Characters in order of appearance:
Transcript
- Episode begins on the Land of Waves bridge, as Kakashi, Tazuna, and Sakura watch Naruto and Sasuke’s battle with Haku*
Sakura: Sasuke! Naruto! Don’t lose to a guy like that!
Kakashi: Stop it, Sakura. Don’t goad him!
Sakura: What?
Kakashi: Even if there was a chance that we could break that technique, they won’t be able to defeat that boy.
Sakura: Eh? W…What do you mean?
Zabuza: *laughs*
Kakashi: They don’t have the mentality to kill their feelings…and kill another person!
Sakura: …!
Kakashi: That boy really knows the agony of being a shinobi. He’s different from Naruto and Sasuke.
Zabuza: Exactly…No real shinobi will come out of a peace-addicted village like yours. Because they are not able to learn the most important “experience of killing”!
- Zabuza emanates a blue aura around his body*
Sakura: Huh? Then…Then…What are we going to do, Sensei?!
Kakashi (Thinking): If I go over to Naruto and Sasuke, Tazuna will be in danger.
- Kakashi imagines Zabuza slashing Tazuna across the chest with his Kubikiribocho*
Kakashi (Thinking): Even if I try the Kage Bunshin,
- Kakashi images himself creates several exact, physical copies of himself, as Zabuza counters by creating several exact, physical copies of himself*
Kakashi (Thinking): He’ll come to stop me with his Mizu Bunshin. I’ll just be wasting Chakra. Then…
- Kakashi grabs the headband that covers his left eye*
Kakashi: I’m sorry but…I’m going to have to finish this in an instant.
Sakura (Thinking): Sharingan?!
Zabuza: *laughs* The Sharingan again? Such an unimaginative guy!
- Zabuza charges towards Kakashi with a kunai in hand. Zabuza swings the kunai down towards Kakashi’s hand that covered his Sharingan. Kakashi throws his right hand in the way, as Zabuza pierces it with his kunai*
Sakura: Sensei!
- Blood drips from Kakashi’s hand to the ground*
Kakashi: You might call me “an unimaginative guy,” but you are afraid of the Sharingan, after all…Zabuza!
Zabuza: *laughs* The secret technique of a shinobi…isn’t something that you show your opponent so many times.
Kakashi: Be appreciative. You’re the only one who has had the chance to see it twice…And there will be no third time…
Zabuza: Even if you were able to defeat me, you can’t defeat Haku…
Sakura: What…?
- Sakura looks toward Haku’s ring of ice mirrors*
Sakura (Thinking): Kakashi Sensei can’t win? That boy in the mask is that strong?
Zabuza: Since he was a kid, I have been painstakingly teaching him the battle techniques of the ninja!
- Zabuza thinks back to Haku’s training. Haku throws senbon at a wooden board, with targets that emulated the heart, throat, brain, and eyes of a human. Haku pierces the bullseyes of the heart, throat, and brain targets with three senbon. Haku throws several senbon, hitting the targets of three of the wooden boards, in quick succession. Zabuza sits on a tree branch overlooking the training. Later, Zabuza launches a kunai towards Haku, who jumps out of the way, as the kunai pierces the tree behind him.
Zabuza: All of my techniques.
- In the past during training, Zabuza descends on Haku with a kunai in hand, as Haku blocks the strike with his senbon. Later, Haku places his hands together and creates a ring of floating ice rings*
Zabuza: On top of that…he has been polishing up his own skills as well! As a result…He has…no matter how unbelievably difficult his predicament…
- Haku is shown infiltrating a stronghold, standing in front of a group of shinobi, before brandishing a senbon*
Zabuza: …been extremely successful.
- Haku is shown piercing each of the six shinobi surrounding him, in their vital areas with one senbon each, killing them*
Zabuza: He has no “heart” and has abandoned the notion of “life.” He is a fighting machine known as a shinobi. Not only that, his Jutsu surpasses mine! The terrifying ability of the Kekkei Genkai. In other words, I have acquired a sophisticated tool. Unlike the scrap you’re carrying around.
- Zabuza pulls his kunai out of Kakashi’s hand*
Naruto: I’m not one to be afraid just because I failed once! I’ll do it as many times as it takes! Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!
Sasuke: Stop!
