Chapter Summaries

Shin'yu explained why Kagami Uchiha had to remain alive as the Vessel containing Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, then marked Kagami with a Flying Thunder God technique so he could keep him under surveillance. Scorpion arrived as Shin'yu's second granddisciple and proposed turning Kagami into a human puppet.

• Kagami Uchiha worried that Isshiki might go berserk and endanger Tsunade and Shisui.
• Shin'yu explained that Kagami's survival kept Isshiki imprisoned, while killing or sealing Kagami would not solve the problem safely.
• Shin'yu marked Kagami's palm with a Flying Thunder God technique so he could sense and reach him whenever Kagami used Chakra.
• Scorpion suggested turning Kagami into a human puppet, and Shin'yu said they lacked the technology.
• Shin'yu recalled giving Scorpion the Spirit Transformation Technique and Chakra Secret Technique: Thorn Blade Crystal Threads.

Orochimaru and Hiruko tried to improve their cloning research, but their experiment failed and led them to consider chameleon genes as a new approach. They called Nagato for help while Scorpion wondered at their volatile relationship.

• Orochimaru ended another unsuccessful cloning experiment and dismissed Hiruko's offer to help with his genetic research.
• Hiruko identified cell self-repair as a cause of genetic fusion errors and inserted a chip meant to suppress cells' defensive instincts.
• The experiment triggered alarms, and Hiruko concluded that perfect cloning required a new approach to life's genetic code.
• Orochimaru and Hiruko independently proposed using chameleons' survival strategies to improve their synthetic gene chains.
• Orochimaru and Hiruko called for Nagato, and Nagato told Scorpion that their arguments and sudden closeness were normal.

Orochimaru and Hiruko stabilized their Chimera experiment, while Hiruko revealed his plan to complete his Kekkei Genkai hunt by targeting the Snow Clan head. Shin'yu assigned missions and discussed the Otsutsuki threat, leaving Orochimaru to suspect that a marked kunai could help them counter Isshiki.

• Orochimaru and Hiruko stabilized the Chimera reagent experiment, and Orochimaru committed to continuing the work before his body reached its peak.
• Hiruko revealed that he had devoured Shū, Han, the Third Kazekage, and Muya Kensuke, explaining that his prematurely acquired Boil Release could not yet combine with his other powers.
• Hiruko named White Wolf, the head of Kirigakure's Snow Clan, as his next target, and Shin'yu warned him to act cautiously and avoid drawing attention from Kara.
• Shin'yu assigned Nagato and Scorpion to accompany Hiruko, told Orochimaru to continue his research, and ordered Nian to monitor Kagami Uchiha while spending time with Tsunade and Shisui.
• Orochimaru warned that Isshiki might retreat to Kara's overseas base if he took control of Kagami, and Shin'yu revealed a kunai inscribed with Kagami's Flying Thunder God formula.

Hatake Sakumo fought his way through a Kumogakure ambush while carrying the wounded Narumi, refusing to abandon his comrade even though it meant the assassination mission would fail. He killed Kiruen in a duel, but Sakai and Skeru still stood against him.

• Hatake Sakumo cut through a steel net and shuriken before more than twenty Kumogakure shinobi surrounded him, led by the Twelve Guardian Shinobi Sakai, Skeru, and Kiruen.
• Sakai ordered the other shinobi to withdraw, leaving the three Elite Jonin to face Sakumo while he carried the dying Narumi.
• Narumi urged Sakumo to leave him behind and complete the assassination of the Feudal Lord, but Sakumo chose to protect him and said his Shadow Clone was already carrying out the mission.
• Sakumo caught Narumi's Kumogakure forehead protector and tied it to his wrist as Narumi fell unconscious, then prepared to fight the three Guardian Shinobi.
• Kiruen attacked Sakumo with a lightning-charged blade, but Sakumo blocked his strike with Narumi's forehead protector, stunned him with an elbow, and stabbed him through the heart.

Sakumo fought Kiruen, Sakai, and Skeru while protecting the traitor on his back, overcoming their coordinated attacks with his swordsmanship. He killed Kiruen and continued facing the two remaining Cloud ninja.

• Sakai attacked Sakumo with Water Release: Water Hail, but Sakumo blocked the water bullets with his katana.
• Kiruen’s lightning shadow clone exploded across the damp ground, but Sakumo leaped clear and retreated from the lightning.
• Skeru and Sakai launched a coordinated attack, but Sakumo redirected their weapons and forced Kiruen into their path.
• Sakumo traded blows with the three Cloud ninja, then deflected Skeru’s aerial spear technique and sent him flying.
• Sakumo wounded Kiruen with Spinning Fang Slash and laid his blade across Kiruen’s throat.
• Sakumo slashed Kiruen’s throat, killing him.

