Recaps

Senju Chen urged Tsunade to consider returning to Konoha, and she agreed to discuss it after they resolved his condition. After receiving a map of the Xuanyuan Group’s activity and suspected bases, Chen took Tsunade and Shizune on an outing to their lair.

• Senju Chen claimed that the Kumogakure shinobi known as Classmate Little A had tripped and left, while Tsunade recognized that Chen had attacked him.
• Senju Chen asked Tsunade when she planned to return to Konoha and reminded her of her family ties and improving medical skills.
• Tsunade said she would consider returning once Chen’s condition and other matters were settled.
• A Kumogakure shinobi gave Senju Chen a map of the attackers’ operating areas and possible bases, warning him to avoid them.
• Senju Chen persuaded Tsunade and Shizune to visit the Forest of Whispers near Cedar Village, and the three set off toward the Xuanyuan Group’s lair.

Senju Chen took Tsunade and Shizune on a relaxed trip to the Forest of Whispers, helping Tsunade enjoy herself and appreciate life again. That night, Shizune kissed Senju Chen and fled in embarrassment while Tsunade secretly witnessed the moment.

• Tsunade enjoyed the journey, playing in a stream and delighting in the sights as she grew more cheerful.
• Senju Chen made a comfortable campsite and cooked grilled fish that Tsunade, Shizune, and Tonton enjoyed.
• After Tsunade fell asleep, Shizune thanked Senju Chen for helping Tsunade recover some happiness, and he thanked Shizune for staying by her side.
• Shizune kissed Senju Chen on the cheek, then blushed and ran off in embarrassment.
• Tsunade, pretending to sleep, secretly watched the exchange and smiled before turning over.

Senju Chen led Tsunade and Shizune into the Forest of Whispers, where he spotted and avoided an elaborate series of traps. Poisonous mist then surrounded them, and five masked Shinobi Hunters appeared to confront the group.

• Senju Chen shared Kumogakure’s intelligence about the five mercenary Shinobi Hunters, and Tsunade welcomed the chance to fight them.
• The group entered the eerily silent forest, where Senju Chen used his Sharingan and mental power to detect traps and guide Tsunade and Shizune around them.
• After about an hour, poisonous mist swept over the group, and Shizune swallowed an antidote pill as Tsunade shielded her.
• Five masked figures emerged from the mist, surrounded the group, and warned them that intruders were not welcome.

Tsunade and Senju Chen confronted the Xuanyuan Group, whose members launched a coordinated ambush. Tsunade overwhelmed them with her strength while Chen protected Shizune and secretly placed Flying Thunder God markers around the battlefield; the fight continued with Tsunade still dominating.

• Tsunade challenged the black-clad group over their attack on the Kumogakure ninja, and their leader ordered an assault with no survivors.
• The Xuanyuan Group attacked with a shadow technique, poisonous insects, and hidden weapons, but Tsunade shattered their trap with a single stomp.
• Tsunade charged the group and knocked one member skyward with a powerful kick, frightening the remaining four.
• Senju Chen watched with his Sharingan, spread Flying Thunder God kunai across the battlefield, and told Shizune to stay behind him.
• Tsunade relentlessly pursued the surviving Xuanyuan Group members as one of them began using Earth Release: Earth Flow Spears.

Senju Chen used ninjutsu and a reflected flash to foil the Xuanyuan Group's attacks and steal their Exploding Insects insights. With their leader blinded, Tsunade closed in to finish the fight.

• Senju Chen blocked the Shinobi Hunters' attacks with an Earth-Style Wall and a Great Fireball Technique.
• The Xuanyuan Group's insect user unleashed Poison Dust Explosion, forcing Tsunade and Senju Chen to retreat.
• The leader tried to blind Tsunade and plant Exploding Insect eggs, but Senju Chen's thrown forehead protector reflected the light into his eyes.
• Senju Chen chose Exploding Insects Rearing Insights from the system's refreshed list of stealable abilities.
• Tsunade rushed the blinded leader, placed a hand on his head, and declared the fight over.

Senju Chen and Tsunade defeated the Xuanyuan Group and revealed how much they knew about its Exploding Insects secret jutsu. After the group agreed to cooperate in exchange for Tsunade saving their injured companion Aying, Senju Chen prepared to question them about their origins.

