Chapter Summaries

Aokiji reassured Mito about his relationship with Tsunade, and she explained how Hashirama's battle with Madara and use of his healing ability had shortened his life. When Mito entered Aokiji's mental world to help him face the Five-Tails, she discovered he had released it himself and that the two had become partners.

• Aokiji asked whether Mito approved of his relationship with Tsunade, and she said she accepted their choice despite her concerns about the Uchiha Clan.
• Mito explained that Hashirama had exhausted his life force fighting Uchiha Madara and that the villagers later directed resentment toward the Uchiha Clan.
• Mito warned Aokiji about the dangers of becoming a Jinchuriki and connected their mental worlds so they could see each other's Tailed Beasts.
• Mito saw the unsealed Five-Tails in Aokiji's mental world and prepared to seal it again, but Aokiji stopped her and said he had released it himself.
• Aokiji explained that he pitied the Tailed Beasts and had let the Five-Tails out after it begged him, prompting the beast to bicker with him over its name.

Aokiji persuaded Mito not to reseal Five-Tails by arguing that Tailed Beasts should be befriended rather than controlled. After Nine-Tails interrupted their meeting and Mito sent Aokiji back to reality, he asked her to keep his unusual situation from the village elders.

• Mito asked Aokiji what cooperation he had arranged with Five-Tails, and he explained their seven-year agreement to live peacefully together if he defeated it.
• Mito remained concerned and suggested that Five-Tails should be sealed again, but Aokiji promised the beast he would change her mind.
• Aokiji persuaded Mito that love could be used to harvest the Tailed Beasts' power through friendship, and she agreed not to reseal Five-Tails as long as it meant no harm.
• Nine-Tails mocked Five-Tails for trusting Aokiji, and Mito severed the connection to Aokiji's mental world.
• Aokiji asked Mito not to tell the village elders about his situation, fearing the news would cause an uproar and put the Hokage in a difficult position.

Aokiji promised Mito he would help the Uchiha Clan integrate into the village, then joked about Madara marrying Hashirama and awkwardly apologized. Before leaving to train, he asked Mito about Madara’s abilities, while Mito privately hinted that she hoped to influence Aokiji’s future Sharingan awakening.

• Mito agreed to let Aokiji befriend the Five-Tails and encouraged him to help the Uchiha Clan integrate into the village.
• Aokiji joked that Madara being a woman could have united the Uchiha and Senju clans through marriage, then apologized after upsetting Mito.
• Mito invited Aokiji to call her Grandma, and he dramatically accepted her as his grandmother.
• Aokiji asked Mito about Madara’s skills and learned that Madara was proficient in the Sharingan, Fire Release, and Lightning Release.
• Mito asked Aokiji to protect Tsunade, then watched him leave while reflecting on how the Mangekyō Sharingan awakened.

After failing to synthesize Boil Release through research, Aokiji sought the Five-Tails’ help by revealing that he knew the beasts’ origins and had seen them in the future. He refused to accept a foretold death, but the Five-Tails insisted he defeat it before it would lend him its power, so Aokiji asked it to guide his Kekkei Genkai instead.

• Aokiji failed to combine Fire and Water chakra to create Boil Release and decided to seek another way.
• Aokiji told the Five-Tails that the Tailed Beasts had once been one entity and claimed he had met them in the future.
• Aokiji recited the Tailed Beasts’ names and origins, convincing the Five-Tails that he knew secrets he could not have learned from books.
• Aokiji asked the Five-Tails to lend him its power because he did not want to die, and declared that he would defy fate.
• The Five-Tails refused to help unless Aokiji defeated it, so Aokiji asked it to guide his Kekkei Genkai instead.

Aokiji persuaded the Five-Tails to guide him in developing Boil Release, then tested the Tailed Beast’s power in front of Mito. He explained his guarded approach to friendship and admitted that Tsunade’s love had changed how he felt about the people around him.

• Aokiji offered to help free the other Tailed Beasts in exchange for the Five-Tails guiding his ordinary training, and the Five-Tails agreed.
• Aokiji awakened with the Five-Tails’ Chakra and Boil Release, then released a burst of power that blasted a large tree apart.
• Mito worried that the Five-Tails’ Chakra had gone berserk, but Aokiji reassured her that he had only asked Little Five to show him its power.
• Mito asked why Aokiji had so few friends, and he explained that he avoided attachment because he feared losing people in the war.
• Aokiji told Mito that he was now surrounded by deep love because of Tsunade, and Mito reflected on how wonderful it was to be young.

