Chapter Summaries

Naruto and Gamabunta faced Gaara’s fully transformed Shukaku, whose consciousness awakened after Gaara used the Feigning Sleep Technique. Their clash escalated into a devastating storm, while Sasuke watched Naruto’s power and grew more determined to gain strength.

• Sasuke, Hinata, and Pakkun withdrew from the battlefield, leaving Naruto and Gamabunta to face Shukaku.
• Gamabunta warned Naruto that Gaara’s Feigning Sleep Technique would awaken Shukaku’s consciousness and increase his strength.
• Gamabunta attacked Shukaku, but Shukaku awakened, lost an arm, and knocked Gamabunta’s sword into the ground.
• Shukaku fired Air Bullets at Gamabunta, who answered with Water Release: Iron Cannonball, and their attacks unleashed a destructive storm.
• Sasuke, Hinata, and Pakkun struggled to hold on amid the storm, while Sasuke began longing for power like Naruto’s and Temari and Kankuro watched in shock.

Naruto lent Gamabunta Kurama’s chakra during his battle with Shukaku, giving the exhausted toad renewed strength and a tail. Shukaku recognized Kurama’s chakra and mocked him, prompting Kurama to urge Naruto to teach Shukaku a lesson.

• Temari told Kankuro that Naruto had saved her from Sasuke, and Kankuro acknowledged that they owed Naruto a debt.
• Shukaku’s power continued to grow as he fought Gamabunta, who struggled to withstand his attacks.
• Gamabunta tried to restrain Shukaku so Naruto could wake the medium, but Shukaku easily shook him off.
• Naruto spread Kurama’s chakra over Gamabunta, who calmed down after sensing that it would not attack or control him.
• Naruto’s chakra gave Gamabunta a tail, and Shukaku recognized Kurama’s scent and mocked him.
• Kurama heard Shukaku’s taunts and urged Naruto to teach him a lesson.

Naruto and Gamabunta fought Shukaku, who unleashed a Tailed Beast Bomb at them. Naruto used the Flying Thunder God Technique to move them out of its path, and the blast’s shock wave struck the onlookers.

• Naruto urged Gamabunta to attack Shukaku, and Gamabunta used the Nine-Tails’ chakra to slash Shukaku and wound him.
• Shukaku counterattacked with Sand Scattershot, and Naruto blocked most of the sand bullets with Super Great Breakthrough.
• Shukaku formed and fired a Tailed Beast Bomb at Naruto and Gamabunta.
• Naruto teleported himself and Gamabunta two hundred meters away with a Flying Thunder God Kunai just before the bomb hit them.
• The Tailed Beast Bomb exploded, and its shock wave swept Kankuro from the tree while Temari and the others struggled through the blast.

Naruto and Gamabunta fought Shukaku until Naruto woke Gaara and ended the transformation. Gaara, shaken and frightened, pleaded for Naruto to stay away as Naruto approached him.

• Shukaku's Tailed Beast Bomb missed, and Gamabunta warned Naruto that his summoning time was nearly over.
• Naruto shaped Nine-Tails chakra into claws for Gamabunta, who leaped at Shukaku and caught his tail.
• Gamabunta slammed Shukaku into the ground, then shielded Naruto from a barrage of sand shuriken with his tongue.
• Naruto reached Gaara and punched him awake, causing Shukaku's eyes to change and Gamabunta to disappear.
• Gaara panicked when he saw Naruto approaching and shouted for him to stay away.

Naruto used his memories to help Gaara understand that love and care could free him from his lonely life, then told him his father was dead. After putting Gaara to sleep, Naruto let Kurama confront Shukaku inside Gaara’s seal and waited for Sasuke and the others to arrive.

• Naruto showed Gaara memories of the abuse he had suffered in Konoha, prompting Gaara to ask why their lives had turned out differently.
• Naruto blamed Gaara’s childhood suffering on his father, Sunagakure, the Land of Wind, and the distribution of power, then revealed that the Fourth Kazekage was dead.
• Naruto shared memories of his relationship with Sasuke, and Gaara realized that love meant accepting care and connection rather than living only for himself.
• Naruto used his right eye to make Gaara lose consciousness, then sent nine-tails chakra into him so Kurama could speak with Shukaku.
• Sasuke, Hinata, Pakkun, Temari, and Kankuro rushed toward Naruto and Gaara, while Sasuke ran ahead to reach Naruto.

Kurama tried to persuade Shukaku to befriend Gaara and warned him that a mysterious organization would soon target the tailed beasts. Shukaku remained skeptical but became curious about Naruto after learning of his power and Wood Release.

