Chapter Summaries

Naoki Senju escaped detection by Black Zetsu after Uchiha Itachi fled, then returned to find Orochimaru unharmed and confronted by Tsunade. Orochimaru revealed that Madara-Uchiha was Akatsuki’s true leader.

• Black Zetsu pursued the wounded Uchiha Itachi after Itachi escaped Naoki Senju’s Deep Forest Emergence with black flames and crows.
• Naoki Senju retrieved the Akatsuki intelligence scroll Itachi had given him and pretended to be badly injured when he reached Orochimaru.
• Naoki Senju blamed Orochimaru for Itachi’s escape, while Orochimaru praised Itachi and hinted that he would pursue him again.
• Tsunade reprimanded Naoki Senju for confronting Kakuzu alone, then embraced him before questioning Orochimaru about Akatsuki.
• Orochimaru admitted that he had betrayed Akatsuki as a core member and revealed that its true leader was the supposedly dead Madara-Uchiha.

Orochimaru told Tsunade and Naoki Senju that a masked man calling himself Madara Uchiha was alive, and Naoki focused their attention on the Akatsuki threat. At the Akatsuki base, Uchiha Itachi pretended to collapse after returning badly wounded, while Black Zetsu informed the Masked Man that Naoki had awakened Wood Release and used Deep Forest Emergence.

• Orochimaru told Tsunade and Naoki Senju that the masked man had Madara Uchiha's chakra and Mangekyō Sharingan, and Tsunade worried he might threaten Konoha.
• Naoki Senju argued that Madara's lack of action suggested he was weakened or unable to act personally, then asked how they should prepare for the Akatsuki's next move.
• Uchiha Itachi returned to the Akatsuki base badly injured and, following Naoki Senju's instructions, pretended to lose consciousness when Konan questioned him.
• Pain's Deva Path examined Uchiha Itachi, confirmed his severe injuries, and ordered Konan to arrange treatment and question him after he woke.
• Black Zetsu told the Masked Man that Naoki Senju had killed Kakuzu, awakened Wood Release, and forced Uchiha Itachi to use Amaterasu to escape Deep Forest Emergence.
• The Masked Man recognized Deep Forest Emergence as a serious counter to his ability and vanished from the secret chamber.

Konan learned from Uchiha Itachi that Naoki Senju had killed Kakuzu and awakened Wood Release, while Danzo had concealed the truth about his strength. At Akatsuki’s base, Pain accepted Kisame Hoshigaki as a new member and ordered Itachi moved somewhere safer, suspecting the Masked Man might target him.

• The medical-nin told Konan that Uchiha Itachi had regained consciousness but still needed quiet rest, and Konan questioned Itachi about the mission.
• Uchiha Itachi reported that Naoki Senju had killed Kakuzu and awakened Wood Release, while concealing his private conversation with Naoki.
• The Masked Man proposed Kisame Hoshigaki as a replacement for Kakuzu, and Pain agreed to let Kisame join as Nanto.
• Konan accused Danzo of concealing intelligence and possibly conspiring with Orochimaru, so Pain ordered her to demand compensation and prepare for a new core member.
• Pain told Konan that Itachi had not betrayed Akatsuki and ordered her to move him somewhere safer in case the Masked Man attacked.

Orochimaru, Kabuto Yakushi, Tsunade, and Naoki Senju traveled toward Kirigakure as Mei Terumi prepared to become the Fifth Mizukage. After Orochimaru used two captured Kirigakure Anbu to test control techniques, he planned to infiltrate the inauguration ceremony, while Tsunade questioned Naoki about letting Uchiha Itachi escape.

• Kabuto Yakushi told Orochimaru that Mei Terumi and Ao had overthrown Karatachi Yagura and ended Kirigakure's Bloody Mist policy.
• Orochimaru ordered Kabuto Yakushi to prepare disguises so they could attend the Fifth Mizukage's inauguration.
• Naoki Senju defeated two Kirigakure Anbu and brought them aboard, where Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi applied Cursed Seals and Sealing Jutsu to control them.
• Tsunade asked Naoki Senju why he had let Uchiha Itachi escape, and Naoki said Itachi could become a useful ally.
• Orochimaru revealed that he planned to use the inauguration ceremony to infiltrate Kirigakure, prompting Tsunade to give Naoki a scrutinizing look.

Naoki Senju and Tsunade traveled with Orochimaru toward his offshore base as Kirigakure tightened security for the Fifth Mizukage’s inauguration. Orochimaru refused Tsunade’s offer to return to Konoha and revealed his plans for the Sound Ninja Village, while other outsiders approached the Land of Water.