Three years after isolating himself in the Forest of Death, Aokiji fused Water Release and Fire Release to develop Boil Release and used his new power to escape his Anbu guards. He returned home, met the young Mikoto, and was about to reunite with Tsunade.

• Aokiji successfully developed Boil Release with the Five-Tails' help and tested the speed and strength granted by Steam Armor.
• Aokiji decided to leave his confinement, then bound two Anbu guards with Ice Chains after they tried to stop him.
• Aokiji left the Forest of Death, visited the Uchiha Clan Compound, and returned to find his home clean.
• Aokiji learned from Mikoto that a golden-haired woman had been cleaning his room and realized she was probably Tsunade.
• Aokiji spoke with Mikoto and was about to leave when a beautiful golden-haired woman entered the room.

Aokiji visited Tsunade, and their flirtation turned into a teasing argument about his lewd requests. Tsunade transformed into her younger, flat-chested self and pulled the child-sized Aokiji into an embrace, which he complained was a flat-chested brain pad.

• Aokiji greeted Tsunade, and they embraced and flirted while Mikoto watched.
• Aokiji asked Tsunade to change his reward, but she refused after guessing his intentions.
• Aokiji transformed into a child and threw a tantrum, startling Mikoto, who apologized and hurried out.
• Aokiji pretended his head hurt so Tsunade would let him use her chest as a brain pad, and she pinched him for the request.
• Tsunade transformed into her younger self and hugged Aokiji, who protested that her flat chest was a flat-chested brain pad.

Aokiji told Tsunade he had gained control of the Tailed Beast’s power and later demonstrated his new Boil Release to Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya. The chapter ended with Aokiji and Tsunade preparing to test his strength in an arm-wrestling match.

• Aokiji told Tsunade he had bound the Anbu with Sealing Jutsu and claimed he had gained control of the Tailed Beast’s power.
• Aokiji and Tsunade teased each other before Tsunade brought Orochimaru and Jiraiya to the Forest of Death to watch his demonstration.
• Aokiji explained that Boil Release enhanced speed and explosive power, and Orochimaru praised his Kekkei Genkai.
• Jiraiya suggested that Tsunade spar with Aokiji, then appointed himself referee.
• Aokiji proposed arm wrestling to test Boil Release’s strength against Tsunade’s Monstrous Strength, and Tsunade agreed.

Aokiji beat Tsunade at arm-wrestling by distracting her with a love confession, then the pair continued flirting through dinner. Jiraiya endured their affection while finding comfort in Orochimaru's continued singlehood.

• Aokiji and Tsunade began an arm-wrestling match as Jiraiya and Orochimaru watched.
• Aokiji confessed his love mid-match, distracting Tsunade and letting him win with Boil Release: Peerless Super Strength.
• Orochimaru explained that Aokiji had won by exploiting Tsunade's opening, while Tsunade teased Aokiji about using her feelings to cheat.
• Aokiji apologized and suggested another match, but Tsunade refused, and Jiraiya sulked by drawing curses in the dirt.
• At dinner, Tsunade fed Aokiji fish and flirted with him until Jiraiya snapped his chopsticks and complained.

Aokiji and Tsunade discussed moving in together and revealed the grief Tsunade had kept to herself over her parents’ deaths. Determined to protect her before he was sent to battle, Aokiji challenged the Five-Tails in his spiritual world.

• Jiraiya teased Aokiji and Tsunade about their relationship, sex, and marriage, while Tsunade blushed and threatened to punch him.
• Aokiji said he had no immediate marriage plans but was considering moving in with Tsunade so he could protect her.
• Tsunade revealed that her father had died on a secret village mission and her mother had died in the war.
• Aokiji comforted Tsunade and vowed to protect her, while she admitted she had kept her parents’ deaths from him to avoid burdening him.
• One week later, Aokiji woke the Five-Tails in his spiritual world and challenged it to fight.

