Recaps

Araki, Kushina, and Jiraiya went to the Uchiha compound after Mikoto was accused of murdering Ueki. Araki suspected Uchiha Nanagen'u was framing her and persuaded Jiraiya to inspect the crime scene; Nanagen'u agreed to take them there.

• Uchiha guards tried to keep Araki and Kushina out of the clan compound, but Jiraiya used his status to lead them inside.
• Uchiha Nanagen'u told them that Mikoto had been taken into custody after his son, Ueki, was found dead in her home.
• Kushina insisted Mikoto could not have committed the murder, while Nanagen'u claimed the evidence pointed to her.
• Araki learned that Fugaku was away on a mission and suspected Nanagen'u was exploiting his absence to frame Mikoto.
• Araki argued that Nanagen'u's family connection made him unsuitable to investigate, and Jiraiya ordered Nanagen'u to show them the scene.

Araki examined Uchiha Ueki’s death scene and showed that Mikoto had likely been framed, not killed him. He proposed an autopsy to establish the cause of death and help identify the real killer, but Uchiha Nanagen'u hesitated to allow it.

• Mikoto told Kushina, Minato, and Araki that she had awakened beside Ueki’s body holding the bloody kunai and did not know how he died.
• Uchiha Nanagen'u explained that Ueki had confessed to Mikoto, tried to force himself on her, and later left a note saying he would apologize.
• At the backyard scene, Araki noticed the blood spatter showed no sign that anyone had stood near Ueki when his throat was cut, and Mikoto’s clothes had no blood on them.
• Araki ruled out suicide because the kunai was in Mikoto’s hand and Ueki would not have chosen her home to die in, concluding that someone else had killed him and framed her.
• Araki requested permission to perform an autopsy, but Uchiha Nanagen'u resisted cutting into his son’s body.

Araki began examining Uchiha Ueki’s death scene under the watch of Uchiha Nanagen'u, Jiraiya, and an Anbu Ninja. He concluded that the blood may have been poured onto the ground to stage the scene and frame Mikoto, then directed everyone’s attention to the bloodstains on the wall as he continued explaining his evidence.

• Uchiha Nanagen'u agreed to let Araki perform an autopsy in front of witnesses and hoped he could find Ueki’s real killer.
• The Anbu Ninja responsible for handling bodies warned Araki that he would watch closely, while Jiraiya and Kushina offered Araki their support.
• Araki noticed that Ueki’s clothes were clean despite the blood around him and rejected Jiraiya’s suggestion that the killer had shielded the body by standing over it.
• After examining the bloodstains on the ground, Araki said the blood was likely poured there after Ueki died, possibly to frame Mikoto, though he still needed to examine the body.
• Araki explained how the shape of blood spatters could show their direction of travel, then pointed out the blood on the wall for everyone to inspect.

Araki examined Ueki’s body and determined that Ueki had died of suffocation before the killer cut his throat and staged the bloody scene. He suspected Genjutsu but could not identify the killer, and asked Uchiha Nanagen'u to release Uchiha Mikoto.

• Araki explained that the blood on the wall had been splashed from above, showing that the killer staged the scene.
• Araki examined Ueki and concluded that the throat wound was inflicted after death and that Ueki had likely suffocated within the past six hours.
• Araki opened Ueki’s body and found signs of suffocation, including congestion in the organs and blood-filled right side of the heart.
• Araki showed that Ueki’s trachea contained no blood, confirming that the throat cut came after death.
• Araki ruled out strangulation and smothering, then suspected Ueki had suffocated while trapped in Genjutsu.
• Araki admitted he could not identify the killer and asked Uchiha Nanagen'u to release Uchiha Mikoto.

Araki cleared Uchiha Mikoto of Ueki’s murder by showing that the apparent evidence came from Genjutsu, and Mikoto was released. At a sushi restaurant, Araki wondered who had framed her, while Mikoto bowed to thank him.

