Naruto, Episode 6: A Dangerous Mission! Journey to the Land of Waves!
Summary of Tazuna's Role:
Introduction as a Client:
Tazuna is introduced as a veteran bridge builder from the Land of Waves.
He immediately doubts Team 7's abilities, especially targeting Naruto, leading to humorous and tense exchanges.
His gruff and dismissive attitude toward the young ninjas, particularly Naruto, establishes his personality as skeptical and tough.
Mission Objective:
The mission revolves around guarding Tazuna as he works to complete a bridge in the Land of Waves, a task crucial for the livelihood of his nation.
Hidden Truth:
It is revealed that Tazuna withheld key information about the true dangers of the mission. While it was initially categorized as a C-rank task, the presence of ninja enemies, like the Demon Brothers, elevates it to at least B-rank in difficulty.
Tazuna’s deception was driven by his nation’s poverty, which prevented him from affording a higher-ranked mission request.
Interaction During the Journey:
Tazuna frequently mocks Naruto, calling him a "squirt" and doubting his abilities. This fuels Naruto's determination to prove himself.
He expresses worry about the team's competency, particularly in light of the dangers posed by enemy ninjas.
The Target of Enemy Attacks:
Tazuna is confirmed as the primary target of the Demon Brothers, hired by Gato to stop him from completing the bridge, which threatens Gato's control over the Land of Waves.
Emotional Catalyst:
His life being in danger pushes Team 7 into action and Naruto to step up, especially after the attack by the Demon Brothers. This sparks Naruto's resolve to overcome his fear and protect Tazuna no matter what.
Overall Role:
Tazuna serves as both a client and a source of conflict, adding depth to the mission and forcing Team 7 to confront unexpected challenges. His hidden motives, sarcastic demeanor, and the danger surrounding him contribute to the team's growth and cohesion while highlighting the realities of ninja missions.
Naruto, Episode 7: The Assassin of the Mist!
Summary of Tazuna's Role:
Context for the Mission:
Reveals the Truth About Gato: Tazuna admits to Team 7 that he is being targeted by Gato, a powerful and ruthless shipping magnate involved in illegal activities, including drug trafficking and extortion.
Explains the Bridge's Significance: He highlights how the bridge he is building threatens Gato's control over the Land of Waves by providing the people with an alternative to Gato's monopoly on maritime transport.
Confesses to Deception: Tazuna admits to lying about the mission's difficulty due to the poverty of his nation, revealing that they cannot afford a higher-ranked mission. His dishonesty forces Team 7 into a more dangerous situation than initially expected.
Emotional Appeal:
Tazuna uses emotional manipulation to gain Team 7's sympathy, describing how his death would leave his young grandson, Inari, heartbroken and his daughter, Tsunami, grieving in solitude. This guilt-tripping ensures that Team 7 decides to continue protecting him despite the increased danger.
Interaction with Team 7:
During the Boat Ride: Tazuna cooperates with Kaji to ensure their safe arrival in the Land of Waves under the cover of fog. He expresses gratitude to Kaji for his assistance.
In the Forest: Tazuna observes Team 7's dynamics as Naruto acts recklessly, and Kakashi takes charge. He comments on Naruto's behavior, showing mild irritation at the chaos but remains reliant on the team's protection.
Confronting Danger: Tazuna becomes visibly alarmed during Zabuza's ambush, staying behind Team 7 as they form a defensive formation to protect him.
Overall Role:
Tazuna's character drives the narrative forward by introducing the true stakes of the mission and providing insight into the dire situation in the Land of Waves. His admission of deception creates a moral dilemma for Team 7, forcing them to confront the reality of their responsibilities as ninjas while navigating a dangerous and escalating conflict.
Naruto, Episode 8: The Oath of Pain
Summary of Tazuna's Role:
The Mission's Objective:
Tazuna is the client that Team 7 is tasked with protecting. His safety remains the team's priority throughout the battle, as Kakashi repeatedly reminds the Genin to prioritize his protection.
His importance as a bridge builder is highlighted when Kakashi emphasizes that the mission is about ensuring his survival until his project is completed.
