Chapter Summaries

Sarutobi forced Rasa to make Sunagakure a subordinate village of Konoha, and Rasa returned to announce the defeat while Gaara and his siblings remained behind. Naruto showed Gaara around Konoha and helped him settle in, leaving Gaara determined to earn money to live near Naruto.

• Sarutobi offered Rasa a choice between sending half of Sunagakure's missions to Konoha and making Sunagakure a subordinate village, and Rasa accepted the latter after Sarutobi threatened to destroy the village.
• Rasa left Konoha with the imprisoned Sand shinobi, while Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro stayed behind; Rasa later announced Sunagakure's new status, shocking the shinobi world and angering the daimyo of the Land of Wind.
• Naruto took Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro on a tour of Konoha, showing them the Hokage Building, several places he frequented, and the Fourth Training Ground.
• Naruto showed the siblings their apartment and explained that they could take missions to afford a different place to live.
• Gaara asked whether he could rent a place near Naruto's home and decided to take missions so he could earn enough money to move closer to him.

Mei Terumi led Kirigakure’s diplomatic delegation to Konoha to seek stronger ties and possibly bring Zabuza back. Meanwhile, Jiraiya took Naruto to Mount Myōboku to begin his Sage Mode training.

• Mei Terumi told Chōjūrō that Kirigakure needed greater strength and contact with the outside world, and hoped to discuss relations with Konoha and find a chance to bring Zabuza back.
• Mei Terumi and the delegation reached Konoha, where Izumo Kamizuki checked their pass and arranged for an escort.
• Tenzo arrived and led Mei Terumi’s delegation toward the Hokage Building.
• Jiraiya prepared Naruto for a stay at Mount Myōboku, explaining that Sage Mode training would require a quiet environment.
• Jiraiya used the Reverse Summoning Technique to travel to Mount Myōboku, and Naruto followed after saying goodbye to Konoha.

Naruto and Jiraiya met the sages of Mount Myōboku, where Naruto apologized for summoning the Great Toad Sage. Jiraiya then shared intelligence about a masked man and the secretive Akatsuki, whose existence Mei Terumi also reported at Konoha’s conference.

• Gamakichi led Naruto and Jiraiya toward the sages, and Gamabunta carried them the rest of the way.
• Naruto introduced himself to Gamabunta, who took him and Jiraiya to the sages’ house.
• Fukasaku greeted Naruto and warned him not to summon the Great Toad Sage again.
• Jiraiya told Naruto that a masked man had been seen in Iwagakure and had taken a young man who was now part of an organization called Akatsuki.
• Mei Terumi told the Konoha conference that the masked Mangekyō Sharingan user had taken a Kirigakure ninja who wielded a Ninja Blade, and that he had joined Akatsuki.

Naruto arrived at Mount Myōboku and faced Sage Shima’s feast of wriggling bugs, while Minato explained that he had secretly used Flying Thunder God to avoid eating such food. Jiraiya recounted how hunger had once driven him to try the sages’ cooking, leaving Naruto still unable to stomach it.

• Sage Shima welcomed Naruto and recalled Minato’s visits and his praise for her cooking.
• Naruto saw the dishes of steamed bugs and green caterpillar soup and nearly vomited, so Jiraiya blamed his discomfort on the ride and his full stomach.
• Naruto shouted at Minato through their link, and Kushina questioned Minato about whether he had eaten bugs before kissing her.
• Minato admitted that he had secretly transported the food out of his bowl with Flying Thunder God whenever the sages looked away.
• Jiraiya told Naruto that the sages had once prevented him from leaving, and he tried a bug skewer after days without food.

Naruto woke at Mount Myōboku and recoiled when Fukasaku explained that the insect he was using to clean windows was also eaten there. Minato, Kushina, Hashirama, and Kurama agreed that Kurama would intervene so Naruto could avoid eating insects, leaving Kurama reluctantly accepting the task.

• Naruto woke from a nightmare and greeted Fukasaku, who showed him a Cleansing Insect and explained its uses.
• Naruto hid beneath his covers and called on his family and Kurama because he did not want to eat bugs.
• Minato proposed finding someone senior to the sages who could forbid Naruto from eating insects without causing offense.
• Kushina, Minato, and Hashirama identified Kurama as the oldest suitable candidate and urged him to help Naruto.
• Kurama reluctantly agreed to intervene after Hashirama offered him all the fruit he could eat during Naruto's training.

