Chapter Summaries

Senju Chen reunited with Tsunade and Shizune after arriving in search of them, and discovered that the blond man he had fought was A, the future Fourth Raikage. Shizune did not know why Kumogakure’s ninja had approached Tsunade, leaving their purpose unresolved.

• Senju Chen struck the blond man with a lightning-wreathed hand, but both recognized each other before the fight could continue.
• Senju Chen realized the blond man was A, the Kumogakure ninja he had once left hanging from a tree, and learned that A had come to find Tsunade.
• Tsunade hugged Senju Chen, welcomed his return, and fell asleep in his arms, while Shizune cried with relief at seeing him again.
• Senju Chen and Shizune carried the sleeping Tsunade to an inn, where Shizune explained that she did not know why the Kumogakure ninja had approached them.

Senju Chen learned that A had come seeking Tsunade’s help for his companion Rakai, who was suffering from the parasitic Exploding Insects technique. He agreed to inspect Rakai after setting strict conditions, and left with A to see the patient.

• Senju Chen left Shizune with his sister and confronted A and the two Kumogakure ninja outside the inn.
• A explained that Exploding Insects were consuming Rakai’s Chakra and would eventually cause a fatal explosion near his heart.
• Senju Chen decided that treating Rakai could help Tsunade regain her confidence as a medical ninja.
• Senju Chen demanded double payment, compensation for the tavern damage, and that the Kumogakure ninja stay away from Tsunade until he agreed otherwise.
• Senju Chen ordered one Kumogakure ninja to handle compensation and another to guard the inn, then went with A to examine Rakai.

Senju Chen remembered that young A and his squad had been attacked after stealing a scroll, leaving Rakai infected by the Xuanyuan Group’s Exploding Insects. He examined Rakai and confirmed that the insects had spread through his chakra pathways, leaving his condition worse than he had expected.

• Senju Chen recalled that young A had come to ask Tsunade to save Rakai after the squad’s theft and their encounter with the Xuanyuan Group.
• Senju Chen considered that helping Rakai might give Tsunade a chance to regain confidence in her abilities.
• A Kumogakure ninja told young A that Rakai’s condition had worsened, and young A hurried into the courtyard to see him.
• Young A explained that the Exploding Insects were spreading through Rakai’s chakra pathways and would eventually detonate near his heart.
• Senju Chen carefully probed Rakai’s body with chakra and found the infection was worse than he had expected.

Senju Chen assessed Rakai’s parasitic insects and promised to ask Tsunade to treat him after she woke, while reassuring Shizune that the patient could wait. As he and Shizune talked through the night, she described Tsunade’s grief and years away from medicine, leaving Chen hopeful that treating Rakai might help his sister face her fears.

• Senju Chen found that the Exploding Insects were dangerously entangled in Rakai’s chakra pathways and said Tsunade could attempt treatment after waking.
• Senju Chen returned to the inn and told Shizune that Rakai could survive a few more days, so they let Tsunade sleep.
• Senju Chen told Shizune he had left Konoha because of its infighting and his concern for Tsunade.
• Shizune described Tsunade’s years of gambling, drinking, and avoiding medical work, including leaving an injured farmer untreated.
• Senju Chen told Shizune that Tsunade did not have to treat Rakai if she refused, though he hoped the case would help her return to medicine.

Senju Chen reunited with Tsunade and told her about his wartime achievements and his return to Konoha, while she recognized that the village’s leaders had sidelined him. Tsunade blamed herself for being unable to protect him, but Senju Chen reassured her and prepared to share good news.

• Tsunade woke from a hangover and discovered that Senju Chen had truly come to find her.
• Tsunade embraced Senju Chen and wept as the siblings reunited, with Shizune watching tearfully.
• Senju Chen recounted his wartime service and explained that Konoha had made him deputy director of Strategic Command and named him a Konoha Battle Hero.
• Tsunade accused Konoha High Command of transferring Senju Chen back and limiting his authority because they feared his achievements.
• Tsunade blamed herself for leaving Konoha and being unable to protect Senju Chen, but he reassured her and said seeing her mattered most.
• Senju Chen offered to tell Tsunade some wonderful news.