Hatake Sakumo defeated the enemy’s leaders during a forest confrontation, revealing the techniques and skill behind his Kage-level strength. After Skeru offered to let Sakumo and his wounded companion leave, Sakumo killed him too and turned toward the remaining enemies.

• Hatake Sakumo killed Kiruen, then evaded Sakai’s attacks and defeated him with his White Fang blade.
• Skeru used a lightning-based Genjutsu, but Sakumo discerned the real attack and countered it before killing Sakai.
• Skeru lost his nerve and offered to let Sakumo’s group leave, while his subordinates argued over whether to attack.
• Sakumo hurled a greatsword into Skeru, pinning him to a rock wall, then faced the remaining enemies with killing intent.

With Hiruzen unconscious, Danzō convened Konoha’s senior officials to address Hatake Sakumo’s failed assassination of the Land of Lightning’s Feudal Lord. The officials argued over Sakumo’s punishment until Hiruzen arrived and ordered him released, forbidding them from pressuring him.

• Danzō claimed temporary Hokage duties while Hiruzen recovered from his injuries.
• Danzō announced that Hatake Sakumo had abandoned the assassination mission to rescue his comrades, and presented Sakumo’s report as evidence.
• Konoha’s senior officials argued over whether Sakumo should be punished severely or given a chance to redeem himself in the coming war.
• Hiruzen entered the meeting despite his injuries, took the Hokage’s seat, and ordered Sakumo released.

After abandoning a mission to save Narumi, Hatake Sakumo faced public condemnation and lost his council position. He brought Narumi to his wife and son, then left, convinced that protecting a comrade mattered more than obeying the mission at any cost.

• Villagers accused Hatake Sakumo of failing to assassinate the Feudal Lord of the Land of Lightning and blamed him for the coming war and their personal losses.
• After reporting the mission truthfully, Hatake Sakumo was imprisoned by acting Hokage Shimura Danzō, then released and stripped of his council position.
• Hatake Sakumo led the silent Narumi through the village to a simple wooden house and told him it was his home.
• Narumi reunited with his wife and grown son, while Hatake Sakumo explained that he had cared for them and kept Narumi's memory alive for more than twenty years.
• Hatake Sakumo left Narumi with his family, believing a village should not sacrifice its people simply to complete a mission.

Shin'yu finished searching the Cat House’s secret technique scrolls but found no answers, then confided in Uchiha Hikari about a difficult choice. Hikari reassured him that she would support him, while Shin'yu remained uncertain about whether to act on the decision he had already made.

• Shin'yu completed his review of the Cat House’s secret technique scrolls and found nothing he was looking for.
• Bochi demanded payment for the scrolls, and Shin'yu gave it the Helm Master Token to use in collecting five billion ryo from Kakuzu.
• Uchiha Hikari finished meditating and recognized that Shin'yu was struggling with a choice, recalling his earlier dilemma after Madara awakened the Rinnegan.
• Hikari told Shin'yu she would support him regardless of his choice, and he rested his head on her lap.
• Shin'yu admitted he wondered whether his choice was right, and Hikari comforted him as he relaxed.

Shin'yu weighed whether to kill Ōtsutsuki Isshiki or keep him contained, deciding that controlling Kagami Uchiha could let him uncover Isshiki's secrets and prepare for future threats. He planned to seek the Uzumaki Clan's help with a seal while keeping Kagami under his own supervision.

• Shin'yu considered the dangers of killing Isshiki, including losing access to the God Tree, Kara, cloning technology, and information about future Divine Tree Humans.
• Shin'yu decided that suppressing Isshiki through Kagami Uchiha could be more useful than killing him, provided Kagami could be controlled.
• Shin'yu told Light that he would visit Uzushio Village to search for a way to suppress Isshiki's consciousness.
• Light suggested taking Kagami directly to the Land of Whirlpools, but Shin'yu refused because he did not trust Kagami.
• Shin'yu said the Uzumaki Clan's experts could likely adapt their Limitless Seal to deal with Isshiki, and Light kissed his forehead and encouraged him to go.

Kakashi defeated Uchiha Yashiro in a duel, but Yashiro refused to apologize and continued insulting Kakashi’s father, White Fang. Obito stood up for Kakashi, and the two faced off against hostile Uchiha clan members.