Naruto used Kurama’s dislike of bugs to avoid eating Mount Myōboku’s food, but his scheme left Jiraiya eating the porridge instead. After finishing it, Jiraiya asked the sages to begin Naruto’s Sage Mode training.

• Shima prepared bug-filled porridge for Naruto, and Fukasaku suggested taking him out to experience Sage Mode.
• Naruto claimed Kurama would cut ties with him if he ate bugs, and Kurama appeared to attack the porridge before Naruto blocked his chakra beam.
• Naruto brought sealed food from his room, and Shima gave the porridge to Jiraiya instead.
• Jiraiya recognized Naruto’s scheme and reluctantly ate the porridge while Naruto made himself millet porridge.
• Jiraiya went to the bathroom after finishing the meal, then asked Fukasaku and Shima to start Naruto’s Sage Mode training.

Naruto began Sage Mode training on Mount Myōboku and absorbed natural energy with startling ease. He emerged with new markings and golden eyes, leaving Jiraiya and Fukasaku speechless.

• Fukasaku explained the dangers of toad oil and warned Naruto that losing control of natural energy could turn him to stone.
• Fukasaku applied toad oil to Naruto and guided him as he sensed and absorbed natural energy.
• Naruto described the natural energy as friendly and beautiful while he continued absorbing it for a full minute without changing.
• A surge of natural energy rushed toward Naruto, and Fukasaku tried to stop him with his staff.
• Naruto caught Fukasaku’s staff and revealed Sage Mode markings, golden eyes, and a red ring in his pupils.

Naruto entered Sage Mode on Mount Myōboku, and Fukasaku brought him before the Great Toad Sage to check his condition. The Great Toad Sage confirmed Naruto was safe but still needed training, then fell asleep again as Naruto’s Sage Mode faded when the toad oil wore off.

• Naruto revealed he felt well after entering Sage Mode, and Fukasaku noticed his state differed from Mount Myōboku’s usual Sage Mode.
• Fukasaku took Naruto and Jiraiya to see the Great Toad Sage, who woke when Naruto entered the chamber.
• The Great Toad Sage recognized Naruto, hinted at prophecy and nature’s recognition, and confirmed Naruto had learned Sage Mode but had not mastered it.
• Jiraiya asked whether Naruto was the Child of Prophecy, but the Great Toad Sage fell asleep before answering.
• Fukasaku began training Naruto in Senjutsu, and Naruto’s Sage Mode faded as the toad oil wore off.

Mei Terumi visited Zabuza in Konoha's Root headquarters and invited him to return to Kirigakure, revealing that Yagura had died after breaking free of genjutsu. Zabuza accepted, but chose to leave Haku in Naruto Uzumaki's care while Haku enjoyed a meal in Konoha.

• Mei Terumi entered Zabuza's cell with Chōjūrō and Tenzo and told him that the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, was dead.
• Mei Terumi asked Zabuza to return to Kirigakure and help change the Bloody Mist Village, and promised to nurture any surviving Yuki Clan members.
• Zabuza claimed the Yuki Clan had no survivors, then accepted Mei Terumi's invitation and said the Kubikiribōchō was now a Konoha brat's trophy.
• Zabuza asked Tenzo to tell Naruto Uzumaki that he was sorry for the trouble and was leaving Haku in Naruto's care.
• Haku sensed that Zabuza was leaving as he held the bracelet Zabuza had bought him, then enjoyed grilled Pacific saury with his older brother and sister.

Naruto completed his Senjutsu Rasengan training on Mount Myōboku, and he and Jiraiya prepared to leave after Jiraiya received leads on the Akatsuki. In the sealing space, Hashirama poisoned himself by tasting his own cooking, but Kurama and Kushina revived him.

• Fukasaku pushed Jiraiya to train his perception while Naruto practiced the Senjutsu Rasengan, damaging the ground and injuring his hand.
• Fukasaku called an end to training, and Jiraiya said he had received leads on the Akatsuki and was ready to leave with Naruto.
• Shima served Jiraiya and Naruto a lavish farewell meal, leaving Jiraiya stunned by her ability to cook normal food.
• Hashirama prepared suspicious pork rib soup in the sealing space, tasted it, and collapsed while foaming at the mouth.
• Kurama and Kushina spent ten minutes trying to revive Hashirama, who woke up and mistakenly thought his cooking had let him communicate with the dead.

