Chapter Summaries

Ayato realized the Third Hokage might be preparing to sacrifice himself to stop Orochimaru, so he used Flying Thunder God to break through the Four Violet Flames Formation. He appeared beside the Third Hokage inside the barrier, disrupting the fight and leaving Orochimaru's plan in jeopardy.

• Ayato assessed the battle and worried that the Third Hokage might use the Dead Demon Consuming Seal to take Orochimaru with him.
• Ayato sensed the sealed Flying Thunder God mark through the barrier and teleported inside the Four Violet Flames Formation.
• Ayato surprised the Third Hokage and Orochimaru by appearing beside them with the Third Hokage's Flying Thunder God kunai.
• The Third Hokage told Ayato that Orochimaru had summoned the First Hokage and Second Hokage with a forbidden technique, though their strength was greatly diminished.
• Ayato taunted Orochimaru that his plan had failed while Jiraiya continued preparing to break the barrier from outside.

Ayato helped stop Orochimaru from killing the Third Hokage, forcing Orochimaru to flee while Jiraiya and the Sealing Team restrained and sealed the First and Second Hokage. Ayato treated the unconscious Third Hokage, whose life was safe but whose age made a full recovery uncertain.

• Ayato persuaded the Third Hokage to let Orochimaru escape and have the First and Second Hokage sealed afterward, prompting Orochimaru to dismiss the Four Violet Flames Formation.
• Orochimaru sent the First and Second Hokage to attack Jiraiya while he escaped with the Sound Four, and Ayato vowed to kill him the next time they met.
• Ayato told the Anbu to summon the Sealing Team, then caught the Third Hokage when he collapsed and treated his injuries with the Mystical Palm Technique.
• Kakashi and Might Guy pursued the fleeing Sound Ninja, while Baki retreated after realizing Orochimaru had disguised himself as the Kazekage.
• Jiraiya and the two sages restrained the First and Second Hokage until the Sealing Team sealed them away.
• Ayato told Jiraiya that the Third Hokage would survive but would struggle to recover, and Jiraiya thanked Ayato for saving him.

Ayato checked on Naruto and found Sasuke had captured Gaara and the other Sand Ninja after Naruto defeated them. He confronted Baki, secured the captives and Shukaku as leverage for Sunagakure’s apology, then brought Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura back to Konoha.

• Ayato left Jiraiya to take the Third Hokage to the Medical Center and went to check on Naruto, where he found Naruto and Sakura unconscious and Sasuke guarding three captured Sand Ninja.
• Sasuke admitted Naruto had done most of the fighting, and Ayato reassured him that his solid foundation and talent would let him catch up before offering to arrange Anbu training.
• Ayato sensed an approaching figure, warned Sasuke to hide, and exposed Baki as he tried to rescue Gaara and the other captives.
• Ayato reminded Baki that Sunagakure had killed Hayate Gekko and demanded that the village prepare an apology offering in exchange for the captives’ safety.
• After Baki left, Ayato called Sasuke out and took Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura back to Konoha.

After the Third Hokage recovered consciousness, Ayato spoke on his behalf and outlined Konoha’s response to the Chunin Exams disaster and its conflict with Sunagakure. He proposed returning One Tail in exchange for Sunagakure helping destroy Otogakure and sharing its spoils, then began naming a Konoha ninja to assist in the operation before Danzo interrupted him.

• The Third Hokage summoned Konoha’s Jonin and let Ayato speak for him, drawing surprise from Danzo and Jiraiya.
• Ayato urged Konoha’s ninja to take more high-ranking missions and restore the village’s reputation after the disastrous Chunin Exams.
• Ayato rebuked Danzo for Root’s failure to participate in the counterattack, leaving Danzo unable to press his objections.
• Ayato proposed returning One Tail if Sunagakure agreed to destroy Otogakure and divide the gains, with Konoha receiving sixty percent.
• Ayato proposed sending a powerful Konoha ninja to assist Sunagakure and deter future violations of the alliance, but Danzo interrupted before he named the candidate.

