Chapter Summaries

Konoha’s leaders debated how to counter Sunagakure’s expansion, while Danzo turned the launch of Konoha’s generic drugs into a campaign to condemn Sunagakure’s occupation of the Land of Rain. Yubi remained unconcerned by the wave of criticism, focusing on securing Sunagakure’s gains and continuing its pharmaceutical business.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, Minato, and Danzo discussed Sunagakure’s growing military power and concluded Konoha could not challenge it directly.
• Danzo decided to use Konoha’s generic drug launch to encourage public condemnation of Sunagakure’s military operations.
• With the daimyo’s office coordinating sales, Konoha began distributing generic drugs across the Shinobi World and competing with Sunagakure’s pharmaceutical market.
• Yubi learned that Danzo had used Konoha’s new business partners to organize criticism of Sunagakure’s seizure of the Land of Rain.
• The other great shinobi villages and smaller countries joined the public condemnation, but Yubi dismissed the campaign as harmless words and continued prioritizing control of the Land of Rain.

Yubi reviewed Sunagakure’s occupation of the Land of Rain as the Third Shinobi World War ended, then learned that Kirigakure’s Mizukage had been murdered. Suspecting Black Zetsu had caused the killing, Yubi let him retrieve the body while considering the power struggle that might follow in Kirigakure.

• Arai told Yubi that Sunagakure had cleared most outside forces from the Land of Rain, but would need at least a year to secure control and rebuild Amegakure.
• Yubi asked Arai to congratulate the Land of Fire’s daimyo’s office ahead of Minato Namikaze becoming Fourth Hokage.
• Black Zetsu told Yubi that Kirigakure’s Mizukage had been murdered by someone close to him after the war ended.
• Yubi questioned Black Zetsu’s explanation, suspected he was behind the murder, and ordered him to bring back the Mizukage’s body.
• Yubi considered the power vacuum in Kirigakure and the possibility that Yagura and rival factions would struggle over the Mizukage position.

Yubi assessed the turmoil in Kirigakure after the Third Mizukage’s assassination and rejected Black Zetsu’s suggestion to exploit it, wary of provoking a united response against Sunagakure. He then learned that Minato Namikaze would become the Fourth Hokage and ordered a congratulatory letter sent to Konoha.

• White Zetsu reported that Kirigakure’s factions, including Yagura’s reformers, the Third Mizukage’s former supporters, and the Hozuki Clan, were contending for influence after the Mizukage’s death.
• Black Zetsu urged Yubi to accelerate Kirigakure’s chaos and install a puppet Mizukage, but Yubi declined to intervene.
• Yubi suspected Black Zetsu had helped leak news of the assassination and decided to keep him useful for now before eventually eliminating him.
• Yura informed Yubi that Minato Namikaze would become the Fourth Hokage in three days.
• Yubi ordered a letter sent to Konoha to congratulate Minato.

Yubi completed Sunagakure’s recruitment of several powerful children and considered who should become the next One-Tail Jinchuriki. After learning that Karatachi Yagura had become the Fourth Mizukage and purged his rivals, Yubi reflected that the shinobi world’s future had become unpredictable.

• Yubi welcomed Kimimaro, the Sound Four, and Jugo to Sunagakure, while learning that Honoka had died when Summoning Island’s research facility was destroyed.
• Mizuki Uzumaki joined Sunagakure’s Sealing Squad, where Yubi tasked her with developing the village’s sealing arts alongside its existing traditions.
• Yubi refused to make Mizuki the One-Tail Jinchuriki and planned to seal Shukaku in Gaara after his birth, pending discussion with Rasa and Karura.
• Sunagakure received news that Karatachi Yagura had become the Fourth Mizukage after securing allies and ruthlessly crushing opposition in Kirigakure.
• Juzo Biwa and Raiga Kurosuki defected, Suikazan Fuguki died, and White Zetsu retrieved Fuguki’s corpse as Yubi considered how the new generation of Kage might shape the world.

Yubi trained his ninjutsu and chakra abilities while the great villages pursued recovery and political gains after the war. After White Zetsu found Hiruko in the Land of Wind, Yubi set out to capture or study him and his Chimera Technique.

• Yubi continued training in sealing, nature transformations, and other techniques as the villages rebuilt and Sunagakure tightened its control over the Land of Rain.
• Yubi tested the Fuma Clan's Curse Binding Mandala, then practiced wind and fire techniques in the desert.
• Yubi decided against using Hashirama's cells because the village's research had not resolved their side effects.
• White Zetsu reported that Hiruko had been found after sneaking into the Land of Wind.
• Yubi ordered White Zetsu to lead him to Hiruko, hoping to study the Chimera Technique and bring it back to the village.

