Chapter Summaries

Shinsei followed Tsunade to a casino, helped her win millions from the owner, and attended her inauguration as the Fifth Hokage. Tsunade made Shinsei her student and assistant, and he summoned Katsuyu at home to ask her questions.

• Shinsei found Tsunade gambling in disguise and bet against her losing streak, winning millions of ryo.
• Tsunade played late into the night, and Shinsei arranged for the casino owner to cover her gambling debts and keep quiet.
• Tsunade took office as the Fifth Hokage and gave an inauguration speech to the cheering people of Konoha.
• Tsunade gave Shinsei medical and chakra books, summoned Katsuyu, and asked him to leave Anbu to become her assistant.
• Tsunade asked Shinsei whether Sasuke could be trusted, then had him sign the summoning scroll.
• Shinsei studied the books on Storm Release and summoned Katsuyu, who greeted him.

Shinsei asked Katsuyu about senjutsu and learned that his chakra reserves were only barely sufficient to attempt it safely. Sasuke trained to improve his strength, then faced Kimimaro Kaguya, who had come to take him to Orochimaru.

• Shinsei summoned Katsuyu and asked about Shikkotsu Forest's senjutsu inheritance and his suitability for training.
• Katsuyu sensed Shinsei's chakra and advised him to increase his reserves before beginning senjutsu training.
• Sasuke practiced his Fire Style and reflected on finding a path to strength without pursuing the Sharingan through killing loved ones.
• Kimimaro Kaguya appeared and told Sasuke that Orochimaru wanted him taken to Otogakure.
• Sasuke refused to go with Kimimaro, and Kimimaro summoned a bone blade and introduced himself before their fight.

Sakura was ambushed by Sound Ninja while carrying lunch to Sasuke, but Naruto arrived after she was wounded and unleashed the Nine-Tails' chakra. The Sound Four gathered in the clearing as Naruto prepared to fight them.

• Sakura encountered Jirobo on the way to Sasuke's training ground and fought him with a Water Dragon Bullet.
• Jirobo transformed and, with help from attackers hiding in the woods, caught Sakura with a thread-guided arrow that pierced her thigh and shoulder.
• Naruto knocked Jirobo away, tore the arrow's thread apart, and surrounded himself with a tailed-beast cloak.
• Tayuya, Sakon, and Kidomaru appeared to join Jirobo, completing the Sound Four.

Sasuke Uchiha fought Kimimaro, whose bone kekkei genkai and Cursed Seal made him difficult to defeat. After Kimimaro mocked Sasuke’s intention to retreat, Sasuke’s Sharingan spun and his gaze turned cold.

• Sasuke used Lightning Release to attack Kimimaro, but Kimimaro blocked his blows and wounded his knee with bone spikes.
• Kimimaro broke both of Sasuke’s kunai, forcing Sasuke to switch to ninjutsu.
• Sasuke struck Kimimaro’s Cursed Seal second-stage bone armor with Chidori and pierced his abdomen, but Kimimaro regenerated around the wound.
• Sasuke attacked with the Great Fireball Technique, but Kimimaro’s bone armor endured the blast, and Kimimaro fired bone bullets at Sasuke.
• Kimimaro’s Dance of the Larch cut Sasuke, who jumped into a tree and considered retreating to Konoha.
• Kimimaro mocked Sasuke as a coward, and Sasuke’s Sharingan spun as his expression turned cold.

Tsunade sent Shinsei to gather the genin and bring Sasuke Uchiha back, while Naruto fought the Sound Ninja under the influence of the Nine-Tails’ chakra. Naruto tore through the enemy’s attacks as Sakura fled toward the training ground to save Sasuke.

• Tayuya, Jirobo, and Kidomaru confronted Naruto, whose chakra formed a second tail as he prepared to attack.
• An Anbu operative reported Naruto’s situation to Tsunade, who sent Shinsei to gather his classmates and retrieve Sasuke Uchiha.
• Naruto broke free of Jirobo’s Earth Prison Dome and resisted Tayuya’s continuous genjutsu.
• Sakura endured the genjutsu’s effects, apologized to Naruto, and ran toward the training ground to save Sasuke.
• Naruto fought off the Sound Ninja’s demons, tore apart the club-wielding one, and deflected a volley of arrows with his tails.

Sasuke fought Kimimaro while the others joined the battle against Orochimaru’s forces, and Sakura was gravely wounded protecting Sasuke. Shinsei arrived and confronted Kimimaro, who took a special drug and introduced himself again as Kimimaro Kaguya.