- Naruto creates a puff of smoke, as over a dozen exact, physical copies of himself jump out of it, towards Haku’s ice mirrors. Haku emerges from one of his ice mirrors and propels himself between them, moving many times between them as Naruto’s Kage Bunshin seem to be in slow motion. Haku hits a small glob of water in mid-air, breaking it into further droplets of water. Haku stops in mid-air behind Naruto’s Kage Bunshin before throwing several senbon toward Sasuke, who is suddenly bombard from all sides by a near-simultaneous barrage of senbon*
Sasuke: Augh!
- Haku zips around Naruto’s Kage Bunshin in a blur, as they are dispersed into smoke, before Naruto himself is knocked to the ground*
Naruto: Augh!
Sasuke: Keh!
Naruto: W…What the hell is it…?!
Sasuke (Thinking): I…It was just slight but…
- Sasuke thinks back to the water in the air being repelled by Haku’s movements. Sasuke thinks back to Haku launching himself through the air*
Sasuke (Thinking): I could see the trails of his movements…
Naruto: One more try! Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!
- Naruto creates over a dozen, exact physical copies of himself, who jump towards Haku’s ice mirrors. Sasuke kicks a puddle of water into the air*
Naruto: Ahh!
Haku: Don’t you understand that it’s useless?
- Haku moves from his mirror in a blur, causing the droplets of water in front of the mirror to be repelled*
Naruto: Augh!
- Haku zips around Naruto and his Kage Bunshin, causing the Kage Bunshin to be dispersed into smoke, as Naruto himself is knocked to the ground*
Sasuke: Augh!
- Haku zips around Sasuke, hitting him from every direction, and knocking him to the ground*
Sasuke (Thinking): Just because I see the trail, doesn’t mean that I can keep up with his speed.
- Sasuke thinks back to the droplets of water in the air being repelled from Haku’s movements*
Sasuke (Thinking): The water…is being repelled. But, what if that wasn’t water…? All right…The next one is going to be my one shot!
Zabuza: *laughs* Just because a bunch of scrap got together doesn’t mean that they can defeat Haku. He is…He is the best tool!
Kakashi: There’s nothing more boring than a stranger bragging…It’s about time…I make my move.
- Kakashi pulls up his headband, revealing his Sharingan*
Zabuza: Now wait. As long as we’re talking…Let me brag about another thing…
Kakashi: Hmm?
Zabuza: In the battle before, I didn’t just let you defeat me like a fool.
- Zabuza thinks back to when he was launched through a forest by Kakashi’s Dabakufu no Jutsu*
Zabuza: Haku, who was hiding in the corner, was observing part of the battle. Haku is quite smart. With his ability to analyze, he is able to plan a counterattack after observing a technique just once.
Sakura: Huh?
Zabuza: I’ve been anxious to copy your line.
Tazuna: Huh?
Zabuza: “I’ll tell you now, but the same Jutsu won’t work on me twice.” Was that it…? Ninpo: Kirigakure no Jutsu!
Kakashi: …!
- Zabuza thickens the mist around the bridge, causing himself to vanish from Kakashi’s sight*
Kakashi (Thinking): This is?!
Tazuna (Thinking): What is this…? This really thick fog? The visibility is close to zero…
Sakura: Sensei…
Kakashi: Sakura! Stay with Tazuna!
Sakura (Thinking): That’s right. I have to trust Sasuke, Naruto and Kakashi Sensei right now…
Sakura: And I should do what I can do!
- Sakura runs to Tazuna’s side*
Tazuna: Huh? Oh! Sakura!
- Sakura brandishes a kunai*
Sakura: Mr. Tazuna, no matter what, don’t move away from me!
Tazuna: Yeah…I so know it!
Haku (Thinking): I know…Zabuza…I’ll finish them off soon enough…
Naruto: Ah!
Haku: …!
Naruto: Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!
- Naruto creates a puff of smoke, as over a dozen exact, physical copies of himself appear and jump towards Haku’s ice mirrors*
Haku (Thinking): You just don’t learn, do you?!
- Sasuke weaves several hand signs. Haku emerges from his mirror and propels himself towards one of Naruto’s Kage Bunshin who seems to be frozen due to Haku’s speed, but looks down to notice a fireball heading right for him. The fireball is revealed to have been launched by Sasuke*
Haku (Thinking): What? The Katon no Jutsu!
