Chapter Summaries

Shōgatsu argued that the Hagoromo should pursue peace with the Senju and avoid turning against the Fuma, and the Old Clan Leader agreed to prepare for talks. Setsuna accepted Shōgatsu’s strategic warning, earned Rebellion Points for rejecting his own plan, and upgraded his Focus Points.

• Shōgatsu reported that the Senju had captured the Cliff Stronghold without slaughtering its defenders and argued that the Hagoromo should negotiate peace before winter.
• Shōgatsu revealed that the Hagoromo had captured ten Senju, giving them leverage, and the Old Clan Leader agreed to ask the Sarutobi to sound out the Senju while holding the main front.
• Shōgatsu urged the clan to abandon its plan to lure the Fuma or Blood Horse into a deadly trap, warning that crippling the Fuma could drive them to ally with the Senju.
• The Old Clan Leader asked Setsuna for his view, and Setsuna admitted that Shōgatsu had a point about the dangers of the plan.
• Setsuna gained twenty-nine Rebellion Points in total, spent fifteen to raise his Focus Points to level three, and was left with fourteen points.

Tobirama considered the Hagoromo’s new battlefield tactics and weighed the clan’s weakened defenses against its Uchiha support as peace talks approached. He learned that the Hagoromo had asked the Sarutobi to mediate, leaving him to decide how to pursue negotiations without surrendering the Senju’s advantage.

• Senju Shuto reported that the Hagoromo had used a novel dust-explosion attack and countered the Senju’s Water Release and shuriken tactic.
• Tobirama suspected the Hagoromo had adapted one of his tactics, but rejected Shuto’s suggestion that Uchiha Izuna had devised their plan.
• Tobirama considered the seven Hagoromo captives, Uchiha support, and the Fuma Clan’s seizure of the Hagoromo’s Sixth Settlement as factors affecting the balance of power.
• Tobirama recalled that Hashirama had forbidden him from escalating the war, despite his belief that the Senju could crush the Hagoromo’s defenses.
• Shuto told Tobirama that the Hagoromo had approached the Sarutobi Clan to serve as intermediaries, signaling that they wanted peace.

Shōgatsu captured Fuma and Blood Horse troops and used the prisoners to pressure their clans into renewed cooperation with the Hagoromo. As Izuna and Shōgatsu considered how Tobirama might sabotage peace talks, Setsuna fell asleep beside them.

• Shōgatsu used the Pentagram Formation to trap and capture Fuma and Blood Horse squads, then joined Hagoromo sensory ninja and Uchiha Jonin to capture more sentries.
• Shōgatsu sent lightly injured prisoners home with letters demanding explanations, pressed the Fuma to send their young clan leader as a hostage, and treated the Blood Horse as a smaller threat to be reprimanded and reassured.
• The Old Clan Leader recognized Shōgatsu's leadership abilities but worried that his lack of the Heavenly Eye would prevent him from earning the Hagoromo Clan's respect and inheriting the clan leadership.
• As Izuna and Shōgatsu discussed how Tobirama might undermine the peace talks, the exhausted Setsuna fell asleep against Izuna, who covered him with his robe.
• Izuna and Shōgatsu continued considering Tobirama's options, including spreading distrust among the Fuma and seizing the Blood Horse territory to attack the Hagoromo.

Setsuna struggled to awaken Yin Release by channeling anger at Madara, but his outburst earned him a beating from Izuna. Izuna took him back toward the Uchiha after revealing Setsuna was likely to become the clan heir, and Setsuna provoked him again by suggesting Madara liked men.