• Kimimaro transformed with the Cursed Seal and fought Sasuke, who struggled to break through his bone weapons.
• Shikamaru, Ino, Kiba Inuzuka, and Neji Hyuga assigned opponents, and Ino sent the three-tailed Naruto after Sakon.
• Kimimaro trapped Sasuke with his bone lance, but Sakura shielded Sasuke and was pierced by Kimimaro’s tail; Sasuke awakened a third tomoe in each eye.
• Shinsei arrived and drove Kimimaro back with a water attack, then cut through his bone lance with the Lightning Sword as Sasuke carried Sakura toward Konoha.
• Kimimaro took Orochimaru’s special drug, his chakra surged, and he introduced himself to Shinsei as Kimimaro Kaguya.

Konoha’s young ninja fought the Sound Four, with Shikamaru, Choji, Neji, Tenten, Lee, Kiba, Shino, and Hinata attacking their opponents. Elsewhere, Orochimaru told Kabuto that the mission to bring Sasuke back was only meant to plant a seed of power in his heart, and urged Kabuto to leave his past behind.

• Shikamaru used his Shadow Possession Jutsu to restrain Tayuya, and Choji charged her with Human Bullet Tank.
• Tenten’s explosive tags drove Kidomaru from his position, Lee struck him with Konoha Whirlwind, and Neji followed with Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.
• Shino’s insects weakened Jirobo, Kiba and Akamaru knocked him back, and Hinata used Mind Body Switch Technique to hold him still before striking him with Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.
• Asuma, Kurenai, Kakashi, and Might Guy discussed Kakashi’s plans to learn a new ninjutsu, and Guy celebrated Lee’s victory with an emotional embrace.
• Orochimaru told Kabuto that Kimimaro and the others were expendable tools meant to push Sasuke toward seeking power, then urged Kabuto to say goodbye to his past.

Shinsei fought Kimimaro through his bone-based techniques, using lightning chakra swords and a massive Water Release technique to overcome Dance of the Seedling Fern. He pulled the dying Kimimaro from beneath the battlefield, and Kimimaro died after declaring his faith in Orochimaru.

• Kimimaro attacked Shinsei with Dance of the Willow and Dance of the Larch, but Shinsei severed his bones with Lightning Release: Lightning Swords.
• Kimimaro used Dance of the Seedling Fern to fill the battlefield with bone spikes and repeatedly appear near Shinsei.
• Shinsei raised himself above the battlefield with Water Release: Great Water Shockwave, then flooded the ground to limit Kimimaro's movements.
• Shinsei spun the water into a vast Rasengan-like current that broke through the bones and exposed Kimimaro deep underground.
• Shinsei stripped away Kimimaro's bone armor and lifted him to the surface, where Kimimaro reaffirmed his loyalty to Orochimaru and died.

Sasuke asked Tsunade to take him as her student after she returned the Uchiha Clan's records to him. Tsunade began teaching Shinsei how to develop storm release, explaining that he would need to find the right chakra ratio himself.

• Shinsei visited Sakura and Naruto in the hospital, then told Sasuke that Tsunade wanted to see him.
• Tsunade returned a box of Uchiha Clan materials to Sasuke, and Sasuke asked to become her student.
• After Sasuke left, Tsunade questioned Shinsei about the request, then considered accepting Sasuke after learning he was wealthy.
• Tsunade asked about Shinsei's studies and storm release progress, then took him to a training ground to teach him.
• Tsunade explained that the sealed storm release chakra was only a rough guide and told Shinsei to keep experimenting with the water and lightning chakra fusion.

Shinsei created Storm Release under Tsunade’s guidance, then shared the breakthrough with his grandfather, who had risked his life to obtain Storm Release chakra for him. After strengthening his new kekkei genkai, Shinsei heard rumors that Tsunade was selling spots as her students and went to confront her.

• Tsunade corrected Shinsei’s approach to combining Water Release and Lightning Release, and Shinsei formed blue-black Storm Release chakra.
• Tsunade recognized the power of Shinsei’s Storm Release, praised him, and explained the benefits his new kekkei genkai would bring.
• Shinsei showed his Storm Release to his grandfather, who cried with relief and recalled the sacrifice he had made to help Shinsei develop it.
• Shinsei spent two days adjusting to Storm Release and upgrading his ninjutsu while his body consumed extra nutrients.
• Shinsei overheard Riya discussing rumors that Tsunade was selling student positions and realized people believed he had paid two hundred million ryo.
• Shinsei went to Tsunade’s office, found the door locked, and heard her hurriedly fumbling after he announced himself.

Tsunade revealed that she had taken Hinata Hyuga, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno as students, then joined Shinsei and the others in bidding farewell to Naruto and Jiraiya. After Naruto and Jiraiya departed, Sasuke asked Shinsei to accompany him to the Uchiha Clan’s ancestral grounds, Naka Shrine.