Yubi tracked Hiruko to his hideout in the Land of Wind and overpowered him after learning about his Chimera Technique experiments. Yubi planned to use Hiruko and his forbidden technique for Sunagakure’s research, leaving Hiruko helpless as Yubi reached for him.

• Yubi followed White Zetsu’s guidance to Hiruko’s hideout in the Land of Wind and saw that Hiruko had already absorbed two kekkei genkai.
• Hiruko endured severe pain while planning to collect four kekkei genkai and eventually absorb Kakashi to complete his Chimera Technique.
• Yubi entered Hiruko’s cave and inspected his research, including experiments on captured summoning beasts.
• Hiruko attacked Yubi, but Yubi repelled him and used dōjutsu and chakra-point strikes to immobilize him.
• Yubi revealed his identity as the Fourth Kazekage and said he wanted Hiruko’s forbidden technique to inspire Sunagakure’s research.
• Yubi reached for Hiruko as Hiruko pleaded with him to stop.

Yubi killed Hiruko, studied the Chimera Technique for Sunagakure’s genetic research, and traveled to the Rōran ruins to investigate the dragon vein. He reached the underground altar with Chiyo, Arai, and Shinobi Temple monks, preparing to undo the seal and seek control of the dragon vein.

• Yubi examined Hiruko’s body and concluded that the Chimera Technique’s principles could help improve genetic fusion experiments.
• Hiruko died, and Yubi received one thousand experience points for killing him.
• Yubi gave the Chimera Technique to Saori and the others before setting out for the Rōran ruins.
• Yubi explained that he planned to reach the Ancient Kingdom of Roran, meet its Queen, and learn to control the dragon vein.
• Yubi, Chiyo, Arai, and the Shinobi Temple monks descended to the underground altar, where Arai sensed the immense energy sealed beneath it.

Yubi traveled through the dragon vein to the original Rōran Kingdom, gained the Queen of Roran’s bloodline and training methods, and resealed the dragon vein in the past. He returned safely to the present, where Chiyo learned he had succeeded.

• Yubi opened the dragon vein with the monks’ sealing barrier and used its power to travel into the past.
• Yubi found the primitive Rōran Kingdom and met the Queen of Roran, explaining the dragon vein’s threat and gaining her trust.
• Yubi confirmed the queen’s lineage could guide and suppress the dragon vein, then obtained its bloodline and training methods without interfering further in the past.
• The dragon vein’s power vanished in the present, and Yubi reappeared unharmed as the seal closed again.
• Black Zetsu watched Yubi return and quickly vanished, while Chiyo asked how the journey went and Yubi said he had gotten what he needed.

Yubi assimilated cells from the Queen of Roran, strengthening his Yin Release and Dōjutsu while waiting to see whether he could eventually use the Dragon Vein. At a Sunagakure meeting, he laid out plans to develop the Land of Rain and improve the Land of Wind’s environment before another war broke out.

• Yubi transplanted the Queen of Roran's cells into his body and controlled them as they slowly adapted, boosting his Yin Release and Dōjutsu.
• Sasori, Rasa, and the others returned from the Land of Rain, which Sunagakure had brought under control, and discussed its resources and shortage of workers.
• Yubi said Sunagakure would develop the Land of Rain through mining, forestry, agriculture, fishing, and livestock farming, using its own people to provide labor.
• Yubi proposed diverting the Land of Rain's water into the Land of Wind and breaking through the mountain barrier to bring moisture across the border.
• Yubi said Sunagakure would combat desertification by changing the Land of Wind's ecology and terrain, and would negotiate with neighboring countries to alter mountains that blocked rainwater.

Yubi outlined how Sunagakure would fund large-scale development in the Land of Wind and help rebuild the Land of Rain. He proposed selling pharmaceutical factories and research access while launching a serum industry, leaving Sunagakure poised to finance its plans through new revenue streams.

• Chiyo warned that developing the Land of Wind would require the entire country to contribute, and Rasa questioned whether Sunagakure could afford the cost.
• Yubi said Sunagakure would partner with the Akatsuki to rebuild the Land of Rain and hire citizens of the Land of Wind for domestic development work.
• Yubi revealed that Sunagakure had developed physical-enhancement serums for ordinary people and ninja, which he expected to become a major source of revenue.
• Yubi proposed building pharmaceutical factories in neighboring countries and selling access to Sunagakure's pharmaceutical research resources.
• Yubi explained that competition from Konoha, Iwagakure, and future companies would erode Sunagakure's pharmaceutical monopoly, so the village should cash in while it could and rely on the serum industry for future profits.

