Arc 3The Battle for the Land of Fire

Xuan Zhe led Konoha through escalating battles against Kumogakure and Kirigakure, breaking Madara’s scheme and rescuing Rin while the war devastated the Land of Fire. As Konoha’s forces converged on the Western Front, Xuan Zhe pushed to end the conflict by exploiting the clash between Iwagakure and Kumogakure.

  • Xuan Zhe and Hatake Sakumo fought A and Killer B, but Killer B transformed into the Eight-Tails and forced Konoha’s forces to retreat, and Xuan Zhe exposed a White Zetsu disguised as Tsunade and rescued Rin.
  • After A died from his wounds, the Third Raikage vowed revenge, while Kirigakure and Iwagakure advanced toward the Land of Fire and Hiruzen Sarutobi led Konoha reinforcements south.
  • The Third Mizukage defeated Hiruzen’s force at the Land of Whirlpools, and Xuan Zhe refused to send northern troops until Kirigakure invaded the Land of Fire and the southern crisis became unavoidable.
  • Xuan Zhe joined Hiruzen’s battered forces and took charge of the defense, then confronted the Third Mizukage, who trapped him in an Izanami loop while Kirigakure captured Rin.
  • Xuan Zhe released Ryūjin Jakka, broke free of Izanami, killed the Third Mizukage, and defeated the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist before rescuing Rin from Raiga Kurosuki.
  • Xuan Zhe arranged for Mei Terumi to join Rin’s squad, told Rin that Obito had died, and traveled west with both girls to reunite with Tsunade, Minato Namikaze, and Jiraiya.
  • After learning that Kakashi and Obito had destroyed Kannabi Bridge and that Obito had saved Kakashi, Xuan Zhe rejected Jiraiya’s invitation to take matters into his own hands.
  • When Ōnoki launched Iwagakure’s assault on the Third Raikage’s force, Xuan Zhe urged Konoha to exploit the battle and end the war, as the Raikage fought off Dust Release and Earth Flow Spears.
Chapters 51–75 Vol. 1 Read

Ch. 51Chapter 51

Konoha and Kumogakure faced off in a major battle, and Xuan Zhe and Hatake Sakumo launched a sudden assault on A and Killer B. Xuan Zhe’s spiritual pressure overwhelmed the battlefield and his blade wounded A, while Killer B began transferring the Eight-Tails’ chakra to heal him.

  • The Third Raikage accepted Dodai’s plan to attack Konoha’s defensive line and said he would pierce Minato with his Hell Stab.
  • Minato failed to change his Rasengan enough to penetrate the Third Raikage’s Lightning Release Armor, and Tsunade said she would face him herself.
  • Hatake Sakumo, now commanding Konoha’s front line, prepared to meet A and Killer B alongside Xuan Zhe as both armies gathered for battle.
  • Xuan Zhe and Hatake Sakumo charged the A-B Combo, striking them and blasting nearby Kumogakure shinobi away.
  • Xuan Zhe unleashed spiritual pressure that incapacitated fighters on both sides, then slashed a strip of flesh from A’s right arm.
  • The Eight-Tails urged Killer B to share its chakra with A, and Killer B sent out tentacles to heal his brother as lightning erupted.

Ch. 52Chapter 52

Xuan Zhe and Hatake Sakumo faced A and Killer B in a decisive battle as their forces fought across the battlefield. The brothers countered the A-B Combo’s Double Lariat, and Xuan Zhe awakened Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni’s Sword Intent before leaving A fatally wounded.

  • Hatake Sakumo severed an octopus tentacle, while A attacked Xuan Zhe with Lariat and Xuan Zhe blasted him away with Sword Pressure.
  • Hatake Sakumo wounded Killer B, whose Tailed Beast Chakra quickly healed the cuts as the armies of Kumogakure and Konoha fought nearby.
  • A and Killer B launched their Double Lariat against the Hatake brothers, who answered with Stormlight White Fang and Demon Fire.
  • Xuan Zhe’s Zanpakutō evolution reached 8%, awakening Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni’s Sword Intent.
  • Killer B began breaking through the brothers’ combined attack, while Xuan Zhe pierced A’s abdomen and stood unharmed.