• Shizune showed Shinsei Tsunade’s announcement naming Hinata Hyuga, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno as her students, and Shinsei learned Tsunade had collected 450 million ryo in tuition.
• Tsunade and Shinsei discussed Storm Release and the farewell meal for Naruto and Jiraiya, who were leaving Konoha to travel and train together.
• At the barbecue gathering, Naruto and Sasuke argued over who would surpass the other, and Kiba embarrassed them by recalling Naruto’s first kiss with Sasuke.
• The next day, everyone saw Naruto and Jiraiya off before going their separate ways.
• Sasuke stopped Shinsei and invited him to visit the Uchiha Clan’s ancestral grounds, Naka Shrine.

Shinsei visited Sasuke at the Uchiha residence, where Sasuke revealed his doubts about the Sharingan and the Naka Shrine tablet. After Shinsei captured a spying White Zetsu, he warned Sasuke not to trust the tablet or rush into seeking power, then left him to focus on training.

• Shinsei recalled how Shisui had taught him to mold chakra as a child, and Sasuke invited him into his house.
• Sasuke thanked Shinsei for helping him become Tsunade's apprentice and explained that the Naka Shrine tablet linked stronger Sharingan to killing kin.
• Shinsei used Storm Release: Heavenly Net and detected a hidden chakra source outside Sasuke's house.
• Shinsei attacked and sealed the White Zetsu after it tried to absorb his chakra.
• Shinsei cautioned Sasuke that the tablet might have been tampered with and urged him to think for himself instead of rushing to gain power.
• Shinsei told Sasuke to work on his chakra control and learn his Lightning Sword and Kakashi-sensei's Lightning Blade.

Shinsei studied White Zetsu cells with Tsunade, but she refused to help him pursue human experiments for a new ninjutsu. He then took Sasuke to join the Anbu, where Sasuke chose a cat mask and the code name Huoche, while Shinsei left Wood Kite expecting a surprise from Tsunade.

• Shinsei and Tsunade found that White Zetsu cells were active, produced chakra, and did not cause rejection, prompting Shinsei to suggest limb reattachment surgery for Wood Kite.
• Shinsei asked whether the cells could be cloned for human experiments, and Tsunade angrily refused, sending him out of the basement.
• Shinsei saw Sakura practicing the Mystical Palm Technique at Konoha Hospital and remembered that he had promised to escort Sasuke to the Anbu.
• Shinsei brought Sasuke to the Anbu headquarters, where Sasuke chose a cat-faced mask and the code name Huoche.
• Shinsei said Sasuke would join his former squad and told Wood Kite that Tsunade had a surprise for him before leaving with Sasuke.

Sasuke sparred with Giant Beast and then challenged Shinsei, showing off his new Fire Style skills and sealless Lightning Release. Shinsei broke Sasuke’s Lightning Sword in their clash, leaving Sasuke determined to keep fighting.

• Shinsei introduced Hashihime and Giant Beast to Sasuke, and the group went to a secluded training ground for a spar.
• Sasuke matched Giant Beast’s Fire Style techniques and forced him to concede after exhausting his chakra.
• Sasuke challenged Shinsei, who agreed to spar with him despite his much greater chakra reserves and physical strength.
• Sasuke used Lightning Release to boost his speed and formed Lightning Release: Lightning Sword, but Shinsei’s Storm Release blade snapped it in their clash.
• Sasuke landed and continued staring at Shinsei with resolve, refusing to admit defeat.

Shinsei defeated Sasuke’s genjutsu and welcomed him onto Hashihime’s team, then studied sealing techniques in his office. After Tsunade confronted him about human experiments, Shinsei revealed his fear of the dangers ahead, and she promised to kill Danzo while allowing him to clone the white-skinned monster without using living people.

• Sasuke activated his Cursed Seal and attacked Shinsei with Chidori, but Shinsei broke his genjutsu and threw him aside.
• Sasuke admitted defeat, and Hashihime welcomed him onto her team as its offensive ninja.
• Shinsei returned to his office and studied the basics of Sealing Jutsu.
• Tsunade arrived drunk, spoke about the dwindling Senju Clan and Nawaki, and asked why Shinsei wanted to conduct human experiments.
• Shinsei told Tsunade about the threats he had faced and his fear of future dangers, including the white-skinned monster watching him.
• Tsunade promised that Danzo would die and allowed Shinsei to clone the monster as long as he used no living people.

After Storm Release finished transforming Shinsei’s body, he developed new Storm Release techniques and demonstrated their power. Sasuke arrived with a mission, and the two headed to the Hokage Building.

