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Characters in order of appearance:

Transcript

  • Episode begins with Team 7 and Tazuna, traveling through the sea, on a boat*

Sakura: This is quite some fog. I can’t see ahead. Kaji: The bridge should be visible soon. When we reach the side of the bridge, we’ll be in the Land of Waves. Naruto: Hmm?

  • Naruto stares at the bridge*

Naruto: Wow! It’s huge! Kaji: H…hey! Please keep it down. I took this boat out under cover of fog. And I cut the engine and am rowing by hand. If they find us, we’ll be in deep trouble. Kakashi: Mr. Tazuna. I want to ask you something before we arrive at the pier. The identity of your assailants, and the reason why they are after you. If you don’t tell us…our mission may end when you make landfall. Tazuna: It appears I have no choice but to tell you. Frankly, I’d like you to listen. Just as you said, this may be beyond the scope of your mission. Actually, I am being targeted by a terrifying man. Kakashi: A terrifying man? Who? Tazuna: You guys have probably heard at least his name before. A shipping magnate by the name of Gato. Kakashi: What? Gato…of the Gato Company? One of the world’s richest men? Naruto: Who? What? Tazuna: Yes…On the surface, he’s the chief executive of a shipping company…But underneath, he is into drug trafficking and deals in contraband using gangs and ninjas. Moreover, he runs a despicable business, ruthlessly taking over nations and enterprises. It was about one year ago…when that man first set his eyes on the Land of Waves…He used his wealth and violence to enter this country, and before anyone knew it, he had taken complete control of the island’s maritime transportation and shipping. Having a tight grip on the ocean, in an island nation like the Land of Waves, means having control of finance, the government, the people…everything. The one thing Gato fears…is the completion of the bridge…that has been under construction for some time now. Sakura: I see. Since you’re the one building the bridge, you’ve become a hindrance. Sasuke: Then, those ninjas from before were Gato’s men…? Kakashi: But I don’t understand. Your opponent is a dangerous one, who will even use ninja. Why did you hide that fact from us when you made your request? Tazuna: The Land of Waves…is a very poor nation, and even feudal lords have no money. Of course, we ordinary citizens have no money either. We cannot afford to make requests of B-rank or higher…Well, if you pull out of the mission when I land ashore, I will, no doubt, be killed. Killed sometime before I make it home. But there’s no need for concern. Should I die, my cute grandchild who will turn eight…will only cry his heart out! Naruto: Uhh… Sakura: Ehh… Tazuna: And…my daughter will only blame the Konoha ninja for the rest of her live and grieve in solitude! Oh, it’s not your fault at all! Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto: Hmm… Kakashi: Well…I guess we have no choice. Let’s continue as his bodyguards. Tazuna: Oh! I am most grateful! Tazuna (Thinking): I won. Kaji: We’ll be arriving soon. Tazuna. It appears we haven’t been noticed up until this point… Tazuna: Thanks.

  • Kaji rows a boat through a large gap underneath the bridge, arriving in the Land of Waves*

Naruto: Heh…

  • Team 7 and Tazuna arrive at the pier*

Kaji: This is as far as I go. See you around. Tazuna: Yeah. You’ve been a big help. Kaji: Be careful.

  • Kaji starts the engine of his boat and rides off*

Tazuna: Okay! Ge me home safely. Kakashi: Right. Kakashi (Thinking): When they next attack, it won’t be Chunin, but elite level Jonin. Cripes!

  • Team 7 and Tazuna walk through a forest. Sasuke walks up beside Naruto.*

Naruto: Huh? Hmm! Naruto (Thinking): I won’t let this guy do all the fun stuff anymore!

  • Naruto runs ahead and frantically looks around*

Naruto: There!

  • Naruto throws a kunai into a bush*

Kakashi, Tazuna, and Sakura: …! Naruto: Heh…just a mouse. Sakura: Quit trying to show off! There was nothing there in the first place! Kakashi: Please, Naruto. Don’t use kunai knives recklessly. They’re really dangerous. Sasuke: *sighs* Tazuna: Hey brat! Don’t be doing anything confusing! Naruto: Huh? I sense a presence there! No, over here?!

  • Kakashi senses something and suddenly looks to his left*

Naruto: There!

  • Naruto throws a kunai into a bush*

Sakura: Stop it, already!

  • Sakura punches Naruto in the back of the head*

Naruto: Hng! S…someone’s really been targeting us the whole time! Sakura: Yeah right! Knock it off, you!