• Araki explained that Mikoto lacked the Genjutsu ability needed to make Ueki suffocate, and Uchiha Nanagen'u ordered her release while the investigation continued.
• An Anbu took Ueki’s corpse away, and Mikoto tearfully thanked Kushina and accepted a special Military Rations Pill from Araki.
• Mikoto invited Araki, Kushina, Minato, and Jiraiya to eat, while Jiraiya questioned Araki about who could have killed Ueki with Genjutsu.
• At the sushi restaurant, Minato asked how Araki knew so much about corpses, and Araki said he was a medical-nin.
• Araki considered why someone had framed Mikoto and whether Fugaku was involved, then Mikoto bowed deeply to thank him.

Araki deduced that Mikoto had killed Ueki and confronted her after she secretly followed him into the woods. Mikoto confirmed the suspicion through her questions, but Araki said he had no intention of exposing or investigating her.

• Araki told Uchiha Nanagen'u that the genjutsu that killed Ueki came from the Sharingan, then went into the woods.
• Araki sensed someone following him and asked when they had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.
• Araki used Ueki's lividity and Mikoto's account of going into the backyard around ten to show that Ueki had already been dead then.
• Mikoto revealed herself and asked Araki how he had worked out the timing of Ueki's death.
• Araki explained that Mikoto's daily lunches with Kushina made the morning a convenient time to kill Ueki, but said he did not plan to pursue the matter.

Araki learned that Mikoto had never awakened the Sharingan and concluded she had not killed Ueki, though he suspected Fugaku or another person might be responsible. He decided not to investigate further and gave Mikoto anesthetic pills for protection.

• Mikoto insisted she had not killed Ueki and told Araki she had no memory of what happened before she woke beside the body.
• Araki realized Mikoto had never awakened the Sharingan, apologized for suspecting her, and reconsidered who could have used a powerful Genjutsu.
• Araki considered Fugaku as a possible killer but chose not to question Mikoto about him or pursue the investigation.
• Araki gave Mikoto two aerosol anesthetic pills and explained how she could use them against anyone who threatened her.

Araki pieced together a theory that Uchiha Fugaku had used a preimplanted Mangekyō Sharingan genjutsu and a summoning beast to kill Ueki while remaining away on a mission. He left the case with one unresolved question: exactly how Fugaku had produced and removed the blood at the scene.

• Mikoto struggled to remember whether Fugaku had given her something, then wondered if the memory had only been a dream.
• Araki told Mikoto to go home and left to train, convinced Fugaku was almost certainly Ueki's killer.
• Araki reasoned that Fugaku had planted a genjutsu in Mikoto's eyes that activated when she faced danger, used Tsukuyomi on Ueki, and made Mikoto tidy the scene.
• Araki suspected a summoning beast had brought fresh blood to the scene and concluded that Fugaku had committed the murder remotely.
• Araki stopped on a tree branch and reflected on the dangers of schemes and intrigue in the ninja world.

Araki, Kushina, and Minato received their first C-Rank mission from Jiraiya: escorting ninja tool supplies to the Land of Fire's western border amid reports of Sunagakure activity. Araki accepted the estimated ten-day trip as a chance to rest from training, though he remained wary of the dangers outside Konoha.

• Araki considered Uchiha Fugaku's possible role in Ueki's death and decided not to investigate further because Fugaku was dangerous and difficult to read.
• Araki met Kushina and Minato at the river bridge, where Kushina complained about their routine D-Rank missions.
• Jiraiya arrived and assigned the team a C-Rank mission to transport ninja tools to the front near the Land of Fire's western border.
• Jiraiya warned the team that they would face risks outside Konoha, and Kushina and Minato eagerly agreed to the mission.
• Araki asked how long the mission would take, and Jiraiya estimated about ten days for the journey and return.

Araki gave Minato and Kushina Purple Blood antidotes before the team departed for the border, then demonstrated his strength by lifting their heavy supply crate. The team set out with Jiraiya, leaving the ninja tool shop behind.

• Minato gave Araki a Flying Thunder God Kunai, and Araki returned the gesture by giving Minato and Kushina Purple Blood antidotes.
• Araki explained how Purple Blood poisoned its victims and how the antidote could counter its effects until a medical-nin treated them.
• Jiraiya instructed the team to collect their supplies, and Araki volunteered to carry the crate.
• At the ninja tool shop, Araki infused the wooden crate with chakra and lifted it above his head with ease.
• Jiraiya signed for the supplies, and the team prepared to set off.

