Genetic Slaves

Shin brushes off any concern for the young fighters at his side, explaining that they are simply his own clones and therefore disposable. Repulsed, Sakura likens him to Orochimaru, which leads Shin to reveal that he was once a subject in that very scientist's cloning research. Far away, Naruto can no longer feel Sakura's chakra and talks over with Sasuke whether Shin might be linked to Orochimaru, given how closely his Sharingan-studded arm resembles Danzō's.

The group resolves to seek out Orochimaru and brings Sarada and Chōchō along for safety, with Chōchō trying to ease the tension by passing around snacks. Meeting Yamato at the hideout's entrance, they leave him outside to give chase should things go wrong, then head in and run into Jūgo and Suigetsu, whom Sarada knows from a photo of her father. Orochimaru appears and confirms Shin's admiration for Itachi and his value as a test subject. Slipping aside, Sarada presses Suigetsu about Karin and learns she is stationed at a different base.

Suigetsu helps Sarada compare a sample from Karin's possessions against her own cheek swab, and the results align, leading him to name Karin as her mother. Naruto overhears from beyond the wall. As Suigetsu departs and Sarada dissolves into tears, Naruto approaches to remind her that Sakura still needs rescuing, but the girl rounds on him with her Sharingan blazing, accusing everyone of deceiving her for her whole life and rejecting any bond with Sakura. The chapter appears in volume 73.