  • Kakashi walks into the bushes, where Naruto threw his kunai, noticing a white rabbit that Naruto’s kunai had just barely missed*

Sakura: Naruto! What have you done?! Naruto: It’s a bunny!

  • Naruto runs and grabs the bunny*

Naruto: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…I’m sorry, bunny. Tazuna: It’s just a rabbit, eh. Kakashi (Thinking): That’s a snow rabbit. But that doesn’t explain its fur color…The coat turns white only during winter when there is little sunlight. Which means…that snow rabbit was raised indoors without sunlight to be used as a Kawarimi.

  • Zabuza hides in the top of a tree, watching Team 7 and Tazuna*

Kakashi (Thinking): Guess they’re already here… Naruto: I’m sorry… Zabuza (Thinking): I see…The Demon Brothers wouldn’t be enough to take on these guys. The Copy Ninja from Konohagakure, “Sharingan” Kakashi is with them…

  • Zabuza jumps from the tree branch in a flicker*

Kakashi: Nuh?! Everyone get down!

  • Zabuza’s Kubikiribocho comes flying from the top of a tree, spinning through the air, as Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Tazuna, and Kakashi jump to the ground to avoid it, before it is embedded in the side of a tree. Zabuza appears on the handle of his Kubikiribocho in a flicker.*

Kakashi (Thinking): If I’m not mistaken, he’s… Naruto (Thinking): Here we go! Here we go, here we go, here we go! I’m going to do it this time. I won’t lose to Sasuke! Kakashi: Well, well. If it isn’t the rogue ninja of Kirigakure, Momochi Zabuza. Naruto (Thinking): Rogue ninja? Whatever. What’s important now is…Ready…Go!

  • Naruto runs toward Zabuza. Kakashi throws his hand in front of Naruto, blocking his path*

Kakashi: You’re in the way. Get back, you guys. Naruto: Why?! Kakashi: He’s on a totally different level from the guys from the other day. Kakashi (Thinking): His being our opponent means…

  • Kakashi reaches up and grabs the part of his headband over his left eye*

Naruto: Huh? Sakura: Oh? Kakashi (Thinking): That things might be tricky as I am now. Zabuza: I assume you are Kakashi, the Sharingan user… Sasuke: Ah! Zabuza: Sorry, but…I’ll have you hand over the old man. Naruto (Thinking): Huh? Huh? Sharingan? What’s that? Sakura (Thinking): What? What is he talking about? Is this guy strong? Tazuna (Thinking): Sharingan… Kakashi: Get in Manji battle formation, you guys. Protect Tazuna…Don’t involve yourself in the fight. Sakura: Huh? Kakashi: That’s the teamwork in this situation.

  • Kakashi lifts his headband to reveal his Sharingan, a red eye with three tomoe markings around the pupil*

Naruto: Huh?! Kakahsi: Fight me. Naruto (Thinking): W…what’s this eye…? Zabuza: Well now…I never expected to see the rumored Sharingan this soon…This is an honor. Naruto: Everyone’s been saying Sharingan…What is it?! Sasuke: Sharingan. Power that the light of the eye generates, and the pupil emanates. The user of the so-called Dojutsu is said to possess the vision to see through all Genjutsu, Taijutsu, and Ninjutsu, and is able to deflect them. The Sharingan is a type of eye that is unique to the user of the Dojutsu. However, that is not the only power of the Sharingan. Zabuza: Well said. That is not all. What’s more frightening is that such an eye can assess an opponent’s techniques and copy them.

  • A thick mist suddenly covers the area*

Zabuza: When I was in the Anbu Black Ops of Kirigakure, search information about you was in the Bingo Book I would carry around with me. There was also something else in the book…About the man who has copied over one thousand skills…Kakashi the Copy Ninja. Sakura (Thinking): What? Kakashi Sensei is that incredible a ninja? Naruto: W…wow! Sasuke (Thinking): What does this mean? The Sharingan…is a special trait that appears in only a select few even among the Uchiha clan. Could it be, that this guy… Zabuza: Let’s end the talking here. I must kill that old man immediately. Tazuna: …!

  • Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto appear in front of Tazuna, moving quickly enough to look like blurs, creating a triangle-like formation in front of him*

Zabuza: But, Kakashi, it seems I have to defeat you first.