Aokiji challenged Kokuō to borrow its power, using a carefully planned combination of ninjutsu and sealing techniques to freeze the Five-Tails with Ice Release: Ice Age. The chapter left Kokuō trapped in ice and Aokiji nearly out of Chakra, with the outcome of the fight still uncertain.

• Aokiji told Kokuō he had moved up their planned confrontation because he wanted to become strong enough to protect the person he loved.
• Kokuō attacked, and Aokiji began their battle after three years of training.
• Aokiji used a Great Fireball as a distraction, then circled behind Kokuō and bound it with Ice Chains that also had a sealing effect.
• Kokuō recognized the sealing technique as an imperfect imitation and began freezing the Ice Chains with its own Chakra.
• Aokiji unleashed Ice Release: Ice Age, freezing Kokuō into a giant ice sculpture at the cost of nearly exhausting his Chakra.

Aokiji failed to subdue the Five-Tails but gained its acknowledgment, then learned Sarutobi Hiruzen had lifted his restrictions after Mito vouched for him. He secured approval to be deployed with Tsunade and left to train, while Sarutobi Hiruzen reflected on the power of a Tailed Beast.

• Aokiji tried to draw out the Five-Tails' Chakra, but the beast broke free of his Ice Release with Boil Release and attacked him with a Tailed Beast Ball after he surrendered.
• The Five-Tails acknowledged Aokiji as a suitable Jinchuriki but continued to treat their fight as a separate matter, leaving him to consider how to increase his Chakra and improve his techniques.
• Aokiji returned to the real world, rested, and decided to focus on developing practical Ninjutsu while pursuing the chance to become a Perfect Jinchuriki.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen officially lifted Aokiji's restrictions, explaining that someone had vouched for him, and Aokiji identified Mito as the person responsible.
• Aokiji asked Sarutobi Hiruzen to deploy him with Tsunade as much as possible, and Sarutobi Hiruzen agreed after hearing his appeal.
• Aokiji left the Hokage's Office to train, while Sarutobi Hiruzen murmured about the power of a Tailed Beast.

Aokiji visited Mito and met his little brother-in-law Nawaki, then showed the Uchiha Clan that he could use the Five-Tails’ power to create Boil Release. The Uchiha Clan head placed hopes in Aokiji for the coming battlefield, and Aokiji went to train.

• Aokiji met Nawaki at Mito’s house and awkwardly promised to take care of his sister, Tsunade.
• Aokiji told Mito that he had fought the Five-Tails and believed he could become a Perfect Jinchuriki once he defeated it.
• Aokiji visited the Konoha Military Police Force and demonstrated steam produced by his Boil Release Kekkei Genkai.
• The Uchiha Clan head saw Aokiji’s potential and looked forward to his performance on the battlefield.
• Aokiji went to the clan grounds to train.

Aokiji fought Fugaku, who had awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan, and defeated him despite his clever tactics and Fire Release: Rasengan. After they discussed Fugaku’s experience on the battlefield and Aokiji’s secret relationship, Aokiji bound Fugaku in Ice Chains to punish his attitude.

• Fugaku challenged Aokiji and used his Three Tomoe Sharingan, shuriken, wires, and Fire Release techniques against him.
• Aokiji countered Fugaku’s attacks with Ice Release techniques, including Violent Pheasant Beak, and knocked him down.
• Fugaku returned with a Fire Release: Rasengan, but Aokiji dodged his attack and struck him with an elbow, prompting Fugaku to concede.
• Aokiji questioned Fugaku about killing on the battlefield, and Fugaku said he had grown used to it and viewed it as an honor to protect the village and clan.
• Fugaku revealed that Mikoto had told him about Aokiji’s secret relationship, irritating Aokiji, who pursued Fugaku and suspended him upside down in Ice Chains.

Tsunade returned to Konohagakure from a mission and encountered Dan Katō, who tried to invite her to dinner. Aokiji appeared with roses, and Tsunade readily agreed to spend time with him, leaving Dan and the others surprised.

• Tsunade returned to Konohagakure with her squad and met Dan Katō, who praised her medical skills.
• Dan Katō invited Tsunade to dinner, but she declined, saying she needed to look after her little brother.
• Aokiji appeared, greeted Tsunade, and gave her a bouquet of roses.
• Dan Katō recognized Aokiji, whose reputation shocked the ninjas gathered at the gate.
• Tsunade learned Aokiji had official permission to leave the Forest of Death and agreed to spend time with him.
• Tsunade and Aokiji left together as the others speculated about their relationship and Dan Katō looked unhappy.