Ayato secured support for his plans and challenged Danzo’s conduct, while the Third Hokage tried to settle who would succeed him. Jiraiya agreed to seek out Tsunade as a candidate, leaving Ayato to worry that Orochimaru might still act against Konoha.

• Danzo offered to intimidate the Sand ninja, but Ayato argued that he was too old and presented Minato’s Flying Thunder God kunai as evidence of his own suitability; Danzo left after threatening the Third Hokage.
• Yamanaka Inoichi, Shikaku Nara, Choza Akimichi, Hyuga Hiashi, and the other jonin approved Ayato’s proposals and divided responsibilities for organizing teams, negotiating with the Sand ninja, and reviewing missions.
• After the meeting, Ayato rebuked the Third Hokage for indulging Danzo, and Jiraiya agreed that Danzo had been allowed too much freedom.
• The Third Hokage told Jiraiya to take the Hokage Position until Ayato came of age, but Jiraiya proposed finding Tsunade instead and promised to accept the role if he could not persuade her.
• The Third Hokage agreed to Jiraiya’s plan, including taking Naruto along to meet Tsunade and teach him the Rasengan, while Ayato considered precautions against Orochimaru.

Ayato speculated that Orochimaru might target Tsunade or Sasuke to further undermine Konoha, so he warned Jiraiya and urged the village to strengthen its defenses. As Ayato returned home to a grateful welcome from civilians, Itachi and Kisame entered Konoha unnoticed and prepared to carry out their mission.

• Ayato told Shikaku Nara his theories about Orochimaru, and Shikaku judged that Orochimaru had already weakened Sunagakure and might next try to damage Konoha's reputation.
• Ayato suspected Orochimaru might target Tsunade, warned Jiraiya through a Communication Toad, and decided Kakashi should watch Sasuke.
• Civilians recognized Ayato for saving them and cheered him, sending him home with a large pile of gifts.
• Ayato arrived home, where Ino and Sinai showed him the gifts they had received, and Ino stayed for dinner.
• Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki watched Konoha from a wall, then revealed they had entered through the front gate using the unchanged barrier password.

Ayato arrived as Itachi and Kisame attacked Konoha, rescued Sasuke, and confronted Itachi while Might Guy fought Kisame. Itachi summoned Susanoo to defend himself, leaving Sasuke shaken by the power he had witnessed.

• Ayato sensed a powerful battle near Konoha and rushed to find Itachi and Kisame facing Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai, and Sasuke.
• Itachi used his Mangekyō Sharingan on Sasuke and Kakashi, but Ayato arrived, caught Sasuke, and challenged Itachi about his motives and failing health.
• Ayato assigned Might Guy to fight Kisame and attacked Itachi with his blade and a Flying Thunder God kunai.
• Itachi, exhausted and unable to evade Ayato’s attack, activated Susanoo and struck at the spot where Ayato had stood.
• Kakashi and Might Guy stared at Susanoo, while Sasuke watched its strength and wondered whether he could gain enough power for revenge.

Ayato drove off Itachi and Kisame, then brought the injured Sasuke and Kakashi to the Medical Center for treatment. He planned to work with the Medical Division head on their Tsukuyomi-induced brain injuries, while Asuma pledged to support Ayato if he pursued the Hokage position.

• Itachi used Susanoo despite his exhaustion, but Ayato’s Vacuum Wave cut through it and forced him to dodge.
• Kisame flooded the battlefield, allowing him and Itachi to escape, while Kakashi and Sasuke collapsed from their injuries and exhaustion.
• Ayato examined Sasuke and Kakashi, found that Tsukuyomi had caused serious brain injuries, and decided to consult the Medical Division head.
• Asuma thanked Ayato for saving the Third Hokage and promised to support him if he pursued the Hokage position before continuing his date with Kurenai.
• Might Guy brought Kakashi and Sasuke to the Medical Center, where Ayato asked him to report the battle to the Third Hokage and went to seek the division head.