Yubi secured Sunagakure’s leaders’ support for a national development plan funded through pharmaceutical resources and medical expertise, then traveled to arrange partnerships. In the former Amegakure, Shimizu presented Akatsuki with Sunagakure’s rebuilding plans, and Yahiko agreed to cooperate, including providing unpaid labor.

• Yubi proposed using pharmaceutical factories, research data, medical services, and equipment to obtain funding and manpower for transforming the Land of Wind.
• Chiyo, Arai, Sasori, and the other leaders supported Yubi’s plan, divided responsibilities, and spent a day and night preparing a preliminary proposal.
• After handling village affairs and leaving Arai in charge, Yubi went to the Land of Rivers to negotiate partnerships before Danzo could interfere.
• Ten days later, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan arrived in the rebuilt Amegakure and met with Shimizu.
• Shimizu explained that Sunagakure would invest most resource-sale proceeds in rebuilding the Land of Rain and offered Akatsuki a role in managing the funds, subject to Sunagakure’s requirements.
• Yahiko agreed to cooperate with the rebuilding plan and provide Akatsuki’s labor without wages.

Yubi traveled with the Land of Wind’s diplomatic envoys and rapidly secured pharmaceutical cooperation agreements with countries bordering the Land of Wind. He then arrived in Iwagakure in disguise, where Ōnoki suspected the Kazekage had ulterior motives.

• Yubi and the daimyo’s court envoys secured a cooperation agreement with the Land of Rivers, whose Daimyo paid upfront and signed the contract.
• Yubi continued to the Land of Birds and, over the following month, obtained agreements with the countries bordering the Land of Wind, including permission to alter natural mountain ranges.
• Yubi accompanied the Land of Wind’s envoys to Iwagakure, concealing his identity and itinerary from Konoha.
• Ōnoki and Kitsuchi prepared to welcome the envoys, while Ōnoki worried that Yubi’s secretive visit meant trouble.
• Ōnoki spotted Yubi disguised as an envoy’s guard and resolved to be cautious.

Yubi visited Iwagakure and offered to establish pharmaceutical factories there and sell Iwagakure all of Sunagakure’s medicine-manufacturing information. He said he wanted to undermine Konoha’s growing pharmaceutical business, though Ōnoki remained wary of his motives.

• Ōnoki met Yubi after Yubi revealed himself and questioned why the Fourth Kazekage had secretly come to Iwagakure.
• Yubi noticed Ōnoki had filled the village with shinobi to conceal Iwagakure’s postwar weakness and reassure him of its strength.
• Yubi said he had come to discuss business and offered to establish pharmaceutical factories in the Land of Earth and sell Iwagakure all the medicine-manufacturing information.
• Ōnoki and the senior Iwagakure officials were stunned, while Ōnoki suspected Yubi’s offer was a trap.
• Yubi explained that Konoha’s generic medicines were taking Sunagakure’s market share and said he wanted to cooperate with Iwagakure to hurt Konoha.

Yubi persuaded Ōnoki to cooperate with Sunagakure on pharmaceutical production, then prepared to seek a similar deal with Kirigakure. He aimed to weaken Konoha’s market dominance and secure Sunagakure’s position through commercial alliances.

• Yubi explained to Ōnoki why Sunagakure had occupied Amegakure and argued that cooperation would keep Iwagakure from aligning with Konoha.
• Ōnoki delayed his answer and sent Kitsuchi to escort Yubi, Baki, and Yura to their lodgings.
• After several hours, Ōnoki agreed to cooperate with Sunagakure, and the villages negotiated a deal requiring Iwagakure to pay a large sum for the pharmaceutical industry chain.
• Yubi and his companions left Iwagakure the next morning and set out for Kirigakure to seek another cooperation deal.
• Yubi expected Karatachi Yagura to agree because the new Mizukage needed a major achievement to strengthen his position.

Minato Namikaze and Konoha’s leaders discussed Sunagakure’s takeover and rebuilding of the Land of Rain, its alliance with the Akatsuki, and the Land of Wind’s diplomatic outreach. Jiraiya and Tsunade agreed that the Fourth Kazekage could pursue further expansion, while Konoha’s effort to form an alliance against Sunagakure had collapsed.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi, Minato Namikaze, and Konoha’s senior officials examined reports that Sunagakure was rebuilding the Land of Rain and that the Land of Wind’s envoys were visiting neighboring countries.
• Shikaku Nara reasoned that Sunagakure was selling the Land of Rain’s resources to fund reconstruction and had likely made a deal giving the Akatsuki’s leader some control while retaining command authority.
• Danzo criticized Konoha’s leaders for dismissing his earlier warnings and argued that Sunagakure’s rise required a more aggressive response.
• Jiraiya and Tsunade agreed that the Fourth Kazekage seemed unlikely to remain content with peace while Sunagakure held military and economic advantages.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi reported that Iwagakure had rejected an alliance, Kirigakure had not responded, Kumogakure had refused, and the planned meeting of four Kage had fallen through.

