Arc 5Kumogakure’s Ascendancy
Ziyun led Kumogakure to defeat Konoha, collect concessions from the other villages, and recruit Orochimaru while expanding his influence. After orchestrating Minato’s apparent death during Obito’s attack, he left Konoha under Hiruzen’s rule and demanded Hinata Hyuga as tribute.
- Hiruzen Sarutobi released the Nine-Tails as Konoha’s last resort, but Mikoto took control of the beast and Kumogakure forced Konoha to surrender territory, the Scroll of Seals, and annual tribute.
- Madara Uchiha drew Sunagakure and Iwagakure into the war against Konoha, but Ziyun’s forces captured Rasa and secured payments and scrolls from both villages.
- Ziyun recruited Pakura and Orochimaru into Kumogakure, then made the Kage agree to protection payments at a summit in Konoha.
- Ziyun held Nagato for ransom, gained Madara Uchiha’s Six Paths knowledge and Yin-Yang Release, and confronted Obito to obtain Hashirama Cells.
- Ziyun arranged for Obito to attack Konoha on the day Minato’s wife gave birth, and Minato agreed to fake his death and leave Naruto in Konoha with half of the Nine-Tails sealed inside him.
- Minato defeated Obito and appeared to die while sealing the Nine-Tails, and Hiruzen found Naruto and resumed control of Konoha.
- Orochimaru demanded Hinata Hyuga for Kumogakure, and Danzo, Utatane Koharu, and Homura Mitokado pressured Hyuga Hiashi into agreeing to hand her over.