Arc 4Root, Rivals, and Reunion

Tobirama and Hashirama guided Itachi and Naruto as Danzo’s plot against Naruto ended in Danzo’s death, while Sasuke began training to surpass Naruto. The story left Naruto and his friends enjoying a hot-spring outing as Itachi and Tobirama continued their work together.

  • Tobirama received a mission to help Itachi become Root’s next leader, and Itachi accepted Tobirama as his teacher after recounting the Uchiha conflict.
  • Sasuke learned Itachi had become Root’s leader, awakened his two-tomoe Sharingan, and vowed to grow strong enough to bring his brother back.
  • Hashirama began teaching Naruto Wood Release, while Mizuki conspired with Danzo and later attacked Naruto after revealing his identity as the Nine-Tailed Fox.
  • Naruto and Sasuke fought Mizuki, then faced Danzo and his Root operatives, with Kurama sharing chakra with Sasuke and Hashirama helping Naruto counter Danzo’s Wood Release.
  • Hashirama, disguised as Madara, helped Naruto’s family defeat Danzo in Naruto’s mental world, and Itachi later stopped Danzo from taking Sasuke hostage before killing him with an illusion.
  • Sasuke began training with Izuna, while Naruto gathered Konohamaru and their friends for a visit to his hot-spring establishment.
  • Hinata told the girls about Naruto saving her when she was young, and Itachi and Izumi encountered each other at the hot springs.
  • Itachi, Tenzo, and Izumi recovered the Sword of the Thunder God, while Tobirama explained his device and told Itachi that Hashirama was inside Naruto.
Chapters 76–100 Vol. 1 Read

Ch. 76Tobirama: Hmm, this is...

Tobirama Senju awakened in a strange dango-shop-like space and received a mission to help Itachi become Root’s next leader. After discovering he could communicate briefly with Hashirama Senju, Tobirama found himself sealed inside Itachi and met him when Itachi entered the Sealing Space.

  • Tobirama Senju recalled how Madara Uchiha’s attack led to Hashirama Senju’s injuries and eventual death, and how he later entrusted Konoha to Sarutobi before dying.
  • A blue screen assigned Tobirama the mission of helping Itachi become Root’s next leader, with a connection to Hashirama’s area and three minutes of daily communication as rewards.
  • Tobirama examined the seal on his hand and contacted Hashirama, learning that Hashirama had also encountered the blue screen.
  • Itachi worked on Root’s future and taught its children before noticing a seal on his belly while showering.
  • Itachi entered the Sealing Space, where Tobirama reacted to seeing him naked and called him an evil Uchiha brat.
  • Itachi left the Sealing Space, and Tobirama focused on Itachi’s Mangekyō.

Ch. 77Tobirama: Look, There's an Itachi Here! Let Me Trick Him!!!

Itachi met Tobirama in the sealing space and explained how he had been stripped of his Uchiha identity after carrying out the clan’s extermination plan. Tobirama praised and comforted him, then made Itachi his student and began scheming to adopt him.

  • Itachi questioned Tobirama’s identity, then accepted him after seeing his Flying Thunder God Technique.
  • Tobirama asked why Itachi no longer belonged to the Uchiha, and Itachi recounted events from Shisui’s death through the Root Coup and the Uchiha Extermination Plan.
  • Tobirama told Itachi that Danzo and the Uchiha were to blame, and urged him to resolve the conflict as Root’s leader.
  • Tobirama proposed becoming Itachi’s adoptive father, but Itachi agreed to begin by calling him teacher.
  • Itachi paid his respects to Tobirama as his student, while Tobirama imagined renaming him Senju Itachi.

Ch. 78Hashirama: That was close!

At a barbecue welcoming Karin, Kushina questioned whether Hashirama had taught Naruto to drink, and Kurama revealed the embarrassing story of Hashirama’s drunken antics in Naruto’s Sealing Space. The celebration ended with Karin making a wish and Naruto announcing that Sasuke would perform acrobatics.

