Chapter Summaries

Rikuto woke after exhausting himself in a fight against his Wood Clones, and Tsunade and Shizune learned he had injured himself while training in a Mangekyō-created dimension. He revealed that his unusual Wood Release let him absorb others’ Chakra and bodily nutrients and fuse their bloodline traits, leaving Tsunade and Shizune stunned by his Sharingan.

• Tsunade flicked Rikuto into a wall after he apparently drooled on her while asleep, and Shizune arrived with Tonton as he woke.
• Rikuto told Tsunade and Shizune that he had exhausted himself training against two Wood Clones, rather than being attacked.
• Tsunade recognized that Rikuto had trained in a different dimension, and he revealed that his Mangekyō Sharingan had opened it.
• Rikuto explained that his Wood Release could absorb Chakra and nutrients and fuse others’ latent genes to copy Kekkei Genkai.
• Rikuto showed Tsunade and Shizune his three-tomoe Sharingan, and Tsunade asked whether he had awakened it after fusing with Uchiha blood.

Rikuto told Tsunade and Shizune how he awakened his Sharingan and Mangekyō, then revealed his suspicions about Danzo and the possibility that Madara Uchiha survived. Tsunade questioned his theory, pointing out that the First Hokage had ordered Madara’s body destroyed.

• Rikuto explained that he discovered Shisui Uchiha’s body, absorbed some of his flesh and blood with Wood Release, and later awakened the Sharingan.
• Rikuto said his Wood Clones witnessed Uchiha Itachi killing his clan on Danzo’s orders and that he took Sharingan and scrolls before Root could collect them.
• Rikuto told Tsunade and Shizune that the Sharingan he absorbed awakened his Mangekyō and that he had an Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
• Rikuto claimed Madara Uchiha might still be alive and explained the Transcription Seal and Izanagi, which could reverse death.
• Rikuto accused Danzo of taking Shisui Uchiha’s Mangekyō and using Hashirama Cells and Sharingan, while Tsunade questioned whether Madara could have survived after his body was destroyed.

Rikuto told Tsunade and Shizune that Madara Uchiha might still be alive and explained the stone tablet’s prophecy about combining Uchiha and Senju powers. He revealed that the prophecy described Infinite Tsukuyomi, and Tsunade left worried about the threat and whether Rikuto believed in its promised peace.

• Rikuto said Tobirama might have kept Madara Uchiha’s corpse and described a Naka Shrine tablet linking the Sharingan and Wood Release to the Sage of Six Paths’ power.
• Rikuto speculated that Madara might have deliberately lost to the First Hokage to obtain his power, and Tsunade wondered whether Madara was still alive.
• Rikuto revealed that a masked man called Madara had helped Uchiha Itachi slaughter the Uchiha Clan, and Tsunade connected him to the Nine-Tails’ attack on Konoha.
• Tsunade decided she could not act on the uncertain threat without exposing Rikuto, and warned him not to push himself too hard.
• Rikuto said the tablet described reviving the Ten-Tails and using Infinite Tsukuyomi to place the world in a dream, horrifying Tsunade and Shizune.
• Tsunade asked whether Rikuto believed Infinite Tsukuyomi could bring peace, and Rikuto denied it, saying he only cared that she and the others stayed safe.

Rikuto explained to Tsunade and Shizune that he feared Madara might believe the stone tablet and use the Infinite Tsukuyomi, while he only wanted to protect those close to him. After showing them his Mangekyō ability, Ōnamuchi, he trained intensely for several days under Tsunade’s care and improved rapidly.

• Rikuto warned Tsunade and Shizune that Madara might still be alive and believe the stone tablet’s promise of salvation through the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
• Rikuto told Tsunade he wanted to protect the people who cared about him, and Tsunade embraced him before warning him not to train recklessly.
• Rikuto demonstrated Ōnamuchi, his Mangekyō space-time Dōjutsu, by passing through Tsunade and explaining how he could enter Kakuriyo Space.
• Rikuto spent several days accompanying Tsunade on medical visits, practicing techniques in Kakuriyo, and fighting Wood Clones while Tsunade and Shizune treated his injuries.
• Tsunade, Shizune, and Rikuto finished treating a nobleman, who thanked Tsunade and offered her a generous reward.

Rikuto, Tsunade, and Shizune prepared to leave the Land of Fire's capital after earning a generous fee, knowing Danzo and Root were watching them. Rikuto planned to counter Danzo's attempt to capture him, while Tsunade urged him not to hold back.