- Haku ducks under the stream of fire while in mid-air, before propelling himself towards one of his ice mirrors. Haku emerges from the ice mirror and zips around Naruto’s Kage Bunshin while appearing as flicker, as Naruto’s Kage Bunshin seem to move in slow motion. Haku throws a senbon*
Haku (Thinking): It takes…too long!
- Haku swings a senbon down. Haku zips around Naruto’s Kage Bunshin while appearing as a flicker, dispersing them one by one into puffs of smoke*
Sasuke: Keh!
- Sasuke shoots a stream of flames towards Naruto’s last Kage Bunshin. Haku jumps into a mirror, before emerging and launching himself towards Naruto’s Kage Bunshin, noticing the flames as they reach his face. Haku moves forward, outspeeding the flames, but they graze and burn the end of his kimono. Haku reaches Naruto’s Kage Bunshin and stabs it with a senbon, dispersing it into a puff of smoke, before jumping into his mirror. As all of his Kage Bunshin are dispersed, Naruto is suddenly knocked to the ground*
Naruto: Augh!
- Naruto slowly stands to his feet, as Sasuke pants heavily beside him*
Sasuke (Thinking): This is good! Bit by bit, I’m figuring out the timing…
Kakashi (Thinking): I know it’s called the Kirigakure no Jutsu, but the fog is way too thick…Even Zabuza himself shouldn’t be able to see anything…
- Five shuriken are suddenly launched towards Kakashi’s back, who deflects each of them with a kunai*
Zabuza: Good job on doding it…Just what I expect of Kakashi of the Sharingan…
Kakashi: …!
- Zabuza appears behind Kakashi. Kakashi turns around to find Zabuza with his eyes closed*
Kakashi (Thinking): He’s…closing his eyes!
Zabuza: But…the next time you see me, that’ll be the end of it all…You overrate the Sharingan too much.
- Zabuza vanishes into the mist*
Kakashi: What…?
Zabuza: You spoke as if you saw through everything, but…
- Zabuza thinks back to Kakashi’s words at the end of their first battle*
Zabuza: Why? Could it be possible that you can see the future…?!
Kakashi: You are going to die.
- Zabuza snaps back to the present*
Zabuza: Your foresight was wrong, after all. Kakashi…You can’t read my mind or my future…The Sharingan is merely a diversion that makes you believe that! Those who have the Sharingan…possess both perceptive eyes and hypnotic eyes…Using these two powers and bringing out Jutsus one after the other…you were just acting as if you can read the future! First, with the perceptive eyes, you copied my movement right away.
- Flashback shows Kakashi running around a lake and copying Zabuza’s movements as they happened*
Zabuza: And this is the Image Replication Method. You first got me in a ruffle with it…Once you make sure that I’m flustered, you nail the “heart’s voice.” This is the Mind Imitation Method.
- Flashback shows Kakashi saying the same words as Zabuza, at the exact same time*
Zabuza: And…You judged the right timing when my frustration was reaching its height. You set a clever trap. You used the Genjutsu with your hypnotic eye and made me weave the signs first…This is the Jutsu Imitation Method…
- Flashback shows Kakashi using the Daibakufu no Jutsu against Zabuza, before Zabuza, who was intending to use it on Kakashi*
Zabuza: Then that makes it easier. First vanish into the thick fog, and make your perceptive eyes useless…
Kakashi: Huh?
- Kakashi guards with both of his arms as he is suddenly knocked backward. Kakashi stabs his kunai into the ground to skid to a stop*
Kakashi: Augh!
Kakashi (Thinking): Damn! The guard is falling behind!
Zabuza: *lauhgs* I will close my eyes as well! I will shut off your ability to use your hypnotic eye in a close distance battle.
Kakashi: Why? That also means that you will lose your ability to see.
Zabuza: Did you forget? That I am a genius in silent killing, a technique to find the target just by sound.
Kakashi: …!
Haku (Thinking): He read my movement…No way could he do that.
Naruto: Damn! We were so close!
Sasuke: Naruto, can you still move?
Naruto: Of course! I’m totally fine!
Sasuke (Thinking): He’s pretty much spent…and it’s no wonder. Kage Bunshin no Jutsu uses a lot of Chakra. But thanks to him, I found our way out. I found the way to break through!
Haku (Thinking): Hah! Impossible! That was just a coincidence.
- Haku’s mirrors emit a bright white light. Sasuke begins quickly weaving hand signs*
Sasuke: Naruto! Run!
Naruto: What?