  • Kushina questioned Hashirama about teaching Naruto to drink, and Kurama vouched that he had not while remembering how Naruto had secretly bought alcohol for Hashirama.
  • Kurama recalled Hashirama getting drunk, crying over Madara, and dragging Kurama into a drinking and shouting fit that Naruto witnessed.
  • Kushina accepted Kurama’s explanation, and Hashirama silently thanked him while Kurama reminded him of his promised payment.
  • Naruto toasted Karin’s welcome, presented her with a cake, and watched her make a wish and blow out the candles.
  • Naruto announced Sasuke’s acrobatics performance, and Sasuke agreed to show off his Uchiha skills.

Ch. 79No embarrassing pasts allowed!!!

Sasuke impressed everyone with a glass-balancing dance, then entertained Karin by telling embarrassing stories about Naruto. Naruto stopped him before he could reveal one particularly humiliating secret, while Kushina and Minato watched the story unfold in the Sealing Space.

  • Sasuke performed acrobatics to square-dance music, balancing and kicking a glass while doing a handstand.
  • The story revealed that Itachi had taught Sasuke the moves after Naruto challenged him to spin upside down.
  • Karin asked Sasuke about Naruto's childhood, and Sasuke began recounting embarrassing stories as Naruto listened in alarm.
  • Naruto covered Sasuke's mouth and carried him away before he could reveal a secret, then let him go after Karin had left.
  • Kushina and Minato watched footage of Naruto's childhood in the Sealing Space, and the recording reached Naruto's next embarrassing moment.

Ch. 80Huh? My big brother's gone?

Sasuke returned home to learn that Itachi had been expelled from the Uchiha Clan and become the leader of Root, while Fugaku reassured him that he could bring his brother back once he was strong enough. Sasuke awakened a two-tomoe Sharingan and committed to training, as Fugaku planned his next moves and Hashirama received a call in the Sealing Space.

  • Sasuke came home to find the yard damaged and learned from Mikoto and Fugaku that Itachi had been expelled from the Uchiha Clan.
  • Fugaku explained that Itachi had become Root's leader, and Sasuke awakened a two-tomoe Sharingan before asking whether he would see his brother again.
  • Fugaku told Sasuke to get strong enough to bring Itachi back, and Sasuke vowed to beat him and make him watch a dance as punishment.
  • Fugaku decided to train Sasuke in Uchiha swordsmanship and genjutsu, then planned to visit the Shimura Clan and bring Danzo a Uchiha Clan Gunbai charm.
  • Hashirama heard a beeping alert in the Sealing Space announcing that his little brother was calling.

Ch. 81Hashirama: Listen to me! Practice the Wood Human Technique!

Hashirama used his brief contact with Tobirama to explain his mission to train Itachi, then returned to the Sealing Space and began teaching Naruto Wood Release. Naruto learned the Wood Clone Technique in one evening, while Hashirama planned to teach him the Wood Human Technique next.

  • Hashirama left a card game with Kushina and Minato to meet Tobirama through the blue screen.
  • Hashirama told Tobirama that he had been sent into Itachi to help him become a leader of Root and could contact Tobirama for three minutes each day.
  • Hashirama hurried back to the card game, where Kurama had taken his place, and lost 2,000 Sealing Technique Coins.
  • Hashirama pinned Kurama to the table with a small Gate of the Great God and took Naruto to a clearing to begin Wood Release training.
  • Hashirama taught Naruto the Wood Clone Technique, which Naruto successfully performed and announced with his Hokage catchphrase.

Ch. 82Sasuke: Once the sword is drawn, who will settle the score?

Sasuke began intense sword training with Fugaku as he prepared to bring Itachi home, while Danzo agreed to consider Orochimaru’s plan to capture the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki after adding conditions. The story left Mizuki determined to ask Orochimaru about Danzo’s demands despite his fear of the consequences.

  • Fugaku trained Sasuke in swordsmanship and urged him to charge forward by reminding him that he wanted to bring Itachi home.
  • Mikoto objected to Fugaku pushing Sasuke so hard, but Fugaku insisted the training would help them bring Itachi back.
  • Sasuke left for the day carrying his bag and small wooden sword, while Fugaku planned to visit Danzo.
  • Mizuki met with Danzo and presented Orochimaru’s plan to capture the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and use Kagami Uchiha’s Mangekyō.
  • Danzo agreed to the plan only after adding conditions and told Mizuki to ask Orochimaru about them.
  • Mizuki resolved to risk approaching Orochimaru so he could advance his own ambitions.