• Kurama told Shukaku that a mysterious and powerful organization would target him within five years and urged him to cooperate with Gaara.
• Kurama argued that jinchūriki and tailed beasts were both treated unjustly, and said Naruto promised to free the tailed beasts after rebuilding the world's order.
• Shukaku questioned Kurama's trust in Naruto, so Kurama explained that Naruto could defeat him with his own strength.
• Kurama revealed that Naruto had inherited Hashirama Senju's complete Wood Release Kekkei Genkai, leaving Shukaku stunned.

Naruto’s conversation with Shukaku persuaded the tailed beast to stop influencing Gaara, and Naruto left with Sasuke after making peace with Temari and Kankuro. Gaara woke up reconciled with his siblings and said Naruto had changed his fate.

• Kurama told Shukaku that Naruto had restrained himself to honor Sasuke’s wish to defeat Itachi, and urged Shukaku to change his own fate.
• Shukaku tearfully said goodbye to Kurama and withdrew the chakra that had been eroding and influencing Gaara.
• Naruto recovered Kurama’s chakra, released Gaara’s hand, and told Temari and Kankuro that Gaara needed their care and encouragement.
• Temari and Kankuro carried Gaara away as Naruto, Sasuke, Hinata, and Pakkun departed; Temari called after Naruto, but he did not answer.
• Gaara woke, apologized for worrying his siblings, and told them Shukaku had advised him to sleep and promised to guide his training.
• Gaara identified Naruto Uzumaki as the person who changed his fate and showed him that light remained in the world.

Naruto returned to Konoha, killed a Root ninja who had been spying on him, and treated the injured members of the pursuit team. After Orochimaru’s attack left Konoha weakened, the village renewed its alliance with the Sand; two mysterious women in Red Cloud Cloaks then entered Konoha’s territory.

• Hinata found signs of a battle along the pursuit route, and Naruto concluded that Shikamaru and the others had already returned to Konoha.
• Naruto brought Sasuke home, detected a Root ninja watching him, and killed the spy with a Rasengan after locating him using Mind’s Eye and the Flying Thunder God Formation Mark.
• Naruto found Shikamaru, Sakura, Tenten, and Rock Lee at Konoha Hospital, then treated their injuries, including Rock Lee’s extensive muscle tears.
• Kakashi told Naruto that Orochimaru had deceived Konoha and the Sand shinobi, gravely wounded the Third, and escaped.
• The Land of Fire and Konoha renewed their alliance with the Sand shinobi after learning that Orochimaru had killed the Fourth Kazekage and seeing Konoha’s severe losses.
• Two mysterious women wearing Red Cloud Cloaks and bamboo hats arrived within Konoha’s territory.

Itachi and Kisame infiltrated Konoha to gather information on Naruto, and Itachi learned that Sasuke had lived with Naruto for nearly five years. Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai confronted the pair, while Sasuke went to meet Shikamaru, leaving a fight about to begin and Sasuke unaware of Itachi’s return.

• Itachi and Kisame entered Konoha, and Itachi set out to gather information on Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
• Naruto trained to develop Wind Release: Rasenshuriken while wondering why Itachi had not returned to Konoha yet.
• Kisame learned that Naruto and Sasuke had lived together for nearly five years and told Itachi that Sasuke was his younger brother.
• Kakashi recognized Itachi, then joined Asuma and Kurenai in confronting Itachi and Kisame on a riverside path.
• Sasuke failed to find Kakashi and visited Shikamaru at the Nara Residence to talk.

Sasuke learned that Uchiha Itachi had returned and was targeting Naruto, while Naruto encountered Itachi and Kisame in the Uchiha Clan Compound. The chapter ended as Sasuke arrived and confronted Itachi.

• Sasuke heard that Kakashi had been badly injured and visited his house, where he learned that Uchiha Itachi had returned and was targeting Naruto.
• Sasuke rushed to the Uchiha Clan Compound while Asuma sent Guy after him and ordered Kurenai to inform the Hokage.
• Naruto entered the room where Itachi had killed Sasuke’s parents and was confronted by Kisame and Itachi, who planned to take him away.
• Naruto told Itachi that he was Sasuke’s boyfriend and had lived in the Uchiha Clan Compound for five years.
• Sasuke arrived at the room and shouted Itachi’s name, fixing him with a hateful stare.

Sasuke confronted Itachi and attacked him to rescue Naruto, but Itachi easily overpowered him while Kisame blocked the escape route. Itachi tormented Sasuke with claims about the Sharingan’s power, leaving Sasuke to believe his brother had slaughtered the clan for the sake of his own eyes.