Ch. 53Chapter 53

Xuan Zhe wounded A, but Killer B transformed into the Eight-Tails and disrupted the battle, forcing Konoha’s forces to retreat. White Zetsu’s failed attempt to impersonate Tsunade revealed a plot involving Obito, while A’s survival remained uncertain.

  • Xuan Zhe struck A and tried to finish him, but Killer B transformed into the Eight-Tails and rescued A with a tentacle.
  • The rampaging Eight-Tails attacked the battlefield, and Shikaku Nara ordered Konoha’s forces to fall back.
  • Tsunade appeared to lead Rin Nohara away, but Xuan Zhe exposed and killed the disguised White Zetsu, then carried Rin toward the base.
  • Xuan Zhe and Hatake Sakumo retreated while the Eight-Tails set A down and allowed Kumogakure’s medics to treat him.
  • White Zetsu and Tobi recovered the dead clone and returned to report their failed mission to Madara, who had targeted Obito and the girl he cared about.
  • At the main camp, Shikaku Nara reviewed Konoha’s casualties, and Hatake Sakumo warned that A might survive his wound.

Ch. 54Chapter 54

Xuan Zhe moved Rin Nohara into his quarters to protect her, while Madara planned to abduct her covertly. After A died from his wounds, the Third Raikage learned of his son’s death and vowed revenge on Hatake Xuanzhe and Konoha.

  • Shikaku Nara asked where Xuan Zhe was, and Sakumo said he had gone to move.
  • Xuan Zhe brought Rin Nohara to live in his quarters, saying he needed to protect her from another attack.
  • Madara learned that Rin was staying with Hatake Xuanzhe and decided to act covertly.
  • Medical Ninja told Killer B that A could not be saved, and a Cloud Ninja sent word to the Third Raikage.
  • The Third Raikage learned that A had died and swore to kill Hatake Xuanzhe and destroy Konoha.

Ch. 55Chapter 55

The Third Raikage considered Kirigakure’s offer to join forces with Iwagakure against the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, while Dodai urged him to protect Killer B. At the Konoha camp, Minato Namikaze announced that nearly nine hundred ninja from the Land of Earth and the Land of Water were advancing toward the southeastern coast.

  • Dodai stopped the furious Third Raikage from changing course and urged him to secure Killer B’s safety and establish a defensive line.
  • Karatachi Yagura delivered the Third Mizukage’s secret alliance proposal, offering a coastal attack if Kumogakure kept pressure on Konoha.
  • The Third Raikage consulted Dodai and his elite Jonin, agreeing to keep fighting while waiting to see whether Kirigakure and Iwagakure committed troops.
  • Ōnoki received Kirigakure’s proposal to join the assault on the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind.
  • At the Konoha camp, Minato Namikaze announced that nearly nine hundred ninja from the Land of Earth and the Land of Water were advancing toward the southeastern coast.

Ch. 56Chapter 56

Hiruzen Sarutobi learned that Kirigakure’s forces had broken through toward the Land of Whirlpools ruins and decided to lead Konoha’s remaining forces to the coast. He ordered Danzo, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura to join him, leaving Biwako Sarutobi to manage the village.

  • Utatane Koharu and the Elders Council reflected that blaming Orochimaru for the Shisui Uchiha affair had spared the Land of Fire from making the Land of Wind an enemy.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo discussed Konoha’s depleted forces and the lack of reinforcements available for the fronts.
  • A Shiranui shinobi reported that four thousand Kirigakure troops led by the Third Mizukage had broken through Konoha’s first defensive line and were nearing the Land of Whirlpools ruins.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi decided to go to the coastal front and ordered Danzo, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura to accompany him, with Biwako Sarutobi serving as Acting Hokage.
  • Eight thousand Konoha shinobi assembled at the Main Gate and cheered as Hiruzen Sarutobi prepared to lead them out.

