Chapter Summaries

Watanabe Ichiro frightened Tsunade and Dan Katō while teaching them about undercover disguise, then returned to his usual gentle manner. At the Hokage's Office, Shimura Danzō shared a troubling account of a past case and urged everyone to intensify their efforts to watch over Leaf Dragon.

• Watanabe Ichiro briefly revealed a cold, imposing side to demonstrate how undercover agents should react in dangerous situations, frightening Tsunade and Dan Katō.
• Watanabe Ichiro explained that undercover work depended on keeping the objective in mind and responding to sudden developments, then returned to writing his Medical Textbook as the children left.
• Tsunade and Dan Katō told Hiruzen Sarutobi that Leaf Dragon was frightening, and Hiruzen agreed that his condition was difficult to handle.
• Shimura Danzō arrived with reparations from the Land of Wind and Land of Earth, explaining that he had faked an injury to secure extra compensation.
• Shimura Danzō recounted a past case in which a younger brother imitated his dead older brother and later killed himself, warning that Leaf Dragon might be at risk.
• Shimura Danzō urged everyone to step up their efforts because Leaf Dragon could conceal his behavior and they could not monitor him constantly.

Watanabe Ichiro watched Tsunade and Dan Katō help Leaf Dragon develop a personality distinct from his own, then attended a meeting where Konoha's leaders agreed to host the Shadow Organization under strict conditions. Hatake Sakumo asked Ichiro for help understanding why Orochimaru kept rejecting him as an experiment subject, but Orochimaru dismissed Sakumo with a dark riddle.

• Watanabe Ichiro enjoyed bullying Tsunade and Dan Katō as they visited him daily, while their companionship helped Leaf Dragon show more of his own personality.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shimura Danzō, Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Hatake Sakumo agreed to welcome the Shadow Organization, subject to limits and Konoha supervision.
• Hatake Sakumo told Watanabe Ichiro that Orochimaru kept rejecting him as an experiment subject because his readings or other prerequisites did not meet changing standards.
• Watanabe Ichiro accompanied Hatake Sakumo to Orochimaru's laboratory, where Orochimaru posed a riddle, judged Sakumo's intelligence and physical indicators inadequate, and shut the door.

Watanabe Ichiro advised Hatake Sakumo to abandon Orochimaru’s tailed-beast experiment and offered to develop a low-cost attack suited to Sakumo’s limited chakra. After realizing Sakumo had used a little trick to ask for his help, Ichiro learned that Shimura Danzō had prompted him to build a friendship with Leaf Dragon and rushed off in anger.

• Hatake Sakumo asked Watanabe Ichiro for advice after Orochimaru rejected his request to join the experiment, and Ichiro urged him to give up on it.
• Sakumo explained that he wanted enough strength to protect his comrades, so Ichiro suggested learning one of Lord Tobirama’s forbidden techniques.
• Sakumo said he lacked the chakra for Tobirama’s techniques, and Ichiro offered to devise a low-cost attack that could pierce a tailed beast’s defenses.
• Ichiro suspected Sakumo had deliberately appealed to his sympathy, and Sakumo admitted he had used a little trick to become Leaf Dragon’s closest friend and companion.
• Sakumo revealed that Shimura Danzō had told him to help Leaf Dragon feel friendship and bonds, and Ichiro bolted away, furious at Danzō.

Watanabe Ichiro discovered Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō laughing about the scheme involving him and confronted them over Konoha’s lack of trust. Hiruzen mistook Ichiro’s distress for proof that Konoha’s secret treatment and supervision had made him feel watched and betrayed.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō laughed together while watching Watanabe Ichiro through the Telescope Technique.
• Watanabe Ichiro entered the Hokage’s Office, dropped the Laboratory’s door handle, and confronted the pair.
• Watanabe Ichiro asked Hiruzen Sarutobi why he had resorted to schemes instead of directly ordering him to help Hatake Sakumo, and questioned whether Konoha trusted him.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi reconsidered Ichiro’s hardships and service to Konoha, concluding that the secret psychological treatment had burdened him rather than helped him.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi interpreted Tsunade and Dan Katō’s regular visits as surveillance and an attempt to bind Ichiro through Ichiro’s former students.