Itachi and Kisame abandoned their attempt to capture the Nine-Tails for now, while Kakashi and Sasuke recovered in Konoha Medical Center after their encounter with Itachi. Ayato prepared for a joint operation against Otogakure and planned to visit Mount Myōboku to learn Sage Mode.

• Itachi admitted that Ayato had countered his abilities and decided to rest with Kisame before confirming the Nine-Tails’ location.
• Under the head of the Medical Division’s guidance, Ayato treated Kakashi and Sasuke until both regained consciousness.
• Sasuke resolved to pursue revenge without letting hatred define his whole life, while Kakashi offered to tell him about his own past mistakes.
• Ayato told Kakashi that Sunagakure and Konoha had agreed to petition the daimyō to revoke Otogakure’s status and investigate its location.
• Kakashi began sharing his story with Sasuke, and Ayato returned home planning a trip to Mount Myōboku to learn Sage Mode.

Ayato went to Mount Myōboku to learn Sage Arts, but absorbing Natural Energy triggered a mysterious transformation that drew the attention of all Three Great Sages. After seven days, he regained control of his body and woke to find the Great Toad Sage, the White Snake Sage, and the Slug Sage gathered around him.

• Ayato visited Mount Myōboku, where Sage Fukasaku explained how to balance Natural Energy with physical and spiritual energy to form Sage Art Chakra.
• Ayato chose to absorb Natural Energy without Toad Oil, and an overwhelming amount flowed into his body.
• The Great Toad Sage appeared as Ayato absorbed Natural Energy, and the White Snake Sage and Slug Sage arrived at Mount Myōboku after sensing him.
• The Three Great Sages watched Ayato as Natural Energy transformed his body, and the Great Toad Sage told Sage Fukasaku to inform Ayato's family that he would be away for several days.
• Ayato remained unable to wake for seven days, then regained control of his body and opened his eyes to see all Three Great Sages beside him.

Ayato learned that his unusual state had put him on an ancient path toward becoming a true sage, a path nearly impossible since the God Tree converted most Natural Energy into Chakra. The Three Great Sages urged him to continue, revealing that even without reaching its endpoint, the path could bring him to Hashirama Senju’s level.

• Great Toad Sage brought Ayato to the main hall with White Snake Sage and Slug Sage, keeping Sage Fukasaku away, and explained how Chakra originated from the God Tree and spread through the Sage of Six Paths.
• Ayato learned that true sages followed an ancient Natural Energy cultivation path, but the God Tree’s conversion of Natural Energy had made that path almost impossible to pursue.
• The Three Great Sages confirmed Ayato had accidentally embarked on the ancient path and said his ability to sense the Sage of Six Paths’ gaze may have helped him break through its blockage.
• Ayato asked about his body’s transformation, and Great Toad Sage speculated that the old path might be changing him back after Chakra had altered his body.
• White Snake Sage told Ayato that continuing the path could raise him to Hashirama Senju’s level, and Ayato eagerly agreed to keep going.

Ayato signed the Ryūchi Cave and Shikkotsu Forest Summoning Scrolls before returning from Mount Myōboku, where the Three Great Sages resolved to support him as a possible hope for the shinobi world. Back in Konoha, he learned Danzo had fueled a movement to make him the Fifth Hokage and headed to the Medical Center to see the Third Hokage and Sasuke.

• Ayato signed the new Ryūchi Cave Summoning Scroll and the Shikkotsu Forest Summoning Scroll, completing contracts with all Three Great Sage Areas.
• After Ayato left Mount Myōboku, the White Snake Sage and Slug Sage urged the Great Toad Sage to watch over him, and the Great Toad Sage ordered Sage Fukasaku to have Mount Myōboku support Ayato fully.
• The Great Toad Sage recalled that Ayato had vanished from his visions and questioned whether the Bloody Storm prophecy he had seen was still accurate.
• Ayato returned home, reassured Sinai and Ino, and asked White Eagle for news from Konoha and the Sand shinobi campaign against Otogakure.
• White Eagle reported that Gaara and the other Sand shinobi had joined the campaign and that rumors praising Ayato and calling for him to become the Fifth Hokage were spreading through Konoha.
• Ayato suspected Danzo had orchestrated the Hokage rumors and headed to the Medical Center to see the Third Hokage and Sasuke.

