Chapter 400: "In Hell" - Madara explains to Sasuke that he was

kept in the dark about the coup due to his age. He then states
Sasuke's father was the one planning it. Sasuke is shocked and
Madara explains how Fugaku had Itachi enter ANBU as a spy for the
clan, but he gave the village information on them instead. Sasuke
demands to know why his brother betrayed his clan. His captor offers
that Itachi saw war at a very young age; the experience traumatized
him into wanting peace. He put the village ahead of all else and that
was exploited by the village elders. They gave him a mission only a
Sharingan user could accomplish, the total annihilation of the Uchiha.
Sasuke winces in pain and Madara states he can't begin to understand
the pain Itachi felt then, betraying his family. He knew though that if
the Uchiha staged a coup, it could lead to the downfall of both the
village and country. Many would die simply because of the Uchiha's
selfishness. Madara asks Sasuke what he would have done in his
brother's place? Sasuke is speechless. Madara offers that Itachi did not
act out of hatred; he did it so only he would take the blame. Madara
then explains how he himself was looking for revenge at that time and
Itachi was the only one to learn he was still alive. Itachi offered to let
him help in the massacre, if he would leave the rest of the village
alone. The Third Hokage tried to reach a peace with the Uchiha, but it
was too late. The time came and Itachi carried out his duty to wipe out
the clan. He failed in one area though, he left one Uchiha alive. Sasuke
is shaken and Madara explains that Itachi pleaded with the village
elders to spare his brother after he left the village, stating he would
reveal all his knowledge about the village to its enemies should
something happen to Sasuke. As a result of all this, he could never
reveal the truth. Sasuke remembers confronting Itachi the night of the
massacre and Madara explains that Itachi wanted Sasuke to use the
desire for revenge to get stronger. He also wanted Sasuke to believe
the Uchiha were honorable, asking the Third to never reveal the truth.
And since that night he planned to eventually die by your hand, to
grant you a new power. Madara states that's the truth of Itachi.
Sasuke remains stunned and states that story is a lie, it has to be...

Chapter 401: "Illusion" - Sasuke says he can't believe it, as Itachi

tried to seriously kill him throughout their fight. Madara says Itachi
could have, but it was all part of his plan: To draw out Orochimaru in
full to remove the curse seal and to awaken Sasuke's Mangekyou.
Itachi knew his role and played up the stealing of Sasuke's eyes until
the end. Sasuke reaffirms that Madara is lying and tells him that he
unleashed the Kyuubi on Konoha. Sasuke remembers Itachi's
comments on Madara and accuses him of plotting the Uchiha’s murder.
Madara states Itachi lied to hide the truth, so Sasuke wouldn't trust
him. Itachi also implanted Amaterasu for that reason. Sasuke yells
that he can't trust the story, as Itachi murdered and joined Akatsuki.
Madara says Itachi joined Akatsuki to keep an eye on them, and when
the Third died, he returned to Konoha as a warning to the village
advisors and Danzou that he was still around. Sasuke yells for him to
stop with the lies, but Madara retorts that his proof is that Sasuke is
still alive. Sasuke is speechless and thinks back over his fight with
Itachi. He remembers how his brother commented on how people live
their lives based on their perception of reality. Madara states Sasuke
couldn't see through Itachi's illusion. Itachi killed his lover, friends and
family, but he couldn't kill his little brother. Madara cuts the ropes
binding Sasuke and asks Sasuke why he thinks Itachi couldn't kill him?
Madara explains that to Itachi, Sasuke's welfare meant more than that
of the village. He thought of Sasuke through it all, so Sasuke could
gain a new power and also be recognized as the heroic avenger of the
Uchiha Clan. Disease ate away at Itachi but he struggled to hold on to
life, just so that he could die before Sasuke. A short time passes and
Sasuke stands on a cliff looking at the ocean while remembering
Madara's words; Itachi sought to protect Konoha through disgrace, so
he could entrust the honorable Uchiha name to Sasuke...

