Recaps

Koki was comforted by Sakumo after Itachi awakened his Sharingan, then fell asleep beside his little brother. Orochimaru arrived with medicine for Itachi’s Kekkei Genkai Disease, but Sakumo took the pill and made him swallow it while he checked for side effects.

• Sakumo laid the sobbing Koki on the bed and tried to console him about Itachi’s new Sharingan.
• Itachi told Koki he would give up his eyes if they upset him, and the brothers fell asleep with Sakumo watching over them.
• Sakumo confronted Orochimaru when he entered the room and led him outside to explain why he had come.
• Orochimaru revealed that the Kekkei Genkai Disease concerned Itachi, not Koki, and gave Sakumo the medicine he had prepared.
• Sakumo made Orochimaru swallow the pill and ordered him to wait half an hour while he observed him.

Koki enjoyed a happy morning after the problem troubling him was resolved, then stepped into a crowded courtyard full of guests gathered for his birthday. He reunited with friends and went to apologize to Fugaku, while Obito watched over him fondly.

• Koki relaxed with Itachi while Hatake Sakumo braided his hair and urged him to apologize to his dad.
• Koki entered a crowded courtyard and found guests celebrating his birthday.
• Might Guy welcomed Koki and brought him to a table with Kurenai, Asuma, Hayate, Koto, and Hyuga Haruka.
• Koki found Obito at the entrance, teased him, and told him he planned to apologize to Fugaku.
• Obito encouraged Koki to make amends, and Koki walked over to Fugaku.

Koki celebrated his birthday surrounded by his family and friends, sharing a group photo, cake, and a lively evening together. He fell asleep after drinking and singing, dreaming of a peaceful future with everyone by his side.

• Koki apologized to Fugaku, and Mikoto teased Fugaku before embracing her son.
• Koki posed for a large family photo with Itachi, Kabuto, and their friends, while Might Guy took the picture.
• At the banquet, Koki made a birthday wish, blew out his candles, and shared cake with the guests as fireworks lit the sky.
• After the guests left, Koki drank and sang with Fugaku, Sakumo, the Sannin, Kakashi, Obito, Shisui, and the others.
• Koki fell asleep at the table, dreaming of a world without war where his family and friends stayed with him.

Higashikawa Haruto persuaded Hiruzen Sarutobi to allow Uchiha Kōki and Shisui to seek early graduation, subject to a special assessment. Kōki and Shisui accepted and were told to prepare for the exam at Training Ground 8 in three days.

• Higashikawa Haruto told Hiruzen Sarutobi that Uchiha Kōki had mastered the basic techniques and advanced ninjutsu and should graduate early.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi approved early graduation for Kōki and Shisui on the condition that they pass a special assessment.
• Higashikawa Haruto informed Kōki and Shisui about the assessment, and Kōki eagerly agreed on both their behalf.
• Higashikawa Haruto scheduled the assessment for nine in the morning at Training Ground 8 in three days and excused them from school while they prepared.
• Kōki thanked Higashikawa Haruto, then left with Shisui as Shisui's teacher watched them go with relief.

Koki told Koto Inuzuka he would no longer attend school while preparing for the test, leaving her heartbroken. At home, Shisui coaxed Koki outside for snacks before agreeing to take him back to play mahjong.

• Koki told Koto Inuzuka he would stop attending school, and she reacted with sorrow and anger as Xiaobai clung to him.
• Gekko Hayate comforted Koto and promised Koki he would bring him new medicine, while Koto avoided speaking to Koki for the rest of class.
• Shisui urged Koki to leave the house for a walk, and Mikoto pulled him out of bed when he refused.
• Shisui bought Koki snacks and warmed his hand as they walked through the cold streets.
• Koki agreed to return home and play mahjong with Shisui, recalling that he had insisted his friends stop losing to him on purpose.

Koki spent a carefree afternoon winning mahjong and asking Kakashi and Obito to make him grilled meat. In the kitchen, Obito revealed that the Third Kazekage had disappeared, and Koki feared that the disappearance would bring war closer.

• Koki gave Itachi and Kabuto dango, then played mahjong with Obito, Kakashi, and Shisui, winning repeatedly.
• Koki asked for grilled meat, and Kakashi and Obito went to prepare it for him.
• Koki entered the kitchen, asked Kakashi to add more chili to his chicken wings, and asked what Obito and Kakashi had been discussing.
• Obito told Koki that the Third Kazekage had gone missing.
• Koki recalled that Sasori had ambushed the Third Kazekage and turned his remains into a puppet, though Sunagakure believed the Kazekage had simply disappeared.

As the Third Shinobi World War began, Koki worried that past tragedies might befall Obito, Kakashi, and the people he loved again, while resolving to protect them. In Sunagakure, officials blamed Konoha for the missing Third Kazekage and demanded action, leaving the village on the brink of conflict.

