Chapter Summaries

As Konoha prepared to host the Chunin Ninja Exams, Team 7 and the other rookie teams agreed to enter, while genin from Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and Sunagakure arrived. Xuan Zhe learned Orochimaru planned to use the exams to confront Hiruzen Sarutobi, and dismissed Orochimaru’s request to get involved.

• Kakashi asked Team 7 whether they wanted to enter the Chunin Ninja Exams, and Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura unanimously agreed.
• Team 7 encountered Suigetsu provoking Karui, and Haku stopped the confrontation by freezing the ground; Naruto mistook Haku for a girl, while Sasuke was struck by Haku’s speed.
• Temari watched the incident from an inn with Kankuro and Gaara, noting that the major villages had sent powerful genin to the exams.
• A green snake delivered Orochimaru’s request to Xuan Zhe, who told it to let Orochimaru handle the matter himself and remarked that Hiruzen Sarutobi could not avoid what was coming.
• Orochimaru resolved to use the exams to settle accounts with his teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Xuan Zhe considered the Akatsuki’s hidden leaders and learned that Nagato had stopped attending its meetings, while the Chunin Ninja Exams proceeded in Konoha. After the Fourth Kazekage arrived seeking an audience, Xuan Zhe suspected Orochimaru had infiltrated the village after killing Rasa.

• Xuan Zhe recalled that Itachi had spent years trying to locate Nagato and the Akatsuki’s headquarters, but had uncovered little useful intelligence.
• Naruto struggled with the Chunin exam’s written test as Kakashi, Kurenai Yuhi, Rin Nohara, and Might Guy discussed the candidates, including Haku as a potential next Mizukage.
• Shisui delivered Itachi’s report to Xuan Zhe, revealing that Nagato had missed the Akatsuki’s last few meetings.
• Xuan Zhe speculated that Nagato and Obito might eventually turn against each other, and Shisui wondered if Obito had already acted against the Akatsuki’s leader.
• An Anbu told Xuan Zhe that the Fourth Kazekage had arrived to see him, and Xuan Zhe suspected Orochimaru had killed Rasa and infiltrated Konoha.

Orochimaru told Xuan Zhe that Obito had stolen his research after destroying his base, while Momoshiki Otsutsuki and his companions discovered the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path was missing and headed for Earth. The Chunin Exams’ preliminary rounds selected eleven finalists, and Naruto began training with Minato during the month-long break.

• Orochimaru visited Xuan Zhe and revealed that Obito had stolen the research materials from his destroyed Land of Rice Fields base.
• Momoshiki Otsutsuki, Kinshiki Otsutsuki, and Urashiki Otsutsuki found Hamura’s lunar city empty and the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path gone, so Momoshiki ordered them to Earth.
• Minato Namikaze announced a preliminary round because twenty-one examinees had passed, and Sasuke Uchiha faced Omoi in the first match.
• After several hours of preliminary matches, Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, Haku, Hozuki Suigetsu, Neji Hyuga, Shino Aburame, Karui, Gaara, Temari, Kankuro, and Hinata Hyuga advanced to the finals.
• During the month-long break, Minato Namikaze began teaching Naruto ninjutsu by the river outside the village.

The finals of Konoha's tournament began as four Kage gathered to watch, and Naruto Uzumaki faced Hinata Hyuga in the opening match. Naruto launched a swarm of shadow clones, but Hinata calmly struck them down with the Gentle Fist.

• Minato Namikaze tried to teach Naruto to mold chakra, but Naruto produced a tadpole instead and showed no discouragement.
• Wealthy patrons and leaders from across the shinobi world arrived in Konoha to watch the tournament finals.
• Mei Terumi reunited with Xuan Zhe and clashed with Kurenai Yuhi before joining Minato Namikaze, Rasa, and the Raikage at the arena.
• Genma Shiranui announced Naruto Uzumaki versus Hinata Hyuga as the first final match, and both contestants resolved not to lose.
• Naruto created more than twenty shadow clones, but Hinata used the Gentle Fist to dispel them with precise strikes.