• Setsuna realized ordinary chakra vanished when he tried to channel it into his shadow, and concluded he needed to increase its spiritual-energy proportion.
• Remembering Madara killing him in the arena filled Setsuna with rage, making his chakra churn and the edge of his shadow twitch.
• Setsuna loudly insulted Madara, earning three blows from Izuna and two rebellion points before Izuna ordered him to scrub floors for a month.
• Izuna carried Setsuna toward the First Settlement, explaining that Hagoromo and the Senju were negotiating and that Setsuna would return to the Uchiha with Toshihi.
• Izuna revealed that Setsuna was provisionally set to become the Uchiha clan heir, and Setsuna joked that Madara was gay and shipped with Hashirama.
• Izuna dropped Setsuna and struck him again, adding another month of floor-scrubbing punishment while Setsuna celebrated gaining five rebellion points.

Setsuna’s convoy was ambushed by Tobirama Senju’s forces, who used the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique to search for a hidden Uchiha leader. Setsuna awakened Yin Release and unleashed enormous shadow hands, allowing the Uchiha group to escape.

• Izuna left Setsuna with Toshihi as the children and escorts prepared to return to Uchiha territory.
• Toshihi led the eight children along a longer, safer route, but Tobirama Senju trapped them in darkness with the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique.
• Tobirama’s men searched the children and realized one of them was especially important after finding eight children instead of the seven in their intelligence report.
• When Tobirama reached for Kagami and Setsuna, Kagami slapped his hand away to protect Setsuna.
• Setsuna’s emotions awakened his Yin Release chakra, and he summoned huge shadow hands that attacked the Senju forces while insulting Madara Uchiha.
• Toshihi ordered a retreat, and the four Uchiha jonin used Fire Dragon Bite to drive back their pursuers and escape with the children.

The Uchiha group escaped Tobirama Senju’s pursuit after Setsuna used an immature Shadow Technique to block the Senju ninjas. Back in Uchiha Territory, Setsuna learned he had been insulting his own ancestors and impressed the children with his new technique, while Tobirama recognized him as a potential threat and considered exploiting his apparent conflict with Madara Uchiha.

• Setsuna used shadow hands to slow the Senju pursuers, allowing Toshihi and the others to carry the children into Uchiha Territory.
• Toshihi threatened to report Setsuna to the Disciplinary Hall after he insulted Madara Uchiha, and Kagami explained that the clan shared the same ancestors.
• Setsuna realized he had been cursing his own ancestors, then recovered his confidence by naming his ninjutsu the Ten Shadows Technique.
• Setsuna taught the children hand signs for Diglett and Dugtrio, until Toshihi warned them that the middle finger was offensive.
• Tobirama learned that a young Uchiha had used a hand-seal-less shadow technique and considered using Setsuna’s apparent dissatisfaction with Madara to deepen conflict within the clan.

After Setsuna was punished and locked in the Small Buddha Hall, Kagami visited him with healing ointment, and the two accepted each other as brothers. Outside, the second elder explained that shaving Setsuna’s distinctive hairstyle was also meant to protect him from Senju assassins who might target him after Tobirama saw his abilities.

• Toshihi brought Setsuna to the Disciplinary Hall, where Uchiha Izumo beat his soles and ordered his head shaved before locking him in the Small Buddha Hall.
• Setsuna endured the pain and boredom in the hall until Kagami brought him ointment and offered to share his food.
• Setsuna joked with Kagami, then apologized for upsetting him and called him Big Brother Kagami.
• Kagami stroked Setsuna’s head and promised to take good care of him as his little brother.
• Toshihi questioned the severity of Setsuna’s punishment, and the second elder explained that shaving his distinctive hair could foil Senju assassins seeking him after Tobirama saw his talent.

Confined in the Small Buddha Hall, Setsuna found a stone Madara Uchiha had left behind and reflected on the failures of the shinobi world’s political order. He experimented with his unstable Shadow Technique, discovered a sequence of hand seals that made shadow weapons tangible, and ended with a new idea for using them.