Hiruzen Sarutobi realized that Konoha’s suspicion and deception had destroyed Leaf Dragon’s trust and humanity, leaving him as an obedient weapon. As Hiruzen faced the consequences, children arrived at the Hokage’s door asking for Leaf Dragon.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi imagined how Konoha’s tests and deception might have made Leaf Dragon feel betrayed and alone.
• Leaf Dragon asked why Hiruzen had lied to him and where Lord Yilong was, then recalled that Yilong was dead.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi apologized and explained himself, but Leaf Dragon handed him the Hokage hat and offered to obey his orders.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi realized that Leaf Dragon no longer saw him as a person, only as the Hokage whose commands he must carry out.
• Children knocked and asked whether Big Brother Leaf Dragon was with Teacher Hiruzen, saying Captain Sakumo had directed them to the Hokage Building.

Watanabe Ichiro acted unusually gentle around Tsunade and Dan Katō, who worried Hiruzen Sarutobi had changed him. At the Medical Department, Ichiro accepted Hatake Sakumo’s request to become best friends, but Tsunade mistook their conversation for a secret romantic pledge, and Sakumo fled in embarrassment.

• Tsunade and Dan Katō found Watanabe Ichiro with Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō, then questioned why he seemed so normal.
• Watanabe Ichiro took Tsunade and Dan Katō back to the Medical Department, where Hatake Sakumo was waiting to speak with him.
• Ichiro forgave Hatake Sakumo for deceiving him and accepted his request before Sakumo could finish asking to become best friends.
• Tsunade objected, mistaking the exchange for a secret romantic pledge and warning Ichiro that Sakumo would abandon him.
• Ichiro clarified that they were only becoming best friends, but Tsunade glared at Sakumo, who fled in embarrassment.

Watanabe Ichiro taught Tsunade and Dan Katō undercover techniques while Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō lamented Leaf Dragon’s condition. Hatake Sakumo left the Hokage Building after failing to get advice, then unexpectedly met Chidori Cloud, who invited him for a drink.

• Watanabe Ichiro shut the Medical Department door and started a lesson, making Tsunade and Dan Katō recite their homework on undercover techniques.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō remained despondent in the Hokage Building as Hatake Sakumo arrived to ask how he could make things right with Leaf Dragon.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō told Hatake Sakumo to follow his instincts, then returned to their unfinished work.
• Hatake Sakumo nearly collided with Chidori Cloud outside the Hokage Building, recognized his former ANBU colleague, and agreed to meet her for a drink.
• Chidori Cloud went inside to report to Hiruzen Sarutobi, while Hatake Sakumo waited outside, distracted by her lingering scent.

Chidori Cloud advised Hatake Sakumo to treat Leaf Dragon as he normally did, while privately recalling how Sakumo had once rescued her and resolving to win his attention. The next morning, Sakumo tried bringing Leaf Dragon breakfast, and Watanabe Ichiro watched as Chidori Cloud coached him on returning to his usual routine.

• Hatake Sakumo discussed Leaf Dragon with Chidori Cloud over barbecue, and she urged him to be himself and get along with Leaf Dragon as usual.
• Chidori Cloud remembered how Hatake Sakumo had protected her from an Explosive Tag blast and decided she would make him hers.
• After sneezing, Watanabe Ichiro checked Black Zetsu's map marker and sent his spirit body to investigate, avoiding Dan Katō's area.
• The next morning, Hatake Sakumo brought two breakfasts to Watanabe Ichiro's door, but Ichiro shut it in his face.
• Chidori Cloud told Hatake Sakumo that best friends were not a couple and advised him to follow his normal routine, while Watanabe Ichiro observed their whispered conversation.

Watanabe Ichiro introduced Chidori Cloud to Hatake Sakumo and tried to bring the two closer while Sakumo remained oblivious to her feelings. After tasting Chidori Cloud’s cooking, Sakumo touched her scar and told her she was the one person he could not bear to lose.

• Watanabe Ichiro invited Chidori Cloud into the Medical Department to help with logistics and meet Hatake Sakumo.
• Sakumo offered his extra breakfast to Chidori Cloud, then confused everyone by saying he could eat both portions.
• Watanabe took the breakfasts, and Chidori Cloud shared a homemade lunch from her Sealing Scroll with Sakumo.
• Sakumo praised Chidori Cloud’s cooking but told her not to make lunch if it would interfere with her training.
• Sakumo touched the scar on Chidori Cloud’s forehead and said he could not bear to hear that she had died because she was the one person he did not want to lose.

Hatake Sakumo carried the feverish Chidori Cloud home after Watanabe Ichiro assured him she needed rest and someone to stay with her. Chidori Cloud mistook Sakumo’s awkward gestures for romantic signals, while Sakumo remained oblivious and hurried off when he thought she was crying.