Hinata defeated Naruto in the second exam with a black-and-white Rotation and a Shadow Clone. As the next match was called, a Four Violet Flames Formation appeared over the Sarutobi and Shimura clan grounds, and the chapter shifted to Orochi-hime confronting Hiruzen Sarutobi.

• Hinata struck Naruto's Wind Release Shadow Clone, then used a black-and-white Rotation to send him crashing into the arena wall.
• Hinata caught Naruto from behind with a Shadow Clone and won the match.
• A Four Violet Flames Formation appeared over the Sarutobi and Shimura clan grounds, but Xuan Zhe ordered the exam to continue.
• Orochi-hime confronted Hiruzen Sarutobi at the Sarutobi clan head's mansion and taunted him about her forbidden technique and his son.
• Hiruzen hurled two enlarged chakra-infused shuriken at Orochi-hime, and her body collapsed like sludge.

Orochimaru summoned Hiruzen Sarutobi’s dead sons to attack him while Haku defeated Temari in the arena. As Sasuke Uchiha and Gaara were called to fight, Momoshiki Otsutsuki and Urashiki Otsutsuki appeared and tried to capture Naruto, prompting Xuan Zhe and Hatake Sakumo to intervene.

• Orochimaru emerged from his discarded body, raised two coffins, and hinted that someone in Konoha had helped him obtain the forbidden technique.
• Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Asuma Sarutobi emerged from the coffins, and Orochimaru controlled them to attack Hiruzen Sarutobi.
• A Sarutobi Clan Chunin knocked Hiruzen aside and died in the flames, leaving Hiruzen furious with Orochimaru.
• Haku defeated Temari, and Genma Shiranui announced Sasuke Uchiha versus Gaara as the next match.
• Momoshiki Otsutsuki, Urashiki Otsutsuki, and another white figure appeared above the arena; Urashiki tried to hook Naruto, but Xuan Zhe whisked him away.
• Xuan Zhe told Kakashi to evacuate everyone, and Hatake Sakumo joined him on the arena floor.

Xuan Zhe trapped the three Ōtsutsuki in his Flame Formation: Fire-Forged Fortress and led Minato Namikaze and Hatake Sakumo inside to fight them. Minato subdued Urashiki Otsutsuki, but Urashiki unleashed a space-time technique and Shinra Tensei, blasting Minato away as he vowed revenge.

• Xuan Zhe raised a blazing barrier around the battlefield, sent Mei Terumi to evacuate the spectators, and entered the flames with Hatake Sakumo and Minato Namikaze.
• The fireball expanded and destroyed the stands, but Shisui pulled Sasuke to safety before the flames reached him.
• Xuan Zhe attacked Momoshiki Otsutsuki, whose Shinra Tensei stopped the blade, while Minato faced Urashiki and Hatake Sakumo fought Kinshiki.
• Hatake Sakumo fell behind Kinshiki in their clash but used a Lightning Release Clone to steady himself and charge back into the fight.
• Minato pinned Urashiki and questioned him about targeting Naruto, but Urashiki opened a space-time rift and blasted Minato away with Shinra Tensei.

Xuan Zhe and the shinobi fought the Ōtsutsuki invaders, killing Urashiki and bringing Kinshiki close to defeat. Momoshiki absorbed Kinshiki and completed his transformation, leaving Xuan Zhe preparing to face him alone.

• Xuan Zhe trapped Urashiki with Frenzied Flame, while Minato used a Flying Thunder God mark to strike him with a Rasenshuriken and Xuan Zhe pierced his abdomen with Demon Fire.
• Minato finished off Urashiki and joined Hatake Sakumo against Kinshiki after Xuan Zhe’s Shadow Clone intercepted him.
• Xuan Zhe joined Minato and Hatake Sakumo, and Hatake Sakumo pierced Kinshiki’s abdomen with a lightning spear.
• Momoshiki reached Kinshiki and absorbed him, transforming as the battle shifted back in his favor.
• Xuan Zhe decided to challenge the transformed Momoshiki with his own techniques while Minato and Hatake Sakumo held back.