Ch. 57Chapter 57

Hiruzen Sarutobi led Konoha’s eight-thousand-strong army toward the southeastern front, while Xuan Zhe’s forces continued facing Kumogakure in the north. When Hiruzen requested reinforcements, Xuan Zhe told Hyuga Hiashi to claim they could not spare troops for six months, leaving Hiashi alarmed at the deception.

  • Might Guy loudly mocked Danzo for losing an arm to the Raikage’s son, and the Konoha ranks snickered as Danzo searched for the heckler.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi rallied the troops with a speech about the Will of Fire and led the army toward the southeastern front with Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Danzo.
  • Xuan Zhe learned that Hiruzen wanted his forces to reinforce the southeastern front after driving Kumogakure back, and he laughed at the request.
  • Xuan Zhe beat Hatake Sakumo at Chinese chess again and refused to play another game.
  • Xuan Zhe told Hyuga Hiashi to report that the northern fighting would prevent reinforcements for at least six months, though Hiashi expected the front to be settled within a month.

Ch. 58Chapter 58

The Third Mizukage, controlled by Madara Uchiha, attacked Hiruzen Sarutobi’s Konoha forces in the Land of Whirlpools. After the Mizukage’s Ice Clone trapped Hiruzen’s staff in ice, he surrounded Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō with Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals.

  • Rin Nohara considered who would win a fight between the Elders Council and Kirigakure, but Xuan Zhe dismissed the idea of betting with her.
  • The Third Mizukage learned that Hiruzen Sarutobi and the other former students of Tobirama Senju had occupied the Land of Whirlpools, and Madara Uchiha prepared to fight them through his control of the Mizukage.
  • A Hayate Clan Chunin warned Hiruzen Sarutobi that the Third Mizukage was attacking with about two thousand men.
  • The Third Mizukage’s ice attack injured Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, and Juzo Biwa killed a medical ninja before Danzo drove him back with Wind Release.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi’s staff struck an Ice Clone, which froze the weapon, and the Third Mizukage trapped Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō inside Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals.

Ch. 59Chapter 59

Kirigakure defeated Konoha at the Land of Whirlpools ruins, forcing Hiruzen Sarutobi to retreat and seek reinforcements. When Utatane Koharu brought his appeal north, Hatake Xuanzhe and Senju Nawaki mocked the defeat, and Koharu asked Hatake Sakumo to send help.

  • The Third Mizukage trapped Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Konoha Elders Council F4 in Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals while Kirigakure fought Konoha’s forces.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō rescued Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, then ordered Konoha to retreat as Kirigakure captured the Land of Whirlpools ruins.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi learned that Shikaku Nara expected the northern forces to need six more months, so he sent Utatane Koharu to demand reinforcements and Mitokado Homura to find Jiraiya.
  • Utatane Koharu reached the northern headquarters and reported Kirigakure’s advance, prompting Hatake Xuanzhe and Senju Nawaki to laugh at Hiruzen Sarutobi’s defeat.
  • Utatane Koharu appealed to Hatake Sakumo to send troops south and protect the people of the Land of Fire.

Ch. 60Chapter 60

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura failed to secure reinforcements for Hiruzen Sarutobi from either Xuan Zhe’s front or Jiraiya’s Western Front. Hiruzen learned that Jiraiya would remain with Minato Namikaze and Tsunade, leaving the southeastern front to face Kirigakure without help.

  • Hatake Sakumo refused Utatane Koharu’s request for reinforcements, and Nawaki challenged her account of the fighting while the clan heads stayed silent.
  • Xuan Zhe struck Koharu’s departing Shadow Clone with a teacup, then explained to Nawaki that the old leaders had not come in person.
  • The real Utatane Koharu received her clone’s memories at an inn in the Land of Hot Water and furiously smashed her teacup.
  • Jiraiya refused Mitokado Homura’s request to reinforce Hiruzen Sarutobi, citing the greater danger on the Western Front, where Kumogakure and Iwagakure outnumbered Minato Namikaze’s forces.
  • Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura returned to Hiruzen’s camp without reinforcements; Koharu called for action against the clans, but Hiruzen dismissed her threat and accepted that Jiraiya would stay with Minato and Tsunade.