• Kakashi blocked Uchiha Yashiro’s Great Fireball with an Earth Flow Wall, then used the Headhunter Jutsu to trap him underground and win the duel.
• Kakashi demanded that Yashiro honor their agreement and apologize, but Yashiro refused and insulted White Fang.
• Obito kicked Yashiro in the face for breaking his word and attacking Kakashi’s father.
• Uchiha clan members from the Konoha Guard surrounded Kakashi and Obito with their Sharingan activated.
• Kakashi told Obito to run, but Obito stood back-to-back with him and defended White Fang as a hero who had saved his comrades.

Obito challenged the Uchiha Guard’s attempt to exploit Kakashi and White Fang, and Kakashi chose to stand with him. As Inaho prepared to seize them, Uchiha Shisui intervened and condemned the Guard’s methods.

• Obito defended White Fang and confronted Uchiha Yashiro, who broke free of Kakashi’s Earth Release and awakened one Tomoe in each eye.
• Uchiha Inaho arrived with the Konoha Guard and tried to force Obito and Kakashi to surrender, intending to use Kakashi against White Fang.
• Obito told Kakashi that the conflict was an internal Uchiha matter, but Kakashi refused to abandon his comrade and prepared to fight beside him.
• Inaho ordered the Guard to move in, but Uchiha Shisui stepped forward and said a true Uchiha did not need such methods to make a name for himself.

Shisui stopped Inaho from detaining Kakashi and Obito by confronting him with his mother’s plans to make the Uchiha politically powerful. After the Guard withdrew, Shisui told Obito that Kagami Uchiha had been the first Hokage of the Uchiha and a hero before being branded a rogue ninja.

• Inaho declared that Obito and Kakashi should be detained for attacking a Guard member and sheltering the culprit.
• Shisui challenged Inaho’s methods and argued that his mother could change Konoha’s leadership and restore the Uchiha’s political influence.
• Inaho rejected Shisui’s claims and said the clan would never acknowledge his Uchiha identity because his father was a rogue ninja.
• Shisui drew a kunai and stood between Inaho and Kakashi and Obito, forcing Inaho to withdraw the Guard.
• Obito thanked Shisui and promised to help reunite his parents if he became Hokage.
• Shisui told Obito that Kagami Uchiha had been the first Hokage of the Uchiha and a Konoha hero before being branded a rogue ninja.

Shisui warned Kakashi and Obito that Konoha’s true history differed from what they believed, then reunited with his father, Uchiha Nen, in the snow. As Nen took Shisui toward Naka Mountain, he confronted Kagami and ordered him to focus on his mission.

• Shisui told Kakashi and Obito that Konoha’s higher-ups could not be trusted to help them achieve their goals, and urged them to broaden their horizons.
• Uchiha Nen met Shisui at the foot of the mountain and promised to spend New Year with him and his mother.
• Shisui asked Nen to take him to Naka Mountain to see where Nen had lived and to help fulfill his mother’s wish of restoring the Uchiha clan.
• Anbu agents watched Nen and Shisui leave, explaining that Tsunade’s guarantee was the reason they were not to act against Nen.
• Kagami Uchiha approached the departing pair, but Nen warned him to stay away from Shisui and focus on cooperating with Kara.
• Nen told Kagami that the village had turned against the Konoha White Fang, then transformed into wooden vines and disappeared into the forest.

Tsunade confronted Hiruzen and the high-ranking officials over the public campaign against Sakumo, then challenged Danzo’s account of Kagami and Shin'yu’s past. Hiruzen stopped her from striking Danzo and defended the officials’ actions, leaving Tsunade furious and the dispute unresolved.

• Tsunade smashed Hiruzen’s desk and demanded to know why Sakumo’s reputation had been attacked after his release from custody.
• Utatane Koharu denied deliberately spreading the news, and Tsunade accused the officials of using public opinion against Sakumo as they had against Kagami Uchiha.
• Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Danzo claimed Kagami and Uchiha Shin'yu had conspired against Tobirama and suggested they had killed him; Tsunade countered with mission reports showing Kagami had saved the officials under Tobirama’s orders.
• Tsunade argued that Shin'yu had spared her and Jiraiya, but Danzo accused her of being manipulated by Shin'yu and abusing her status by marrying Uchiha Nen and bringing him back to Konoha.
• Tsunade punched toward Danzo, but Hiruzen stopped her and defended the officials’ handling of Sakumo, arguing that Sakumo could not become Hokage after abandoning his mission.