Xuan Zhe opened all Six Gates and helped Minato Namikaze and Hatake Sakumo defeat the fused Momoshiki Otsutsuki. Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi used the Dead Demon Consuming Seal against Orochimaru, and their struggle remained unresolved as the chapter ended.

• Momoshiki Otsutsuki fused with Kinshiki Otsutsuki and attacked Xuan Zhe, who opened all Six Gates to fight him.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned King Enma, then used Shadow Clones and the Dead Demon Consuming Seal to try to extract Orochimaru's soul.
• Minato Namikaze and Hatake Sakumo joined Xuan Zhe, and the three battered Momoshiki Otsutsuki until he descended from the sky.
• Xuan Zhe reunited with Mei Terumi and postponed the remaining finals matches until the next day.
• Naruto Uzumaki waited with Minato Namikaze and Kushina, who promised him a forceful reward for losing his match.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru continued their battle of attrition as Orochimaru struggled to resist the sealing technique.

Hiruzen Sarutobi died after sealing Orochimaru’s hands, and Minato Namikaze became the Fifth Hokage. A week later, Gaara went berserk, and Xuan Zhe confronted him as Shukaku emerged.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi’s sealing jutsu weakened, but the Shinigami severed Orochimaru’s hands and sealed them away before Hiruzen died.
• Minato Namikaze became the Fifth Hokage, held Hiruzen Sarutobi’s funeral, and took responsibility for Konohamaru’s care.
• Minato Namikaze sent Chunin to escort the visiting patrons home, while Xuan Zhe endured Mei Terumi and Kurenai Yuhi’s attention.
• A Konoha patrol found three dried-out bodies in a desert-side wooden house, including one dressed in the Kazekage’s robes.
• Gaara went berserk before the postponed Chunin Ninja Exams finals, and Kakashi Hatake fetched Xuan Zhe to stop him.
• Xuan Zhe ordered Temari and Kankuro away, then fought Gaara as Shukaku’s enormous body emerged and the others retreated.

Xuan Zhe calmed Gaara and stopped Shukaku without harming the jinchūriki, then avoided the women searching for him by visiting Rin Nohara. When two Akatsuki members appeared in Konoha, Xuan Zhe took Rin to the battlefield, where Mei Terumi and Kurenai Yuhi saw him arrive.

• Xuan Zhe subdued Shukaku, spoke to Gaara, and persuaded him to protect those who accepted him; Gaara apologized to Temari and Kankuro.
• Temari and Kankuro took the exhausted Gaara away, while Xuan Zhe left without explaining how he had stopped the rampage.
• Xuan Zhe evaded Mei Terumi and Kurenai Yuhi by staying at Rin Nohara's home as they searched Konoha for him.
• Two Akatsuki members entered Konoha, prompting Minato Namikaze, Kakashi Hatake, Mei Terumi, Kurenai Yuhi, and other shinobi to respond.
• Xuan Zhe took Rin Nohara to the battlefield, where Mei Terumi and Kurenai Yuhi saw him appear.

Xuan Zhe confronted Itachi and Kisame when they appeared in Konoha, but focused on Kisame’s Samehada rather than helping with the Akatsuki’s apparent plan. He dodged Kisame’s attacks while Minato and Kakashi moved to fight Itachi.

• Xuan Zhe arrived with Mei Terumi and told her to discuss their matters later, while Minato and Kakashi reacted to the tense reunion.
• Xuan Zhe asked Kisame Hoshigaki to reveal Samehada and mocked him with the nickname “Dried Persimmon.”
• Kisame drew Samehada and attacked Xuan Zhe, but Xuan Zhe repeatedly dodged and provoked him.
• Itachi watched Xuan Zhe toy with Kisame as Minato and Kakashi prepared to capture him.
• Minato and Kakashi charged Itachi while avoiding his gaze to guard against his genjutsu.