Minato Namikaze proposed easing relations with Sunagakure so Konoha could recover while gathering intelligence, but Sunagakure’s pharmaceutical partnerships threatened Konoha’s medicine industry. Shikaku concluded that Konoha faced a no-win choice: leave the factories alone and lose its market, or destroy them and damage its reputation and relations.

• Minato Namikaze argued against escalating tensions with Sunagakure and proposed building diplomatic ties, while Danzo condemned his approach and left the meeting.
• Minato explained that diplomacy would give Konoha time to recover, improve its understanding of Sunagakure, and encourage competition, though Tsunade warned that information would flow both ways.
• An Anbu member reported that Sunagakure was helping smaller countries build pharmaceutical factories.
• Tsunade ordered the Anbu member to investigate the factories, and Shikaku realized Sunagakure’s partnerships could undermine Konoha’s generic medicine markets.
• Shikaku explained that destroying the factories would make Konoha look like a villain and damage its foreign relations, while doing nothing would let Sunagakure dominate the market.

Yubi weighed Konoha’s invitation to a shinobi exchange against his plans to trigger the Nine-Tails’ Rebellion, while Sunagakure’s economic and environmental projects reshaped relations across the shinobi world. The chapter left Yubi considering whether Minato Namikaze’s continued survival posed a greater threat than the risks of attacking Konoha.

• Sunagakure’s release of pharmaceutical research data ended Konoha’s market advantage, leaving Konoha with unsold medicine while countries began building their own factories.
• Sunagakure hired workers from neighboring countries to reshape terrain and improve the Land of Wind’s environment, a project other villages dismissed as futile.
• Danzo viewed Sunagakure’s spending as a waste and welcomed the prospect that Yubi was weakening his village by pursuing the project.
• Yubi received a handwritten invitation from Minato Namikaze asking him to attend a Konoha-Sunagakure shinobi exchange gathering.
• Yubi considered using the Nine-Tails’ Rebellion to kill Minato and damage Konoha, but worried about Jiraiya, the Sannin, and the uncertain effects on Naruto’s future.

Yubi decided to stay out of the Nine-Tails Incident and accepted an invitation to visit Konoha for an exchange gathering. He went to the desert as Bunpuku neared death, where the monk released Shukaku from his body.

• Yubi chose to avoid interfering in the Nine-Tails Incident and agreed to visit Konoha for an exchange gathering.
• Baki informed Yubi that Bunpuku was near death, and Yubi went to the Shinobi Temple to see him.
• Yubi and Bunpuku spoke before Yubi brought him to the desert with monks and Sunagakure's Sealing Squads.
• Bunpuku released the One-Tail's seal before dying, and Shukaku emerged into the desert and laughed.

Yubi fought Shukaku after the One-Tail emerged, using his speed, Blood Release, and a sealing technique developed with Bunpuku to restrain him. When Shukaku tried to unleash a Tailed Beast Bomb at the Sunagakure group, Yubi used his Dōjutsu to suppress Shukaku’s consciousness and stop it.

• Shukaku emerged from his prison and attacked Yubi, but Yubi evaded his strikes and returned Bunpuku’s body to the others.
• Yubi confronted Shukaku directly and tested his defenses with Blood Release attacks, while Shukaku’s blows and Wind Release failed to hit him.
• Yubi coated Shukaku in blood and spread sealing markings over his body, gradually shrinking and restraining the One-Tail.
• Shukaku tried to form a Tailed Beast Bomb aimed toward the Sunagakure group, but Yubi controlled his consciousness with his Dōjutsu and halted the attack.

Yubi sealed Shukaku and returned to Sunagakure, then visited Karura to discuss making her newborn son Gaara the tailed beast’s Jinchūriki. He left the decision to Karura and Rasa, reassuring her that Gaara would be safe and that the village did not need Shukaku’s power.

• Yubi and the sealing team restrained Shukaku and sealed him inside a tea kettle.
• Yubi returned to Sunagakure, placed the kettle under guard at the Shinobi Temple, and approved a golden statue commemorating Bunpuku.
• Yubi visited Karura at the orphanage, where four-year-old Temari showed her displeasure at his visit.
• Yubi asked Karura to consider making Gaara Shukaku’s Jinchūriki, explaining that he believed Gaara could become a perfect Jinchūriki.
• Karura raised the threat of future wars, and Yubi assured her that Gaara’s Jinchūriki status was optional and that he would respect her and Rasa’s decision.