Ch. 61Chapter 61

Sarutobi Richuan chose to hold the coast against Kirigakure while Madara Uchiha planned to capture Obito and a girl, and the Third Shinobi World War dragged on across several fronts. Half a year later, Xuan Zhe refused a request to send troops south, citing the war’s intensity despite his northern army’s inactivity.

  • Sarutobi Richuan ordered his forces to fortify the coast and avoid attacking Kirigakure while he waited for reinforcements from the west.
  • Madara Uchiha, disguised as the Third Mizukage, ordered White Zetsu to capture Obito and kidnap a girl as the war erupted across the fronts.
  • Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Minato Namikaze struggled against the larger allied forces of Kumogakure and Iwagakure, while Hiruzen Sarutobi maintained a stalemate against Kirigakure.
  • Xuan Zhe’s army remained camped at the Land of Lightning border for half a year as Kumogakure held its defensive line.
  • A Sarutobi Jonin asked Xuan Zhe for reinforcements, but Xuan Zhe questioned the condition of the Elders Council and refused to send troops south.
  • Senju Nawaki openly wished the Third Mizukage would kill the Elders Council members, and Xuan Zhe silenced him before promising support in another year.

Ch. 62Chapter 62

After Kirigakure’s surprise attack drove Hiruzen Sarutobi’s forces from the southern coast, Minato Namikaze planned a dangerous mission to destroy Kannabi Bridge while Madara moved to capture Minato and Rin. With Kirigakure inside the Land of Fire, Nawaki and Shikaku Nara pressed Xuan Zhe to stop standing aside.

  • Nawaki insulted the Sarutobi and Shimura clans and mocked them for failing to kill the Third Mizukage.
  • Kirigakure secretly reinforced its army to six thousand and crushed Hiruzen Sarutobi’s force, allowing its troops to enter the Land of Fire.
  • Minato Namikaze decided to take two Chunin students into enemy territory to destroy Kannabi Bridge, despite Jiraiya’s protest.
  • Madara ordered White Zetsu to bring Minato to him and capture Rin as well, fearing the situation was becoming difficult to control.
  • Nawaki and Shikaku Nara urged Xuan Zhe to act after Kirigakure’s invasion made the southern front’s crisis impossible to ignore.

Ch. 63Chapter 63

Xuan Zhe sent Hatake Sakumo’s army south to reinforce Hiruzen Sarutobi after their objective of undermining the Third Hokage’s position was achieved. Meanwhile, Kakashi and Obito were trapped in a collapsing cave, and the chapter ended with Nawaki taunting Koharu as Hiruzen hinted that her advisory position might soon end.

  • Xuan Zhe ordered the army to break camp and march south, while Rin Nohara accidentally revealed her Girls’ Series package and fled in embarrassment.
  • Minato Namikaze split from Kakashi and Obito to attack Kannabi Bridge as the boys drew the Iwagakure pursuers away.
  • Kakkō’s Rock Tail Collapse buried Kakashi and Obito, pinning Obito beneath a boulder as the cave began to collapse.
  • Obito asked Kakashi to take care of Rin, and Kakashi escaped through the rock wall with Chidori just before the cave collapsed.
  • Xuan Zhe met Hiruzen Sarutobi’s group with reinforcements, where Nawaki mocked Utatane Koharu and Hiruzen suggested she might not remain an adviser much longer.

Ch. 64Chapter 64

With Kirigakure driving Konoha back toward the daimyo’s residence, Xuan Zhe ordered Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Elders Council to guard it while Nawaki led a squad there and Xuan Zhe took the elders to battle. The chapter ended with Konoha and Kirigakure clashing in a brutal melee, where Suikazan Fuguki noticed Konoha’s fighters were far more desperate than before.