• Orochimaru said Kirigakure’s Bloody Mist policy made the region a rare chance to find surviving bloodline ninja, and Naoki Senju welcomed his help.
• Naoki Senju and Orochimaru dealt with Kirigakure Anbu patrols as their boat sailed toward Orochimaru’s offshore base.
• Tsunade teased Naoki Senju about his inability to learn medical ninjutsu, then asked Orochimaru if he would return to Konoha.
• Orochimaru refused Tsunade’s offer and revealed that he planned to establish the Sound Ninja Village, while Tsunade wished him success.
• Jiraiya celebrated in a tavern in the Land of Hot Water as the Masked Man and a bandaged swordsman with a masked girl approached the Land of Water.

Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Naoki Senju reached the Land of Water, where Tsunade explained why the great shinobi villages tolerated their daimyo. Meanwhile, Mei Terumi survived an assassination attempt in Kirigakure and ordered the Anbu to watch the village’s old guard.

• Orochimaru explained that Kirigakure’s restrictions on land travel made the Land of Water’s interior safer than its seas.
• Tsunade told Naoki Senju that Hanzo of the Salamander had seized control of the Land of Rain, but his rule had brought years of war and a population collapse.
• Tsunade took Naoki Senju and the others to an izakaya, where Shizune’s enormous seafood meal left Naoki paying the bill.
• Naoki Senju gave Tsunade his empty wallet, and Tsunade hurried after him asking him to accompany her to the casino.
• Mei Terumi revealed that Kirigakure ninja had attacked her and ordered Ao to have the Anbu keep the village’s old guard under constant watch.

Orochimaru proposed infiltrating Kirigakure, and Tsunade agreed to use the mission to assess the village and demonstrate her strength. As Mei Terumi purged Kirigakure’s old guard, she noticed an Anbu’s role in capturing their leader and recruited him to work by her side.

• After escorting Tsunade and Naoki Senju out of the casino, Orochimaru told them that Kabuto Yakushi had prepared identities for infiltrating Kirigakure.
• Tsunade agreed to go, despite Orochimaru’s inability to guarantee a safe retreat, and decided to show the Shinobi World the strength of the Konoha Sannin and Wood Release.
• Mei Terumi launched another purge in Kirigakure while Ao watched the battle with his Hyuga Byakugan.
• Ao explained that an Anbu had used the Hidden Mist Technique to bypass the old guard’s ambush and capture their leader, causing the old guard to surrender.
• Mei Terumi summoned the sky-blue-haired Anbu and appointed him to work by her side; he gave his real name as Chōjūrō.

Orochimaru, Tsunade, Naoki Senju, and Kabuto Yakushi disguised themselves as Water Country nobles and a daimyo representative to infiltrate Kirigakure. As their carriage neared the village, other forces had also gathered there, setting the stage for a coming crisis.

• Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Naoki Senju used stolen human-skin masks and disguises to assume new identities, while Kabuto Yakushi prepared their carriage.
• Tsunade struggled with her restrictive disguise, and Naoki Senju reassured her as the group prepared to travel to Kirigakure.
• Kabuto Yakushi arrived as their coachman and addressed them by their assumed names: Lord Kamishiro, Lady Chiba, and Lord Kaede Shiin.
• Orochimaru told Tsunade that she was posing as Aya Chiba, and Naoki Senju as Hoshino Shiin Kaede, one of her suitors.
• Orochimaru explained that he was posing as a representative of the Daimyo of the Land of Water, and the group’s carriage approached Kirigakure as other forces gathered there.

Orochimaru, Tsunade, Naoki Senju, and Kabuto Yakushi entered Kirigakure disguised as nobles, with Orochimaru posing as the powerful official Nobunaga Kamishiro. After the gate guards reported their arrival, the group continued toward the Mizukage’s inauguration, unaware that Kirigakure’s leadership would see them as victims headed for the underworld.

• Two Kirigakure gate guards discussed the Fourth Mizukage’s signed permit and the deadly purge led by the incoming Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi.
• The guards questioned the approach of a carriage, and the senior ninja advised his junior not to inspect nobles too closely.
• Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Naoki Senju left the carriage and approached the gate disguised as nobles, while Kabuto Yakushi stayed with the carriage.
• Orochimaru presented himself as Nobunaga Kamishiro and declined an offer to meet Mei Terumi, praising Kirigakure’s end to the Bloody Mist policy.
• The senior gate guard recognized the group, let them enter, and went to report Nobunaga Kamishiro’s arrival to Mei Terumi.
• The guard wondered why Nobunaga Kamishiro, the Chiba Clan, and the Kaede Shiin Clan had come together, unaware that all three were victims.