Ch. 83Mizuki: Helping me count the money after I sell you out

Mizuki used Iruka's absence to arrange private tutoring with Naruto, secretly planning to exploit him for Danzo and Orochimaru. Naruto accepted despite sensing Mizuki's bad intentions, while the people in his Sealing Space prepared to watch what happened.

  • Mizuki took over Iruka's theory lesson and called attention to Naruto's poor ability to explain chakra control.
  • Mizuki offered Naruto one-on-one tutoring and turned down Sakura, Ino, and Hinata when they asked to join.
  • Naruto grew suspicious of Mizuki, while Kushina, Minato, Hashirama, and Kurama encouraged him to accept the tutoring so they could observe.
  • Naruto helped persuade the other students not to seek tutoring, and Mizuki privately celebrated his plan to betray Naruto for Orochimaru's reward.
  • Mizuki taught energetically, earning Sakura's grudging approval of his teaching skills.

Ch. 84The sunset's fading warmth

Hinata warned Naruto about Mizuki-sensei, but Naruto went to meet him for a tutoring session. At the training ground, Mizuki revealed the secret of Naruto’s identity and prepared to attack, while Naruto insisted Kurama was innocent.

  • Hinata told Naruto to be careful around Mizuki-sensei, and Naruto thanked her and patted her head.
  • Sasuke took Karin home with him after Naruto asked him to make sure she knew the way.
  • Naruto went to Mizuki-sensei’s office, and Mizuki led him to the eastern training ground with a Fūma Shuriken hidden in a scroll.
  • Mizuki told Naruto that he was the Nine-Tailed Fox that had attacked Konoha and killed many people.
  • Naruto kept his head lowered and said that Kurama was innocent, while Mizuki laughed and mocked him.

Ch. 85Naruto's anger

Naruto fought Mizuki after refusing to let Kurama take over, but Mizuki’s Cursed Seal gave him the advantage. Sasuke and Karin arrived just as Kurama prepared to lend Naruto his power, and Sasuke handed Naruto a longsword.

  • Naruto shattered Mizuki’s Fūma Shuriken with his fist and told Kurama he wanted to fight on his own.
  • Naruto used Wood Release: Wood Clone to counter Mizuki’s shuriken, prompting Mizuki to activate his Cursed Seal.
  • Naruto attacked Mizuki with clones and Sasuke’s kunai, but Mizuki’s claws and speed forced him onto the defensive.
  • Naruto agreed to accept Kurama’s power, but Mizuki’s Great Fireball Technique struck Mizuki before Kurama’s chakra arrived.
  • Sasuke and Karin appeared, and Sasuke gave Naruto a longsword as Mizuki shouted at them to stop chatting.

Ch. 86If You Didn't Turn It Off, It's Still On, Right?

Naruto and Sasuke fought Mizuki in the forest, using their teamwork and Karin’s sensory ability to defeat him. As they prepared to take the injured Mizuki to the Uchiha Clan, Karin warned them of danger.

  • Mizuki tried to frighten Sasuke by revealing Naruto was the Nine-Tailed Fox, but Sasuke called Naruto his big brother and joined the fight.
  • Naruto and Sasuke wounded Mizuki with their swords, a Great Fireball, and Naruto’s Wood Clone technique.
  • Mizuki escaped into the forest, but Karin used her shared sensory ability to locate him for Sasuke.
  • Sasuke struck Mizuki with another Great Fireball, and Naruto finished him with a chakra-powered punch.
  • Naruto and Sasuke agreed to take Mizuki to the Uchiha Clan, but Karin warned them to watch out.

Ch. 87Danzo attacks

Danzo ambushed Naruto and Sasuke in the forest, revealing his plans to seize power and use Naruto as a weapon. As his former Root operatives overwhelmed them, Kurama lent chakra to both boys, and Sasuke joined Naruto in the fight.