• Sasuke arrived and charged Itachi with Chidori, directing its shock wave through a wall to make an escape route for Naruto.
• Itachi caught Sasuke’s wrist, broke it, and beat him while Kisame blocked the hole and threatened Naruto with Samehada.
• Naruto’s Nine-Tails chakra surfaced in fury, but Kisame stopped him from transforming and held him at blade-point.
• Sasuke begged Itachi to spare Naruto, and Itachi taunted him for being unable to protect the person he loved.
• Itachi told Sasuke that Madara had gained power by killing his younger brother and taking his eyes, then claimed Sasuke had been spared because he was weak.
• Sasuke asked whether Itachi had killed their parents and slaughtered the Uchiha Clan to develop his Sharingan.

Itachi trapped Sasuke in Tsukuyomi, driving Naruto into his Four-Tails Demon Fox Cloak as he tried to protect him. Kisame drained Naruto’s remaining chakra with Samehada, but Guy arrived and attacked the Akatsuki pair, leaving Itachi to use Amaterasu against him.

• Itachi lied to Sasuke about the Uchiha massacre and cast Tsukuyomi, forcing Sasuke to relive his parents’ deaths.
• Naruto lost control of his rage and transformed into the Four-Tails Demon Fox Cloak, then tore through Itachi’s crow clone.
• Kisame struck Naruto with Samehada and drained the chakra sustaining his transformation, causing Naruto to collapse.
• Guy arrived with the Sixth Gate open, punched Kisame into a wall, and drove Itachi back with a series of attacks.
• Itachi used Amaterasu against Guy while Guy pursued him without looking into his eyes.

Itachi and Kisame escaped after Guy defeated them, while Naruto helped Sasuke recover from the attack and later exhausted himself treating Kakashi and Guy. As Naruto rested in the hospital, Shikamaru brought him a restorative meal, hiding his personal concern behind friendship.

• Guy endured Itachi's Amaterasu long enough to land a decisive punch, and Itachi withdrew with Kisame after sensing Jiraiya approaching.
• Jiraiya sealed the flames from Guy and found Naruto safe; Naruto comforted Sasuke and promised to support his choices.
• Jiraiya diagnosed Sasuke with severe mental trauma and sent him and Guy to the hospital, where Kakashi was also recovering.
• Naruto treated Sasuke and Guy, then collapsed from chakra exhaustion as Sakura confirmed he needed food and rest.
• Shikamaru prepared a restorative meal with Choji and returned to the hospital, insisting his concern for Naruto was only friendly.

Naruto reflected on why he had to let Sasuke confront the Uchiha Clan massacre and struggled to recover after exhausting himself during the fight with Itachi. Shikamaru comforted him, revealed Sasuke had told him Naruto once posed as Uchiha Sagen, and confessed his love before leaving; Naruto understood Sasuke had been trying to prepare Shikamaru to take his place.

• Shikamaru brought Naruto a medicinal meal and urged him to recover, and Naruto began eating when Shikamaru mentioned Sasuke.
• Naruto asked what Sasuke had told Shikamaru, who admitted Sasuke had revealed that Naruto had used the Transformation Technique to pose as Uchiha Sagen.
• Naruto realized Sasuke had told Shikamaru because she feared Naruto would reject her after she defected and wanted Shikamaru to take her place.
• Naruto embraced Shikamaru and thanked him, prompting Shikamaru to confess his love and say he would try to see Naruto less.
• Shikamaru left the ward in tears after affirming that he, Naruto, and Sasuke were best friends, and Naruto apologized to him.

Sasuke woke and harshly rejected Naruto, forcing him to leave their home, while secretly intending to leave Konoha to protect Naruto and pursue revenge against Itachi. Naruto understood Sasuke’s motive but packed his belongings anyway, knowing he would have to keep seeking Sasuke out to help him awaken his kekkei genkai.

• Shikamaru and Choji arrived at the ICU as Sasuke shouted at Naruto to leave and never see him again.
• Naruto told the others Sasuke was awake and would likely recover in about ten days, then asked Hinata to help him move out of the Uchiha Clan Compound.
• Shikamaru stopped Sakura, Ino, and the others from entering Sasuke’s room so Sasuke could rest.
• Sasuke cried alone and apologized to Naruto, resolving to leave Konoha so he could protect Naruto and seek revenge against Itachi.
• Naruto walked beside the river with Hinata and admitted he had to accept Sasuke’s rejection while continuing to pursue him.
• Hinata packed Naruto’s belongings as Naruto gathered the clothes and gifts Sasuke had given him.