Naruto returned to Konoha with Jiraiya and headed to meet the Third Hokage, while Gaara discovered that Shukaku wanted to eat fish. Shukaku enjoyed Gaara’s Pacific saury, and Gaara left the Sealing Space after taking back the empty plate.

• Naruto returned home with Jiraiya, and they set off to see the Third Hokage.
• Hikoneko warned Naruto not to pick up Jiraiya’s bad habits, and Jiraiya hurried Naruto toward the Hokage Building.
• Kushina explained the Three Ninja Evils to Naruto, while Minato reassured Kushina and Kurama privately wished he had a partner.
• Shukaku asked Gaara for Pacific saury, and Gaara brought a plate into the Sealing Space.
• Shukaku split off a tiny body to eat the fish, then returned the empty plate to Gaara.

Naruto and Jiraiya returned to Konoha, where Sarutobi discussed Tsunade as a possible Hokage before revealing evidence linking Danzo and Hanzo to the Akatsuki. Jiraiya learned that his former students founded the organization and resolved to confront them, while Sarutobi questioned whether he would go alone.

• Naruto and Jiraiya arrived in Konoha and greeted Sarutobi in the Hokage's office.
• Jiraiya suggested bringing Tsunade back to serve as Hokage, and Sarutobi briefly considered the idea.
• Sarutobi showed Jiraiya a Root letter documenting Danzo's agreement with Hanzo concerning Nagato's Rinnegan and Amegakure.
• Jiraiya became furious when he realized Danzo had targeted his former students and said he would find them to learn the truth.
• Sarutobi told Jiraiya that Nagato and his companions had founded the Akatsuki and that its location was Amegakure.
• Sarutobi asked Jiraiya whether he truly intended to go alone.

After learning that the Akatsuki was tied to the attack on Konoha, Naruto and Jiraiya were tasked with bringing Tsunade back while the village gathered intelligence. Naruto reassured Jiraiya and planned to train so he could face the Akatsuki later, then asked Hashirama about Tsunade and resolved to work toward becoming Hokage after her.

• Naruto asked Jiraiya and Sarutobi about the Akatsuki’s connection to the village attack, and Sarutobi told Jiraiya to bring Tsunade back with Naruto while Konoha gathered intelligence.
• Naruto comforted Jiraiya and promised to join him in confronting the Akatsuki once he grew stronger, and Jiraiya agreed to go with him.
• Naruto and Jiraiya joked about visiting the hot springs, where Naruto’s standing could help Jiraiya get in.
• Naruto asked Hashirama what Tsunade was like, and Hashirama described her as a good, outgoing person who liked cards and dice.
• Naruto accepted that Tsunade would become Hokage before him and planned to train with Sasuke, Hinata, and the others after bringing her back.

Hinata went out at night to search for Naruto, and the two reunited after his return. Hinata explained that her Tenseigan had given her the ability to fly, while Jiraiya quietly left them alone and reflected on his own lonely path.

• Hinata left the Hyuga courtyard at night, and Hanabi watched her go while resolving to become stronger herself.
• Naruto and Jiraiya walked home from the hot springs when Jiraiya mistook Hinata's blue-green light in the sky for a shooting star.
• Naruto greeted Hinata as she landed, and they reunited hand in hand.
• Hinata told Naruto that the Hyuga Clan's ancient records identified her eyes as the Tenseigan and that she had been flying to train and check whether he had returned.
• Naruto hugged Hinata and promised not to stay away so long again, while Jiraiya gave them privacy and reflected on the people who needed him.

Naruto told his friends that Tsunade would likely become the next Hokage and promised he would return to visit them while away. Karin revealed that the interrupted Chunin Exams still needed a final ranking contest, leaving Naruto to wait before departing.

• Naruto discussed Tsunade’s likely appointment as Hokage with his friends, and Shikamaru explained that Naruto might have been a candidate if he were older.
• Karin teased Naruto about visiting Hinata and secretly resolved to behave rather than challenge him.
• Karin told Naruto that the Chunin Exams had not finished because several participants still needed to compete for final placements.
• Karin announced that she had become a Chunin, joining Naruto, Sasuke, Hinata, Gaara, Shikamaru, and Sakura among the newly promoted.
• Hayate was tasked with deciding the rankings, and Sakura withdrew from the contest because her opponents were far stronger.

