Chapter 318 tracks parallel Akatsuki business and Naruto's steady Wind Release progress while setting Asuma's team on the trail of Hidan and Kakuzu.
Summary
Having brought down the Three-Tails, Deidara and Tobi haul the beast toward the closest Akatsuki base. Tobi brags that the capture was all his doing, Deidara rejects the claim, and when Tobi dozes off mid-argument, Deidara lashes out at him. Over in Konoha, Naruto clears the opening hurdle of his Wind Release training by slicing a leaf clean in two.
The next stage raises the bar: he must use wind chakra to stop the fall of a waterfall conjured by Yamato.
Key Events
Deidara and Tobi transport the sealed Three-Tails and bicker over credit. Naruto completes the first phase of his elemental training and receives the harder second task. Tsunade orders the Nijū Shōtai to capture or kill the Akatsuki pair Hidan and Kakuzu before they slip out of the Land of Fire, and Asuma, on hearing how they murdered Chiriku, resolves to lead his squad to the Fire Temple.
Notes
The chapter's cover art nods to the events of Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom. The installment appears in Volume 35 as part of the Akatsuki Suppression Mission.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naruto training in during this chapter?
Naruto is training in Wind Release chakra, having just cleared the first stage by slicing a leaf clean in two.
What is Naruto's next Wind Release challenge after cutting the leaf?
The next stage raises the bar: Naruto must use wind chakra to stop the fall of a waterfall conjured by Yamato.
What are Deidara and Tobi doing in 'Smooth Training'?
Having brought down the Three-Tails, Deidara and Tobi haul the sealed beast toward the closest Akatsuki base while bickering over who deserves credit for the capture.
What mission does Tsunade assign in this chapter?
Tsunade orders the Nijū Shōtai to capture or kill the Akatsuki pair Hidan and Kakuzu before they slip out of the Land of Fire.
Why does Asuma decide to lead his squad to the Fire Temple in this chapter?
Asuma resolves to lead his squad to the Fire Temple upon hearing how Hidan and Kakuzu murdered Chiriku.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Smooth Training? 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.
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.
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