Ch. 41Sasuke Also Wanted to Show Off
Chapter Summary: “Sasuke Also Wants to Show Off”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Zabuza attacks the group, furious that Naruto has somehow caused his greatsword, the Kubikiribōchō, to disappear. He demands to know where it went and also insists that Tazuna be handed over.
- Kakashi intervenes and identifies Zabuza as the rogue ninja Momochi Zabuza. The two exchange formal recognition, with Zabuza acknowledging Kakashi’s reputation as “Sharingan Kakashi.”
- Naruto discovers that Kakashi’s previously hidden left eye is a fully developed three-tomoe Sharingan.
- Wanting to display his own abilities, Sasuke activates his two-tomoe Sharingan. His dramatic appearance impresses Sakura and briefly shifts attention away from Naruto.
- Zabuza recognizes Sasuke as the last surviving Uchiha and decides that Kakashi is the primary threat. Kakashi orders Naruto and Sasuke to remain behind in a diamond formation and protect Tazuna.
- Zabuza begins the battle by using the Hidden Mist technique, filling the area with chakra-infused fog and disappearing from sight.
- Naruto uses his sensory abilities to track Zabuza’s movements and warns Kakashi of attacks and changes in position.
- Zabuza attempts to target Naruto after realizing how useful his sensory skills are. Naruto blocks a thrown kunai.
- Naruto and Sasuke coordinate a shuriken attack. Although the weapons do not hit Zabuza, they force him to keep moving through the mist.
- Naruto reveals his enormous supply of shuriken and confidently decides to overwhelm Zabuza through continuous attacks. The chapter ends as Naruto senses Zabuza changing direction and preparing to strike.
Character Developments
- Naruto: Remains irreverent and fearless, mocking Zabuza despite the danger. His sensory abilities prove highly valuable, and he demonstrates strong combat instincts and teamwork. His unusual inventory also gives him an apparently limitless supply of weapons.
- Sasuke: Eager to demonstrate his strength, he activates his Sharingan to match Kakashi and assert himself. He quickly responds to Naruto’s attack plan and shows enthusiasm for facing a dangerous opponent.
- Kakashi: Reveals his three-tomoe Sharingan and takes command of the situation. He treats Zabuza as a serious threat and prioritizes protecting the inexperienced members of Team 7.
- Zabuza: Initially enraged over losing his sword, he regains his composure and focuses on the mission. He recognizes Naruto’s sensory talent as a danger and shifts his attention toward eliminating him.
- Sakura: Initially frightened by Zabuza’s killing intent, she is reassured and impressed by Sasuke’s confident Sharingan display.
- Tazuna: Remains the protected target of Zabuza’s assassination attempt and the central reason for the confrontation.
Significant Themes
- Showing off and rivalry: Sasuke’s decision to activate his Sharingan reflects his desire not to be overshadowed by Naruto or Kakashi.
- Teamwork and cooperation: Naruto and Sasuke coordinate their shuriken attack effectively despite their competitive personalities.
- Experience versus youthful confidence: Kakashi understands the danger of fighting a veteran Jonin, while Naruto and Sasuke are eager to prove themselves without fully appreciating the risks.
- Hidden strength: Naruto’s sensory abilities and huge weapon supply, Kakashi’s Sharingan, and Sasuke’s developing Sharingan reveal that the team possesses more capability than Zabuza initially expects.
- Composure under pressure: Zabuza’s ability to recover from his anger and Kakashi’s calm command contrast with Naruto’s humor and Sasuke’s excitement.
Character Interactions
- Naruto provokes Zabuza with jokes about the missing sword, prompting Kakashi to restrain him and take control of the conversation.
- Kakashi and Zabuza exchange wary recognition before abandoning diplomacy and preparing to fight.
- Sasuke deliberately mirrors Kakashi’s Sharingan display, earning Sakura’s admiration and trying to compete with Naruto’s attention-grabbing behavior.
- Kakashi orders Naruto and Sasuke to protect Tazuna rather than join the battle, but Naruto objects because he wants to participate.
- Naruto warns Kakashi about Zabuza’s location in the mist, establishing trust in Naruto’s sensory skills.
- Naruto and Sasuke work together to pressure Zabuza, with Naruto initiating the plan and Sasuke immediately understanding and supporting it.