Aokiji moved in with Tsunade, while Fugaku told the Uchiha Clan Leader that Aokiji was dating the First Hokage’s granddaughter. The chapter ended with Aokiji awkwardly explaining why he had been rolling around on Tsunade’s bed.

• Aokiji asked Tsunade to live together, and she agreed to start that day.
• Fugaku overheard them and rushed to inform the Uchiha Clan Leader that Aokiji was dating Tsunade and planning to move in with her.
• The Uchiha Clan Leader realized how significant the relationship could be for Aokiji’s chances of becoming Fourth Hokage and laughed with excitement.
• Aokiji carried his belongings to Tsunade’s home and explored her bedroom while she prepared food.
• Tsunade returned with water and caught Aokiji rolling around on her bed, prompting him to joke that he was marking his territory.

Aokiji and Tsunade shared a playful meal at home before heading to the market to buy groceries. The chapter left Tsunade asking Aokiji to let her cook dinner again.

• Tsunade caught the stove before the food burned, then made Aokiji wash his hands before eating.
• Aokiji praised Tsunade’s terrible tomatoes and eggs to encourage her, and she offered to make noodles instead.
• Tsunade discovered they had run out of noodles and invited Aokiji to go grocery shopping with her.
• Tsunade and Aokiji attracted curious looks as they walked through the market together.
• When Aokiji suggested buying crabs and lobsters for dinner, Tsunade quietly asked if she could cook again.

Aokiji let Tsunade cook because she wanted to make memories with him, then learned that news of their relationship had spread throughout the Uchiha Clan. He accepted the publicity and walked home with Tsunade, joking about how the village might react.

• Tsunade asked to cook dinner for Aokiji because she had looked forward to shopping and cooking with him, and he agreed.
• Aokiji and Tsunade bought a basketful of ingredients and encountered Uchiha Yashiro, who asked whether they were in a relationship.
• Aokiji confirmed the relationship and learned from Yashiro that most of the Uchiha Clan already knew about it.
• Aokiji decided he did not mind the relationship becoming public, partly because it could protect him from the village's higher-ups.
• Tsunade learned that the Uchiha Clan knew about them, and she and Aokiji headed home while joking about the village's reaction.

Tsunade made breakfast for Aokiji, then remembered she had left her little brother Nawaki at Mito's house and hurried to apologize. Meanwhile, Aokiji went to train, and Sarutobi Hiruzen rejected Danzo's proposal to extract the Five-Tails from him, leaving Danzo warning that Hiruzen would regret it.

• Tsunade prepared omurice for Aokiji, and he praised her cooking after trying it.
• Tsunade remembered she had forgotten Nawaki at Mito's house, kissed Aokiji goodbye, and rushed to see him.
• Aokiji left a note for Tsunade and went to the training grounds to make up for missing a day of training.
• Danzo urged Sarutobi Hiruzen to extract the Five-Tails from Aokiji, while Koharu and Homura voiced cautious support.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen refused, citing the war and the risk of provoking the Uchiha Clan, and Danzo warned him he would regret the decision.

Aokiji trained Ice Release: Ice Age to improve his Chakra release and prepare for Aurora Goddess's Forgiveness, an ultimate technique that would require advanced Ice Nature Chakra and a supply of environmental cold. Unable to solve its difficult preparation and Chakra demands yet, he shifted his training to compressing Ice Wheel Orb.

• Aokiji froze a stream with Ice Release: Ice Age and concluded that he had nearly reached his goal for Chakra release.
• Aokiji considered the remaining steps for Aurora Goddess's Forgiveness: concentrating and advancing his Ice Nature Chakra.
• Aokiji recognized that Aurora Goddess's Forgiveness would require him to create a frigid environment, absorb cold air, and refine a great deal of Ice Nature Chakra.
• Aokiji decided to postpone advancing his Chakra attributes and practice Chakra concentration instead.
• Aokiji formed an Ice Wheel Orb above his palm and began training to compress it.