakura invited Sasuke to celebrate, but he refused and headed off to train, troubled by the power gap he had seen in Lee’s fight with Gaara.
• Kakashi stopped Sasuke and offered to teach him Sharingan techniques, Lightning Release, and swordsmanship during the month before the finals.
• Sasuke swallowed his pride and asked Kakashi to teach him all three, then followed him toward the training grounds.
• Viewers watching the Sky Screen praised Kakashi’s commitment but criticized him for neglecting Naruto and Sakura in favor of Sasuke.
• Guy reprimanded Kakashi for playing favorites, and Kakashi countered that Guy had focused on Rock Lee rather than Tenten and Neji.

Sasuke Uchiha faced Gaara in the Chunin exam finals and pierced Gaara’s sand defense with Chidori. The attack awakened Shukaku’s power in Gaara, leaving the arena in chaos as Sasuke stood his ground.

• The Sky Screen showed Sasuke Uchiha and Gaara of Sunagakure meeting in the finals after a month of training had transformed Sasuke’s demeanor.
• Sasuke tested Gaara’s sand defense with Taijutsu, then declared that Uchiha meant invincible and formed Chidori with one hand.
• Sasuke used his Sharingan and Chidori to break through Gaara’s sand barrier and wound him.
• Gaara’s pain unleashed Shukaku’s chakra, and his sand surged as he began to transform.
• Sasuke refused to retreat and faced Gaara’s tailed-beast power without fear.

White feathers put the arena crowd and Gaara to sleep, ending the One-Tail’s rampage, while Sasuke pursued Gaara and his siblings through Konoha’s invasion. The Sky Screen exposed the attack, and the chapter ended with Konoha’s leaders arguing over how to respond as the Third Hokage remained silent.

• White feathers swept through the arena, putting most spectators to sleep and draining Gaara’s strength until Temari and Kankuro caught him.
• Temari and Kankuro fled with Gaara, but Sasuke chased them out of the arena, focused on catching his opponent despite Konoha’s turmoil.
• The Sky Screen showed Sunagakure and Otogakure shinobi, along with giant snakes, attacking Konoha, prompting panic across the shinobi world.
• Rasa admitted to Sunagakure’s High Command that he had planned to use the exams to attack Konoha, then predicted the Third Hokage would avoid escalating the conflict.
• Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu argued for a warning, while Danzo demanded severe punishment for Rasa, leaving the decision to the silent Third Hokage.

Orochimaru revealed himself as the mastermind behind the invasion of Konoha, trapping Hiruzen in the Four Violet Flames Formation while the fighting continued across the village. The Sky Screen exposed Sunagakure's role as a pawn, and Rasa resolved to blame the plot on Orochimaru.

• Hiruzen refused Danzo's demand to retaliate against Rasa, prioritizing peace and stability.
• Orochimaru revealed himself after taking Hiruzen hostage, then sealed them inside the Four Violet Flames Formation and attacked his former teacher.
• Kakashi stopped Might Guy from rushing into the barrier, and they went to protect Konoha's civilians from the invading ninja.
• Sasuke defeated Temari on the mountain path and resumed pursuing Kankuro and Gaara.
• The Sky Screen revealed that Orochimaru had orchestrated the invasion and killed the real Rasa, stunning the Shinobi World and Sunagakure's leadership.
• Rasa agreed to distance Sunagakure from the invasion and blame Orochimaru for deceiving the village.

The Sky Screen showed Sasuke facing Shukaku until Naruto used a giant toad and explosive tags to help wake Gaara, then revealed Hiruzen Sarutobi’s death and Konoha’s response to the invasion. Shinobi and civilians across the world questioned why Konoha’s forces had waited until Hiruzen died to act, and some identified the composed man as Danzo.