• Tsunade subdued Xuanyuan Gari while Senju Chen bound the other Xuanyuan Group members with Wood Release.
• Senju Chen explained the secrets and limitations of the group's Exploding Insects jutsu, alarming Xuanyuan Gari and his men.
• Senju Chen said they had not come for revenge and offered Tsunade's medical help for the injured Aying.
• Xuanyuan Gari and the other members agreed to surrender their lives if Tsunade saved Aying.
• Tsunade went to treat Aying as Senju Chen restrained Xuanyuan Gari and asked the group where they came from.

Senju Chen learned that the Xuanyuan Group were descendants of the Xuanyuan Clan whose modified bodies amplified their chakra at the cost of their life force, and recruited them as his covert security team. After Tsunade saved Aying, Senju Chen sent the group to investigate the scientist responsible for their modifications while they recovered in the forest.

• Xuanyuan Gari explained that the Xuanyuan Group were descendants of the Xuanyuan Clan and hunted ninja for commissions.
• The insect user described how a renegade scientist had attached bioneural-linked chakra amplifiers to the group, which boosted their abilities but consumed their life force.
• Senju Chen offered the group a long-term security commission, and Xuanyuan Gari agreed on the condition that Aying be healed.
• Tsunade saved Aying, and Senju Chen ordered Xuanyuan Gari and his team to use their intelligence network to find information about human modification, Scientific Ninja Tools, and the scientist.
• Senju Chen, Tsunade, and Shizune left the Forest of Whispers after Senju Chen gave Xuanyuan Gari a scroll for reporting leads.

Senju Chen, Tsunade, and Shizune traveled toward a town while an anti-Hiruzen Sarutobi rumor campaign spread through Konoha. Hiruzen learned that grieving families blamed him for the war’s losses and wondered who was trying to force him from power.

• Tsunade teased Shizune and Senju Chen as the group continued toward a town for food and a hot spring.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi returned to Konoha after completing difficult postwar negotiations with Iwagakure and Sunagakure.
• Jiraiya and Shikaku Nara told Hiruzen that rumors accused him of recalling Senju Chen out of fear and prolonging the war.
• Hiruzen read reports that grieving families blamed him for the deaths of their loved ones and gathered at the Memorial Stone.
• Hiruzen slammed down the scroll and asked who thought he had held the Hokage seat for too long.

Hiruzen Sarutobi returned to Konoha amid rumors questioning his treatment of the fallen and their families, and called an emergency jonin meeting to address the village’s unrest. He presented the favorable peace terms won from Iwagakure and Sunagakure, but the muted response showed that the rumors still clouded the jonin’s trust.

• Jiraiya urged Hiruzen Sarutobi to stop the rumors, while Shikaku Nara warned that the scheme had left no direct evidence and that many clans were staying silent.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered every jonin to attend an emergency meeting, and Shimura Danzō welcomed the chance to undermine him before the village.
• At the meeting, Hiruzen Sarutobi announced that Konoha had won the war and read out the reparations, resources, and trade concessions secured from Iwagakure and Sunagakure.
• Some younger jonin showed pride in the victory, but most gave Hiruzen Sarutobi only scattered applause and continued to watch him with suspicion.

Facing the villagers’ suspicion and anger, Hiruzen Sarutobi announced that he would resign as Third Hokage and that Konoha would begin electing the Fourth. He left the dais, while the gathered leaders and clans considered the power shift.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi acknowledged the rumors and recognized that the villagers’ grief and resentment had made his position untenable.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi reflected on his decades as Hokage and said he was old, tired, and ready to lay down the burden.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi announced his immediate resignation and said the election of the Fourth Hokage would begin.
• Jiraiya protested, Shikaku Nara understood the significance of the announcement, and Shimura Danzō reacted with concealed excitement.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his Hokage hat and walked away from the dais as the meeting hall erupted.