Tsunade and Naoki Senju toured Kirigakure under close Anbu surveillance while waiting for word from Orochimaru. In a secluded corner, Kisame Hoshigaki met the mysterious Masked Man, who told him the time had come.

• Tsunade and Naoki Senju explored Kirigakure, while Orochimaru left for the guest accommodations with Kabuto Yakushi.
• Tsunade pretended to be tired in a shop and had Naoki escort her away, provoking jealousy among the young male nobles.
• Tsunade and Naoki reached their quarters, where she confirmed Kirigakure's Anbu had been monitoring them and said they would wait for Orochimaru's word.
• Kisame Hoshigaki arrived at an address in a secluded part of Kirigakure, and the Masked Man appeared behind him and said the time had come.

Kisame Hoshigaki joined the Akatsuki early and was ordered by the Masked Man to watch Uchiha Itachi before defecting from Kirigakure. As Naoki Senju and Tsunade discussed reforming Konoha in a hot spring, Naoki accidentally toppled their bamboo screen and provoked Tsunade's fury.

• The Masked Man told Kisame Hoshigaki to join the Akatsuki as Nanto and keep Uchiha Itachi from leaving alone.
• Kisame Hoshigaki accepted the ring and defected from Kirigakure, stirring anger among its leaders as Mei Terumi's succession ceremony approached.
• Naoki Senju asked Tsunade about her study of Kirigakure's reforms and urged her to let him help reform Konoha.
• Naoki Senju leaned against the bamboo screen, which broke and fell into the hot spring, exposing Tsunade.
• Tsunade shouted at Naoki Senju and struck the water, while the soundproof barrier kept their commotion from being overheard.

As Kirigakure prepared for Mei Terumi’s inauguration as Fifth Mizukage, Tsunade and Naoki Senju reviewed the village’s weakened forces and discussed the demanding requirements for becoming a Jonin. An envoy summoned them to the ceremony, where Naoki’s planned surprise was about to unfold.

• Yuki Haku happily welcomed the snowfall with Zabuza, remembering how he had taken her in on a snowy evening.
• Kirigakure announced that Mei Terumi’s inauguration would be held at the Ninja Academy, and Naoki Senju reflected on the village’s chance to rebuild.
• Tsunade told Naoki Senju that Kirigakure had forty-nine Jonin and seventy-seven Special Jōnin, while explaining the requirements for Jonin promotion.
• Tsunade offered to appoint Naoki Senju as a Jonin without an examination, and he accepted the prospect of being supported by a wealthy woman.
• A Kirigakure reception envoy summoned Tsunade and Naoki Senju to the inauguration, where Naoki’s Wood Clone was set to deliver a surprise.

Naoki Senju and Tsunade attended Mei Terumi’s succession ceremony in Kirigakure, where a staged account of the Bloody Mist era rallied the crowd behind the new Mizukage. Mei’s carefully orchestrated rise left Naoki and Tsunade wary of her political skill.

• Naoki and Tsunade entered a private reception room at the Ninja Academy while villagers gathered to celebrate Mei Terumi.
• Kirigakure covered the Academy in mist, then revealed a bloody stage play depicting the Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura, and the Bloody Mist policy.
• The play showed ninja defeating Yagura and ending the Bloody Mist, lifting the crowd from despair into fervent cheers.
• Ao praised Mei Terumi’s reforms and introduced her as the Mizukage who had saved Kirigakure.
• Mei Terumi appeared on the platform, declared herself the Fifth Mizukage, and received roaring cheers.
• Naoki and Tsunade exchanged grave looks, recognizing Mei’s skillful methods and the challenge she posed.

Naoki Senju and Tsunade began their escape plan as the Three-Tails went berserk, while Kabuto Yakushi infiltrated Kirigakure Prison. After Mei Terumi ordered the arrest of suspected impostors, Ao reported that the prison guards had been killed and prisoners were escaping toward the docks.

• Naoki Senju realized their identities had been exposed and told Tsunade to start the plan early; she sent Katsuyu to notify the Katsuyu inside the Three-Tails.
• The Three-Tails became agitated and battered Kirigakure’s barrier, forcing the understaffed Sealing Squad to call for reinforcements.
• Kabuto Yakushi entered Kirigakure Prison to search for records about shinobi with kekkei genkai and killed a guard who confronted him.
• Mei Terumi completed her inauguration and ordered Ao to arrest three suspected impostors, believing they were elite shinobi from another village.
• Ao told Mei Terumi that the Three-Tails had gone berserk and that prisoners had killed the guards and were fleeing toward the docks.

Mei Terumi deployed Kirigakure’s forces to capture infiltrators while Utakata fought the rampaging Three-Tails. After Ao captured an Iwagakure squad, he realized the disturbance might be a diversion and rushed back to warn Mei Terumi.