  • Karin detected seven hostile chakra signatures approaching, and Danzo emerged from the darkness and identified Naruto and Sasuke.
  • Danzo declared himself the Fifth Hokage and claimed he wanted to strengthen Konoha and unify the Shinobi World.
  • Danzo's former Root members attacked Naruto and Sasuke, while Danzo revealed the Mangekyō Sharingan he had taken from Kagami Uchiha.
  • Kurama warned Naruto about Danzo's eye and cloaked him in chakra as the six attackers began to overpower the boys.
  • Naruto asked Sasuke to take his hand, and Kurama shared his chakra with Sasuke, who charged into battle beside Naruto.

Ch. 88Hashirama: Switch out!

Naruto and Sasuke fought Root operatives until Danzo revealed Wood Release and threatened Naruto, prompting Hashirama to tell Naruto to switch out. Naruto entered Sage Mode and faced Danzo, who trapped him in a forest illusion and approached a cabin, unaware that the Nine-Tails was not there.

  • Four Root operatives used powerful ninjutsu against Naruto and Sasuke, while Itachi secretly introduced himself to Karin and asked her not to tell Sasuke he was present.
  • Naruto and Sasuke fought back-to-back, sharing the Nine-Tails' chakra as Karin ran to help them.
  • Danzo revealed a Sharingan in his arm and used Wood Release, causing Hashirama to intervene and tell Naruto to switch out.
  • Naruto withdrew the Tailed Beast Cloak, entered Sage Mode, and appeared beside Sasuke with overwhelming speed and power.
  • Danzo used his Mangekyō to transport Naruto into a forest illusion and headed toward a cabin, believing Naruto's spiritual form was inside.

Ch. 89Madara Uchiha!!!

Danzo imagined taking control of the Jinchūriki, becoming Hokage, and ruling the Shinobi World as he headed for the Small Wooden House. Inside Naruto’s Sealing Space, Hashirama transformed into Madara Uchiha to prepare a surprise, while Danzo approached under the darkening sky.

  • Danzo headed toward the Small Wooden House, fantasizing about controlling the Jinchūriki, replacing Sarutobi as Hokage, and rebuilding Root as the Leaf Division.
  • Kushina, Minato, Naruto, Kurama, and Hashirama discussed how to deal with Danzo, and Hashirama decided to use the Transformation Technique.
  • Hashirama transformed into Madara Uchiha, startling Minato and Kushina and frightening Kurama, then showed off Madara’s Mangekyō Sharingan.
  • Kurama asked Hashirama to turn into Madara for a future horse race, but Hashirama refused to serve as a fox’s mount.
  • Kushina and Naruto prepared to surprise Danzo by turning off the chakra sun, while Danzo approached the house believing his Mangekyō would let him see in the dark.

Ch. 90Danzo: Huh? I'm Done For?

Danzo entered Naruto’s mental world to seize control of him, only to face Madara, Minato, and Kushina. He was killed after they overwhelmed him, and Hashirama’s intervention left Kurama complaining about his lost tail.

  • Danzo entered Naruto’s mental world and found Madara Uchiha waiting there.
  • Minato and Kushina appeared, and Madara challenged Danzo over Hashirama’s arm and the Sharingan in his possession.
  • Danzo attacked Madara with a Wind Sword, but Madara summoned a Wood Golem that absorbed the strike.
  • Kushina took control of the Wood Golem while Hashirama armored Kurama with Wood Release.
  • Danzo used the Reverse Four Symbols Seal, but Hashirama saturated the seal with trees before it could engulf them.
  • Danzo died, Hashirama’s Transformation Technique ended, and Kurama protested that one of his tails had vanished.

Ch. 91Tobirama: Your little brother... has great potential for me to train!

Itachi saved Sasuke from Danzo, whose consciousness was destroyed after Tobirama appeared to guide him into death. Afterward, Tobirama grew intrigued by Sasuke’s resemblance to Izuna and began plotting to train him.

  • Danzo tried to take Sasuke hostage, but Itachi appeared and kicked him away.
  • Itachi trapped Danzo in a scarlet illusion, where Danzo questioned whether he had been wrong before his consciousness vanished as Tobirama closed his eyes.
  • Sasuke promised to grow stronger and bring Itachi back to atone, and Itachi tapped his forehead before disappearing.
  • Tenzo carried Danzo’s corpse away, while Sarutobi mourned his friend and returned to his unfinished work.
  • Itachi returned to the Sealing Space, where Tobirama asked about Sasuke and then resumed teaching him Flying Thunder God.
  • Tobirama privately speculated that Sasuke might be Izuna’s reincarnation and resolved to find a way to train him.