Hiruzen and Danzo argued over Tsunade’s succession and agreed to delay Hatake Sakumo’s return to command so public opinion could keep damaging his reputation. Three weeks later, Konoha’s forces entered the Land of Rain as accusations against Sakumo spread through the village and began hurting Kakashi as well.

• Danzo warned Hiruzen that Tsunade had sided with Uchiha Shin'yu and must not be allowed to become Hokage, while Hiruzen defended her legitimacy.
• Danzo told Hiruzen that Kirigakure had destroyed four southeastern outposts, and they decided Dan Katō would lead a defensive force until Sakumo’s reputation had been further worn down.
• Danzo asked Hiruzen about Kagami Uchiha, and Hiruzen said Kagami had claimed he had not intended to cause a disturbance.
• Three weeks later, Jiraiya and Tsunade led Konoha’s vanguard into the Land of Rain while Dan Katō’s troops moved to the rear positions.
• The failed assassination of the Land of Lightning’s Feudal Lord intensified pressure on Konoha, and rumors spread that Sakumo feared battle.
• Narumi submitted a report accusing Sakumo of abandoning the mission and applied for retirement, after which civilians complained to Sakumo and children threw stones at Kakashi.

As rumors and protests against the Hatake family intensified, Kakashi struggled with the pressure until Orochimaru visited under his public identity, Snake. Sakumo welcomed him as an old friend, and after Kakashi left, Orochimaru concealed their conversation and explained his arrangement with Danzo.

• Kakashi stayed inside the Hatake estate as civilians organized marches to drive his family from Konoha.
• Sakumo dismissed the household staff to keep them from being caught up in the harassment.
• Orochimaru, disguised as Snake, visited the estate, and Kakashi let him in.
• Sakumo greeted Orochimaru as an old friend and sent Kakashi to fetch food.
• Orochimaru sealed the room against sound and told Sakumo that his research benefited Danzo while Danzo's resources benefited him.

Orochimaru warned Sakumo that the village’s leaders sought power, but Sakumo chose to remain in Konoha and kindle hope there. After teaching Kakashi about the Hatake family’s swordsmanship and hearing his son defend the value of comrades, Sakumo died by suicide the next morning, as the Third Shinobi World War began.

• Orochimaru revealed that Danzo wanted to seize the power of the Senju and Uchiha, then advised Sakumo to leave no regrets if he chose to sacrifice himself.
• Sakumo concealed Orochimaru’s visit from Kakashi and sparred with him, demonstrating his sword aura and explaining the Hatake clan’s origins and techniques.
• Kakashi defended Sakumo and declared that cherishing comrades mattered more than missions or the Will of Fire, moving Sakumo deeply.
• The next morning, Kakashi returned home to find Sakumo dead from a self-inflicted wound to the heart.
• Hatake Sakumo died at the end of Konoha’s forty-fifth year, the year the Third Shinobi World War officially erupted.

Shisui walked across a blood-soaked battlefield with his father, Uchiha Nen, to understand what his mother endured in the war. After a wounded enemy tried to kill him despite being given water, Nen explained the cruelty of war and urged Shisui to remember the world they hoped to change as they continued toward Konoha’s main camp.

• Shisui crossed the battlefield with Uchiha Nen and saw the remains of the battle, despite Nen warning that he was too young to witness it.
• Shisui found a wounded ninja calling for water and gave him a drink.
• The wounded ninja recognized Shisui as a ninja and attacked him, so Nen killed the man with a kunai.
• Shisui asked why the man had tried to kill him, and Nen explained that war made personal kindness and grievances insignificant.
• Nen reminded Shisui of his granduncle’s and Lord Madara’s dream of ending war, and Shisui resolved to help them before heading with Nen toward Konoha’s main camp.

Hiruzen confronted Danzo over Hatake Sakumo’s suicide and blamed him for destroying Konoha’s valuable military leader. At Sakumo’s funeral, Kakashi asked Orochimaru whether his father had said anything to him before he died.

• Hiruzen stormed into Root and demanded that Danzo explain why Sakumo had killed himself.
• Danzo recalled how he had helped spread rumors to ruin Sakumo’s chances of becoming Hokage, but admitted that Sakumo’s death had left Konoha without a crucial military asset as war threatened on several fronts.
• Hiruzen accused Danzo of breaking his promise and weakening Konoha by driving Sakumo to suicide.
• Kakashi mourned alone at Sakumo’s sparsely attended funeral, confused about why his father had died.
• Orochimaru placed flowers at Sakumo’s tomb, and Kakashi asked whether Sakumo had said anything to him that afternoon.