Chapter 402: "Last Words" - Sasuke remembers his youth, being

excited to see his brother come home. Sasuke asks if he can play, but
his mother says Itachi must first finish his homework. Itachi says he
can do it later and the two brothers are soon outside playing hide and
seek. Sasuke finds Itachi but his brother says not quite, disappearing
as a clone. Later at dinner Sasuke asks his father if Itachi's clone
meant he cheated, but his father instead reacts in surprise to Itachi's
skills. Sasuke asks Itachi to show him how to do it but his mother
reminds him of his homework. Itachi pokes Sasuke in the head and
says maybe another time. We jump ahead in time to Itachi having to
promise to train Sasuke in shuriken some other time, which he
apologizes for with another poke to the head. On the way home,
Sasuke asks when they can train. Itachi says he has missions now and
Sasuke will start the Academy soon, which means they won't have
time together any longer. Sasuke says that's okay, as long as they can
hang out from time to time. Time passes, Sasuke and Itachi sit alone.
Itachi tells Sasuke that as brothers they have a unique bond, and that
Itachi will be a hurdle for him to overcome. Time passes again and
Sasuke asks about shuriken training, Itachi pokes Sasuke's forehead
one last and apologizes. Sasuke thinks over Itachi's words from
different points, how he would always be there for him, and be a
hurdle to overcome, even if he becomes hated. Sasuke thinks back to
moment before Itachi's death and those barely audible words that only
he heard… of Itachi apologizing… for the last time. Sasuke stands
before the waves and tears rush down his cheeks. Around him sit
Team Snake and Tobi. A hawk flies overhead and Sasuke states that
they are no longer Snake, they are now "Hawk". In addition, as Hawk
they have one goal... With Mangekyou eyes, Sasuke states that goal is
to crush Konoha...

Chapter 403: "Tears" - Naruto awakens in his bed thinking over his
most recent run in with Itachi. He remembers Itachi asking why he
cared for Sasuke so much. Naruto explained that he was more of a
brother to Sasuke than Itachi himself was. Naruto then charged for
battle and Itachi turned to crows. We then see more of the incident.
Itachi asks what if Sasuke doesn't want to return? Naruto says he'll do
anything for Sasuke, even use force. Itachi asks but what if Sasuke
attacks Konoha? Naruto says he would never do that. Itachi explains
that Sasuke could be swayed by most anything, so could Naruto still
stop him, even if it meant killing him? Could he weigh Sasuke's
existence against Konoha's? Naruto yells that he would find a way to
do both, without having to kill Sasuke. Itachi retorts that such words
are childish. Naruto remembers Jiraiya telling him something similar
after his fight with Sasuke at the Valley of the End. Naruto states he
heard that before, but he won't go back on his word, that’s his ninja
way. Itachi smiles and suddenly a crow flies into Naruto's mouth.
Itachi offers that he just granted Naruto some of his power, and
hopefully he'll never have to use it. Naruto asks what this means, but
Itachi says he must now take his leave. Elsewhere Sasuke looks at the
moon and remembers that fateful night and his newly understood
memories. The young Sasuke stands before Itachi and listens to his
brother say to come to him when they share the same eyes. Sasuke
falls to pass out then rights himself. With determined, one tomoe
Sharingan eyes he watches Itachi leave. He takes chase and throws a
kunai, knocking of his brother’s forehead protector. Itachi stops and
ties the protector back on. He then looks at Sasuke as a tear rolls
down his cheek. Sasuke passes out and we return to the present.
Sasuke remembers his brother crying and admits he couldn't figure it
out. He then states to Madara that his story was true after all. Back in
Konoha Naruto wonders what Itachi wanted to tell him, and wonders
what Sasuke's doing now. Elsewhere Madara asks Sasuke what he'll do
with Itachi's eyes. Transplant them? Sasuke says no, what Itachi saw
and what he will see are different. He can't do what Itachi desired,
he'll follow his own path and revive the Uchiha his own way.