• Setsuna ate the rice balls and dried plums Kagami had brought, then struggled with the silence of his confinement.
• Setsuna found a carved skipping stone wedged by the altar and realized Madara Uchiha had likely been confined in the hall too.
• Setsuna considered the history of Konoha and concluded that neither the Warring States era nor the village system solved the shinobi world’s problems.
• Setsuna experimented with his Shadow Technique, using the seals Rooster, Pig, Monkey, Snake, and Rabbit to solidify shadow weapons.
• Setsuna’s shadow kunai flew toward him, grazed his cheek, and embedded itself in the wall, proving that his technique could create real weapons and potentially traps.

Toshihi reported Izuna's decision to the Uchiha Council of Elders, then learned how Huo Rong died and that Setsuko Kurama would submit herself to the Uchiha. When Toshihi and Izumo hurried to check on Setsuna after hearing of possible trouble, they found him unharmed and gleefully practicing with weapons in the Small Buddha Hall.

• Toshihi told the Uchiha Council of Elders that Izuna could not return for the time being, and the elders debated the clan's depleted strength and their duty to help the Hagoromo.
• Izumo agreed to release Setsuna so he could attend his parents' cremation and explained that Huo Rong had died saving Setsuko Kurama from a genjutsu-induced mental collapse.
• Toshihi said Setsuna had a right to know the truth, while Izumo worried that the revelation could turn his grief into hatred toward the Kurama Clan.
• Izumo told Toshihi that Setsuko Kurama would come to the Uchiha alone and accept whatever decision they made.
• A young Disciplinary Hall genin reported weapon marks at the Buddha hall, so Izumo and Toshihi rushed there using the Body Flicker Technique.
• Setsuna cut through the Small Buddha Hall's door bar with a Scythe Blade and revealed himself happily practicing with weapons and Shadow Hands.

Setsuna wrecked the Small Buddha Hall while testing a new shadow-hand technique, then admitted his wrongdoing to the Second Elder. As the Second Elder carried him to say goodbye to his deceased parents, a messenger announced Kurama Setsuko’s arrival.

• Setsuna used his shadow hands to wield large weapons and accidentally demolished much of the Small Buddha Hall while practicing.
• The Second Elder and Toshihi found the damaged hall, and Setsuna hid beneath the shrine before crawling out to accept responsibility.
• The Second Elder praised Setsuna’s talent, then made him list the rules he had broken and warned him that the damage would have consequences.
• The Second Elder told Setsuna that the seventh day since his parents’ deaths had arrived and carried him to say goodbye to Huorong and Shunzi.
• A messenger genin arrived and told Lord Izumo that Kurama Setsuko had arrived.

At his parents’ cremation, Setsuna confronted Kurama Setsuko, the girl whose breakdown had led to their deaths, and urged her to live with dignity rather than seek death. Setsuko agreed to honor Huorong and Shunzi, while a clan head arrived at the cremation ground.

• Setsuna watched over his parents and unborn brother’s coffins and struggled with whether to hate Setsuko.
• Toshihi allowed Setsuko, Huorong’s partner, into the cremation ground to say goodbye.
• Setsuna told Setsuko he hated her and would not forgive her, while she repeatedly apologized and asked him to kill her.
• Setsuna urged Setsuko to stand up and prove she was worth the lives Huorong and Shunzi had given to save her.
• Setsuko wiped away her tears and agreed to honor Huorong and Shunzi, and the system announced that Setsuna had changed her fate of dying to join the deceased.
• A voice outside the cremation ground called out to the clan head, who arrived and asked if they were late.

At Huorong’s cremation, Madara Uchiha challenged Kurama Setsuko’s presence among the Uchiha, while Setsuna defended her. Setsuko revealed that she had sealed herself against losing control and claimed an unknown attacker had invaded her mind; Madara left her case with Toshihi.

• Madara Uchiha arrived at the cremation ground and explained that Huorong was his cousin.
• Madara used a Great Fireball to ignite the funeral pyres, enraging Setsuna.
• Madara questioned why Kurama Setsuko had been allowed onto Uchiha grounds, and Setsuna stepped in front of her to defend her.
• Kurama Setsuko revealed a self-inflicted cursed seal that would kill her if she lost control, then said Huorong had killed a stranger inside her mental world.
• Setsuko suggested identifying the dead ninja hired by the Lord of Anshan City to find the attacker, then begged to remain with the Uchiha.
• Madara told Toshihi to handle Setsuko’s case, and Setsuko thanked him.