Jiraiya led Araki, Kushina, and Minato out of Konoha on a mission to deliver supplies to the front line. After Araki sensed twelve concealed observers near the road, he persuaded the group to enter the woods and arranged for Jiraiya to lead them toward the ambush.

• Jiraiya explained Konoha's departure procedures and warned the three students about the dangers beyond the village barrier.
• Araki sensed twelve people hiding in four groups in the woods while Minato and Kushina remained unaware of them.
• Araki suggested entering the woods by a shorter route, and Jiraiya agreed after Minato and Kushina supported the idea.
• Araki proposed that Jiraiya lead the formation, with Kushina ahead of him and Minato bringing up the rear.
• Jiraiya entered the woods first, followed by Kushina, Araki, and Minato, as concealed ninja waited ahead.

Jiraiya’s team was ambushed by Kumogakure ninja near Konoha, and Araki protected Kushina before joining Minato in the fight. Araki suspected the attack might be connected to Kushina and urged Minato to leave survivors for questioning.

• Jiraiya warned Kushina, Minato, and Araki as three hidden ninja attacked him with shuriken.
• Araki blocked the shuriken with the supply crate, protecting Kushina and Minato while Kushina sensed more attackers behind them.
• Minato confronted the ninja behind the team, and Araki reinforced the crate discreetly with Wood Release before rushing to help him.
• Araki smashed one attacker to death with the crate, then told Minato to fight while trying to leave some enemies alive.
• Araki noticed the attackers wore Kumogakure forehead protectors and suspected their mission might involve Kushina.

Jiraiya ended the ambush after assessing his students, while Araki killed six Kumogakure ninja with precise, brutal strikes that left Minato and Jiraiya questioning his methods. The group subdued the remaining attackers, but Araki’s casual explanation for the fatal injuries only deepened their unease.

• Jiraiya knocked out the three Kumogakure ninja confronting him after deciding his students had proved themselves.
• Araki used a chakra-strengthened wooden crate to defeat six attackers, inflicting injuries he said would kill them within minutes.
• Jiraiya ordered Minato to tie up three unconscious ninja and told Araki to secure the remaining enemies who could no longer fight.
• Araki told Jiraiya and Minato that the injured ninja were already doomed, then explained that he had asked to leave some enemies alive only so he could judge the situation before killing those in front of him.
• Jiraiya questioned whether Araki had deliberately controlled his blows, but Araki insisted the fatal injuries were a coincidence.

Araki persuaded Jiraiya to let him interrogate six captured Kumogakure ninja, then subjected five of them to a drug he had made while admitting he only wanted to torment them. Jiraiya, Minato, and Kushina watched in shock as Araki promised to heal the victims and test more drugs.

• After several wounded Kumogakure ninja died, Araki asked Jiraiya to let him question the six surviving captives.
• Jiraiya allowed Araki half an hour to interrogate them before taking them to the village.
• Araki blocked the captives' chakra pathways and gave five of them red pills, leaving the sixth untouched.
• Araki explained that the pills were a poison called Red Spirit, which caused the five men severe distress and hallucinations.
• Araki told the remaining captive that he never intended to obtain intelligence and would heal the others before testing more drugs on them.
• Jiraiya, Minato, and Kushina stared at Araki, unsettled by his cruel display.

Araki used Red Spirit to torment five Kumogakure ninja with vivid hallucinations while leaving their sixth companion unharmed, creating suspicion between them. He explained to Jiraiya that he wanted the Anbu to see how the ordeal could make both the tortured men and the spared one suspect each other.

• Araki refused to give the sixth Kumogakure ninja a pill and explained that his poisoned companions might believe he had betrayed them.
• Araki gave the five men a second dose of Red Spirit, intensifying their physical reactions and sending them into apparent nightmares.
• The sixth Kumogakure ninja shouted that he had not betrayed his companions, while Araki mocked him and said he wanted to cause psychological torment rather than obtain information.
• Araki gave the five men an antidote and told Jiraiya that his interrogation was over.
• Araki explained that the five might suspect the unharmed ninja of being a spy, and Jiraiya understood that this was the result Araki wanted the Anbu to witness.