  • Zabuza propels himself off the tree after pushing off it with his foot, removing his Kubikiribocho that was embedded in the tree, in a flicker. Zabuza stands on the surface of a lake.*

Naruto: Over there! Sakura: And he’s even on the water?

  • Zabuza levitates numerous droplets of water from the surface of the lake around himself, turning it into mist*

Kakashi (Thinking): He’s building up quite a bit of Chakra! Zabuza: Ninpo: Kirigakure no Jutsu.

  • Zabuza vanishes within a thick mist*

Naruto: He’s vanished?! Sakura: Sensei! Kakashi: He’ll probably come to erase me first… Sakura: What is he? Kakashi: Momochi Zabuza. He’s an Anbu Black Ops member in Kirigakure and is known as the “silent killing” technique expert. Naruto: S…silent? Kakashi: As the name suggests…it’s a klling skill that’s implemented in an instant in silence.

  • Zabuza is shown during his time as an Anbu Black Ops member, appearing behind a Konoha shinobi, Kumade, and holding a kunai to his throat, before slitting it.*

Kakashi: By the time you realize it, it’s possible you may find yourself in the afterlife. I haven’t totally mastered the use of my Sharingan. So don’t lower your guard, you guys. Well, if we fail, we’ll only die. Sakura: How can you be so carefree?! Naruto: The mist is steadily getting thicker! Tazuna: The Land of Waves is surrounded by ocean. So mist rises very easily.

  • The mist thickens around Kakashi, causing Team 7 to lose sight of him*

Sakura: Sensei! Zabuza: Eight spots. Sakura: Huh? What? Zabuza: The larynx, the spine, the lungs, the liver…the jugular and the subclavian veins. The kidneys, the heart. Now then, which vulnerable spot would be good?

  • Kakashi places his hands together, creating a current of Chakra around himself, which blew away the mist around himself and Team 7*

Sasuke (Thinking): What an intense thirst for blood! If I take even one breath, or move my eyes, I will be marked and killed. That’s what I’m feeling. If I’m stuck like this for an hour, I’ll go mad! Facing a Jonin’s intent to kill…This sensation is like having my life being held in limbo…No way! I’d rather die to escape this feeling! Kakashi: Sasuke. Don’t worry. I’ll protect you with my life. I will not allow my comrades to be killed. Zabuza: I wonder about that…

  • Zabuza suddenly appears between Tazuna and Team 7*

Tazuna, Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto: …! Zabuza: It’s over.

  • Zabuza begins to swing his Kubikiribocho. Kakashi launches toward Zabuza and stabs him in the abdomen with a kunai*

Sakura, Sasuke, Tazuna, and Naruto: …!

  • Water begins leaking from Zabuza’s wound, as another Zabuza appears behind Kakashi*

Naruto: Sensei! Behind you!

  • The Zabuza that Kakashi stabbed, breaks down into water*

Zabuza: Die!

  • Zabuza swing his Kubikiribocho, cutting Kakashi from stomach to back, and seemingly slicing him in half*

Zabuza: Hmm!

  • The Kakashi that Zabuza slashed, breaks down into water*

Zabuza (Thinking): Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu? It can’t be!

  • Zabuza thinks back to when he first disappeared with his Kirigakure no Jutsu*

Zabuza (Thinking): In this mist…did he actually copy me?

  • Kakashi appears behind Zabuza, before holding a kunai to his throat*

Kakashi: Don’t move. It’s over.

  • Episode ends*

Episode Rating

Story & Pacing (9.1/10)

  • The slow buildup from the boat ride to the Land of Waves effectively sets the foreboding atmosphere, making the viewer feel the escalating threat.
  • Tazuna’s backstory on Gato’s oppression adds depth to the mission and justifies his deception, making it more than just a standard escort job.
  • Zabuza’s ambush is perfectly timed, shifting the episode from an uneasy journey to an intense, high-level ninja battle.
  • The cliffhanger ending with Kakashi outmaneuvering Zabuza is one of the strongest in the early series, leaving a strong sense of anticipation.