• A nobleman paid Tsunade generously for her medical services, and Rikuto accepted the gift on Shizune's behalf.
• Tsunade agreed to leave the capital after Rikuto revealed that Root had followed them and Danzo had arrived.
• Rikuto warned Tsunade and Shizune that Danzo might use Shisui Uchiha's Kotoamatsukami to control him, but said his Uganomitama could counter it.
• Tsunade and Rikuto agreed that Rikuto would face Danzo and Root, while Tsunade and Shizune stayed alert to their tricks.
• Danzo's masked subordinates reported to him as he focused on Rikuto's talent and prepared to act.

Shimura Danzō set an ambush to test and capture Chiya Rikuto, but Rikuto revealed Wood Release when Root attacked Tsunade, Shizune, and him outside the capital. Danzō resolved to bring Rikuto under his control, and the chapter ended as the disguised attackers charged the trio.

• Shimura Danzō ordered Root to ambush Tsunade and Chiya Rikuto after they left the capital, planning to draw Rikuto out and test his strength.
• Tsunade, Shizune, and Rikuto left the city and sensed an ambush as the surrounding forest fell silent.
• Rikuto used Wood Locking Wall without hand seals to shield the trio from a barrage of shuriken, kunai, and explosive tags.
• Shimura Danzō recognized Rikuto's Wood Release and became determined to recruit him.
• Root members in disguises surrounded the unharmed trio and charged at Tsunade, Shizune, and Rikuto.

Tsunade and Rikuto fought the Root members, with Rikuto shielding Tsunade from their attacks and Shizune protecting her when her fear of blood paralyzed her. Rikuto used Genjutsu and Wood Release to kill several Root members, then prepared to finish off the survivors.

• Tsunade shattered the ground and charged the Root members, knocking one into the forest with a single punch.
• The Root members attacked Tsunade with Fire, Wind, and Lightning techniques, but Rikuto blocked their barrage with Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall.
• Tsunade froze after seeing blood, and Shizune guarded her while using poisoned needles to drive back a Root ninja.
• Root members surrounded Rikuto, but he cast Genjutsu on them and struck with Wood Release: Cutting Sprigs, whose branches pierced and tore apart several enemies.
• Rikuto told the surviving Root members they were weaker than he had expected and said they could all die.

Rikuto pursued Shimura Danzō into the forest, where his Wood Release drained the Chakra from the Root members accompanying Danzō. Danzō revealed the Sharingan implanted in his right arm as Rikuto confronted him, leaving their fight poised to begin.

• Rikuto chased the surviving Root members into the forest while Tsunade sent Shizune to clean up the battlefield and followed to support him.
• Shimura Danzō said he had lured Rikuto away and removed the metal covering from his right arm.
• Rikuto's Wood Release vines trapped Danzō's subordinates and absorbed their Chakra, killing them.
• Rikuto emerged from a tree and mocked Danzō, pretending not to know who he was and accusing him of impersonation.
• Danzō exposed the Sharingan embedded in his right arm but did not attack Rikuto immediately.

Rikuto battled Shimura Danzō, who repeatedly survived lethal attacks with Izanagi, and rejected Danzō’s offer to join Root. The chapter ended as Rikuto charged at Danzō, determined to defeat him without joining forces.

• Rikuto mocked Danzō’s modified arm as Danzō revealed his Sharingan and declared his ambition to take Rikuto’s power.
• Rikuto impaled Danzō with wooden spikes, but Danzō reappeared and attacked with Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere.
• Rikuto blocked the wind bullets with Wood Locking Wall and dragged Danzō underground with chakra-draining vines, but Danzō returned again.
• Rikuto countered Danzō’s Vacuum Wave with one-handed Vacuum Serial Waves and cut him in half, but Danzō survived once more.
• Rikuto identified Danzō’s Izanagi and taunted him about his remaining Sharingan as Danzō offered him a place in Root.
• Rikuto refused Danzō’s offer and charged at him.

Rikuto transformed into a towering wooden giant and overwhelmed Danzo with immense strength and speed. After Rikuto destroyed Danzo’s summoned Dream-Eating Beast, Baku, he warned Danzo that the fight would end with him staying there forever.