• At the Akatsuki Base, Orochimaru understood his future self’s plans, while Itachi silently fixed him with murderous intent over the destruction of Konoha.
• Shukaku emerged after Gaara fell asleep and drove Sasuke into retreat, but Naruto arrived, summoned a giant toad, and used explosive tags to disrupt the One-Tail.
• Naruto slapped Gaara awake, causing Shukaku to withdraw, while Sasuke watched in shock and resentment.
• The Sky Screen showed Hiruzen Sarutobi dead, Orochimaru withdrawing with his subordinates, and Konoha’s clans deploying to defeat the remaining invaders and restore order.
• The truth emerged that Orochimaru had impersonated Rasa, and Sunagakure surrendered after the invasion ended.
• Across the Shinobi World, people questioned why Konoha’s forces had not helped Hiruzen and some identified the calm, prepared man as Danzo.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Konoha’s other leaders recognized Danzo’s suspected role in enabling Orochimaru’s future invasion, though Danzo denied responsibility. After the Third Hokage’s death, Sasuke confronted Itachi at a training ground and was swiftly struck down.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi warned Danzo not to trust Orochimaru, and Danzo scornfully challenged him.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu realized that Danzo had likely helped the enemy bypass Konoha’s defenses and bring about the Third Hokage’s death.
• Danzo accepted that his future self might have assisted Orochimaru, believing that Konoha needed an iron-fisted leader.
• Konoha mourned the Third Hokage’s death while Sasuke ignored the memorial and trained alone at night.
• Sasuke saw Itachi at the training ground and charged at him with Chidori, but Itachi struck him in the chest and sent him flying.

After Itachi used his Mangekyō Sharingan to incapacitate Sasuke, Sasuke woke in Konoha Hospital and learned about the power that had overwhelmed him. Jiraiya warned Sasuke away from Orochimaru, but Sasuke remained alone, thinking about ways to regain his arm and grow stronger.

• Itachi overpowered Sasuke at the training ground, taunted him, and used his Mangekyō Sharingan genjutsu to make him pass out.
• Sasuke woke after three days in Konoha Hospital and screamed that he would kill Itachi.
• Jiraiya confirmed that Itachi's Mangekyō genjutsu had caused Sasuke's collapse, while Naruto and Jiraiya bickered beside the bed.
• Jiraiya said Tsunade might be able to reconstruct Sasuke's left arm and warned him not to turn to Orochimaru.
• Jiraiya and Naruto left to find Tsunade, leaving Sasuke alone in the ward.

Jiraiya brought Tsunade back to Konoha, where she became the Fifth Hokage and offered to grow Sasuke a new arm. Naruto excitedly told Sasuke about his new techniques, prompting Sasuke to challenge him to a match despite his injury.

• Shinobi across the world condemned Itachi for tormenting Sasuke and reacted excitedly to Jiraiya's plan to bring Tsunade back.
• Danzo confronted Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu for refusing to support him as Hokage, while Hiruzen Sarutobi told him Konoha's leaders and clans would reject him.
• Jiraiya returned to Konoha with Tsunade, who became the Fifth Hokage and began tending to the village's wounded.
• Tsunade told Sasuke she could grow a new left arm, but warned that the process would take a long time.
• Naruto told Sasuke about learning the Summoning Technique and Rasengan, and Sasuke challenged him to a match.

After Naruto defeated Sasuke in a rooftop clash, Sasuke decided to leave Konoha and seek power from Orochimaru so he could take revenge on Uchiha Itachi. Sakura confronted him as he slipped out at night and begged him to take her with him.

• Naruto and Sasuke fought on the hospital rooftop until Kakashi stopped them, and Sasuke realized Naruto's Rasengan had caused more damage than his Chidori.
• Sasuke returned to the Uchiha residence, despaired over falling behind Naruto, and found a map marked with Orochimaru's symbol.
• Sasuke chose to seek Orochimaru's power for revenge, packed his belongings, and left the house in the middle of the night.
• Sakura blocked Sasuke near the village entrance and revealed that she had guessed he was going to find Orochimaru.
• Sakura pleaded with Sasuke not to leave, then declared that she would go with him.

Sasuke knocked Sakura unconscious and left her on a bench before abandoning Konoha to seek power from Orochimaru, while a drunk carried Sakura away. The Sky Screen’s revelations sparked outrage and fear across the Shinobi World, and Sasuke watched his future self with eager anticipation for the strength to avenge his clan.