• Chidori Cloud fainted into Hatake Sakumo’s arms, and Watanabe Ichiro told Sakumo she was exhausted and should rest at home.
• Watanabe Ichiro encouraged Sakumo to stay with Chidori Cloud, while she gave him a shaky thumbs-up in thanks.
• Sakumo asked Watanabe Ichiro about the “good stuff,” prompting Watanabe to angrily send him away.
• Sakumo carried Chidori Cloud through the corridor and covered her with his outer garment, which she interpreted as a declaration that she belonged to him.
• Sakumo adjusted the garment so Chidori Cloud could breathe, then rushed away when he thought her tears meant she was feeling worse.

Hatake Sakumo carried Chidori Cloud home, unaware that her stalking and photographs came from her love for him. After Cloud confessed and kissed him, she took the initiative while Sakumo struggled to keep up, leaving their relationship poised to become intimate.

• Hatake Sakumo recalled how he had mistaken Chidori Cloud's attempts to follow him for training and her admiration for him as professional respect.
• When Sakumo carried Cloud toward her bedroom, she used the Body Flicker Technique to escape his arms, lock the bedroom door, and throw away the key.
• Cloud tried to attack Sakumo, but their reflexes made them trip and fall together, each trying to protect the other from injury.
• Cloud pinned Sakumo's hands, confessed that she loved him, and asked why he had never recognized her feelings.
• Sakumo started to respond, but Cloud kissed him and warned that she would proceed unless he pushed her away.

Watanabe Ichiro attended the monthly report meeting, where Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō argued over whether to use Leaf Dragon as a weapon or give him more time. Hiruzen’s suspicion that Danzō had deliberately caused Leaf Dragon’s transformation left their mistrust deepened.

• Watanabe Ichiro returned to his duties after arranging for Hatake Sakumo and Chidori Cloud to become a couple.
• Watanabe Ichiro brought the Medical Department’s monthly report to Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō.
• Shimura Danzō urged Hiruzen Sarutobi to transfer Leaf Dragon to Root, but Hiruzen asked for more time.
• Shimura Danzō ordered Watanabe Ichiro to act as he did around Tsunade and the others, and Watanabe Ichiro immediately complied.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi accused Shimura Danzō of deliberately causing Leaf Dragon’s transformation, and Danzō’s reaction convinced him the suspicion might be true.

Hiruzen Sarutobi accused Shimura Danzō of manipulating events around Leaf Dragon, but Danzō insisted he was innocent and argued that Konoha should use Leaf Dragon as a resource. Hiruzen struck him after hearing him speak of Leaf Dragon as a tool, leaving the two old friends furious and at odds.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi apologized for accusing Shimura Danzō, though he still suspected him.
• Shimura Danzō explained that he had not planned anything and urged Hiruzen to use Leaf Dragon to help Konoha advance.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi punched Shimura Danzō after he described Leaf Dragon as a resource for Konoha and Root.
• Shimura Danzō hit the wall, recovered, and glared at Hiruzen Sarutobi with rising killing intent.

Shimura Danzō and Hiruzen Sarutobi argued over the Leaf Dragon affair until Danzō prepared a lethal Fire Release attack. Leaf Dragon stepped between them, and the chapter ended as Danzō’s fire dragon engulfed both Leaf Dragon and Hiruzen.

• Shimura Danzō accused Hiruzen Sarutobi of blaming him unfairly for the failed Leaf Dragon plan and challenged him to fight to the death.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi regretted striking Danzō and struggled with his doubts about whether he could bear the responsibilities of Hokage.
• As Danzō formed Fire Release seals, Leaf Dragon moved in front of Hiruzen and did not defend himself.
• Shimura Danzō completed his jutsu and sent a fire dragon through Leaf Dragon and Hiruzen Sarutobi, engulfing them in flames.

After Leaf Dragon’s attack forced Shimura Danzō to confront Hiruzen Sarutobi, Hiruzen remembered how their childhood rivalry began and recognized the hurt and misunderstandings behind Danzō’s resentment. Hiruzen apologized and embraced Danzō, who cursed and struggled but gradually calmed.

• The fire dragon struck a tree outside the Hokage’s office and vanished, while Shimura Danzō demanded that Leaf Dragon join Root and insisted he had never betrayed Hiruzen Sarutobi.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi recalled his first sparring match with Shimura Danzō, their argument over Danzō’s clever tactics, and how their childhood accusations and pranks turned them into enemies.
• Hiruzen remembered how others’ labels had shaped Shimura Danzō’s self-image and wondered what he had been afraid of and avoiding.
• Hiruzen pushed Leaf Dragon aside, embraced Shimura Danzō, and apologized for everything.
• Shimura Danzō cursed and struggled against Hiruzen, then fell quiet as his anger settled and he focused on how to kill him.