Chapter 404: "'Hawk' and 'Akatsuki'" - In a tree hut Tobi asks to

speak with Kisame. Kisame is surprised to see Tobi still alive and the
other man apologizes for revealing this to him last. Tobi removes his
mask and Kisame is surprised. He offers that knowing the Mizukage, or
rather Madara, is running things is a big relief. In Konoha Naruto
relaxes on his bed. He's awakened by Kakashi who says the Hokage
wants to see him. Naruto heads to the Hokage building and sees
Gamabunta and Gamakichi outside. He asks why they're here but
Gamabunta says Tsunade will explain. Inside stand Sakura, Sai,
several toads, Pa toad and the key scroll toad. Pa toad offers that this
is the apprentice? Tsunade says yes, the probable child of prophecy he
mentioned before. Naruto asks what's up. Tsunade explains that the
toad before him is Fukasaku, one of the two great sages toads.
Fukasaku offers that this is indeed little Jiraiya's apprentice. Naruto is
annoyed and asks where he gets off treating pervy-sage like a kid.
Tsunade tells him to watch his language and Shizune offers that the
toad taught Jiraiya. Naruto is surprised and Fukasaku laughs at
Naruto's name for Jiraiya. Naruto asks what he wants and the toad
offers that he might as well just get it out. He states that the young
'un Jiraiya died in battle. Naruto stands quiet and asks what he means.
Elsewhere Hawk, Madara and Kisame talk. Madara asks how Sasuke
plans to destroy Konoha. Sasuke says his beef is only with the Konoha
elders. Kisame offers that it won't be easy to get close to them, as
Hawk isn't powerful enough. Suigetsu says they shouldn't be
underestimated, and if they had finished their game earlier... Juugo
tells him to cool it, but in an instant Suigetsu is lunging towards
Kisame. Before he can reach him, Madara blocks the sword with just
his arm. Madara chastises Sasuke for not instilling discipline in his
group. Suigetsu is freaked by Madara's strength and offers that he
only joined Sasuke to get to Kisame. Sasuke tells the young man that
he can't beat Kisame yet. Kisame offers a wry smile at the "yet".
Suigetsu relents and Madara says Akatsuki isn't powerful enough
either. He says they should proceed together. Sasuke asks why, so
Madara offers him a Bijuu. Sasuke asks why that matters and Madara
explains that they're chakra monsters. Shodai Hokage controlled
several, and shared them with other countries as a way to broker
peace. Sasuke says that's generous, but Madara offers that any
betrayal will result in their death. Kisame states that two bijuu remain
and Madara says they'll split to go after both. Sasuke asks if that
means they haven't caught the Kyuubi yet. Madara says yes, they'll
get Naruto while Hawk will get the other. A short time later, Madara
goes to speak with Zetsu. He offers that with Itachi now dead, he can
go after Konoha. Zetsu tells Madara that he waited a long time. The
other replies that everything is proceeding as planned, even if Itachi
feared Sasuke would join his side. Zetsu states he never thought so
many Akatsuki would die. Madara says they joined knowing there
could be problems, and without them they wouldn't have gotten this
far. Things went according to plan, and most importantly, Sasuke is
now at his side...

