Araki tried to keep a low profile while Kushina settled into Konoha and became the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, but he secretly killed Sora Hyuga after Sora threatened to expose him. The investigation failed to implicate Araki, and Ibuki-sensei arranged an interview for him with the Medical Team.
Araki became Tsunade’s disciple and used the First Hokage’s Necklace to convince Tsunade and Nawaki that he had foreseen Nawaki’s death. He helped keep Nawaki off the battlefield, began Taijutsu training with Might Duy, and started studying medical theory with Tsunade.
Araki rescued Kushina from Kumogakure ninja, then investigated their presence outside Konoha and prepared for further attacks. He began studying Sealing Jutsu and passed Tsunade’s medical theory assessment, earning the chance to start Medical Ninjutsu training.
Araki advanced his medical training and explosive-tag production while helping Might Duy recover and proving his strength at the Academy. As the students finished their exams, Mikoto began drawing closer to Araki through Kushina while continuing to suspect him in Sora Hyuga’s disappearance, and an unseen watcher followed him.
Araki uncovered Dan Katō’s plan to kill Nawaki and become Hokage, then killed him and concealed the body. He continued building his skills and standing in Konoha, but his experiments with poison were interrupted by a huge black bear.
Araki tested his poison, cared for Nawaki, and spent an evening playing truth or dare with Kushina and Mikoto while his Wood Clones killed a Kumogakure squad. The resulting fire and planted forehead protectors stirred Konoha’s suspicions, but the village had no grounds to confront Kumogakure, while Araki resumed his medical training.
Araki completed his first major operation under Tsunade’s guidance and then drew attention at the Ninja Academy by defeating Boji and fighting Minato to a draw. Rumors about his skills spread, while Maemoto Takashi and his father tried to make amends with him.
Araki learned the Maemoto Clan’s forging techniques, secretly became Orochimaru’s disciple, and graduated from the Ninja Academy. When Hashirama cells reacted with his green chakra, Araki gained Wood Release and turned against Orochimaru, who remained trapped as their fight continued.
Araki defeated Orochimaru, concealed the underground laboratory, and joined Minato and Kushina under Jiraiya after passing their team test. The story left off with Mikoto accused of killing an Uchiha Clan member as Araki and Kushina entered the tense Uchiha compound.
Araki cleared Mikoto of Ueki’s murder, then joined Jiraiya’s team on a supply mission toward the western front. At the Konoha outpost, Sunagakure poisoned the camp and abducted Kushina, and Araki pursued the puppets carrying her.
After Kushina’s Nine-Tails transformation, Araki helped her regain control and the team returned to Konoha amid suspicions of a leak. At the Chunin exams in Kumogakure, Araki fought Little A, then began developing a Nintaijutsu style by exchanging training advice with him.
Araki, Minato, and Kushina survived Kumogakure’s rigged exam, exposed its attempt to capture Kushina, and escaped back to Konoha with Jiraiya. In Konoha, Araki helped Tsunade develop an Academy reform plan before breaking into the Hokage’s office to absorb Hashirama’s cells, drawing the village’s leaders and Anbu to the building.
No recap yet. An arc gets one once it has 25 chapters.