Watanabe Ichiro used Leaf Dragon and Coincidence to resolve much of the conflict between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō, and the two agreed on who would direct Leaf Dragon. Danzō left the Hokage’s office with Leaf Dragon, pondering the charred tree outside.

• Watanabe Ichiro reflected on how years of mistrust had strained Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō, and how Coincidence had helped them confront their conflict.
• After someone knocked to check on them, Shimura Danzō broke free from Hiruzen Sarutobi and told Leaf Dragon to come with him.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered Leaf Dragon to stay with Danzō and clarified that, while he served as Hokage, Leaf Dragon should follow Danzō if their orders conflicted.
• Shimura Danzō left the office with Leaf Dragon, postponed the day’s work reports until tomorrow, and sent the waiting crowd away.
• Outside, Shimura Danzō stared at the charred remains of a tree and reflected on how easily destruction and death could come.

Shimura Danzō reassigned Leaf Dragon to Root and ordered him to improve tailed-beast sealing so ordinary ninja could use tailed-beast power. As Leaf Dragon began his new role, his friends exchanged gifts with him before a noisy visit ended in a playful scuffle.

• Shimura Danzō examined Leaf Dragon's medical textbook and ordered him to develop improved tailed-beast sealing for ordinary ninja.
• Leaf Dragon became an honorary adviser to the Medical Department and began working for Root, ending Tsunade and Dan Katō's lessons with him.
• Tsunade and Dan Katō gave Leaf Dragon Tactical Gloves, and he repaid them with improved techniques.
• Chidori Cloud gave Leaf Dragon a food-filled Sealing Scroll, and he gave her beauty and figure-maintenance medicines.
• Hatake Sakumo arrived without a gift, so Chidori Cloud coached him into giving hers to Leaf Dragon, who teased him by withholding a scroll.
• Tsunade kicked Hatake Sakumo for clinging to Leaf Dragon, and Leaf Dragon pushed him away amid the commotion.

Watanabe Ichiro sought Mito Uzumaki’s help with advanced Sealing Jutsu and rapidly learned the modules, streamlining techniques, and formulas she taught him. He left that evening after astonishing Mito with his speed, while she struggled to understand how he had learned so much in one day.

• Watanabe Ichiro asked Shimura Danzō for a teacher after hitting a wall with advanced Sealing Jutsu.
• Shimura Danzō arranged for Mito Uzumaki to teach Watanabe Ichiro, who visited her study and waited while she finished her work.
• Watanabe Ichiro demonstrated the B-rank Fire Sealing Method, confirming his rapid progress to Mito Uzumaki.
• Mito Uzumaki taught Watanabe Ichiro advanced Sealing Jutsu modules and streamlining techniques, but he had already memorized them and answered her questions correctly.
• Watanabe Ichiro learned a formula that had taken Mito Uzumaki half a year to master, leaving her dazed when he departed.

After Mito Uzumaki finished teaching Watanabe Ichiro, she tested an unfinished technique formula that let him perceive other people’s emotions. When he pretended it had triggered an old injury, Mito saw a terrible scar on his chest and began to suspect its origin.

• Mito Uzumaki lamented that Watanabe Ichiro had mastered everything she could teach him and worried about his emotional emptiness.
• Mito Uzumaki struck Watanabe Ichiro in the chest to test her technique formula, which made others’ emotions visible to him as mist.
• Watanabe Ichiro saw Mito Uzumaki’s concern and self-reproach, then pretended the technique had aggravated an old injury.
• Mito Uzumaki opened Watanabe Ichiro’s clothing, saw a hideous scar on his chest, and recalled his past experiences.

Watanabe Ichiro tested the effects of Mito Uzumaki’s sealing formula and escaped her attempts to comfort him. Meanwhile, the Shadow Organization announced its visit to Konoha, and Gyuki raised the organization’s name at a tailed beast meeting.

• Mito Uzumaki saw Watanabe Ichiro’s scar and apologized, while her sealing formula caused him to feel brief guilt.
• Mito Uzumaki tried to embrace Watanabe Ichiro, but he resisted, dispelled her barrier, and left using the Body Flicker Technique.
• Watanabe Ichiro returned to Root’s archive room and began working out the Sealing Jutsu Formula himself.
• The Shadow Organization sent Konoha a gold-leaf letter naming a date for its visit, prompting Konoha to strengthen defenses and prepare the route.
• Gyuki gathered the tailed beasts and asked whether they had heard of the Shadow Organization.