Bleeding and terrified, Tsunade throws herself between Orochimaru and Naruto, and in doing so finally accepts the burden she has spent years running from. Her stand ignites a full clash of the Sannin and their mightiest summons.
Main Characters (4)
Summary
After landing a mortal wound on Tsunade, Orochimaru demands to know why she would trade her life for Naruto. Trembling at the sight of her own blood, she answers that she does it for Konoha, since the boy is destined to lead the village one day as Hokage. Orochimaru sneers at the title, dismissing it as a role only fools eager to die would want. The words send Tsunade back to a promise she made Naruto a week before, and she declares that she will gladly be one of those fools, claiming the seat of Fifth Hokage for herself. Orochimaru strikes to finish her, then turns the blade toward Naruto, only for Tsunade to block him a second time. Conquering the phobia that had crippled her, she counters, flinging Orochimaru back and knitting her wounds shut with Creation Rebirth. With the fight spiraling upward, all three Sannin call forth their greatest summons.
Key Events
Orochimaru gravely wounds Tsunade and mocks the office of Hokage. Tsunade embraces the title of Fifth Hokage and shields Naruto a second time. She overcomes her fear of blood, counterattacks, and heals herself with Creation Rebirth. The confrontation escalates as each of the three Sannin summons their signature giant creature.
Related Reading
See all
Naruto vs Luffy: Does the Fight Change if Luffy Tickles Hinata?
Naruto vs Luffy with the twist nobody asked for: Luffy tickled Hinata on date night, and she kind of liked it. We break down the whole fight and commit to a winner....
Who Is Naruko? What Naruto's Transformation Jutsu Does to the Whole Hidden Leaf
Naruto built the transformation jutsu himself, and the Hidden Leaf has been quietly not talking about it ever since. The story behind our 90s R&B record about the Naruko question everybody dodges....
Notes
This is chapter 169, collected in volume 19 during the Search for Tsunade. Viz published it under the title Risking Everything. The chapter marks the emotional turning point where Tsunade fully commits to becoming the Fifth Hokage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Naruto chapter 169, "Risking One's Life…!!"?
Tsunade shields Naruto from a mortal blow by Orochimaru, overcomes her lifelong fear of blood, and declares she will become the Fifth Hokage before healing herself with Creation Rebirth.
Why does Tsunade decide to become Hokage in this chapter?
When Orochimaru mocks the title of Hokage as a role only fools eager to die would want, Tsunade recalls a promise she made to Naruto and declares she will gladly be one of those fools, claiming the seat of Fifth Hokage.
How does Tsunade heal herself after Orochimaru's attack?
After overcoming her fear of blood and countering Orochimaru's strike, Tsunade heals her own mortal wound using the Creation Rebirth technique.
What happens at the end of "Risking One's Life…!!"?
As the fight between Tsunade and Orochimaru escalates, all three Sannin, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya, summon their signature giant creatures.
What arc and volume does chapter 169 belong to?
"Risking One's Life…!!" is chapter 169 of the Naruto manga, collected in volume 19 during the Search for Tsunade arc, and Viz published it under the title Risking Everything.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Risking One's Life…!!? The Naruto Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Naruto anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byMasashi Kishimoto
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Studio Pierrot and Toho.
- Game pages: official box art for the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm games, credited to Bandai Namco.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
Official resources:
Help Us Keep This Wiki Accurate
Daddy Jim Headquarters maintains this encyclopedia. If you spot an error, a translation issue, or something that doesn't look right, let us know.