Ayato confronted the Third Hokage about Danzo exposing his former Anbu identity, then gave Sasuke the Ryūchi Cave summoning contract. At the Uchiha Training Ground, Ayato discovered that his transformation let him turn Natural Energy into a powerful new form of Chakra, and he decided to pursue the White Snake Sage’s path.

• Ayato pressed the Third Hokage to punish Danzo for exposing his Anbu identity, and the Hokage agreed to handle it.
• Ayato found Sasuke training at the Uchiha Training Ground and gave him the Ryūchi Cave Summoning Scroll and taught him the Summoning Technique.
• Sasuke signed the contract and resolved to master the technique rather than follow the dark path he had considered.
• Ayato found that Natural Energy stored in his body could not mix directly with ordinary Chakra, but he could combine it with spiritual energy to form a different Chakra.
• Ayato tested the new Chakra with Wind Cutter Techniques and found it greatly increased their power, convincing him to follow the White Snake Sage’s path.

Ayato joined Sunagakure’s final battle against Otogakure and summoned Gamabunta to lead the attack. The chapter ended with Ayato and his Shadow Clone launching a Toad Oil Flame Bullet at the enemy forces.

• Ayato finished a meal after seven days and left to rendezvous with Sunagakure’s forces at Rice Field Village.
• Baki, Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari briefed Ayato on the battle plan and Otogakure’s forces, and Ayato volunteered to lead the attack.
• Ayato asked Sunagakure’s troops to fall back before the final clash, then faced Otogakure’s fighters alone at the front.
• Ayato summoned Gamabunta, startling both armies, while Gaara recognized the giant toad from his earlier fight with Uzumaki Naruto.
• Gamabunta leaped above the battlefield as Ayato’s Shadow Clone completed its hand seals and used Ninja Art - Toad Oil Flame Bullet.

Ayato overwhelmed the Sound ninja with a massive Toad Oil Flame Bullet, then killed the surviving Sound Four with a Wind Release Rasenshuriken. He left the cleanup to Baki and returned to Konoha, while Gaara recognized Ayato as a threat he would remember.

• Ayato combined Gamabunta's Toad Oil with Fire Release and Great Breakthrough, burning almost all the Sound ninja beneath a vast field of flames.
• Ayato used magnetic fields to hover in the air, then formed a Rasenshuriken and threw it through the Sound Four's Earth Release barrier.
• The Rasenshuriken killed the Sound Four, and Ayato used Flying Thunder God to appear before Baki and the Sunagakure forces before returning to Konoha.
• Baki examined the Sound Four's intact bodies and discovered that the Rasenshuriken had destroyed their cells from within.
• Gaara concluded that he could not withstand the Rasenshuriken head-on and resolved to remember Ayato's name.

Ayato used a joint Konoha-Sunagakure victory celebration to turn public support for him becoming Fifth Hokage into support for Tsunade, while securing his promotion from Special Jonin to Jonin. He left the ceremony having refused the Hokage position for now, and Root operatives attempting to disrupt it were captured.

• Ayato persuaded the Third Hokage to hold a joint victory celebration with Sunagakure and recount Ayato’s achievements to the gathered civilians.
• At the ceremony, the Third Hokage promoted Ayato to Jonin instead of naming him Fifth Hokage, disappointing the crowd that had expected the announcement.
• Ayato told the crowd that he had requested not to become Hokage because he was only thirteen, and recommended Tsunade and Jiraiya as candidates, especially endorsing Tsunade.
• Ayato said he might accept the Sixth Hokage position in the future, and the crowd accepted Tsunade as Fifth Hokage while continuing to expect Ayato to succeed her.
• The Yamanaka Clan identified Root members in the crowd and used the Mind Body Switch Technique to expose them, after which the Anbu restrained them.