Sasuke: Run out of here and attack from the outside!
Naruto: A…All right!
Haku: You won’t be able to!
- Naruto runs towards the outside, as Haku’s mirrors emit a bright white light, and Naruto is launched backward*
Naruto: Augh!
- Naruto immediately gets to his feet and runs towards the outside*
Naruto: I’m not going to lose!
- Haku emerges from one of his mirrors. Sasuke notices and turns toward him*
Sasuke: There! Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu!
- Sasuke emits a stream of flames from his mouth, shooting them towards the mid-air Haku. Haku casually glides under the stream before throwing a senbon towards Sasuke. Haku appears in front of Naruto, launching him backward with a kick*
Naruto: Augh!
- Sasuke’s shoulder is pierced by Haku’s senbon*
Sasuke: Augh!
- Haku enters into his mirror*
Naruto: Damn!
- Sasuke pulls the senbon out from his shoulder*
Sasuke: T…That was good just now!
Naruto: What?
Sasuke: We’re doing it one more time!
Naruto: All right!
Sasuke (Thinking): It’s likely that there’s a limit to that guy’s Chakra, too! To prove that, he’s little by little…
- Naruto runs towards the outside as Sasuke runs in the opposite direction*
Haku: This won’t go as you’ve planned.
- Haku emerges from his mirror*
Haku: First, I’ll get you!
- Haku throws a senbon, piercing Sasuke in the shin*
Sasuke: Augh!
- Haku throws several more senbon at Sasuke, piercing him twice in the left arm, once in the right arm, once in the left shoulder, and once in the left thigh*
Sasuke: Augh!
Naruto: Sasuke!
- Haku throws several senbon towards Naruto, piercing him in the back with each of them*
Naruto: Augh!
Kakashi (Thinking): Damn! It’s been a while since I’ve fought in such bad conditions. And I’m worried about Sasuke and Naruto, too…Be calm…Think…What will he come after?...! Oh, no!
- Kakashi turns towards Sakura and Tazuna. Zabuza appears behind Tazuna.*
Sakura: …!
Tazuna: …!
- Zabuza charges towards them as Kakashi suddenly appears between them*
Kakashi: What?!
Zabuza: Too late!
- Zabuza draws his Kubikiribocho from his back and swings it down, as blood flies into the air*
Sakura: Aah!
Episode Rating
Story & Pacing (9.3/10) – Relentless Tension and Strategic Depth
The episode wastes no time, jumping immediately into the Sasuke & Naruto vs. Haku battle while Kakashi faces off against Zabuza.
The pacing is perfect—it moves quickly but still gives time for major character moments.
The Zabuza vs. Kakashi fight intensifies, with Zabuza proving he has countered Kakashi’s Sharingan tricks.
Sasuke figures out a counter for Haku’s speed, but Naruto’s reckless chakra usage starts catching up to him.
The ending cliffhanger is brutal—with Zabuza seemingly landing a killing blow.
Character Development (9.4/10) – Everyone Gets a Moment
- Kakashi Hatake – The Tactical Genius is Outmaneuvered
- Kakashi realizes he can't help Naruto and Sasuke without leaving Tazuna exposed.
- He acknowledges that Naruto and Sasuke don’t have the true mentality of a killer yet, which makes the fight even more dangerous for them.
- He pulls out his Sharingan, but Zabuza has already adapted.
- Zabuza’s analysis of the Sharingan is incredible, showing that Kakashi’s past success was more of a psychological victory than a true mind-reading ability.
- Kakashi finally panics at the end, realizing he’s misread the battle, leading to Zabuza landing a devastating blow.
- Zabuza Momochi – The True Silent Killer
- Zabuza is utterly ruthless here, showing his superior experience.
- He explains how he trained Haku to become an efficient tool of war.
- His analysis of the Sharingan is one of the best deconstructions in the series, revealing that it’s not true mind-reading, but a clever combination of tactics and Genjutsu.
- By fighting in complete mist and closing his eyes, he neutralizes Kakashi’s greatest advantage.
- The final moment of the episode—Zabuza’s blade cutting through something—is a perfect, terrifying way to end.
- Haku – The Ultimate Shinobi Tool
- Haku is utterly dominant throughout the battle.
- His movements are so fast that even Sasuke, who is adapting, can barely react.
- His calm, analytical approach contrasts beautifully with Naruto’s recklessness and Sasuke’s desperation.
