Chapter Summaries

Tsunade apologized to Koki and persuaded him to let her explain the Mystical Palm Technique once more. Little Kabuto unexpectedly performed the technique after hearing the explanation, and Tsunade tried to recruit him as her disciple, leaving Koki to decide what would happen next.

• Tsunade admitted she had neglected Koki and asked him for one last chance to explain the Mystical Palm Technique, and Koki agreed.
• Tsunade explained the technique while Koki listened, but Little Kabuto suddenly produced the technique's blue-green glow in his palm.
• Tsunade, Shizune, and Orochimaru were astonished by Little Kabuto's talent, and Tsunade offered to make him her disciple.
• Little Kabuto stayed close to Koki, and Tsunade promised he could avoid returning to the orphanage and still see Koki often.
• Little Kabuto waited for Koki's approval as everyone turned to him, and Koki struggled with the decision.

Koki struggled to decide whether Kabuto should study under Tsunade or return to the orphanage, until Orochimaru offered to take him and provoked Tsunade. Koki chose Tsunade as the safer teacher, but Kabuto secretly resolved to gain power and earn Koki’s recognition while the two Sannin remained at odds.

• Koki weighed whether Kabuto would be better off training with Tsunade or living a quiet life at the orphanage with Nonō.
• Orochimaru offered to take Kabuto as his student, prompting Tsunade to confront him and attack the snakes he summoned.
• Koki picked up Kabuto, shielded his eyes, and ordered Orochimaru to clean up the dead snakes after the clash.
• Orochimaru’s intervention convinced Koki that Tsunade was the more responsible teacher, and he prepared to announce his decision.
• Kabuto watched Orochimaru while secretly yearning for power so he could stay beside Koki and prove his worth.

Jiraiya returned to find Tsunade withdrawn and gambling while Orochimaru obsessively pursued forbidden research. After Koki beat him for giving Itachi Icha Icha Paradise, Jiraiya asked Koki to come to Mount Myōboku, but Koki refused.

• Jiraiya entered the room and reflected on how Tsunade and Orochimaru had changed since his return from the Land of Rain.
• Koki recognized Jiraiya and attacked him for giving Itachi Icha Icha Paradise, leaving Jiraiya battered.
• Jiraiya tried to invite Orochimaru out, but Tsunade's glare made him claim he had meant to practice Ninjutsu.
• Jiraiya asked Koki when he would visit Mount Myōboku, explaining that the Great Toad Sage's prophecy made Koki crucial to the Shinobi World.
• Koki refused to go and complained that Jiraiya kept asking him to become his disciple.

Jiraiya told Koki that the Great Toad Sage had named him the Child of Prophecy, but Koki rejected the role and rushed to check on Itachi. After Itachi awakened his Sharingan, Koki comforted him and worried that the early awakening would worsen his brother’s incurable Kekkei Genkai Disease; he continued to hope Orochimaru could find a treatment.

• Jiraiya pursued Koki and insisted that the Great Toad Sage’s prophecy made him the Child of Prophecy, but Koki refused to accept the role.
• Koki heard people talking about Itachi and hurried outside, while Little Kabuto asked Orochimaru to take him as a student and Orochimaru agreed.
• Koki found Itachi with an awakened two-tomoe Sharingan and embraced him as Itachi wept; Koki then angrily rebuked Fugaku for celebrating without noticing Itachi’s distress.
• Koki comforted Itachi in private and reassured him that he had never been angry about his eyes.
• Koki feared Itachi had a Kekkei Genkai Disease that the Sharingan might worsen, and he reflected on funding Orochimaru’s research in hopes of finding a cure.

Koki struggled with grief and fear, and Itachi tried to show that he could be someone his brother relied on. Hatake Sakumo arrived after hearing what had happened, and Koki broke down in his embrace.

• Koki hid his tears while bringing Itachi water, but Itachi noticed his distress and hugged him.
• Itachi told Koki he had grown up and wanted Koki to trust and rely on him, then resolved to become strong enough to protect him.
• A knock interrupted the brothers, and Koki opened the door to find Hatake Sakumo, who had rushed over after speaking with Fugaku.
• Sakumo called Koki a little crybaby, and Koki wept in his uncle's arms, finding comfort in his embrace.

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.