• The Third Shinobi World War erupted, and Minato Namikaze, Shisui, and Kumogakure's A-B Brothers distinguished themselves in battle.
• Koki worried that Sasori might seek revenge against Uncle Sakumo and that Obito, Kakashi, and Rin might suffer the tragedies of the past again.
• Obito and Kakashi comforted Koki, who resolved to protect the people he cherished.
• Sunagakure's officials gathered after the Third Kazekage had been missing for a week and discussed what to do.
• An official accused Konoha of abducting the Third Kazekage, and the others demanded that Sunagakure confront Konoha.

Granny Chiyo stopped the arguments in the Kazekage's Office and organized an investigation into the Third Kazekage's disappearance, warning the village not to accuse Konoha without evidence. Afterward, she and Ebizo discussed Sasori's disappearance and resolved to find both him and the Kazekage.

• Granny Chiyo silenced the arguing officials and said the Third Kazekage's disappearance was suspicious, urging them not to let anger cloud their judgment.
• Granny Chiyo ordered Sunagakure to investigate the other great nations and nearby villages, and she chose to go personally to the Land of Rain.
• Ebizo asked Granny Chiyo whether there was any news of Sasori, who had vanished around the same time as the Kazekage.
• Granny Chiyo worried that Sasori's hatred and unpredictable nature could lead him into danger, while Ebizo warned that he could threaten the village if left unchecked.
• Granny Chiyo and Ebizo agreed to find Sasori and the Kazekage and uncover the truth behind their disappearances.

Uchiha Kōki completed the written and Ninjutsu portions of his graduation examination with ease, earning full marks for creatively combining the Three Basic Techniques. He headed to the training ground for the final practical combat test while Uchiha Fugaku and Hayate's father waited anxiously outside.

• Uchiha Fugaku and Hayate's father waited outside the Ninja Academy and worried about their sons' examinations.
• Uchiha Kōki quickly finished the written exam and moved on to the Ninjutsu test.
• Uchiha Kōki used the Clone, Substitution, and Transformation Techniques together in a single performance, then left for the practical combat test.
• Tsukino Yūto gave Uchiha Kōki full marks and explained his technique to a skeptical examiner.
• Higashikawa Haruto defended Uchiha Kōki and hoped he would pass the remaining examination.

Koki celebrated becoming a ninja with Koto and Fugaku, then entered the training ground with Shisui for his practical combat assessment. After they defeated the first attackers, Koki pursued three Special Jōnin who tried to separate him from Shisui, and they believed they had lured him into a trap.

• Koto hugged Koki, took Xiaobai from him, and left after congratulating him.
• Fugaku congratulated Koki, learned he still needed to pass the practical combat assessment, and embraced him.
• Koki and Shisui entered the deserted training ground and waited for the assessment to begin.
• Koki and Shisui defeated the first ambush, then faced a larger group of attackers and fought back together.
• Three Special Jōnin lured Koki away from Shisui, and Koki knowingly followed their retreat while they mistook his pursuit for inexperience.

Koki defeated three Jonin during his graduation test, then exposed a disguised opponent who revealed himself as Minato Namikaze. Minato’s incredible speed stunned Koki, and the two met each other’s gaze with unexpected fascination as Koki recognized the famous ninja.

• Koki accepted the three men’s challenge, activated his Sharingan, and quickly defeated them with powerful punches and a counter to the third man’s sneak attack.
• Koki returned to the training ground and found that Shisui had finished off the remaining opponents.
• Koki realized the person posing as Shisui was an impostor, who dropped the Transformation Technique and revealed himself as Minato Namikaze.
• Minato moved behind Koki at a speed that even Koki’s Sharingan could not track, making Koki realize that the test was far more difficult than expected.
• Koki and Minato admired each other’s appearance and presence, and Koki addressed him as Senior Minato, surprising him by recognizing his name.

Koki concealed how he knew Minato and nervously completed an evaluation instead of fighting him. After demonstrating his skills and answering Minato’s question about handling a mission emergency, Koki was told he could graduate.

• Koki told Minato he recognized him because Kakashi and Obito talked about their teacher, and the two introduced themselves.
• Koki asked whether Minato had come to evaluate him in a fight, but Minato reassured him that an evaluation did not have to involve combat.
• Minato asked Koki to demonstrate his abilities, and Koki showed his Taijutsu and several Ninjutsu.
• Minato asked how Koki would respond to an unexpected event on a mission, and Koki said he would assess the situation calmly and act accordingly.
• Minato praised Koki’s performance and told him he could graduate.

Koki passed Minato’s final test and became a ninja, then went to find Shisui. Shisui worried that the coming war and his own limits would keep him from protecting Koki, but the two reunited and embraced.