• Shinsei carried the sleeping Tsunade to her bed, but she grabbed his arm and held him there until she woke and sent him away.
• Over the next month, Storm Release finished transforming Shinsei’s body, raising his chakra reserves to more than forty Kakashis.
• Shinsei prepared to inscribe the Yin Seal and developed Storm Release: Kirin and Storm Release: Severing Wave.
• Sasuke, known in the Anbu as Red Eye Kasha, arrived and told Shinsei they had a mission.
• Shinsei joined Sasuke, and they walked toward the Hokage Building.

Tsunade sent Kakashi, Shinsei, Sasuke, and their teammates to destroy Orochimaru’s base in the Land of Rice Fields before he could relocate. As they approached, Shinsei’s group prepared to attack, while Orochimaru learned they were coming and set out to meet them.

• Tsunade briefed the team on Otogakure’s location and ordered Kakashi to lead the mission to destroy Orochimaru’s base and end the daimyo’s support.
• On the journey, Shinsei asked Kakashi about their objective and used Storm Release: Heavenly Net to scout the Land of Rice Fields.
• The team stopped to eat, and Sasuke heated their meal with Fire Style while Kakashi planned their formation; Sasuke asked to take the lead.
• Deidara and Sasori discussed capturing Orochimaru, each wanting to claim his body for their own art.
• Orochimaru learned that the guests were close, and Kabuto told him everything had been relocated before they went to welcome the team.

Orochimaru offered Shinsei cloning knowledge and Sasuke a Cursed Seal drug in exchange for Shinsei’s soul-strengthening techniques, but Shinsei attacked him and Akatsuki arrived. Shinsei’s group began fighting Deidara and Sasori, with the battle still underway.

• Orochimaru revealed that he had taken over Kabuto’s body and prepared cloning equipment and gifts for Shinsei and Sasuke.
• Orochimaru offered Shinsei cloning knowledge and a drug for Sasuke in exchange for techniques that strengthened the soul, but Shinsei cut him down with Storm Release: Severing Wave.
• Orochimaru emerged again from a snake, announced that he had invited other guests, and Shinsei took the cloning scroll and gave Sasuke the medicine bottle.
• Deidara and Sasori arrived on a clay bird, and Sasuke recognized them as Akatsuki and demanded to know where Itachi was.
• Shinsei assigned Deidara to his companions and Sasori to himself, then attacked the pair with Severing Wave.
• Deidara unleashed explosive spiders and birds, while Shinsei and Kakashi countered with lightning and a Water Formation Wall before Shinsei cleared trees around the battlefield.

Shinsei and his team fought Sasori and Deidara, using the Kirin to counter their attacks while Katsuyu connected the group. Hashihime supplied pills to suppress poison, and the battle continued as Deidara emerged after Sasuke cut down a clay double.

• Shinsei summoned the Kirin, protected Hashihime inside it, and cut Deidara’s flying bird and Sasori’s puppet shell in half with Storm Release: Severing Wave.
• Sasori revealed the Third Kazekage Puppet, and Shinsei summoned Katsuyu to connect the team and confirm she could take them to Shikkotsu Forest if they could not win.
• Shinsei and his teammates attacked Sasori and Deidara, while the Kirin repaired itself after Deidara’s explosive birds blasted holes in it.
• Hashihime gave Shinsei pills to distribute to the others to temporarily suppress poison.
• Sasuke cut a Deidara double in half, and Deidara emerged from the earth and shouted that he was angry.

Shinjō, Kakashi, Sasuke, Wood Kite, and Hashihime battled Deidara and Sasori, countering their explosives, poison, and puppetry. After Hashihime treated the poisoned ninja and Sasuke melted Sasori’s iron sand, Shinjō prepared to finish the fight.

• Deidara enlarged himself with clay, but Shinjō’s Storm Release cut through him, and Kakashi detected nanosized bombs in the air.
• Shinjō brought Kakashi, Sasuke, and Wood Kite inside the Kirin and used Lightning Release to destroy the bombs in their bodies; Deidara’s detonation blasted nearby animals into ash.
• Hashihime found poison in Sasuke, Kakashi, and Wood Kite and extracted it while Shinjō pursued Sasori and fended off Deidara’s clay birds.
• Sasuke and Kakashi rejoined the fight, dodging Sasori’s iron sand and water attacks as Wood Kite used a tornado to shield them from Deidara’s clay bombs.
• Shinjō severed Sasori’s Chakra Threads, and Sasuke melted the iron sand with Fire Style: Majestic Destroyer Flame.
• Shinjō swallowed an antidote pill and moved onto the Kirin’s back, ready to finish the exhausted Sasori.