Chapter 405: "Those Left Behind" - Fukasaku explains how after

Pain crushed Jiraiya's throat, the Sannin wrote the code on his back.
Naruto asks if Tsunade sent Jiraiya. She says yes and Naruto demands
to know how she could send him alone. Kakashi asks him to stop and
reminds him to think of how Tsunade feels. Tsunade remembers Jiraiya
stating he would give his life to set an example for the younger
generation. Naruto storms off and says if Jiraiya had been the Fifth
Hokage instead, this wouldn't have happened. Sakura chides him but
Tsunade says to let him go. Kakashi apologizes to the toad sage but
the elder says he’ll speak with Naruto later. He understands how
important Jiraiya was to the boy, and hopes Naruto is the prophesized
child after all. Naruto thinks back over the time he spent with Jiraiya
and walks to his apartment. Iruka stops him and asks if he wants
some ramen. Naruto declines and returns to his apartment unable to
eat. Naruto leaves and stops at a shop to buy a popsicle. As it melts
uneaten in his hands, the tears begin to fall from his emotionless face.
Iruka arrives and Naruto wipes away his tears. Iruka says he heard
what happened. Naruto explains how he wanted Jiraiya to see him
become Hokage, but in the end all Jiraiya ever saw was him being an
idiot. Iruka says that wasn't the case. Jiraiya spoke highly of him, like
a grandson. He knew he would become a great Hokage one day.
Jiraiya watched him and still does even now. He explains that Jiraiya
wouldn't praise him just to cheer him up, so just be the normal
Naruto. Iruka takes the popsicle and breaks it in two. After all, he's
still the great apprentice of one of the Legendary Sannin. Naruto
smiles, takes the popsicle half and thanks Iruka. In Tsunade's office,
Shikamaru looks at the code. Tsunade orders him to examine it and
not wait on the code breakers. Shikamaru begins to protest, as he had
another matter to attend but Tsunade leaves the room. Sakura
explains that Tsunade has been busy all day. Shikamaru says he has
too, but Sakura asks that he please do it. Shikamaru looks on in
confusion and Sakura remains quiet. Outside Tsunade walks in the hall
and thinks of Jiraiya at different stages of his life, ending with the time
she was first introduced to him. The young Jiraiya offers his hand and
states she can send him love letters later. As she remembers his smile,
tears fall down her cheek and she curses the idiot.

Chapter 406: "Key to the Future" - Tsunade stands before the

interrogation squad and asks they learn all they can from the Rain
ninja in the toad before them. Ibiki says that won't be a problem.
Tsunade remembers Fukasaku explaining how Jiraiya didn't have to
fight Pain. But he knew that unless Konoha knew his powers, no one
could beat him. He could have fled, but he gave his life for the
information in the code. In the present Tsunade tells the squad to be
as rough as the want. At the morgue, Shizune and other medical ninja
prepare to autopsy the Fuuma Pain body. At the code office, the
technicians inform Shikamaru that the code doesn't correspond to any
existing Konoha algorithm. Also because it was a spur decision, it's
probably not complicated. The young female technician offers that it's
hopeless to decipher without the key. They need the rules to decode it,
and the best bet is to find someone familiar with Jiraiya. Shikamaru
figures he'll have to talk to Kakashi and Tsunade. He offers his thanks
and states he'll return if he has more questions. The female tech,
Shiho, blushes and offers to remain behind in case Shikamaru returns.
Some time later Kakashi looks at the code and Shikamaru asks if the
numbers mean anything. Kakashi mentions "106" and Shikamaru asks
what it means. Kakashi remembers a time he and Jiraiya watched
Tsunade from a distance, and Jiraiya stated "106". To Kakashi's chagrin
Jiraiya was pointing out Tsunade's bust size. In the present Kakashi
says his memory probably isn't relevant. Kakashi offers that
Shikamaru should try the Hokage or Naruto. Shikamaru says he
already spoke with her, so he'll try Naruto. Kakashi states he's worried
about Naruto and hopes Shikamaru can check on him. Shikamaru
arrives at Naruto's apartment and knocks. The door opens a crack and
Naruto asks what he wants from the darkness within. Inside Naruto
looks over the code but remains distant. Shikamaru asks him to follow
him so the two head to the hospital. Kurenai exits and Naruto asks if
she ate too much. Shikamaru explains that she's pregnant. Kurenai
chides Shikamaru for coming to see her each time she goes to the
hospital but Shikamaru says he can't help it, Asuma told him to watch
over them. He says her kid will be his apprentice and Naruto is
surprised. Shikamaru explains how he heard about Jiraiya, and with
Asuma's death he knows how it feels. He offers that being miserable
and reclusive won't get him anywhere. He can't do that because like
him, he was entrusted with a lot by his former sensei. And Naruto
should understand that's it's time for them to do the entrusting. They
can't be kids forever, some day they'll treat others to ramen and be
called sensei. Shikamaru says he hopes to one day be as cool as
Asuma and Jiraiya were. Naruto remembers Jiraiya's smile and
suddenly smiles as well. Shikamaru shows him the code again and
says Naruto has work to do.