Characterization & Themes (9.0/10)

  • Kakashi Hatake – The Legendary Copy Ninja
    • Kakashi’s calm and calculated demeanor contrasts with Naruto’s brashness and Sasuke’s unease, reinforcing why he is a Jonin.
    • The moment he reveals his Sharingan is a huge milestone, making it clear he is no ordinary ninja.
    • His confidence in protecting his students ("I will not allow my comrades to be killed") adds weight to his role as a leader.
    • His counter to Zabuza’s tactics using his own water clone technique is a brilliant display of strategy and combat intelligence.
  • Naruto Uzumaki – Brash but Determined
    • Naruto tries too hard to prove himself, leading to the comedic moment with the white rabbit, but this also hints at his underlying insecurities.
    • His reaction to Kakashi blocking him from charging into battle shows that he still doesn’t fully understand the difference in skill levels between Genin and elite Jonin.
    • Despite this, his determination to fight and prove himself continues to make him a compelling protagonist.
  • Sasuke Uchiha – First Taste of True Fear
    • Sasuke, despite his usual arrogance, experiences his first true moment of fear in battle when Zabuza exerts his overwhelming killing intent.
    • His shock at Kakashi’s Sharingan suggests he is starting to question how someone outside the Uchiha Clan possesses it, which subtly builds towards future plotlines.
    • This moment humanizes Sasuke, showing that even he can be caught off guard in the face of true danger.
  • Sakura Haruno – Minor but Present
    • While still not heavily involved in combat, Sakura’s protective stance in front of Tazuna is a step forward in her character development.
    • She is reactive rather than proactive, but her growing awareness of Kakashi’s strength and the true danger of ninja combat is notable.
  • Zabuza Momochi – A Legitimate Threat
    • From the moment he appears, Zabuza carries an aura of menace and confidence.
    • His respectful but cocky attitude towards Kakashi (calling it an “honor” to see the Sharingan) adds depth to his character, showing that he is both ruthless and intelligent.
    • His use of Kirigakure no Jutsu (Hidden Mist Technique) creates a genuinely suspenseful atmosphere, making him feel like a horror movie antagonist.
    • His silent killing technique makes him far more dangerous than the Demon Brothers, cementing him as Naruto’s first truly formidable opponent.

Action & Strategy (9.2/10)

  • The buildup to the battle is expertly handled, from Kakashi sensing Zabuza’s presence to his immediate decision to use the Sharingan.
  • The tactical depth is impressive, with Zabuza using the mist to create an assassination environment and Kakashi countering with superior strategy.
  • The Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu (Water Clone Jutsu) exchange is brilliantly executed, reinforcing why Kakashi is known as the Copy Ninja.
  • The final moment where Kakashi turns the tables by using Zabuza’s own technique against him is a perfect cliffhanger.

World-Building & Lore (9.0/10)

  • The Gato backstory expands the world, showing how ninja conflicts affect smaller nations.
  • The Five Great Nations were introduced in the previous episode, but this episode reinforces the hierarchy by showing rogue ninjas like Zabuza.
  • The Sharingan’s abilities are fully explained, setting up its importance for future arcs.
  • The Bingo Book concept is introduced, showing how elite ninjas track dangerous opponents.

Suspense & Atmosphere (9.3/10)

  • The thickening mist, Kakashi’s explanations, and Zabuza’s eerie silence create one of the most suspenseful moments in the series so far.
  • Zabuza’s "eight spots" speech is chilling, reinforcing how skilled he is at assassination.
  • The moment Sasuke nearly loses his composure due to Zabuza’s killing intent is a highlight, emphasizing just how outmatched Team 7 is.

Comedy & Emotional Impact (8.5/10)

  • The humor in the first half with Naruto mistaking the white rabbit helps balance the tension later on.
  • Tazuna’s guilt-tripping speech about his grandson and daughter is a clever manipulation tactic, making Team 7 continue the mission despite the risks.
  • The sheer contrast between Naruto’s overconfidence and the reality of the situation adds an emotional punch, showing how much he has to learn.

Final Verdict: 9.0/10 – The Best Episode So Far

This episode brilliantly blends world-building, suspense, action, and character development, delivering the first true ninja battle of the series.

  • Strengths:
    • ✔️ Zabuza’s menacing presence and silent killing technique
    • ✔️ Kakashi’s Sharingan reveal and brilliant counterattack
    • ✔️ Tense and atmospheric buildup to combat
    • ✔️ First real taste of high-level ninja battles
    • ✔️ Sasuke’s fear and Naruto’s desperation add realism to their development
    • ✔️ The cliffhanger ending is perfectly executed
  • Weaknesses:
    • ❌ Sakura remains underutilized in battle
    • ❌ Tazuna’s guilt trip is a bit heavy-handed, but it serves its purpose

Overall, this is a near-perfect episode that solidifies the stakes and tension of the Land of Waves arc, setting up a battle that will define the early Naruto series.