Senju Chen encouraged Tsunade to overcome her fear of blood and treat the gravely ill Kumogakure ninja Rakai. After agreeing, Tsunade diagnosed Rakai’s Exploding Insects and began preparing treatment, while Chen asked Classmate Little A for information about the attackers.

• Senju Chen cheered Tsunade by telling her about Minato and Kushina’s wedding and offering to cook for her.
• Senju Chen told Tsunade that Rakai was in danger from Exploding Insects, and Tsunade agreed to treat him after he expressed his faith in her.
• Senju Chen served Tsunade and Shizune breakfast, then brought them to Rakai’s room.
• Tsunade examined Rakai, diagnosed the Exploding Insects, and ordered supplies for treatment.
• Senju Chen asked Classmate Little A to provide intelligence about the people who had attacked the Kumogakure group.

Senju Chen explained that he had recreated Kumogakure’s Lightning Body Tempering after seeing it once, leaving Classmate Little A overwhelmed by the gap between them. Tsunade stabilized the infected patient and planned a risky operation for the next day, while her return to healing left her feeling renewed.

• Classmate Little A asked Senju Chen about the Lightning Release technique he had used, and Senju Chen claimed he had developed it after watching Classmate Little A’s father use it once.
• Classmate Little A was shaken by Senju Chen’s apparent genius and doubted his own strength after years of difficult training.
• A ninja brought Classmate Little A the intelligence scroll about the Xuanyuan Group, which Senju Chen took.
• Tsunade said she had stabilized the patient by cutting away necrotic chakra pathways and sealing the Exploding Insects, but said a risky surgery would be needed the next day.
• Tsunade ordered Classmate Little A to prepare the required supplies and herbs overnight, then left with Senju Chen.
• At the inn, Tsunade told Senju Chen that saving someone again felt good.

Senju Chen read a report on the Xuanyuan Group’s lethal Exploding Insects and considered recruiting the mercenary ninja for his future business. He set aside that plan to support Tsunade as she prepared to operate, while reassuring Shizune that Tsunade would succeed.

• Tsunade shut herself in to prepare for the next day’s surgery, and Senju Chen told Shizune to rest because she might need to assist.
• Senju Chen read the Kumogakure report describing the Xuanyuan Group’s five members, their mysterious tails, and Exploding Insects that entered hosts and detonated using their chakra.
• After learning the group also used shadow, insect-control, and other secret techniques, Senju Chen decided he would seek a chance to recruit them as security for Food Is Heaven.
• Shizune brought Senju Chen hot milk and confessed she was worried because Tsunade had shut herself away without making a sound.
• Senju Chen reassured Shizune that Tsunade was reclaiming what belonged to her and that the legendary medical ninja could overcome the Exploding Insects.

Tsunade began operating on Rakai, but the sight of blood triggered her fear and memories of her losses. Remembering Senju Chen’s faith in her, she overcame her panic and continued the operation, which lasted until evening.

• Tsunade arrived at the courtyard with Shizune and began preparing to treat Rakai while Senju Chen encouraged her.
• Classmate Little A told Senju Chen that the Raikage was negotiating with Iwagakure for compensation and discussed the tailed beasts involved.
• Tsunade’s fear of blood overwhelmed her when she opened Rakai’s chest, and Shizune tried to support her.
• Tsunade recalled Senju Chen’s words, steadied herself, and ordered Shizune to continue the operation.
• Senju Chen stopped Classmate Little A from entering, and the operation continued from morning until evening.

Tsunade successfully removed the Exploding Insects from the Kumogakure ninja, overcoming a major inner struggle in the process. Shizune broke down with relief and told Senju Chen how he had helped Tsunade find a reason to keep living; the chapter ended with the two planning to rest and celebrate the next day.

• Tsunade emerged from surgery exhausted but said she had removed all the Exploding Insects, and Classmate Little A promised to deliver her payment the next day.
• Senju Chen and Shizune helped Tsunade back to the inn, where she rested after the surgery.
• Shizune embraced Senju Chen and cried with relief that Tsunade had succeeded.
• Shizune told Senju Chen how Tsunade's grief over Nawaki and her uncle had led her to fear blood, and how rescuing him gave Tsunade renewed purpose.
• Senju Chen comforted Shizune and suggested they rest, promising to cook a celebratory meal the next day.