Xuan Zhe drove Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki out of Konoha after burning Samehada with Amaterasu, while Mei Terumi and Kurenai Yuhi confronted Rin Nohara about her recent time with him. Back at his residence, Xuan Zhe received an unexpected visitor, and Zetsu observed the aftermath and speculated about his weakness.

• Mei Terumi and Kurenai Yuhi questioned Rin Nohara, who admitted Xuan Zhe had recently been staying at her place, before the women joined in cheering him on.
• Kisame Hoshigaki prepared to attack the women, but Xuan Zhe struck him and Samehada with Amaterasu, prompting Itachi to order a retreat.
• Itachi used Genjutsu to help Kisame Hoshigaki escape Konoha, and later sealed the flames burning Samehada into a scroll.
• Mei Terumi and Kurenai Yuhi fought over Xuan Zhe after the battle, while Naruto Uzumaki fled to avoid Kushina.
• Xuan Zhe returned to his residence and was surprised by an unexpected visitor, while Zetsu watched the battlefield and remarked that Konoha's Black Blade had a weakness.

After the Akatsuki’s attack exposed their plans to capture tailed beasts, Sasuke learned that Itachi had returned to Konoha and wanted to confront him. Kakashi and Mikoto stopped him from rushing off, while Xuan Zhe’s household settled into new routines and Kurenai seized a chance to be alone with him.

• After the battle, Konoha and visiting leaders from other nations learned about the Akatsuki and began guarding their jinchūriki.
• Xuan Zhe moved back into the Senju Clan’s old residence with Tsunade, while Mei Terumi, Kurenai Yuhi, and Rin Nohara stayed at his former home.
• Sasuke heard that Itachi had appeared in Konoha, confirmed it with Kakashi Hatake, and asked permission to leave and find him.
• Kakashi refused Sasuke’s request and urged him to focus on his finals match against Gaara; Mikoto then persuaded Sasuke not to pursue Itachi immediately.
• Mei Terumi returned to the Senju Clan Compound and relentlessly trained Haku to become the next Mizukage.
• Tsunade slipped out to visit a gambling house, and Kurenai Yuhi paid a girl for news of her departure so she could spend time alone with Xuan Zhe.

Mei Terumi and Kurenai Yuhi argued over Xuan Zhe, who received a secret letter from Orochimaru while Momoshiki Otsutsuki planned to avoid Konoha. The Chunin finals began with Sasuke Uchiha fighting Gaara, whose sand defenses forced Sasuke to search for a way through.

• Mei Terumi dismissed Haku to the Small Wooden House, then argued with Kurenai Yuhi over Xuan Zhe until he subdued them both.
• A Konoha genin delivered Orochimaru's secret letter, which said Hiruzen Sarutobi had used the Dead Demon Consuming Seal to cripple Orochimaru's hands; Xuan Zhe sent a reply and burned the letter.
• Momoshiki Otsutsuki revived Kinshiki Otsutsuki and Urashiki, then decided to avoid Konoha and scout other villages while searching for the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
• The Chunin finals began, and Gen Shiranui announced Sasuke Uchiha versus Gaara as the first match.
• Gaara blocked Sasuke's attacks with sand clones and armor before enclosing himself in absolute defense, while Sasuke attacked the sand sphere and grew impatient to finish the fight.

Sasuke lost to Gaara after exhausting himself in their brutal match, then Neji and Shino won their bouts as the exams continued. With eleven contestants qualifying for the finals, Hozuki Suigetsu could challenge a previous loser, while Naruto faced a stern warning from Kushina.

• Gaara defeated Sasuke after the two traded attacks, leaving Sasuke unconscious and drained of chakra.
• Sakura rushed to Sasuke, while Kakashi reassured her that he was exhausted and expected to recover after a week of sleep.
• Neji defeated Kankuro, and Hinata and Hanabi congratulated him when he returned to his seat.
• Rock Lee injured himself further in his excitement over Guy's promise of special training, so Kakashi advised Guy to let him recover.
• Shino Aburame defeated Karui, and Xuan Zhe noticed the visiting dignitaries' interest in Konoha's young fighters.
• The exam organizers announced that eleven contestants had qualified for the finals and that Hozuki Suigetsu could challenge a previous loser, while Kushina urged Naruto to fight properly.