  • Kirigakure routed Konoha’s forces again, advancing to within roughly two hundred li of the daimyo’s residence and three hundred li of Konoha.
  • Nawaki mocked Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Elders Council over their defeats, while Xuan Zhe warned that losing the daimyo’s funding could cripple Konoha.
  • Xuan Zhe ordered Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Sarutobi and Shimura forces to guard the daimyo’s residence, and assigned Nawaki to lead a squad there.
  • After Danzo challenged his authority, Xuan Zhe told the four elders to join him on the battlefield and said Nawaki would become a Hokage Advisor, angering Hiruzen and the others.
  • Konoha and Kirigakure’s forces met in a bloody melee, and Suikazan Fuguki was unsettled by Konoha’s fighters’ reckless determination.

Ch. 65Chapter 65

Xuan Zhe confronted the Third Mizukage and overwhelmed his Ice Release defenses, but the Mizukage survived and prepared another technique as Madara decided to bring out a powerful weapon. The chapter ended with the Third Mizukage summoning Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals.

  • Yagura faced an attack by the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans while Raiga Kurosuki reminded Suikazan Fuguki to focus on their mission.
  • Xuan Zhe and Rin Nohara surveyed the devastation in the Land of Fire before Xuan Zhe advanced on the Third Mizukage.
  • Xuan Zhe's Caress Slash shattered the Third Mizukage's Ice Rock Dome, but the Mizukage escaped the strike with an Ice Clone.
  • The Third Mizukage attacked with Thousand Killing Ice Soaring and Twin Dragon Blizzard, while Xuan Zhe countered and noticed that the Mizukage's wound showed no blood.
  • Madara watched the unconscious adolescent boy in his cavern and decided he had to bring out a powerful weapon.
  • The Third Mizukage formed Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals around the battlefield.

Ch. 66Chapter 66

The Third Mizukage trapped Xuan Zhe in a sealed ice technique and attacked him with ice dragons and clones, while Madara revealed he had trapped Xuan Zhe in an endless-loop genjutsu. As the battle fell silent, Rin Nohara was distracted and her burgundy-haired opponent took advantage.

  • The Third Mizukage sealed Xuan Zhe inside a powerful ice chamber, and Chōza Akimichi failed to break through its wall.
  • Xuan Zhe cracked the ice with a sword strike, then discovered the Third Mizukage had a Sharingan and fought off his ice dragons and attacks.
  • The Third Mizukage used ice clones and repeated attacks to conceal his real body, while Xuan Zhe began to recognize a repeating pattern.
  • Madara revealed that Xuan Zhe was caught in an endless-loop genjutsu called Izanami, then ordered Tobi to bring him a spare Sharingan and the little girl.
  • Rin Nohara noticed the fighting had stopped inside the ice chamber, and her burgundy-haired opponent seized her distraction to attack.

Ch. 67Chapter 67

Raiga Kurosuki captured Rin Nohara while Mei Terumi and Konoha’s forces struggled to stop him, and Xuan Zhe identified the Third Mizukage’s genjutsu as Izanami. Trapped in the loop, Xuan Zhe awakened his Zanpakutō, Ryūjin Jakka, as flames engulfed the ice cavern and the battlefield.

  • Mei Terumi struck Rin unconscious with a Water Dragon Bullet, and Raiga Kurosuki carried her toward Kirigakure as a test subject.
  • Might Guy spotted Rin’s capture, and Shikaku Nara ordered Konoha’s forces to pursue, but the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist blocked their way.
  • Xuan Zhe recognized that the Third Mizukage had trapped him in Izanami and realized that the loop would continue as long as he resisted.
  • Xuan Zhe entered his inner world, accepted the fiery Zanpakutō’s power, and called out Ryūjin Jakka’s name to release it.
  • Kushimaru Kuriarare wounded Inoichi Yamanaka while Konoha’s forces failed to reach Rin, and Danzo provoked the Ino-Shika-Cho Trio.
  • A vast burst of flames swallowed the ice cavern at the center of the battlefield.