Ayato developed a way to have his secondary soul absorb Natural Energy while he handled other tasks, then rushed to Jiraiya after learning Tsunade had been gravely injured by Orochimaru. He stabilized Tsunade and continued treating her as Naruto carried exhausted Shizune away.

• Ayato arranged for his secondary soul to absorb Natural Energy and modify his body while his main soul handled other matters.
• Mount Myōboku's Contact Frog told Ayato that Jiraiya urgently needed him, and Ayato used Flying Thunder God to reach him.
• Ayato arrived to find Tsunade gravely injured, Shizune treating her, and Jiraiya and Naruto waiting for help.
• Ayato took over Tsunade's treatment, and he and Shizune brought her out of immediate danger.
• Shizune collapsed from exhaustion, so Naruto carried her to another room while Ayato continued treating Tsunade.

Ayato treated Tsunade and Shizune after Jiraiya rescued them from Orochimaru, then learned who had attacked them and discussed how to respond. The group received Orochimaru’s challenge to meet at Autumn Wind Plains in three days, leaving them to wait for Tsunade to wake before deciding what to do.

• Ayato finished closing Tsunade’s worst wounds, then treated Shizune while Jiraiya watched over them.
• Jiraiya recounted how he had found Tsunade after Orochimaru attacked, and Shizune identified Orochimaru’s companions as Kimimaro and Kabuto.
• Ayato and Jiraiya weighed returning to Konoha against pursuing Orochimaru, while Jiraiya revealed that Tsunade’s hemophobia had left her vulnerable.
• Jiraiya received a note challenging them to a decisive battle at Autumn Wind Plains in three days.
• Ayato reasoned that Orochimaru expected them to bring Tsunade to the battle, and the group agreed to wait for her to wake while remaining on guard.
• Shizune privately resolved to protect Tsunade, even if it cost her life.

Tsunade recovered from Orochimaru’s attack and refused to flee to Konoha, choosing to face him at the appointed battlefield. Ayato, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Shizune, and Naruto arrived on the plains and confronted Orochimaru, Kimimaro, and Kabuto Yakushi.

• Tsunade woke and learned that Ayato had treated her and Shizune after Jiraiya brought them to safety.
• Tsunade rejected Shizune’s suggestion to use Ayato’s Flying Thunder God to return to Konoha, insisting that Orochimaru had to be dealt with.
• Ayato inspected the plains and later found Tsunade, Naruto, and Jiraiya arguing about the Hokage position and Naruto’s ambition.
• After Tsunade recovered over the next three days, Ayato gave her and Shizune Flying Thunder God kunai and led the group to the battlefield.
• Orochimaru arrived with Kimimaro and Kabuto Yakushi, declared his intent to kill Ayato or take his body, and laughed wildly after Jiraiya challenged his pursuit of bloodline limits.

Orochimaru used Guren’s Crystal Release to separate Ayato from his allies and force him to face him alone. Ayato battled Orochimaru, cut him into pieces, and burned the remains, but the charred snake corpse left Orochimaru’s fate uncertain.

• Orochimaru’s Crystal Release barrier divided Ayato, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and their opponents, while Guren’s concealed presence had escaped Ayato’s perception.
• Orochimaru taunted Ayato and gambled that he would not use Flying Thunder God to leave because he wanted to kill Orochimaru.
• Ayato attacked Orochimaru with a Railgun and sword strikes, but Orochimaru regenerated and blocked with the Kusanagi Sword.
• When Orochimaru knocked away Ayato’s sword, Ayato teleported using a Flying Thunder God Mark on the Ink Shadow Sword and cut Orochimaru into pieces.
• Ayato burned Orochimaru’s remains with Great Fire Dragon Technique and saw a charred snake corpse after the flames faded.