After Tsunade recovered her confidence and strength, she reunited with Senju Chen and Shizune over a family breakfast. Senju Chen then shared his plan to build a restaurant chain that would also gather intelligence across the Five Great Nations, leaving Tsunade impressed by his ambition.

• Tsunade emerged from her room restored, and Shizune was overjoyed to see her looking like her former self.
• Tsunade thanked Senju Chen and Shizune for supporting her, and Senju Chen reminded them that they were family.
• Senju Chen served Tsunade and Shizune a celebratory breakfast, which they enjoyed together.
• After Shizune left to clear the dishes, Senju Chen told Tsunade he planned to establish Food Is Heaven, a restaurant chain that would also gather intelligence.
• Tsunade listened as Senju Chen described his vision for branches across the Five Great Nations and was struck by the scale of his plans.

Senju Chen received Tsunade’s support and the Senju Clan’s hidden funds for his plans, then explained his proposal to reform the Uchiha-led Military Police Force. Tsunade warned him about the danger of empowering the Uchiha, and the chapter ended with Senju Chen revealing that he had awakened the Sharingan.

• Tsunade gave Senju Chen the claim scroll for the Senju Clan’s reserves at underground bounty stations and entrusted the clan’s future to him.
• Senju Chen explained how he had opened Uchiha Fugaku’s eyes and outlined his plan to reform the Konoha Military Police Force.
• Tsunade warned Senju Chen that a powerful Uchiha force with public support and cross-border authority could become uncontrollable.
• Senju Chen argued that reform could channel Uchiha power toward Konoha and said the force would include many non-Uchiha ninja.
• Tsunade allowed Senju Chen to proceed but urged him to keep the Uchiha under control and not lose himself in power.
• Senju Chen said he had awakened another Kekkei Genkai, then showed Tsunade his scarlet eyes with three tomoe.

Senju Chen revealed his Sharingan to Tsunade, who was shocked to learn he had both Senju and Uchiha bloodline abilities. She promised to keep his secret and handle what came next.

• Senju Chen showed Tsunade his Sharingan and told her he had hidden it until he found her.
• Tsunade asked who else knew, and Senju Chen assured her that no one else had seen his eyes.
• Tsunade checked whether the Sharingan had caused him physical problems, and Senju Chen said he had experienced only brief eye irritation.
• Tsunade theorized that Senju Chen's unusual constitution allowed both bloodlines to coexist and warned him to report any symptoms.
• Senju Chen told Tsunade he was glad to have her with him, and she promised to keep his Sharingan secret and take care of what came next.

Tsunade pressured Senju Chen to marry and then proposed Shizune as his future wife, but Senju Chen escaped the awkwardness when a Kumogakure ninja arrived with her medical fee. He dragged the wary visitor inside, leaving him uneasy in Tsunade and Shizune’s company.

• Tsunade urged Senju Chen to find a wife and continue the Senju family line.
• Tsunade told Shizune to marry Senju Chen, leaving Shizune flustered until Senju Chen pointed out that he was only thirteen.
• When someone asked for Princess Tsunade, Senju Chen eagerly rushed to the door and found Classmate Little A carrying her medical fee.
• Senju Chen pulled Classmate Little A inside for tea, then accused him of ingratitude when he tried to leave without thanking Tsunade.
• Classmate Little A reluctantly entered the courtyard and grew more suspicious as Senju Chen ushered him toward Tsunade and Shizune.

Senju Chen escorted Classmate Little A after Tsunade finished treating Rakai, but Little A asked whether Tsunade had someone she liked. Senju Chen kicked him into the street and returned, furious at the idea of him pursuing his sister.

• Tsunade told Classmate Little A that Rakai needed to avoid intense combat and chakra use for three months while he recovered.
• Classmate Little A thanked Tsunade, promised Kumogakure would repay her kindness, and left with Senju Chen.
• Classmate Little A asked Senju Chen whether Tsunade had someone she liked.
• Senju Chen kicked Classmate Little A more than ten meters into the street and headed back.

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.