After Hiruzen Sarutobi announced his resignation, Konoha’s leaders and villagers struggled to understand the decision as Shimura Danzō began plotting to secure the Hokage position. Minato Namikaze worried about his teacher and the pressure ahead, while Shikaku Nara called him aside.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi left after announcing he would step down, and the meeting room erupted in confusion.
• Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi, and Shikaku Nara considered how the succession could affect their clans and the village.
• Villagers argued over whether their criticism had driven Hiruzen to resign, while Shimura Danzō saw their guilt as a tool to win support.
• Shimura Danzō ordered Root’s senior members and advisers Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura to meet, then planned to outmaneuver Minato Namikaze and Orochimaru.
• Minato Namikaze worried about Hiruzen and the turmoil facing Konoha, and Shikaku Nara asked him to come along.

After Hiruzen Sarutobi resigned and called for a new Hokage election, Minato learned that rival factions would maneuver against him. The Uchiha weighed their options, the Hyuga chose neutrality, and Danzo began plotting to secure the position as Hiruzen questioned his past choices.

• Shikaku warned Minato that the succession struggle would bring covert attacks and urged him to gather allies among the major clans.
• Fugaku rejected a direct Uchiha bid for Hokage and decided to observe the candidates before using the clan's support to bargain for promises.
• Hiashi ruled that the Hyuga Clan would stay neutral and focus on consolidating its foundations.
• Danzo ordered Root to undermine Minato, gather evidence against Orochimaru, court the clans, and improve his public image.
• Hiruzen stood alone in the Hokage Building and wondered whether he had made the wrong choice.

Senju Chen, Tsunade, and Shizune relaxed in the Land of Hot Water, where Chen helped curb Tsunade’s drinking and gambling as they enjoyed the hot springs and festival. At the Haori Festival, Chen learned that Hiruzen Sarutobi had resigned as Hokage and brought the news to the others at a teahouse.

• Senju Chen soaked in the hot spring with Tsunade and Shizune, while Tsunade drank heavily and insisted her gambling luck was good.
• Senju Chen took Tsunade’s sake flask and helped her leave the spring, and Tsunade asked whether he liked Shizune before telling him to treat her well if he did.
• Tsunade and Shizune explored the Haori Festival while Senju Chen carried their purchases.
• Senju Chen spotted a newspaper announcing Hiruzen Sarutobi’s resignation as Hokage and bought a copy.
• Senju Chen invited Tsunade and Shizune to a teahouse and set the newspaper on their table.

Tsunade, Shizune, and Senju Chen discussed Hiruzen Sarutobi’s resignation and the candidates to become the Fourth Hokage. Chen weighed Orochimaru and Minato Namikaze’s chances but declared that he would leave Konoha if Shimura Danzō took the position.

• Shizune found a newspaper reporting that Hiruzen Sarutobi had resigned and that Konoha would elect the Fourth Hokage, alarming her and Tsunade.
• Tsunade said the village had already been in turmoil and asked Senju Chen who he thought would become Hokage.
• Senju Chen said Orochimaru had strength and seniority, while Minato Namikaze had popular support, wartime achievements, and Jiraiya’s backing.
• Tsunade noted that either candidate had a close relationship with Senju Chen, and Chen agreed that both could benefit him and the Senju Clan.
• Senju Chen warned that Shimura Danzō must not become Hokage, saying he would have no reason to remain in Konoha if Danzō took the position.

Tsunade ordered Senju Chen to return to Konoha while she stayed away to investigate his supposed Uchiha bloodline and avoid being drawn into the Hokage succession struggle. Senju Chen accepted his duty to represent the Senju Clan and left for the village.

• Senju Chen said the Senju Clan might have to sever its ties with Konoha if Shimura Danzō became Hokage.
• Tsunade explained that she could not return to Konoha without being pulled into the power struggle and said she still had leads to investigate about Senju Chen's bloodline.
• Tsunade told Senju Chen to return in her name, guide the Senju faction, and keep its members from becoming pawns in the struggle.
• Senju Chen accepted the responsibility, and Shizune gave him a medical pouch for the journey.
• Senju Chen said goodbye to Tsunade and Shizune, then left town and set off for Konoha.

Senju Chen returned to Konoha amid rumors surrounding Hiruzen Sarutobi’s resignation and Tsunade’s departure. He reassured the villagers that he had left only to visit his sister and suggested that Tsunade might return once she had time to recover from recent turmoil.