- Haku's admiration for Zabuza is clear, reinforcing that he is fighting not for himself, but for his master.
- His use of mirrors and teleportation gives the battle a surreal, almost supernatural feel.
- Sasuke Uchiha – The Sharpening Edge
- Sasuke has the most character growth in this episode.
- He slowly begins to track Haku’s movements, using the displaced water droplets as visual cues.
- His attempts to coordinate with Naruto show his growing leadership abilities.
- He begins pushing his limits, trying to strategize around Haku’s speed rather than just relying on raw power.
- Even though he's getting injured, he keeps adapting, setting up the eventual Sharingan awakening.
- Naruto Uzumaki – The Unyielding Fighter
- Naruto’s greatest strength—his willpower—keeps him in the fight.
- He refuses to give up despite being constantly outmatched.
- However, his overuse of Kage Bunshin is draining his chakra rapidly.
- His emotional frustration is clear—he doesn’t understand how to counter someone like Haku, leading to more reckless attacks.
- He plays off Sasuke well, showing that they are learning to fight together.
- Sakura Haruno – A Small but Important Role
- Sakura doesn’t get to fight, but her presence is meaningful.
- She understands that her role is to protect Tazuna, which is a sign of her discipline.
- Her frustration at not being able to help builds emotional tension.
- Her reaction to Kakashi’s uncertainty mirrors the audience’s growing concern.
- Tazuna – The Observer
- Tazuna is becoming more invested in the battle.
- He realizes how much danger Naruto and Sasuke are in.
- His presence keeps the tension high—if Kakashi fails, Tazuna dies.
Action & Combat (9.5/10) – Some of the Best Tactical Fighting Yet
- Haku’s Ice Mirror Jutsu continues to look terrifying.
- Naruto’s reckless clone attacks continue failing, highlighting the power difference.
- Sasuke’s ability to analyze and react adds an intellectual edge to the battle.
- Haku dodging Sasuke’s fire technique while in mid-air is an insane moment of skill.
- Zabuza vs. Kakashi is a mental chess match, but Zabuza is winning.
- Zabuza closing his eyes to fight solely by sound is a brilliant moment that completely changes the fight.
- Kakashi deflecting shuriken mid-air is another highlight of his skill.
- The final strike—Zabuza appearing out of the mist and cutting something—is an incredible cliffhanger.
Villains & Stakes (9.3/10) – The True Terror of a Shinobi
- Zabuza and Haku both feel unbeatable.
- The more the fight goes on, the more hopeless it feels for Naruto and Sasuke.
- Haku’s devotion to Zabuza makes him tragic, but also terrifying.
- Zabuza’s cold, calculating nature shows why he was feared in the Hidden Mist.
- Kakashi is struggling, which makes this battle feel even more dire.
- The episode ends with a possible fatal wound, raising the stakes even higher.
Themes & Symbolism (9.2/10) – The Reality of Being a Shinobi
- Haku vs. Naruto & Sasuke is about what it means to be a true ninja.
- Haku fights without hesitation because he believes in his role as a tool.
- Naruto and Sasuke still hesitate, which is why they’re struggling.
- Zabuza vs. Kakashi is about experience vs. tactics.
- Kakashi relies on his Sharingan and psychology, while Zabuza counters it with sheer skill and planning.
- The theme of "tools" is reinforced throughout the episode.
- Zabuza views Haku as the ultimate weapon, while Kakashi believes in his students as people.
Sasuke’s growing ability to see through Haku’s attacks foreshadows his future evolution.
Final Verdict: 9.2/10 – A Masterclass in Tactical Combat and Rising Tension
- ✔ Strengths:
- Incredible tactical depth in both fights.
- Haku remains an overwhelming, nearly unstoppable force.
- Sasuke’s analysis and adaptability keep the battle engaging.
- Naruto’s relentless fighting spirit keeps him compelling.
- Zabuza’s strategy of closing his eyes to counter the Sharingan is genius.
- The ending cliffhanger is one of the best in the arc.
- ❌ Weaknesses:
- Sakura still doesn’t get much to do.
- Some might find Naruto’s constant failed attempts repetitive (though they serve a purpose).
- Zabuza’s long explanation of Kakashi’s Sharingan tricks, while great, slows things down slightly.
This episode sets up one of the greatest climaxes in early Naruto and delivers top-tier action, intelligent strategy, and rising emotional stakes.