• Minato gave Koki his Forehead Protector and confirmed that he had passed the final test.
• Koki asked where Shisui was, learned that Shisui had already passed, and went to find him.
• Shisui waited by the lake, worrying about Koki’s safety and the threat of war after the Third Kazekage’s disappearance.
• Koki called to Shisui, and they ran toward each other and embraced.

Koki happily reunited with Shisui and celebrated earning his Forehead Protector, unaware that Hiruzen Sarutobi had watched his examination. Hiruzen reviewed Koki’s strength and Minato Namikaze’s decision to pass him, and grew angry that Minato had not properly assessed him.

• Koki told Shisui about meeting Minato Namikaze and proudly showed him his Forehead Protector.
• Shisui vowed to protect Koki, then offered to cook the foods Koki wanted for dinner.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi reflected on Koki’s popularity, calm judgment, strength, and Uchiha heritage after watching the examination.
• Hiruzen considered his lack of a suitable successor among Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru, and recalled choosing Minato Namikaze as a promising candidate for Hokage.
• Hiruzen realized Minato had passed Koki after only a few token questions, despite being tasked with assessing the boy’s true strength.

Hiruzen Sarutobi questioned Minato Namikaze about allowing Uchiha Kōki to graduate without fighting him. Minato defended the decision as justified by Kōki’s abilities and Konoha’s looming need for capable ninja, leaving Hiruzen convinced and Kōki spared further trouble.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Minato Namikaze and demanded to know why he had let Uchiha Kōki graduate without fighting him.
• Minato said Kōki’s performance had qualified him and reminded Hiruzen that he had been told to award the Forehead Protector if Kōki was ready.
• Minato described the threats posed by Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure, warning that war could leave Konoha short of ninja.
• Minato argued that Kōki could help protect the village, and Hiruzen agreed that allowing him to graduate had been the right decision.
• Hiruzen praised Minato’s judgment, while Minato hoped Hiruzen would stop troubling Kōki.

Koki, Shisui, and Hayate prepared to begin their lives as ninja after graduating early, and Hiruzen chose Minato to lead their squad. At the academy ceremony, they learned they would train under a Jonin instructor, but the instructor's identity remained unknown.

• Hiruzen asked Minato who should lead Koki, Shisui, and Hayate, and Minato volunteered to teach them.
• News of Koki and Shisui's early graduation spread through Konoha, while Koki spent the following days training Itachi, helping his mother, and sparring with Shisui.
• Koki and Shisui went to the academy for the squad assignment ceremony and discovered Hayate had also graduated early.
• Koki asked Hayate about his health, and Hayate said the medicine Koki brought had helped him.
• A Jonin instructor congratulated the three new Genin, explained that they would form a squad, and told them to meet at the training ground the next morning.

Koki and Shisui speculated about their future teacher before discovering that Minato Namikaze would train them alongside Gekko Hayate. The boys introduced themselves and shared their dreams, leaving Minato impressed by their abilities and the loyalty they felt toward Koki.

• Koki considered possible teachers from several clans, while Shisui reminded him they would soon learn who their teacher was.
• Koki and Shisui arrived at the training ground and found Minato Namikaze waiting for them as their new teacher.
• Minato asked Koki, Shisui, and Gekko Hayate to introduce themselves and explain their skills, interests, and dreams.
• Koki said he liked good food and had not yet found a clear dream, while Shisui said he wanted to protect someone precious to him.
• Hayate said he wanted to help Koki achieve his dream, and Minato reflected that Koki drew people toward him.

Minato tested Koki, Shisui, and Gekko Hayate’s Chakra natures, discovering that Koki had all five. He ended their first lesson with a class photo and a meal instead of the bell-stealing exercise Koki had expected, and the new team celebrated their picture together.

• Minato explained Chakra Paper and tested the boys’ natures, revealing that Shisui had fire, wind, and lightning, while Gekko Hayate had wind and water.
• Koki’s paper showed all five Chakra natures, and Minato congratulated him while reminding him that he still needed to train and learn how to use them.
• Minato announced that they would take a class photo and go for a meal, leaving Koki disappointed that they would not play the bell game.
• Minato took the three boys to a photography studio, where the owner welcomed his new students and recalled Minato’s previous visit with two bickering boys.
• Minato posed with Shisui, Hayate, and Koki for a group photo, and the boys admired the result as a happy memory.

Koki and Shisui went to the Hokage's office with Gekko Hayate to receive their ninja identification cards and begin taking missions. Minato explained that their squad could only take D-rank missions for now, leaving Koki excited despite the humble work ahead.

• Koki got up early and promised Itachi he could join a simple mission in the future if he trained hard.
• Koki and Shisui met Gekko Hayate at the Hokage's office and collected their ninja identification cards.
• Minato warned Koki that newly graduated Genin were limited to D-rank missions unless they earned approval through their work.
• Minato explained the mission ranks, rewards, and duties before telling Koki's squad to take D-rank assignments such as finding pets, shopping, and farmwork.