• Mei Terumi ordered Ao to capture the infiltrators and deal with the Three-Tails while she handled the prison.
• Utakata arrived at the lake, released the Sealing Squad from its task, and attacked the Three-Tails with his Bubble Technique.
• Utakata entered Tailed Beast Cloak mode and charged the Three-Tails, beginning a savage fight.
• Ao’s Anbu surrounded an Iwagakure squad near the lake, capturing four and killing five of its members.
• Ao learned that only two Iwagakure ninja remained inside Kirigakure and realized the Three-Tails’ rampage might have distracted the village from an attack on Mei Terumi.
• Ao left four Anbu to guard the captives and hurried back to Kirigakure to protect Mei Terumi.

Ao mistakenly believed Mei Terumi had died in the battle at the Mizukage Building, then learned she was pursuing Naoki and Tsunade outside Kirigakure. Mei and her Anbu caught up, and Naoki faced Chōjūrō in a deadly clash.

• Ao arrived at the ruined Mizukage Building, wept over Mei’s supposed death, and scolded an Anbu who told him she was alive and pursuing the intruders.
• Ao searched for Mei’s trail with his Byakugan while trying to hide his earlier outburst.
• Naoki and Tsunade fled through the trees and discussed how poorly the other villages’ assassination attempt had been planned.
• Mei attacked Naoki and Tsunade with her Lava Release, but they dodged by kicking off each other’s feet.
• Chōjūrō struck at Naoki with Hiramekarei, and Naoki countered with Water Severing Wave as both attacks threatened to decide their lives.

Naoki Senju faced Mei Terumi while Tsunade rescued Chōjūrō and then used Katsuyu as a diversion to draw Kirigakure's Anbu away. Mei recognized the ruse, but Naoki stood his ground against her as the confrontation began.

• Naoki Senju's Water Severing Wave overwhelmed Chōjūrō, but Mei Terumi pulled her subordinate away from the attack and threw him to safety.
• Mei identified the Water Severing Wave and challenged Tsunade and Naoki, while Naoki warned Tsunade about Mei's Boil Release and Lava Release.
• Tsunade summoned a massive Katsuyu, then ran toward Kirigakure to make Mei believe the village was under attack.
• Mei ordered the Kirigakure Anbu to stop Tsunade, drawing them away and leaving Naoki alone with her.
• Mei realized Tsunade had used the apparent attack as a diversion and offered Naoki a chance to surrender, but he answered by forming hand seals to fight.

Naoki Senju revealed his Wood Release and identity as Tobirama Senju’s grandson while fighting Mei Terumi, who answered with her corrosive Boil Release. The battle continued as Naoki’s advancing forest met Mei’s expanding mist, leaving the outcome undecided.

• Naoki’s Water Gun and Water Dragon Bullet failed against Mei’s Water Release defenses, so he used Wood Release to block her attack.
• Naoki revealed himself as Naoki Senju and confirmed that Tobirama Senju was his grandfather, but Mei still demanded that he stand aside or be defeated.
• Naoki sent branches, vines, and roots after Mei, who countered with Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique and began dissolving the trees.
• Naoki used Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence to send a sea of trees toward Mei, who dodged through the attacks and returned to the mist.
• Naoki’s trees vanished inside the corrosive mist as the green color within it grew darker.

Naoki Senju tried to force Mei Terumi to surrender, but she used the chance to launch a close-range attack while bound. Naoki’s wood clone took the hit, and Mei caught him from behind with a kunai at his neck.

• Naoki Senju trapped Mei Terumi in a vast forest and demanded that she surrender.
• Mei Terumi emerged from her mist and agreed to surrender, but Naoki insisted she bind her hands.
• Mei Terumi removed a black stocking and used it to tie her wrists, secretly planning to attack Naoki at close range.
• Mei Terumi used Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique, but the scalding mist struck Naoki’s wood clone.
• Naoki Senju’s branches bound Mei Terumi, but she appeared behind him and pressed a kunai to his neck.

Naoki Senju used Wood Release to trap and capture Mei Terumi, the Mizukage, after she tried to ambush him. With Mei bound in vines, he asked whether they could finally talk.

• Mei Terumi held Naoki Senju at kunai-point, searched him for poison and message tools, and explained how she had identified his real body.
• Naoki revealed that Mei had captured a wood clone and that clones filled the area within Deep Forest Emergence.
• Mei dismissed the clones and used Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique to fend off their growing numbers.
• Naoki used vines hidden in Mei's discarded kunai to bind her, then dragged her out of the acidic mist despite her resistance.
• Naoki wrapped Mei in more vines, lifted her chin, and asked to speak with her properly.