Chapter 407: "To Naruto" - Shikamaru asks Naruto if he has any

ideas. Shiho offers that it doesn't matter how small the idea is,
anything would help. Naruto says there is one thing that's been
bugging him, the first "ta" character. Shikamaru and Shiho are
confused, but Naruto states though the letter looks like a 9, it may not
be. He had a lot of experience with Jiraiya's handwriting. Shiho states
that Jiraiya must have had a particular writing style. Shiho shows them
how the writing difference could change the character interpretation.
Shikamaru asks why he didn't mention it before, but Naruto retorts
that it doesn't reveal anything anyway. Shikamaru says the books
Naruto mentioned might break the code. Shiho agrees, stating that the
numbers could correspond to various things like page numbers, lines,
etc.. Shikamaru asks if "ta" has any connection to Jiraiya's books.
Kakashi pops his head in through the window and says it's probably
the one he's holding, Icha Icha Tactics. Naruto states Jiraiya wrote that
book while they were out training. Shikamaru says the code was surely
meant for him then and Naruto smiles. Shiho states they should
probably check the page numbers that match the code numbers. Shiho
asks Kakashi to read the first sentence of every page. Kakashi is
embarrassed at having to read the risqué writing but Naruto yells to
just read it. Kakashi reads the lines, so Shiho lines up the first word of
each sentence, which reveals the phrase "the real one isn't with them".
Naruto asks what that means and Kakashi says they should speak with
Fukasaku since he was there. Shiho asks if she can come along and
Shikamaru says that's fine. He offers that they need to talk to Tsunade
so she can get Fukasaku. Shiho blushes and Naruto states they should
go to her immediately. In the Rain Country Konan, Pain and Madara
recline. Madara asks what held up the invincible Pain and Pain offers
that he had an unexpected visitor. Madara retorts that the Sannin
Jiraiya lived up to his reputation. Pain offers that he's dead now, so the
Kyuubi is his new focus. Madara states that Konoha will be hunting
Pain now. Konan replies that no one can defeat Pain. Madara says only
two Bijuu remain, and he sent Sasuke after the Hachibi. Konan asks if
he's up to the challenge. Madara says yes and takes his leave. Pain
tells Konan to get ready and five figures join them. The four previous
Pain bodies and a new female Pain. Pain then declares that they're
going to Konoha...