Ch. 92Karin: Huh, looks like I got here late

After the battle, Naruto returned home and asked Hashirama to teach him the Wood Human technique so he could become stronger. Underground, Obito learned that the White Zetsu had found Ryūchi Cave and set out to pursue Sage Mode.

  • Karin arrived after the battle had ended, and Naruto, Hashirama, and Kurama realized she had missed everyone.
  • Naruto and Sasuke headed home together after Sasuke said Itachi had gone back.
  • Naruto asked Hashirama to teach him the Wood Human, and Hashirama told him to practice controlling his Wood Clones first.
  • Minato offered to teach Naruto the Rasengan, but Naruto postponed the lessons and went to sleep.
  • Tobi told Obito that the White Zetsu had found Ryūchi Cave, and Obito traveled there to seek Sage Mode.

Ch. 93Itachi and Izumi

Itachi remembered Izumi giving him dango as a graduation present, including a wasabi-flavored one, as she encouraged him to stay passionate. Later, Izumi auditioned for Root, and Itachi approved her application before escorting her to the waiting room.

  • Izumi gave Itachi dango for his early graduation and teased him with a wasabi-flavored dumpling.
  • Itachi recalled the dango and Izumi's encouragement while serving as a Root recruit judge.
  • Izumi introduced herself and demonstrated her skills, revealing her two-tomoe Sharingan to Itachi, Tenzo, and Kakashi.
  • The judges approved Izumi's application, and Itachi personally led her to the waiting room.
  • Tobirama watched Itachi and Izumi through his blue-screen invention, then turned off the live feed.

Ch. 94Sasuke: Huh?

After the Mizuki incident, Sasuke met Uchiha Izuna in a strange forest and learned that the ancestor had been sent to train him. Izuna agreed to help Sasuke surpass Naruto, while reacting with shock to what Sasuke told him about the Uchiha in Konoha.

  • After thinking about his weakness, Sasuke fell asleep and awoke in a forest, where Uchiha Izuna introduced himself.
  • Izuna explained that he had come from the Pure Land to train Sasuke to become stronger than Naruto Uzumaki.
  • Sasuke told Izuna that his older brother had killed Uchiha clansmen for Konoha, leaving Izuna stunned by the clan's fate.
  • Izuna recovered and agreed to teach Sasuke, who warily asked whether he could really help him surpass Naruto.

Ch. 95Konohamaru (child version) makes his entrance!

After the Mizuki incident, Sarutobi questioned Naruto about his Wood Release, Sage Mode, and control of the Nine-Tails, prompting Minato to reveal himself and hint that Hashirama was inside Naruto. The chapter then shifted to Naruto taking Konohamaru to the bathhouse, while Kushina emerged to confront Sarutobi.

  • Sarutobi sent Konohamaru and Ebisu to Naruto’s home so Naruto could take Konohamaru to the bathhouse, and Naruto promptly struck the boastful child on the head.
  • Sarutobi recalled Naruto’s Wood Release, Sage Mode, and control of the Nine-Tails, then asked Naruto to explain how he had gained those abilities.
  • Naruto summoned Minato’s chakra phantom, and Minato reassured Sarutobi that he was dead before hinting that Hashirama was inside Naruto.
  • Sarutobi explained that Mito had returned from the Pure Land to stay with Karin for two months, and Hashirama and Kurama hid their relief at learning she had left.
  • Kushina demanded to speak with Sarutobi, and Minato returned to the Sealing Space as Sarutobi braced himself for her scolding.

Ch. 96The Susanoo Pool

Naruto returned to his old home with Kushina, then took Konohamaru to collect Sasuke for a hot-spring bath. While Sasuke joined them, Izuna used Susanoo to make his own heated bathing pool in the Sealing Space.