After Madara Uchiha accidentally made a four-year-old cry at the cremation ground, Setsuna and Kagami struggled to comfort him while the adults fled. Kurama Setsuko returned Huorong’s keepsake to Setsuna, who shared its last pieces of candy with her and the children before heading to find Toshihi.

• Madara Uchiha set fire to the cremation pit while the four-year-old watched his older brother’s body burn, then fled after the child began wailing.
• Madara left Toshihi to escort the children, but Toshihi also departed, leaving Setsuna and Kagami to calm the child.
• Setsuna threatened the child and offered to show him a jutsu, while Kagami distracted him with finger tricks and a story about defeating Madara.
• Kurama Setsuko gave Setsuna Huorong’s pouch, which held three pieces of candy he had left for her.
• Setsuna shared the candy with the child, Kagami, and Setsuko, who cried after tasting it.
• Setsuna tucked the pouch away and went to find Toshihi, expecting matters with Hagoromo to be ending now that Madara had returned.

Setsuna blocked Madara Uchiha at the east gate and argued that intervening in the Hagoromo-Senju war would undermine the Hagoromo’s negotiating power. Madara agreed to take him along if he could prove his strength, and Setsuna challenged him to a fight.

• Setsuna explained to Kagami why Madara would likely use the east gate and insisted he needed to join the mission to the Hagoromo.
• Madara overheard Setsuna insulting him, while Toshihi, Kagami, and Xiao An braced for his reaction.
• Setsuna argued that Madara’s plan to force a ceasefire would make the Hagoromo and other clans resent the Uchiha, and suggested secretly supporting the Hagoromo after Hashirama acted.
• Madara gave Setsuna five minutes to prove his strength before agreeing to take him along.
• Setsuna spent rebellion points to raise his stamina and recovery, then challenged Madara to beat him within fifty-nine seconds.

Setsuna fought Madara Uchiha in the clearing, using Shadow Hands, a scythe, and a Great Fireball to create an opening, but Madara outmaneuvered and defeated him. Madara recognized Setsuna’s exceptional combat instincts and talent as Toshihi took him away.

• Setsuna attacked Madara Uchiha with a kick and kunai, then used a Shadow Hand to escape Madara’s counter.
• Setsuna wielded a scythe with Shadow Hands, but Madara deflected each strike without moving from his spot.
• Setsuna used a Great Fireball to deepen Madara’s shadow and attacked him with hidden Shadow Hands, cutting his calves before Madara substituted with a log.
• Madara caught Setsuna from behind, tossed him to Toshihi, and said that Setsuna was his to handle.
• Kagami and Xiao An praised Setsuna’s fighting, while Toshihi flicked his forehead for cursing Madara in his thoughts.
• Madara reflected on Setsuna’s clever tactics and rare talent.

Madara Uchiha met with the Hagoromo leaders and agreed to wait for Hashirama Senju to act before deciding whether to join the fighting. Outside the meeting room, Setsuna tried to eavesdrop until Hagoromo Gengetsu caught him at knifepoint.

• Madara Uchiha reunited with his exhausted brother Izuna, and Setsuna teased them before Izuna rapped him on the head.
• Madara entered a meeting with the Hagoromo leaders, where the Fourth Settlement captain criticized the Uchiha for leaving the Hagoromo exposed to Hashirama Senju.
• Madara said he would hold the rear and wait for Hashirama to make his move, allowing the Hagoromo to respond while preserving the Uchiha's moral standing.
• Setsuna was left outside the meeting room, failed to hear through its protective barrier, and amused himself by imagining what was happening inside.
• Hagoromo Gengetsu caught Setsuna eavesdropping and pressed a blade against his neck, warning that spies were dealt with.