Ch. 68Chapter 68

After defeating the Third Mizukage, Xuan Zhe learned that Raiga Kurosuki had taken Rin and set off to pursue him, leaving Shikaku Nara in command. He faced the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, and Samehada suddenly turned against Suikazan Fuguki.

  • Madara sensed that Xuan Zhe had killed the Third Mizukage and ordered a White Zetsu Clone to worsen Obito's injuries if Rin could not be brought back.
  • Xuan Zhe emerged from the flames after breaking free of Izanami and learned from Shikaku Nara that Raiga Kurosuki had taken Rin.
  • Xuan Zhe reassured the Konoha forces, placed Shikaku in command, and announced that he would go after Rin himself.
  • Karatachi Yagura searched for the Third Mizukage and suspected that Xuan Zhe had killed him in the firestorm.
  • Xuan Zhe confronted the six remaining Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, and Suikazan Fuguki charged him with Samehada.
  • Samehada's spikes pierced Suikazan Fuguki's hand, forcing him to drop the sword.

Ch. 69Chapter 69

Xuan Zhe killed six of Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen with his flames, then left to rescue Rin. He caught her from Raiga Kurosuki, whom he had badly wounded, while Tobi and White Zetsu followed underground.

  • Xuan Zhe burned Suikazan Fuguki to death and defeated the water dragon Juzo Biwa sent at him.
  • Mei Terumi and the assembled Konoha ninja watched as Xuan Zhe stood among the ashes of six of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
  • Xuan Zhe told Shikaku Nara to finish off the remaining Kirigakure ninja and went to save Rin.
  • Raiga Kurosuki carried the unconscious Rin toward the Land of Water, unaware that Tobi and White Zetsu were tracking him underground.
  • White Zetsu told Tobi that Rin had to be kept from seeing them because their plan depended on Obito's psychological transformation.
  • Xuan Zhe attacked Raiga, wounded him severely, and caught Rin before she hit the ground.

Ch. 70Chapter 70

Xuan Zhe rescued Rin Nohara and helped secure a decisive victory over Kirigakure, while Obito struggled with his artificial body in Madara’s cavern. The chapter ended with Mei Terumi being brought before Xuan Zhe as a prisoner.

  • Rin Nohara woke in Xuan Zhe’s arms after he rescued her from Raiga Kurosuki.
  • Obito insisted he wanted to return to Konoha, then awkwardly asked Madara whether his missing organ could be restored.
  • Shikaku Nara reported that Kirigakure’s forces had retreated and Konoha had captured 146 prisoners.
  • Xuan Zhe noticed Mei Terumi’s name on the prisoner list, and Shikaku Nara said she was young and had a kekkei genkai.
  • Might Guy escorted a frightened Mei Terumi to Xuan Zhe’s tent.

Ch. 71Chapter 71

Xuan Zhe returned to find Mei Terumi and Rin Nohara growing close, then ordered Mei to return to Konoha and join Rin’s squad as her protection. He planned to head west with the two girls to bring the war to an end and told Rin that Obito had died in battle.

  • Mei Terumi befriended Rin Nohara and offered to teach her tricks while hoping to gain Xuan Zhe’s favor.
  • Xuan Zhe caught the girls together, confirmed they were getting along, and told Mei to join Rin’s squad in Konoha.
  • Xuan Zhe said Shikaku Nara would handle negotiations and compensation while he took Rin and Mei west to finish the war.
  • Xuan Zhe told Rin that Obito had died in battle and suggested she leave flowers at his grave when they returned to the village.

Ch. 72Chapter 72

Xuan Zhe traveled to Konoha’s Western Front, leaving Shikaku Nara to handle negotiations and political affairs. After Shikaku reported Danzo and Hiruzen’s private discussion, Xuan Zhe reunited with Tsunade and the others as preparations began to end the fighting.