  • Naruto and Kushina replaced the old bedside photo with a group picture of themselves, Minato, and Kurama.
  • The Third let Naruto roam freely, and Naruto used a Wood Clone to carry Konohamaru after the boy failed to kick him.
  • Sasuke impressed Fugaku with his improved swordsmanship and privately planned to capture the other Tailed Beasts to gain more chakra than Naruto.
  • Naruto visited the Uchiha home and invited Sasuke to the hot springs, and Izuna allowed Sasuke to go.
  • Izuna discovered his eyes had grown stronger, formed a pool with Susanoo, heated it with Water and Fire Release, and settled in for a bath.

Ch. 97Konohamaru's Eyes Sparkled

Naruto and Sasuke collected Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, and Shino to visit Naruto’s favorite hot spring establishment. Konohamaru became convinced Naruto was cool and began plotting to make him his boss, while the group headed to the ANBU-affiliated baths.

  • Sasuke tried to gag Konohamaru with Naruto’s handkerchief, but Naruto stopped him, impressing Konohamaru.
  • Naruto introduced himself as the future Hokage, and Konohamaru decided he wanted Naruto as his boss so he could defeat the Third Hokage.
  • Naruto led Sasuke to Shikamaru’s house, where Yoshino woke Shikamaru and sent him along with them.
  • Naruto and Sasuke collected Choji, Kiba, and Shino before leading the group to Naruto’s hot spring establishment.
  • The establishment’s owner had gained ANBU affiliation after the Hokage and ANBU began visiting, and Naruto received generous bathing perks there.

Ch. 98Boss, take me in

At the hot springs, Naruto arrived with the boys and met Konohamaru, who admired his influence and asked to become his underling. Naruto accepted him as his boss and named Sasuke his second-in-command, but Konohamaru promptly toppled into the water when Akamaru jumped onto his head.

  • Sakura, Karin, and Ino argued over Sasuke while Hinata urged them to hurry to the hot springs.
  • Naruto learned that ANBU had booked the neighboring pool and wondered when his big sis would introduce her boyfriend.
  • Kiba panicked when he learned Konohamaru was the Third's grandson, then rescued Akamaru from playing with him.
  • Shino tied Naruto's hair into a bun while Naruto and Sasuke argued in the men's bath.
  • Konohamaru asked Naruto to take him in as an underling, and Naruto accepted him and appointed Sasuke his second-in-command.
  • Akamaru jumped onto Konohamaru's head and knocked him into the pool.

Ch. 99Hinata, do you like Naruto?

At the hot spring, Ino, Sakura, and Karin teased Hinata about her feelings for Naruto, prompting Hinata to recount how Naruto rescued her as a child. Next door, Izumi told Itachi she had seen Sasuke while the two shared a bath.

  • Sakura, Ino, and Karin discussed their classmates, then tried to tug off Karin’s towel after she mentioned Sasuke helping her with questions.
  • Hinata stopped the girls from teasing Karin, but Ino then asked Hinata what she thought of Naruto.
  • Ino and Karin pressed Hinata about liking Naruto, and Hinata blushed as she recalled Naruto saving her from a Kumogakure delegation member who kidnapped her when she was little.
  • Hinata said she thought she had been Naruto’s first friend, and the girls asked her for more details until the owner brought hot spring eggs.
  • In the mixed bath, Izumi told Itachi she had seen Sasuke, while Itachi asked her not to tug at his towel.

Ch. 100Three years later

In Konoha Year 58, Itachi, Tenzo, and Izumi retrieved the Sword of the Thunder God after Itachi incapacitated Aoi Rokushō, and Tenzo again helped recharge Itachi’s Mangekyō. Back in Konoha, Tobirama revealed that he had made the strange screen usable without its time limit and that Hashirama was inside Naruto Uzumaki.

  • Itachi used Tsukuyomi to defeat Aoi Rokushō, then asked Tenzo to recharge his Mangekyō by temporarily wearing his eye.
  • Tenzo recognized the eye Itachi used as Shisui’s and agreed to nourish Itachi’s eye for half a month.
  • Izumi recovered the Sword of the Thunder God, and the three returned to Konoha with it.
  • Tobirama demonstrated his chakra-powered device and explained that he had partially decoded the screen’s functions.
  • Tobirama told Itachi that Hashirama was inside Naruto Uzumaki and that he had removed the screen’s three-minute communication limit while it was scrambled.
Arc 4 of 24