• Senju Chen arrived at Konoha’s gates, where Izumo and Kotetsu asked whether he had returned because Hiruzen Sarutobi was stepping down.
• Senju Chen entered the village and heard rumors that he might compete to become the Fourth Hokage.
• Villagers gathered around Senju Chen, asking about his departure and Tsunade’s wellbeing.
• Senju Chen told the crowd that he had requested leave to find Tsunade and denied that Konoha had forced him out.
• Senju Chen said Tsunade needed quiet time but might someday return to Konoha, prompting relieved cheers from the villagers.

Senju Chen returned to Orochimaru's research institute, reunited with Anko, and met Kabuto Yakushi, whose hidden connection to Yakushi Nonō stirred painful emotions. Orochimaru called out to Chen from deeper in the laboratory.

• Senju Chen entered Orochimaru's research institute after returning to Konoha.
• Anko recognized Senju Chen, reproached him for leaving without saying goodbye, and asked about Tsunade.
• Anko introduced Senju Chen to Kabuto Yakushi, Orochimaru's new assistant, and the two exchanged courteous greetings.
• Senju Chen asked Kabuto whether he was related to Yakushi Nonō, and Kabuto said she had adopted him and given him her surname.
• Orochimaru called to Senju Chen from deeper inside the laboratory.

Senju Chen returned to Orochimaru’s laboratory and examined his teacher’s Chimera, a weapon built to control tailed beast chakra. After discussing a possible way to improve it using technology Chen encountered, Orochimaru asked whether Tsunade had sent him because Orochimaru resigned from the Hokage position.

• Senju Chen greeted Orochimaru, who sent Anko and Kabuto away before leading him deeper into the laboratory.
• Orochimaru showed Senju Chen Chimera, a five-tailed test subject modified with Hashirama cells and technology from the Land of the Sky.
• Senju Chen identified the risk that Chimera’s energy system would fail under excessive chakra output, and Orochimaru confirmed it was his current bottleneck.
• Senju Chen described the Xuanyuan Group’s chakra-converting tails and their scientist’s approach to combining machinery with the human body.
• Orochimaru became eager to meet the scientist and asked Senju Chen whether Tsunade had sent him because Orochimaru resigned from the Hokage position.

Senju Chen discussed the political maneuvering behind Sarutobi's resignation with Orochimaru and tried to warn him that his research could cost him the Fourth Hokage position. Orochimaru dismissed the concern, convinced he could become Hokage without abandoning his experiments.

• Orochimaru explained that Shimura Danzō and Konoha's major clans had coordinated rumors and political pressure to force Sarutobi to step down.
• Orochimaru declared that his seniority, achievements, and strength made him the obvious choice for Fourth Hokage over Shimura Danzō and Minato Namikaze.
• Senju Chen asked whether Orochimaru would destroy his research if Sarutobi made that a condition for becoming Hokage.
• Orochimaru was briefly startled by the possibility, then insisted the village would accept his research once he made Konoha powerful and overcame death.
• Senju Chen realized Orochimaru had no intention of heeding his warning.

Senju Chen left Orochimaru’s laboratory after learning that Orochimaru knew little about Kabuto Yakushi’s past, then welcomed Kabuto as a fellow disciple. He went with Mitaraishi Anko to visit Minato and Kushina, while the village watched his return amid rumors about the Senju Clan and the coming Hokage succession.

• Senju Chen asked Orochimaru about Kabuto Yakushi, and Orochimaru described Kabuto as a useful former Root operative whose past did not concern him.
• Senju Chen told Kabuto that he considered him a fellow disciple, stirring Kabuto as he recalled his past as a spy and the loss of Yakushi Nonō.
• Mitaraishi Anko interrupted the conversation, and Senju Chen left the laboratory with her to visit Minato and Kushina.
• Senju Chen and Anko stopped at Amaguriama to buy chestnut yokan for Kushina as they walked through the busy village.
• Senju Chen noticed villagers watching him and speculating about his return, the Hokage succession, and rumors that the Third had forced the Senju Clan to leave.

Senju Chen visited Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki with Anko, reuniting warmly with Kushina and telling her about his travels and Tsunade. Minato returned home as the group prepared to share Kushina’s cooking, leaving Chen’s chance to assess him still ahead.