Acknowledging Responsibility:
Tazuna openly admits his role in escalating the mission's danger:
He says, "This is a seed that I planted," recognizing that his incomplete disclosure of the mission's true risks has placed Team 7 in a perilous situation.
Despite this, he encourages the team to continue fighting, showing a sense of guilt but also trust in their abilities.
A Measure of Doubt:
Tazuna expresses initial skepticism about Team 7's capabilities, especially Naruto's. He recalls his first impression of Naruto as unreliable, reflecting his doubts about whether the young ninja can rise to the occasion.
However, he begins to reassess his opinion as Naruto's determination and leadership during the battle emerge.
Witnessing Team 7's Growth:
Tazuna observes the evolving teamwork and bravery of the Genin, particularly Naruto's resolve to protect him despite overwhelming odds. This serves as a moment of growth not only for Naruto but also for Tazuna's trust in the group.
Symbol of the Stakes:
As the target of Zabuza’s attacks, Tazuna symbolizes the importance of the mission. His presence reinforces the team’s commitment to their duties as ninja, especially in the face of life-threatening adversaries like Zabuza.
Overall Role:
Tazuna's role in this episode underscores the high stakes of the mission and the consequences of his dishonesty about the dangers involved. He serves as both a source of conflict and a figure who motivates Team 7 to push beyond their limits, particularly Naruto and Sasuke. His eventual recognition of the team's resolve marks a step toward mutual trust between the client and the protectors.
Naruto, Episode 9: Kakashi: Sharingan Warrior!
Summary of Tazuna's Role:
Mission Objective and Symbol of Protection:
Tazuna remains the primary mission objective for Team 7, with the team risking their lives to protect him. His safety underscores the urgency and importance of the group's actions against Zabuza.
He stays close to Sakura, who actively guards him, as Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi engage in combat with Zabuza.
Observing Team Dynamics:
Reacting to Team 7’s Growth: Tazuna observes and acknowledges the impressive coordination between Naruto and Sasuke during their attack on Zabuza. Despite referring to their success as a “fluke,” his tone shows a mix of amazement and newfound respect for their abilities.
Emphasizing Sakura’s Awareness: Through his presence, Tazuna indirectly highlights Sakura's responsibility and focus, as she ensures his safety while reacting to the intensity of the battle.
Representing Civilian Perspective:
Tazuna’s reactions reflect the awe and disbelief of a civilian watching highly skilled ninjas in combat. His exclamations during Kakashi and Zabuza’s water dragon clash and the Daibakufu no Jutsu illustrate the overwhelming scale of their power.
He voices his gratitude to the team after the intense battle and offers them a place to rest at his home, symbolizing his reliance on and trust in them.
Highlighting Team 7’s Morale:
Tazuna indirectly motivates the group by acknowledging their efforts and offering to host them. His gratitude serves as a reminder of the mission's purpose and the lives they are protecting.
Overall Role:
Tazuna plays a vital, though passive, role in this episode. As the mission's objective, he is the driving force behind the team's actions. His reactions to the battle provide an external perspective, highlighting the team's growth, coordination, and sacrifices. Moreover, his offer of support after the battle strengthens the bond between him and Team 7, reflecting their mutual reliance on one another.
Naruto, Episode 10: The Forest of Chakra
Summary of Tazuna's Role:
Host and Supporter:
Tazuna is present at his house, showing concern for Kakashi's condition and expressing relief that Zabuza was defeated, believing that they are safe for the time being.
Mediator and Encourager:
When Inari rudely dismisses Team 7's chances against Gato, Tazuna apologizes for his grandson’s behavior, attempting to maintain harmony between Inari and the team.
Family Role:
Tazuna warmly greets his grandson, Inari, showcasing their close bond. He reassures Inari when the boy expresses doubt about the ninja’s abilities.
Observational Role:
He participates in the ongoing discussions about Zabuza, listening as Kakashi theorizes that Zabuza may still be alive. Though skeptical, he doesn't dismiss Kakashi's logic entirely.
Overall Role:
Tazuna serves as a stabilizing presence, balancing concern for his family and gratitude for Team 7's efforts. While not actively involved in combat or training, his role highlights the stakes of protecting his family and village from Gato's oppression.