  • Xuan Zhe gave Shikaku Nara letters for the Fire Daimyo and White Fang before heading west with Rin Nohara and Mei Terumi.
  • Shikaku Nara refused Danzo’s demand to see the letters, and Danzo grew angry as Hiruzen Sarutobi warned him that Xuan Zhe was waiting for them to make a move.
  • Shikaku Nara secretly overheard Danzo and Hiruzen’s conversation and sent Xuan Zhe a report about it.
  • Xuan Zhe read Shikaku’s report while traveling to the Western Front and noted that Hiruzen had recognized his plan to provoke the Elders Council.
  • Kurenai Yuhi greeted Xuan Zhe at the base and bickered with Mei Terumi while Rin Nohara tried to intervene.
  • Xuan Zhe reunited with Tsunade, Minato Namikaze, and Jiraiya, and Tsunade kissed him as Minato led them onward.

Ch. 73Chapter 73

After Kannabi Bridge was destroyed, Minato Namikaze reported that Iwagakure’s supply lines had been severed and the war was nearing a turning point. Xuan Zhe spent the night with Tsunade, then left Jiraiya wondering whether he would act against Hiruzen Sarutobi.

  • Minato Namikaze told Xuan Zhe that the raid on Kannabi Bridge had cut Iwagakure’s supply lines, and Kakashi described how Obito had saved him before being crushed.
  • Xuan Zhe told Tsunade he would visit her that night, then spent the night in her tent while Kurenai Yuhi and Rin Nohara eavesdropped and Mei Terumi later joined them.
  • The next morning, Tsunade canceled training because she and the girls were exhausted, while Jiraiya noticed that Xuan Zhe had not returned to their shared tent.
  • Jiraiya told Xuan Zhe that Hiruzen Sarutobi had made many mistakes during the war and asked whether Xuan Zhe would take matters into his own hands.
  • Xuan Zhe told Jiraiya to live for himself and walked away.

Ch. 74Chapter 74

After Iwagakure turned on Kumogakure, Xuan Zhe pushed Konoha’s commanders to act quickly so he could fulfill the daimyo’s demand to end the war before year’s end. The chapter leaves the Third Raikage trapped between Iwagakure and Konoha while Ōnoki prepares to capture him and withdraw.

  • After Kannabi Bridge was destroyed, Kitsuchi led Iwagakure’s ten thousand troops in a night raid that surrounded the Third Raikage’s force of fewer than two thousand.
  • Jiraiya asked Minato Namikaze how Konoha should respond, and Tsume Inuzuka urged an immediate attack while Uchiha Fugaku advised waiting for the two armies to weaken each other.
  • Xuan Zhe rejected waiting because the daimyo had demanded that the war end before the year was over, and he explained that he had already begun discussing reparations with Kirigakure.
  • The Third Raikage learned from Dodai that Konoha had not moved and was likely waiting to exploit the fighting, while reinforcements were on their way.
  • Ōnoki predicted that Konoha would wait for Iwagakure and Kumogakure to exhaust each other, then vowed to take the field, capture the Third Raikage, and withdraw.

Ch. 75Chapter 75

Ōnoki planned to capture the Third Raikage as Iwagakure prepared an all-out assault, while Xuan Zhe gathered Konoha’s forces to move against Kumogakure and Iwagakure. The chapter ended with the Third Raikage attacking Ōnoki and Iwa Shinobi raising a field of earth spikes to stop him.

  • Ōnoki ordered Iwagakure’s army to launch an all-out assault and aimed to capture the Third Raikage for ransom.
  • Kakashi reunited with Hatake Sakumo and resolved to carry on Obito’s will by protecting Rin Nohara.
  • Xuan Zhe told Hatake Sakumo and the others that Konoha should exploit the arrival of Kumogakure’s reserves and Iwagakure’s assault to end the war.
  • Dodai ordered Kumogakure’s remaining forces to scatter and help the Third Raikage escape, but Ōnoki declared that none would get away.
  • Ōnoki fired Dust Release at the Third Raikage, who dodged and counterattacked with Hell Stab: Four-Finger Nukite.
  • Kitsuchi and dozens of Iwa Shinobi used Earth Release: Earth Flow Spears to erupt spikes beneath the Third Raikage.
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