Koki learned how profitable ninja missions could be before Minato gave him, Shisui, and Hayate a mission to find Cat Granny’s missing Ninja Cat. Equipped with cat-ear headbands that let them communicate with cats, the three followed Minato to the Meow Demon Hall.

• Koki realized that ninja missions could bring substantial rewards and help villages grow stronger.
• Minato handed Koki a mission scroll, and the team learned they were to find a missing Ninja Cat.
• Minato explained that Cat Granny’s heartbroken cat had run away to the underground Meow Demon Hall.
• Koki laughed at the cat’s unkempt appearance in its photo, then tried on a pink cat-ear headband.
• Minato gave the three cat tools that let them understand cats, and they followed him toward the Meow Demon Hall.

Koki, Shisui, and Hayate searched Meow Demon Hall for the Ninja Cat and found it drunk and upset over its clan pressuring it to settle down. When the Ninja Cat attacked Hayate and fled, they chased it through the hall, where Shisui pursued it along a wall.

• Minato left Koki, Shisui, and Hayate to complete the mission while he stayed behind to play with a kitten.
• Koki asked the cats for clues, and they pointed him toward a cat chef who directed them to the Ninja Cat's hiding place.
• Koki tried to relate to the Ninja Cat, but it mocked him; Hayate then spoke with it until it attacked him for insulting the female cat it liked.
• Koki and Shisui rushed to stop the Ninja Cat, which dodged Koki's kunai and vanished, prompting the three to chase it through Meow Demon Hall.
• Koki avoided a disguised trap, and Shisui leaped onto a wall to keep pursuing the Ninja Cat.

Koki's team captured the Ninja Cat and quickly completed their mission, then set out to clear Konoha's D-Rank Missions in bulk. After earning widespread praise for their work, Koki walked home with Shisui and sleeping Itachi, wondering whether Obito and Kakashi would return safely.

• Koki used the Ninja Cat's whiskers and tail to guide Shisui's Kunai attack, and Koki caught the unconscious cat before returning it to Cat Granny with Shisui and Hayate.
• Koki asked Minato how many D-Rank Missions remained and persuaded him to accept all of them for the team to complete within a month.
• Koki, Shisui, and Hayate took on the D-Rank Missions, using their different skills and Shadow Clones to work efficiently.
• Over the next month or two, Koki's team completed most of the accumulated D-Rank Missions and earned a one-hundred-percent approval rating from their clients.
• Koki walked home with Shisui and sleeping Itachi, and the two wondered whether Obito and Kakashi would return safely that day.

Koki and his team completed their missions, including one where Itachi killed a giant wild boar with three punches. Over ramen, Minato told Koki that the Hokage wanted to see him, and Koki agreed to go.

• Itachi killed a giant wild boar with three punches, leaving Koki and Gekko Hayate astonished.
• Koki sent Gekko Hayate to take the boar carcasses back to the village and went with Itachi to check on Shisui.
• Koki, Itachi, Shisui, and Hayate completed their missions, with Itachi helping Koki handle a difficult childcare assignment.
• Minato treated Team Koki to ramen at Ichiraku after they submitted their missions.
• Minato told Koki that the Hokage wanted to see him, and Koki agreed without hesitation.

After Minato Namikaze's Team took nearly all the D-rank missions, Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Koki, Shisui, and Hayate and offered to recommend them for the Chunin Ninja Exams. Koki left with the others to discuss the offer with their father, but warned them not to accept.

• Several ninja complained to Hiruzen Sarutobi that Minato Namikaze's Team had taken every D-rank mission, though they had followed the rules.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi called Koki, Shisui, and Hayate to his office and praised their mission work.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi offered to recommend Koki and Hayate for the Chunin Ninja Exams, surprising them because they had graduated only a month earlier.
• Koki said they would discuss the offer with their father before giving Hiruzen Sarutobi an answer.
• Outside the Hokage Building, Koki told Shisui and Hayate not to accept the recommendation and joked that Genin were the strongest people in Konoha.

After Minato Namikaze began teaching Koki the Body Flicker Technique, Koki practiced weaving between trees and gradually improved. He was moved by Minato’s tender concern when he got a minor scrape, but insisted on continuing his training.

• Minato Namikaze arranged several days off for his students and promised B-rank missions soon, while Koki went to meet him for Body Flicker training.
• Minato explained the technique and padded the training trees with quilts and pillows to protect Koki from collisions.
• Koki practiced without relying on his Sharingan, struggled at first, and eventually made it around five trees before hitting a smaller one.
• Minato helped Koki up, fussed over his small scrape, and urged him to stop practicing.
• Koki fought back tears at Minato’s concern and told him he wanted to continue, so Minato stepped aside.