Araki used a staged conversation and Jiraiya’s carefully chosen words to make five captured Kumogakure ninja suspect their unharmed comrade was a traitor. As Jiraiya led the six prisoners toward Konoha, the accused man’s attempts to deny the suspicion only deepened it.

• Minato recognized that Araki’s plan would isolate the unharmed Kumogakure ninja by making the others distrust him.
• Araki told Jiraiya to insist truthfully that the accused man had revealed nothing, then staged a conversation where he appeared to treat him as an informant.
• The five recovering Kumogakure ninja heard Araki’s words and decided their unharmed comrade had betrayed them.
• Jiraiya took the six prisoners toward Konoha, reinforcing the suspicion by solemnly claiming the accused man had said nothing.
• The accused Kumogakure ninja repeatedly denied talking, but his explanations convinced the five that he was guilty.

Jiraiya carried out Araki’s plan to make the captured Kumogakure ninja suspect one of their own, then handed them over to Konoha’s Anbu. Outside the village, Araki admitted to Minato that his scheme had been improvised and that he had no clear reason for targeting Kumogakure.

• Jiraiya secretly instructed three Anbu to report the captured Kumogakure ninja, dispose of six bodies, and continue the scheme against the suspected man.
• Jiraiya told the last Anbu to mislead the prisoners and arrange for the five suspicious ninja to be treated more harshly than their companion.
• The Anbu accused the suspected Kumogakure ninja of withstanding interrogation, deepening the other five prisoners’ belief that he was a Konoha informant.
• Jiraiya left the prisoners with the Anbu and went to rejoin his students.
• Minato questioned Araki about his plan, and Araki admitted it had been a sudden idea whose effectiveness he could not predict.
• Araki told Minato he disliked Kumogakure’s symbol, and Anbu arrived to collect the six bodies.

Araki explained that the Kumogakure captives had been given a poison that would eventually kill them, prompting Minato to confront him over his deliberate actions and their consequences for Konoha. Jiraiya praised Araki but warned him to control his strength as the team continued toward the front lines.

• Araki told Minato and Kushina that the five poisoned Kumogakure ninja would die within three days unless Tsunade treated them.
• Minato accused Araki of risking conflict between Konoha and Kumogakure, and Araki admitted he had intended to kill the intruders while leaving one survivor.
• Minato warned Araki that his actions could one day harm the village, and Jiraiya's return interrupted their argument.
• Jiraiya praised Araki's performance, then cautioned him for killing six enemies and urged him to stay alert on the journey to the front lines.

Araki, Minato, Kushina, and Jiraiya traveled through the Land of Fire, where Minato apologized to Araki for their earlier disagreement. During a rest, Araki detected a concealed snake and helped Minato evade its sudden attack.

• Jiraiya led the squad through the forest toward their destination while Araki and Kushina watched for threats.
• Jiraiya stopped the group to rest, and Minato apologized to Araki for criticizing his actions during the encounter with the Kumogakure ninja.
• Araki accepted Minato’s apology but privately decided he would handle any future Kumogakure enemies just as ruthlessly, only more discreetly.
• Jiraiya watched the students reconcile and wondered about Orochimaru’s recent mysterious behavior.
• Araki heard a snake moving on the tree beside them and warned the others as Jiraiya spotted it lunging at Minato.
• Araki threw Minato’s Flying Thunder God Kunai, and Minato teleported behind Araki, causing the snake’s attack to miss.

Araki explained the red-tailed bamboo pit viper’s venom and warned Jiraiya’s team that the snakes lived in groups. The team fled the infested woods and stopped half an hour later, with Araki secretly using green chakra to keep himself from tiring.

• Jiraiya killed the red-tailed bamboo pit viper with a kunai, and Araki identified it and explained how snake venom poisoned people.
• Araki described three kinds of snake venom and explained that the viper had both neurotoxins and circulatory toxins, reminding Jiraiya how close he had come to dying from its bite.
• Araki warned that red-tailed bamboo pit vipers lived in groups after hearing more snakes nearby.
• Jiraiya ordered the group to leave at full speed, and he, Minato, Kushina, and Araki ran through the woods while avoiding the snakes.
• After half an hour, the group stopped to rest while Araki used green chakra to keep himself in peak condition.