Naruto fought Hozuki Suigetsu after Sasuke was disqualified, won with a Rasengan, and qualified as a chunin. Kirigakure eventually left Konoha, and a week later Sasuke woke up with Sakura and Naruto beside him.

• After Sasuke remained unconscious, the Referee Panel removed him as an available opponent, and Hozuki Suigetsu randomly chose Naruto.
• Hozuki Suigetsu attacked Naruto with Kubikiribōchō, but Naruto used Shadow Clone Technique and a Rasengan to defeat him.
• Mei Terumi accused Hozuki Suigetsu of holding back, while Xuan Zhe said he would fight Naruto himself someday.
• Shiranui Genya announced that Naruto had qualified as a chunin, and the Joint Exams ended with wealthy clients commissioning missions from the hidden villages.
• Mei Terumi stayed in Konoha with Xuan Zhe until he persuaded her to return to Kirigakure with her people.
• A week later, Sasuke woke up as Sakura sat beside him and Naruto proudly stood nearby.

Sasuke brooded over his defeat and began considering leaving Konoha to seek greater power, but Xuan Zhe offered to train him instead. Sasuke asked to become Xuan Zhe’s student, and Xuan Zhe gave him a few days to consider the cost while Zetsu watched from outside.

• Sasuke grew resentful of his weakness after Naruto and Sakura argued with him, and he began to consider seeking power outside Konoha.
• Xuan Zhe entered Sasuke’s hospital room and offered to help him gain power, changing Sasuke’s mood and interrupting Zetsu’s plans to approach him.
• Sasuke asked Xuan Zhe to take him as a student so he could become stronger than a tailed beast.
• Xuan Zhe said training depended on payment and let Sasuke take a few days to think over the offer.

Xuan Zhe assigned missions to the Konoha 12, arranged paid training for Sasuke with Tsunade, and received a report from Itachi about Akatsuki's Tailed Beast hunt. Itachi continued searching for Obito's hideout while Obito abandoned his effort to recruit Sasuke and watched the Uchiha brothers instead.

• Xuan Zhe assigned missions to the Konoha 12 and asked Minato Namikaze for a salary, which Minato paid from his own pocket.
• Tsunade admitted she had lost both her own money and Xuan Zhe's gambling, then agreed with Xuan Zhe to teach Sasuke for a fee.
• Itachi reported that Akatsuki's hunt for the Tailed Beasts had just begun and that Kisame was monitoring him, while he still had not found Obito's hideout.
• Xuan Zhe instructed Itachi to keep searching for Obito's hideout and use his judgment on the Tailed Beast mission without raising Akatsuki's suspicions.
• Tsunade returned after losing the money Sasuke had paid, and Xuan Zhe considered opening a Gambling Den.
• Zetsu reported on Sasuke to Obito, who gave up trying to recruit him but remained interested in watching Sasuke and Itachi.

As Akatsuki began appearing across the Five Great Hidden Villages, Xuan Zhe trained Sasuke while Naruto left with Jiraiya to train. More than a year later, Sasuke finally mastered Xuan Zhe’s chakra-based fishing exercise.

• The villages identified Akatsuki as a group of rogue Shinobi, while Xuan Zhe judged that the organization was still too unstable to pose a major threat.
• Kushina intensified Naruto’s training because Akatsuki sought the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, and Jiraiya later took Naruto away to train.
• Xuan Zhe and Tsunade guided Sasuke, and Xuan Zhe taught him the Summoning Technique; Sasuke summoned a ninja dog and named him Hayate.
• Xuan Zhe trained Sasuke through farming and fishing chores at the Small Wooden House, while Sasuke struggled to form a chakra fishing hook.
• After more than a year, Sasuke mastered the knack of fishing.