• Rikuto transformed into a wooden giant and struck Danzo with a devastating Superhuman Strength Fist.
• Danzo used Izanagi to reappear behind Rikuto, then attacked with Wind Release: Vacuum Serial Waves, but Rikuto dodged.
• Rikuto leapt at Danzo, who narrowly escaped the giant’s crushing blow and summoned the Dream-Eating Beast, Baku.
• Baku’s suction pulled in debris and destabilized Rikuto as Danzo tried to attack from behind, but Rikuto trapped Danzo with growing saplings.
• Rikuto used the Body Flicker Technique to reach Baku and struck its head, sending it flying until it vanished in smoke.
• Rikuto began shrinking and told Danzo to stay there forever if that was all he could do.

Rikuto nullified Danzo’s Kotoamatsukami with his Mangekyō Sharingan and tore out Danzo’s right eye, but Danzo survived with Izanagi and attacked again. Tsunade watched as Rikuto continued to face him, and the chapter ended with Rikuto unleashing Deep Forest Emergence.

• Rikuto crushed Danzo with a giant wooden hand, but Danzo reappeared and revealed his Mangekyō Sharingan.
• Danzo used Kotoamatsukami on Rikuto, but Rikuto reflected the genjutsu and used a vine to tear out Danzo’s right eye.
• Danzo escaped the eye injury with Izanagi and questioned how Rikuto possessed a Mangekyō Sharingan.
• Tsunade watched the battle and recognized Danzo’s use of Izanagi as Rikuto continued to hold back.
• Danzo charged at Rikuto with a Wind Release blade, and Rikuto unleashed Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence.

Rikuto repeatedly overwhelmed Danzo with Wood Release, while Danzo used Izanagi to survive and counterattack. After Danzo’s giant tree failed to kill Rikuto, he faced the choice of retreating as his remaining Sharingan and Chakra dwindled.

• Rikuto’s vines trapped Danzo, who stabbed himself to escape with Izanagi and reappeared behind him.
• Danzo attacked with Vacuum Great Sphere and Wind Release Shuriken, but Rikuto blocked them with a wooden shield and substituted a wooden carving for himself.
• Rikuto impaled Danzo with a wooden vine, and Danzo used Izanagi to reappear and unleash Tree Root Burial Explosion.
• Danzo’s giant tree swallowed both fighters, but Rikuto emerged unharmed and turned the tree against Danzo, trapping him again.
• Danzo revived through Izanagi with five uses left and considered retreating as he worried about his dwindling Chakra.

Rikuto defeated Danzo by trapping him in Tsukuyomi, making him believe he had escaped and forcing him to lose Shisui’s eye and his arm. As Danzo tried to attack again, Rikuto revealed that he might still be trapped in the illusion.

• Danzo tried to flee, but Rikuto’s wood clones repeatedly attacked him in the Tsukuyomi illusion.
• Danzo believed Hashirama Cells had caused his right arm to fail, severed it, and then lost Shisui’s eye to Rikuto.
• Rikuto revealed that the battle had been Tsukuyomi and that only an instant had passed outside the illusion.
• Tsunade watched Rikuto take Danzo’s arm and eye and suspected he had used Tsukuyomi.
• Rikuto mocked Danzo for failing to recognize the illusion, and Shisui’s eye shriveled and turned to ash.
• Danzo charged at Rikuto, who questioned whether Danzo had escaped Tsukuyomi at all.

Chiya Rikuto broke Shimura Danzō through three days of torture and humiliation in a Tsukuyomi illusion. Danzō awoke bound and powerless, and Rikuto declared that he would use Kotoamatsukami to make Danzō suffer his own methods.

• Rikuto trapped Danzō in an illusion where Tsunade became Fifth Hokage and the villagers condemned and tortured Danzō and the former Konoha leaders.
• After three days and nights of punishment, Danzō broke down and admitted defeat in the illusion.
• Danzō awoke bound by vines with little Chakra left and begged Rikuto to kill him.
• Rikuto refused, saying death would be too easy, and promised to turn Danzō’s Kotoamatsukami against him.

Chiya Rikuto used Kotoamatsukami to make Shimura Danzō loyal to him, then treated him so he could secretly control Root. When Root members arrived, Tsunade drove them back with a powerful strike, and they retreated with the unconscious Danzo.

• Chiya Rikuto used Shisui's eye to cast Kotoamatsukami on Shimura Danzō, making him permanently loyal before he passed out.
• Chiya Rikuto transplanted an ordinary Sharingan into Danzo's damaged eye socket and healed him to conceal the loss of Shisui's eye.
• Chiya Rikuto told Tsunade he planned to use Danzo and Root, and said Kotoamatsukami would prevent Danzo from escaping his control.
• Chiya Rikuto sensed Root members approaching and asked Tsunade to put on an act.
• Root members arrived, found Danzo injured, and moved to confront Tsunade and Rikuto.
• Tsunade stomped the ground, opening a huge fissure that forced Root to retreat with Danzo.