• Senju Chen reflected on Orochimaru’s ambitions, Danzo’s schemes, and whether Minato could lead Konoha while deciding to assess Minato during his visit.
• Senju Chen and Anko bought wagashi at Amaguriama and went to Minato and Kushina’s home.
• Kushina recognized Senju Chen, embraced him, and scolded him for leaving without saying goodbye.
• Senju Chen told Kushina that Tsunade was well and denied rumors that the Third Hokage had forced him to leave the village.
• Kushina invited Senju Chen and Anko to try her cooking, and Minato returned home carrying fresh vegetables.

Senju Chen returned and celebrated Kushina’s pregnancy by cooking dinner for her, Minato Namikaze, and Anko. During the meal, Minato asked Chen about his plans amid the village’s debate over the next Hokage, and Chen brought up Danzo’s recent activity.

• Senju Chen learned that Kushina was pregnant and congratulated her and Minato Namikaze.
• Anko excitedly declared that she would be the godmother, and Senju Chen offered to cook a celebratory dinner.
• Senju Chen prepared a meal that Kushina and Anko eagerly enjoyed while Minato kept Kushina company.
• Minato Namikaze asked Senju Chen what he planned to do now that he had returned and noted that Chen had seen the village situation.
• Senju Chen acknowledged the support for Minato, agreed that Orochimaru had a strong record, and said Danzo had been making moves.

Senju Chen questioned Minato Namikaze about how he would handle Danzo, Orochimaru, and the major clans as Hokage, then reflected on the danger Kushina’s pregnancy posed to Minato’s family. Back at the Senju estate, he met Maruboshi Kosuke, who reported that preparations for the Food Is Heaven plan were complete and that its first establishment would be in the Capital of Fire.

• Senju Chen pressed Minato Namikaze on whether he would confront Danzo and Orochimaru, and Minato said he would stop anyone who threatened the village’s peace.
• Kushina revealed her worry about Minato’s pursuit of the Hokage position, and Minato reassured her before Senju Chen toasted their coming child with them.
• Senju Chen left Minato and Kushina’s home and reflected on Naruto Uzumaki’s approaching birth and the tragedy he feared would follow.
• Senju Chen returned to the Senju estate and found Maruboshi Kosuke waiting for him.
• Maruboshi Kosuke reported that the first chefs and serving staff had completed training and that he had selected the Capital of Fire for the first Food Is Heaven establishment.

Senju Chen gave Maruboshi Kosuke access to the Senju Clan’s immense funds and laid out plans to expand Food Is Heaven from the Capital of Fire into towns across the Land of Fire. He also revealed that the restaurants could serve as an intelligence network and assigned independent ninja to provide security and investigate matters for him.

• Senju Chen praised Maruboshi Kosuke’s plan to open Food Is Heaven’s first restaurant in the Capital of Fire and said Tsunade had approved the venture.
• Senju Chen gave Maruboshi Kosuke a scroll certifying the Senju Clan’s funds in underground bounty exchanges, and Kosuke accepted it after hearing the clan trusted him.
• Senju Chen outlined plans to expand Food Is Heaven through trained managers and chefs, with the Capital of Fire as its center.
• Senju Chen suggested opening branches in places such as Tanzaku Town, and Maruboshi Kosuke realized the restaurants could help build a Senju intelligence network.
• Senju Chen gave Maruboshi Kosuke contact information for independent ninja in the Forest of Whispers to serve as restaurant security and pass along investigation results.

Senju Chen received Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, who tried to secure the Senju Faction’s support for their preferred Fourth Hokage candidate. He told them Tsunade had instructed the faction to remain neutral until the election was decided, leaving the elders visibly displeased.

• Maruboshi Kosuke told Senju Chen that Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu had come to see him.
• Senju Chen welcomed the elders respectfully and said Tsunade would not return to the village for now.
• Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu criticized Orochimaru and Minato Namikaze as Fourth Hokage candidates and urged Senju Chen to consider the village’s needs.
• Senju Chen told the elders that Tsunade had instructed the Senju Faction to take no side in the election.
• Senju Chen clarified that the Senju Faction would support whoever ultimately became the Fourth Hokage, stunning Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.