After moving back into his old home, Naruto struggled with Sasuke’s absence while continuing to treat Kakashi at the hospital. Sasuke asked Shikamaru to care for Naruto, and Naruto secretly arranged for Snake Aunt to come to Konoha and help Sasuke grow stronger, leaving Sasuke’s plans to depart unresolved.

• Naruto moved Sasuke’s clothes into his dusty old home, cleaned it, and spent the night missing him.
• Kurama declined Naruto’s story and went into seclusion, while Naruto treated Sasuke’s mental injuries during the night.
• For seven days, Naruto repeatedly visited Sasuke, who rejected him and cried after he left.
• Sasuke asked Shikamaru to remember Naruto’s likes and dislikes and take care of him, without explaining that he planned to leave Konoha.
• Naruto told Shikamaru to let events take their course and refused a ride home after treating Kakashi.
• Naruto contacted Snake Aunt and authorized her to help Sasuke activate the cursed seal’s second state, promising her a vial of Uchiha Kekkei Genkai Potion.

Snake Aunt sent the Sound Four to retrieve Sasuke from Konoha and help him unlock the Cursed Seal’s second state, while warning them to follow Sixth Brother’s orders if contacted. Worried about the mission, Snake Aunt sent Kimimaro after them as backup.

• Snake Aunt ordered Kabuto to summon Kidomaru, Sakon, Tayuya, and Jirobo, then tasked them with bringing Sasuke back and gave them Calming Pills.
• Sakon questioned what they should do if Sixth Brother intervened, and Snake Aunt told the Sound Four to follow his plan if he sent them a message after they left Konoha.
• Tayuya asked who Sixth Brother was, and Snake Aunt struck her and warned the group not to pry into his identity or plans.
• Snake Aunt told the Sound Four that Sasuke would become their leader once he left Konoha, and they departed Otogakure.
• The Sound Four discussed Sixth Brother’s influence over Snake Aunt and resolved to be careful on their mission.
• Snake Aunt sent Kimimaro to follow the Sound Four as backup, and Kimimaro vowed to bring Sasuke back.

Naruto bought and consumed an Uchiha Bloodline Potion, awakening a Three-Tomoe Sharingan, and sent a second potion to Snake Aunt. Meanwhile, Sasuke returned to the Uchiha compound and was overwhelmed by memories of Naruto, ending the chapter alone and grieving.

• Naruto exchanged system points for a Three-Tomoe Sharingan and two Uchiha Bloodline Potions, then consumed one and awakened the Sharingan in his right eye.
• Naruto sent the second potion to Snake Aunt, who told him that four guards and Kimimaro were on their way to Konoha and agreed to meet him beneath the moon.
• Five days later, Sasuke returned to the Uchiha Clan Compound with Sakura, Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, and his other classmates.
• Sasuke found Naruto's untouched favorite dishes in the refrigerator and broke down as he visited Naruto's empty room.
• Itachi's words tormented Sasuke, and later that night Sasuke dreamed of the massacre and woke reaching for Naruto before realizing he was alone.

Sasuke fought Orochimaru’s Sound Four after they came to recruit him, but their strength overwhelmed him even after he activated his Cursed Seal. After they gave him three days to decide whether to leave Konoha, Sasuke stood alone in the Uchiha Clan Compound, already resolved to go.

• Sasuke heard Little Impure’s warning cries, armed himself, and confronted four intruders on the rooftop.
• Tayuya, Sakon, Kidomaru, and Jirobo mocked Sasuke and revealed that they knew about his Cursed Seal of Heaven.
• Sakon fought Sasuke and used Ukon’s help to knock him back, prompting Sasuke to activate his Cursed Seal and attack with Chidori.
• The Sound Four revealed their own Cursed Seals, defeated Sasuke, and invited him to meet them outside Konoha within three days if he chose to defect.
• The Sound Four vanished, Little Impure returned, and Sasuke stared across the Uchiha Clan Compound, having already made his choice.

Sasuke left Konoha and joined the Sound Four, while Naruto secretly watched him go and changed his eyes and appearance. Sakura discovered the unconscious gate guards and learned Sasuke had defected, then rushed to alert the Hokage.

• Sasuke said goodbye to Little Impure and his parents’ memorial tablets before leaving the Uchiha Compound with his belongings.
• Sasuke watched Naruto sleeping from outside his home, said goodbye, and knocked out two gate guards to escape Konoha.
• Naruto used the Telescope Technique to watch Sasuke meet the Sound Four, who accepted him as their leader.
• Naruto removed his Kamui Mangekyō Sharingan, replaced both eyes with Three-Tomoe Sharingan, and searched the system for black hair dye.
• Sakura found the unconscious gate guards, learned Sasuke had defected, and ran toward the Hokage Building to report it.