Chapter 408: "Fukasaku's Proposal" - In the Lightning Country,

Suigetsu interrogates a Cloud ninja about the Eight-Tail’s location. The
ninja says he won't betray his comrades. Sasuke says that fear can be
exploited and activates his Mangekyou. The man is shaken and Karin
tells Suigetsu to let Sasuke handle it. The ninja reveals the
Jinchuuriki's location and appearance, a man who wields eight swords
and bears an "iron" and bull horn tattoos. He passes out and Team
Hawk, wearing Akatsuki robes, heads out. Suigetsu contemplates that
Sasuke will be an even bigger handful with his new eyes. Karin once
again blushes at Sasuke's coolness and Juugo thinks the atmosphere
of the country could help him relax. The team continues on through
the cloud covered peaks of the Lightning Country. In Konoha,
Fukasaku reads the code and thinks over the past battle. He states the
code is too vague. He knows Pain can revive himself and it's too
dangerous to face him now. Kakashi asks if the autopsy would help,
but Sakura says that will take time. Naruto demands to know how
much but Sakura says the process is intensive, it takes awhile.
Tsunade offers a week at the earliest. Naruto states he'll tell them to
hurry up but Sakura yells for him to leave Shizune alone. Naruto states
he will avenge pervy sage and that he can't sit around. Fukasaku
offers that with the code decoded Naruto has nothing left to do.
There's no way he can beat Pain so he should come with him to
Myouboku Mountain to learn the Senjutsu (sage techniques) like little
Jiraiya did. Naruto is taken aback and asks if that will be enough to
beat Pain. The toad says he doesn't know, but his current skill level
definitely isn't enough. Tsunade says it's okay for him to go and the
toad says the training will be tough, so will he do it? Naruto offers that
the pervy sage went through it, so he can too. He agrees and the toad
contemplates being entrusted with the child of prophecy. In Lightning,
multiple tentacles retract into a figure training in a cave. From out of
the darkness emerges the Eight-Tails Jinchuuriki, cursing the pain of
the daylight on his eyes...

Chapter 409: "The Senjutsu Tradition...!!" - Naruto says goodbye

to the Hokage, Shikamaru and Sakura. They wish him luck and
Fukasaku leaves a frog behind for communication. Naruto rushes to
leave but stops when he realizes he doesn't know the way. Fukasaku
states it takes a month to get to on foot and the path is hidden. The
toad shows him the toad pact scroll and says it's not a problem.
Naruto recognizes the scroll and suddenly disappears in a puff of
smoke. Tsunade explains that it's reverse Kuchiyose and then toad
puffs away as well. Tsunade says they have to focus on decoding the
information Jiraiya provided and the others give an affirmative.
Elsewhere it begins to rain in the Rain Country industrial city. Pain
holds his arms to the sky and states they are to kill anyone who gets
in the way of their capturing the Kyuubi. Naruto suddenly pops into
existence in an overgrown area filled with giant plants and
mushrooms. He's confused but then Gamakichi chimes in to say he
summoned him. Naruto finally understands and Fukasaku says they
should eat first. In the toad’s home Naruto is treated to a soup made
of insect and fish parts. Naruto is wary of the meal and is doubled over
sick a short time later. Surrounded by meditative toad statues,
Fukasaku states he'll explain the differences between normal jutsu and
Senjutsu. Normal techniques use body stamina and spirit energy, but
Senjutsu adds natural external energy. Naruto is confused so Fukasaku
says the energy comes from outside, which combines with one's own
energy to form a stronger chakra which greatly increases the power of
normal jutsu. Naruto is still confused so Gamakichi offers that it’s like
adding mint to a chocolate-vanilla ice cream swirl. Fukasaku chides the
young toad for making things more difficult but Naruto states he gets
it now. Fukasaku is taken aback that it helped Naruto but Gamakichi
explains that it's just how Naruto is. Naruto asks what the external
energy is and Fukasaku states it comes from the atmosphere and
earth. Naruto is confused but Gamakichi clarifies it's the air and
ground. Naruto understands and Fukasaku decides to just show him.
He moves to a large nearby statue and Gamakichi offers his
amazement at all the energy being collected. Naruto offers his
confusion at seeing nothing, but then suddenly Fukasaku lifts the huge
statue over his head. He puts it back down and Naruto says he didn't
see anything outside of a hand seal. Fukasaku explains that Naruto
can't yet see the flow of nature yet. Gamakichi chimes in that to do
that he's got to die... Elsewhere Sasuke asks the man before him if
he's the Eight-Tails. The man is taken aback by Sasuke's informality
and retorts that doesn't he mean to say "honorable" Eight-Tails or
"powerful" Jinchuuriki? Sasuke looks on and states they mean to
capture him...