After defeating Shimura Danzō, Rikuto traveled on with Tsunade and Shizune, developing new tactics and mastering the Rasengan with ease. The chapter ended with Rikuto explaining how his precise Chakra control let him recreate the technique.

• Tsunade warned the Root members that she would spare Shimura Danzō this once, then left with Rikuto.
• Rikuto told Tsunade that fighting Danzō had inspired him to develop miniature Wood Clones that could spread through the ground and trees.
• Half a month later, Tsunade sent back Anbu who came to question her about the battle near the capital of the Land of Fire.
• After Tsunade described the Rasengan's basic principles, Rikuto recreated the A-rank Ninjutsu in front of Tsunade and Shizune.
• Rikuto explained that his precise Chakra control made it easy to gather, spin, and compress Chakra into the Rasengan.

Rikuto demonstrated a chakra technique to Tsunade and Shizune while Danzo recovered from his ordeal and decided to help Rikuto take power in Konoha. Days later, Karin and her exhausted mother struggled under Kusagakure’s exploitation as unseen observers watched them.

• Rikuto turned his fingers into vines and formed spinning balls of chakra before Tsunade and Shizune.
• Danzo awoke after nearly half a month unconscious, ordered Root to stop watching Tsunade, and began doubting Hiruzen’s leadership.
• Danzo resolved to clear obstacles for Rikuto’s return and called for someone.
• A Kusagakure shinobi forced Karin’s weakened mother to keep treating wounded fighters, while Karin protested and her mother shared their bread with her.
• Observers hidden in the forest watched Karin and her mother and asked whether they were the targets.

Root abducted Karin and her mother from Kusagakure on Danzo’s orders while Rikuto, Tsunade, and Shizune investigated the ruins of Shuto Castle. Rikuto uncovered a nearly exhausted giant lizard hidden as the castle and proposed subduing it, leaving Tsunade to respond to Shizune’s concern about his existing contract with Shikkotsu Forest.

• Root used Genjutsu to knock out Karin and her mother, then took them from Kusagakure to bring them back to Konoha.
• Rikuto sensed an unstable Chakra source near Shuto Castle, and a villager warned Tsunade and Shizune about the cursed ruins.
• Rikuto, Tsunade, and Shizune traveled to Shuto Castle, where Rikuto found that even his Three-Tomoe Sharingan could not detect its Chakra.
• Rikuto used his Mangekyō Sharingan to reveal that the castle was a giant white lizard that devoured anyone who entered and concealed its Chakra.
• Rikuto proposed subduing the lizard, and Shizune questioned whether taking another contract would be improper after he had signed Shikkotsu Forest’s contract.

Rikuto freed the giant lizard Chūbēmaru from the castle and formed a summoning contract with him. After Chūbēmaru returned to his clan, Rikuto sensed familiar Chakra signatures approaching and suspected Root had arrived.

• Rikuto used Wood Clones to overcome Chūbēmaru's castle traps and found the summoning contract scroll bearing Masashi Kishimoto's name.
• Rikuto signed the contract, learned the seals needed to free Chūbēmaru, and released the giant lizard from the castle form.
• Chūbēmaru thanked Rikuto, swallowed the new contract, and returned to the Lizard Clan's territory.
• Rikuto sensed familiar Chakra signatures approaching, and Shizune identified the newcomers as Root while Tsunade asked whether his technique was still active.

Rikuto and Tsunade encountered Root members carrying Nanako Uzumaki and Karin, survivors of the Uzumaki Clan who had been abused in Kusagakure. Tsunade forced Root to leave them behind, and the mother and daughter awoke in the group’s care.

• Rikuto realized Danzo had sent Root to Kusagakure to retrieve Karin and her mother while also searching for Shuto Castle’s Summoning Contract.
• Root members carrying the unconscious Nanako Uzumaki and Karin tried to retreat when they saw Tsunade, but she stopped them and demanded to know who the women were.
• A Root Jonin said the Uzumaki survivors had been rescued from Kusagakure, where Karin’s mother had been used as miracle healing medicine.
• Tsunade ordered Root to leave Nanako and Karin behind, and Rikuto backed her up until the Root members handed them over and retreated.
• Shizune dispelled the Genjutsu on Nanako and Karin, and Tsunade reassured the frightened pair that they were out of danger.