Setsuna joked about his bald head and declared his ambition to defeat Madara and Hashirama, leaving Gengetsu both bewildered and impressed. When Gengetsu went to meet Sarutobi Sasuke, Setsuna insisted on tagging along in disguise and proposed posing as Gengetsu’s little sister.

• Gengetsu introduced himself as captain of the Third Assault Squad, and Setsuna declared he would string up Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju and beat them.
• Gengetsu said his goal was to help Lord Shōgatsu make the Hagoromo Clan the greatest clan in the Shinobi World, while Setsuna urged him to dream bigger.
• A Chunin reported that Lord Sarutobi Sasuke had arrived at the Second Settlement, and Gengetsu set out to receive him.
• Setsuna asked to accompany Gengetsu, and Gengetsu warned that the Sarutobi Clan traded in intelligence.
• Setsuna proposed dressing as a girl and pretending to be Gengetsu’s little sister, so Gengetsu carried him toward the Second Settlement to find a disguise.

Setsuna dressed as a shrine maiden and called himself Sailor Moon while accompanying Gengetsu to meet Sarutobi Sasuke and Hiruzen Sarutobi. He tried to manipulate the Sarutobi into carrying false intelligence to the Senju, but the little white ape stole his wig and exposed his bald head.

• Setsuna came out of the changing room in a shrine maiden outfit, chose the name Sailor Moon, and convinced Gengetsu to accept him as his younger sister.
• Gengetsu introduced Setsuna to Sarutobi Sasuke and Hiruzen Sarutobi, whose palm-sized white ape teased Hiruzen during the meeting.
• Setsuna provoked Hiruzen into revealing that Sarutobi Sasuke had recently met with Hashirama Senju, then inferred that Hashirama was in the camp.
• Setsuna and Gengetsu suggested that the Uchiha would not help the Hagoromo, hoping Sarutobi Sasuke would pass misleading information to the Senju, but Sasuke showed no reaction.
• The white ape sneaked behind Setsuna, stole his wig, and exposed his bald head in front of everyone.

Setsuna concealed his bald head by pretending to be a humiliated Hagoromo noblewoman after Enma stole his wig, then used the commotion to leave Sarutobi Sasuke’s reception. Hiruzen followed him, and Setsuna decided he might use the boy to gather information and mislead Sasuke.

• Setsuna covered his bald head and ordered Gengetsu to throw out the Sarutobi visitors, while Gengetsu backed his act by claiming he had shaved his head because of an illness.
• Enma played with Setsuna’s wig as Hiruzen apologized, and Sarutobi Sasuke retrieved it and offered Setsuna Cherry Blossom Herb Rice Cakes.
• Setsuna rejected the apology gift, snatched back the tangled wig, and stormed out of the reception room.
• Setsuna worried that Sasuke might use chakra on the wig to monitor him, but saw an opportunity to exploit the six-year-old Hiruzen for information.
• Hiruzen followed Setsuna, who stopped and angrily demanded to know why he was following him.

Setsuna deduced that Sarutobi Sasuke had brought Hiruzen Sarutobi to befriend the Senju Clan's young heir, Naoki. After learning Naoki was eight and strong, Setsuna ran toward the Hagoromo Clan Territory, intending to tell Izuna that Hashirama Senju's son was near the battlefield.

• Setsuna concluded that Hiruzen Sarutobi's visit was meant to help him befriend the Senju Clan's young heir.
• Setsuna asked Hiruzen about the heir, and Hiruzen identified him as Naoki, an eight-year-old stronger than himself.
• Setsuna pretended to wonder whether Naoki might become his future husband through a marriage alliance.
• Hiruzen insulted Setsuna by calling him spoiled and bald, and Setsuna pretended to take offense.
• Setsuna ran toward the Hagoromo Clan Territory to tell Izuna about Naoki's presence near the battlefield.