• Sasuke thanked Sakura, knocked her out, and left her safely on a bench before heading toward Konoha’s gate.
• A drunk found the unconscious Sakura, picked her up, and disappeared into the night.
• Sasuke left Konoha for Orochimaru, and the Sky Screen’s viewers argued over his desertion and the village’s failing security.
• Konoha’s residents blamed the Uchiha Clan’s destruction for the loss of the village police force, while Sakura’s parents feared for her safety.
• At the Ninja Academy, Sakura blushed as her classmates praised her, Naruto angrily confronted Sasuke, and Sasuke watched his future self with anticipation about gaining power to defeat Itachi.

Sasuke left Konoha to seek greater power, while Naruto confronted him at the Valley of the End and fought to bring him home. Their battle intensified as Sasuke awakened his Cursed Seal and Naruto used the Nine-Tails’ chakra, with neither gaining the advantage.

• Sasuke met three Sound Ninja at a hideout, climbed into a sealed jar, and was carried toward Orochimaru.
• At the Valley of the End, Naruto urged Sasuke to return to Konoha and told him Sakura was safe, but Sasuke rejected his plea.
• Naruto vowed to bring Sasuke back, and the two began fighting across the valley.
• Sasuke activated Curse Mark Stage One, while Naruto unleashed his one-tail chakra mode.
• Naruto’s Rasengan collided with Sasuke’s Chidori, and they continued trading blows without either defeating the other.

Sasuke transformed into the second stage of the Cursed Seal, defeated Naruto, and left his Konoha Forehead Protector beside him as he walked away. The Sky Screen audience praised Sasuke’s refusal to follow Itachi’s cruel path, while Konoha grew fearful of Naruto’s Nine-Tails power.

• Sasuke released the second stage of the Cursed Seal and gained enough strength to overwhelm Naruto’s Tailed Beast Cloak.
• Sasuke struck Naruto unconscious, then declared that he would not kill loved ones to awaken his Sharingan as Itachi had taught him.
• Sasuke placed his Konoha Forehead Protector beside Naruto and left, abandoning Konoha and Team 7.
• The Sky Screen audience discussed Sasuke’s remaining bonds and worried about Naruto’s heartbreak when he woke.
• At the Ninja Academy, present-day Sasuke admired his future strength, while Konoha’s students and civilians feared Naruto’s Nine-Tails power could endanger the village.

Orochimaru tried to break Itachi’s resolve by questioning his sacrifices for Konoha, then attempted to steal his Mangekyō Sharingan. Itachi revealed that Orochimaru had been trapped in a genjutsu, but Kabuto helped Orochimaru escape, leaving Itachi shaken by doubts about his choices.

• Orochimaru taunted Itachi about his loyalty to Konoha and argued that Itachi’s sacrifices had harmed the village while Orochimaru’s actions had helped it recover.
• Itachi appeared to falter as Orochimaru’s accusations made him question whether his sacrifices had been worthwhile.
• Orochimaru bound Itachi with Hidden Shadow Snake Hands and reached for his Mangekyō Sharingan.
• Itachi revealed that Orochimaru had been caught in a genjutsu and prepared to kill him with a kunai.
• Kabuto used a smoke bomb and the Body Flicker Technique to rescue Orochimaru and escape.
• Itachi stayed behind and wondered whether he had become a clown for believing in his sacrifices.

Orochimaru trained Sasuke for three years, then challenged his belief that killing Itachi and becoming the strongest would revive the Uchiha Clan. Sasuke was left speechless as he confronted the difference between personal power and the clan’s continued survival.

• Orochimaru offered to train Sasuke for three years, and Sasuke accepted to gain the power to kill Uchiha Itachi.
• Orochimaru put Sasuke through brutal training, and Sasuke’s strength grew as he met Karin, Jūgo, and Suigetsu.
• After three years, Sasuke asked Orochimaru when his advanced training would begin, but Orochimaru asked how Sasuke planned to revive the Uchiha Clan.
• Sasuke said he would kill Itachi and become the Shinobi World’s strongest, so the world would know the Uchiha’s power.
• Orochimaru argued that Sasuke’s strength could not ensure the clan’s survival after his death, leaving Sasuke shaken and silent.