Gaara joined Naruto for the ranking matches, while Temari packed up his leftover Pacific saury. At the arena, Hayate explained the matches would determine placements by lottery, and Shikamaru and Sakura agreed to compete for sixth place after initially forfeiting.

• Gaara set off for the arena with Naruto, while Temari packed his leftover Pacific saury to take away.
• Hayate's ranking match drew a small audience of relatives, clan members, ANBU, and Root, including Itachi and Izumi.
• Hiashi and Fugaku silently glared at each other from the stands as their families watched.
• Hayate announced that the matches would determine rankings and that the contestants would draw lots.
• Shikamaru and Sakura offered to forfeit, but Hayate suggested they compete for sixth place, and both agreed.

Hayate set the seven-person tournament bracket, and the draw gave Gaara a bye while Sasuke, Naruto, Hinata, and Karin were paired off. Shikamaru and Sakura began the first duel, leaving the other matches to come.

• Hayate explained the drawing-stick rules, and Gaara drew number five to advance directly to the top three.
• Kakashi and Might Guy drew attention from female ANBU members, who whispered about their closeness until Kakashi silenced them with a glare.
• Sasuke drew number one, Naruto number four, Karin number two, and Hinata number three, setting up Sasuke against Karin and Naruto against Hinata.
• Hinata asked Naruto to take their match seriously, and Naruto insisted that he always did.
• Hayate sent Shikamaru and Sakura into the Arena to begin the tournament, and they stopped talking when he started the duel.

Shikamaru used traps, shadow techniques, and Karin’s chili powder to overcome Sakura in their arena battle. Sakura surrendered, leaving Shikamaru the winner despite the strain his tactics put on him.

• Shikamaru used kunai, a fake Explosive Tag, and a smoke bomb to draw Sakura into his Shadow Possession Jutsu, but she dodged his attack.
• Shikamaru trapped Sakura with Shadow Sewing Technique while Sakura tried to break free with Earth Release and genjutsu.
• Shikamaru released chili powder from a hidden tool, and Sakura surrendered after inhaling it and coughing uncontrollably.
• Hayate cleared the powder, and Shikamaru gave Sakura a towel as she questioned his tactics.
• Karin explained how pungent powder could counter Kiba’s keen sense of smell, leaving Kiba lamenting that such a weapon existed.

Sasuke and Karin began their match, with Sasuke using his Sharingan, lightning, and sword to break Karin’s Adamantine Sealing Chains. After he snapped the fifth chain, Karin revealed a hidden sealing trap and ten more chains, catching Sasuke as the formation weakened his Lightning Chakra Mode.

• Shikamaru returned to his seat after his match, and Hayate announced Sasuke and Karin as the next contestants.
• Itachi discovered that Izumi had coated his dango with concentrated lemon juice, then accepted a bag of normal chocolate dango from her.
• Kakashi and Tenzo discussed the match while Yugao caught Kakashi stealing her popcorn and struck him over it.
• Sasuke activated his Three-Tomoe Sharingan and lightning-enhanced sword technique, then broke Karin’s first five Adamantine Sealing Chains as she tried to establish an Eight Trigrams Formation.
• Karin revealed ten hidden chains and a larger sealing trap that spread runes over Sasuke and weakened his Lightning Chakra Mode.

Karin defeated Sasuke with her Adamantine Sealing Chains, then kissed him, triggering his Mangekyō Sharingan. The match ended with Karin victorious, while Fugaku learned from Hiashi what had happened between the two.

• Karin used hidden sealing techniques and her Adamantine Sealing Chains to disable Sasuke's Lightning Chakra Mode and restrain him.
• Karin declared Sasuke defeated, then kissed him after shielding them both from the spectators with her chains.
• Sasuke awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan, and Izuna cut off the dōjutsu power feeding its formation.
• Hayate announced the end of the match, and Karin led a dazed Sasuke away from the arena.
• Fugaku asked Hiashi what he had seen through his Byakugan, and Hiashi told him the explosive news.