Araki stood watch through the night while Jiraiya, Minato, and Kushina rested during their journey toward the border. In the morning, the team recovered and prepared to continue, with Jiraiya privately learning about Araki’s unusual response to physical exertion.

• Jiraiya let the exhausted team rest, and Araki confirmed that they had left the red-tailed bamboo vipers’ range.
• At nightfall, Jiraiya chose an open campsite, and Araki volunteered to keep watch while the others slept.
• Araki stood watch through the night and told Jiraiya that intense physical exertion left him refreshed rather than tired.
• Jiraiya reacted with confusion to Araki’s explanation, then Minato and Kushina emerged from their tents.
• Minato and Kushina said they had recovered, and Jiraiya prepared the team to continue their mission.

Jiraiya's squad reached the Land of Wind border and discussed how harsh living conditions fueled conflict among the nations. Minato was troubled by the inequality he witnessed but remained determined to work toward peace.

• Jiraiya had Araki check a safe resting place, and the squad continued their uneventful journey toward the border.
• Araki concluded that the mission was likely a simple delivery and that Jiraiya was using warnings to keep the students alert, but he continued sensing for danger.
• After another day of travel, Jiraiya told the exhausted Minato, Kushina, and Araki that Konoha's encampment lay ahead, near the boundary with the Land of Wind.
• Minato saw the barren landscape and reflected on how people’s different living conditions could cause conflict.
• Jiraiya explained that the Land of Wind and Land of Earth could trade for necessities, while the Land of Rain faced severe poverty and little hope of improvement.
• Minato accepted that such problems could not be solved easily, but felt more determined to shoulder the work of pursuing peace.

Araki argued that lasting peace in the Shinobi World depended on overwhelming strength and rules enforced by the powerful, citing Hashirama Senju’s lifetime as proof. Jiraiya and Minato reconsidered their views as the group reached the border camps of Konoha and Sunagakure.

• Jiraiya asked Araki how wars caused by environmental differences could be resolved, and Araki said a powerful figure like Hashirama Senju could keep the Shinobi World peaceful.
• Jiraiya considered Araki’s argument and privately wondered why the student’s thinking reminded him of Orochimaru.
• Minato reflected on how sharply Araki’s views differed from his own, while still recognizing that Araki’s reasoning had its own logic.
• Jiraiya ended the discussion and led the group toward the Konoha camp near the boundary between forest and sand.
• Araki sensed concealed shinobi at Sunagakure’s camp and concluded that neither village appeared eager to start a conflict.

Araki accompanied Jiraiya, Minato, and Kushina to a Konoha outpost, where Jiraiya delivered everyday supplies from the Third Hokage and won the stationed ninja’s gratitude. Araki then sensed Sunagakure ninja approaching at high speed but chose not to warn anyone, keeping his sensing ability secret as the surprise attack drew near.

• Jiraiya brought Araki, Minato, and Kushina to the outpost and presented the supplies as a sign of the Hokage’s concern.
• The outpost ninja opened the crate, found everyday necessities meant to sustain them for months, and thanked the Third Hokage.
• Araki recognized that the supplies suggested the stationed ninja would remain at the outpost for some time.
• Araki sensed Sunagakure ninja rushing toward the outpost and realized their movement could lead to a surprise attack.
• Araki weighed whether to warn Jiraiya and the others, then decided to stay silent to protect his sensing ability.

Sunagakure ninja poisoned Konoha’s border camp and abducted Kushina, leaving Araki as the only one still able to move. Araki sent a Wood Clone after the captors, choosing to follow them and learn their intentions before attempting a rescue.

• Araki warned Kushina to stay alert, but Sunagakure’s poison gas suddenly filled the tent and left the Konoha ninja weak and unable to fight.
• Araki identified the poison as Redbud Poison, but admitted he had no antidote prepared; Jiraiya and the others succumbed to its effects.
• Sunagakure puppets seized the unconscious Kushina and carried her out of the tent while Jiraiya could only watch.
• Araki realized the attackers had specifically targeted Kushina, suspected they wanted the Nine-Tails, and wondered who had leaked the camp’s location.
• Araki used a Wood Clone to pursue the puppets, counted nine of them, and followed at a distance while Kushina remained unharmed.