Orochimaru challenged Sasuke’s belief that the Uchiha were the Shinobi World’s greatest clan by revealing the hidden size of the Sarutobi Clan. Sasuke and the people watching the Sky Screen were left shocked by the claim that Hiruzen Sarutobi’s clan had one or two thousand shinobi.

• Itachi confronted Orochimaru at the Akatsuki base, and Orochimaru said he was only a clone and had no malicious intentions.
• Orochimaru asked Sasuke whether revenge and becoming the strongest could preserve the Uchiha, then questioned which clan was greatest.
• Sasuke declared that the Uchiha were greatest, but Orochimaru challenged him to consider the clan’s numbers and long-term strength.
• Orochimaru claimed that Hiruzen Sarutobi’s seemingly low-profile clan had one or two thousand shinobi, including unregistered members.
• Sasuke was stunned by the revelation, while people across the Shinobi World debated how the Sarutobi Clan had concealed and supported such a large force.

The Sky Screen exposed the Sarutobi Clan’s hidden strength and the elders’ control of Konoha’s resources, leaving Uchiha Itachi questioning whether his clan had truly threatened the village. Sasuke asked Orochimaru what lesson he was driving at, and Orochimaru began explaining the foundations of a clan’s strength.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi argued with Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu about the clans secretly gathering strength, while Shimura Danzō claimed his clan had not done so.
• Uchiha Itachi watched the Sky Screen’s revelations about the Sarutobi Clan’s private shinobi force and began doubting his decision to massacre the Uchiha.
• Orochimaru explained that Hiruzen, Danzō, Homura, and Koharu controlled Konoha’s institutions and could divert village resources to their clans without scrutiny.
• Orochimaru revealed that Konoha’s elite clans had divided Minato and Kushina’s estate and the Uchiha Clan’s accumulated wealth.
• Itachi questioned whether the Uchiha had ever posed a threat to Konoha, while Sasuke asked Orochimaru what he meant to teach him.
• Orochimaru told Sasuke that a clan’s strength did not rest on one person’s peak.

Orochimaru told Sasuke that reviving the Uchiha Clan required him to have many children, then revealed his interest in Sasuke’s future descendants. Sasuke accused Orochimaru of planning to exploit his children, while the Orochimaru watching the Sky Screen eagerly embraced the idea.

• Orochimaru argued that the Uchiha needed a growing population to survive, and told Sasuke to have lots of children.
• Sasuke accepted that descendants were necessary to revive the clan, then reeled at Orochimaru’s blunt proposal.
• Orochimaru suggested Karin as a mother for Sasuke’s children because of her Uzumaki bloodline and devotion to him.
• Sasuke realized Orochimaru might be plotting to use his future children and threatened to kill him.
• Uchiha Itachi became furious at Orochimaru’s interest in Sasuke’s descendants and searched for Orochimaru’s true body.
• The Orochimaru beside Itachi watched the Sky Screen and excitedly declared that Sasuke having children was the perfect solution.

After discovering Orochimaru planned to seize his body, Sasuke confronted his former master and revealed that he knew about Living Corpse Reincarnation. Their confrontation erupted into a battle, which was still raging when the chapter ended.

• Itachi destroyed Orochimaru's clone after hearing him scheme to use Sasuke and Sasuke's descendants as sources of Uchiha bloodline specimens.
• Orochimaru decided to abandon his plan to take Itachi's body and turned his attention back to Sasuke.
• Sasuke told Orochimaru he knew about Living Corpse Reincarnation and challenged him to take his body.
• Sasuke pierced Orochimaru with Chidori Spear, but Orochimaru regenerated with a swarm of snakes and fought back.
• Viewers across the Shinobi World reacted to the battle between Sasuke and Orochimaru.