Chapter Summaries

Hiruzen Sarutobi entrusted Kakashi with guiding Naruto, and Kakashi began his first official meeting with Team 7. Naruto’s uncanny familiarity with Kakashi’s arrival and his cryptic ambition left Kakashi wondering what kind of team he had been given.

• Kakashi noticed that Naruto’s home seemed prepared for their unexpected visit, and Hiruzen asked him to help Naruto inherit the Will of Fire.
• After the other Jonin took their teams, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura waited hours for Kakashi to arrive.
• Naruto predicted Kakashi’s arrival to the second, surprising Sasuke and Sakura.
• Kakashi introduced himself as Team 7’s Jonin Instructor, while Naruto asked to hold the introductions in the classroom.
• Naruto shared his cryptic dream, Sasuke vowed to kill a man and restore the Uchiha Clan, and Sakura blushed while hinting at her crush on Sasuke.
• Kakashi concluded that Team 7 would be more troublesome than he had expected.

Kakashi announced a wilderness survival exercise, but Naruto told Sasuke and Sakura to arrive later and eat breakfast, reasoning that Kakashi would be late. Kakashi confronted Naruto afterward, and Naruto hinted that he had another surprise planned for the test.

• Kakashi told Team 7 to meet at Training Ground Three at five in the morning without breakfast, warning that failing the exercise meant repeating the Ninja Academy.
• Naruto advised Sakura and Sasuke to arrive at ten and eat breakfast, and Sasuke backed his judgment.
• Kakashi secretly watched the group, then followed Naruto to ask why he had undermined the test instructions.
• Naruto explained that he had anticipated Kakashi's lateness and argued that adjusting the plan was another way to solve the problem.
• Naruto promised Kakashi a bigger surprise the next day and cryptically suggested he had predicted two guests would visit his home that morning.

Kakashi tested Team 7 at Training Ground Three by challenging them to take two bells before noon. Naruto confidently attacked Kakashi and showed strength that shocked Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi, who prepared to get serious.

• Kakashi waited at the Memorial Stone before meeting Sasuke and Sakura at Training Ground Three, then arrived at ten with Naruto.
• Kakashi explained the bell test and warned that the student without a bell would fail, while Naruto remained confident that all three could pass.
• Sasuke and Sakura hid in the bushes, but Naruto stayed in the open and told Kakashi he would take the bells cleanly.
• Kakashi began reading Icha Icha Paradise, and Naruto suddenly struck at the bells with a blow that staggered Kakashi and dropped the book.
• Kakashi recognized Naruto's speed and strength, while Sasuke and Sakura watched in shock; Kakashi then prepared to get serious.

Naruto overwhelmed Kakashi in the bell test, then gave the bells to Sasuke and Sakura to challenge the test’s rules. Kakashi failed Naruto for ignoring teamwork, but Naruto said he intended to change the unreasonable rule and prepared to explain how.

• Kakashi attacked Naruto with Taijutsu, but Naruto dodged and countered with precise movements.
• Naruto used Water Dragon Bullet to overpower Kakashi’s Great Fireball and crack his Earth Flow Wall, then forced Kakashi from underground with Earth Dragon Bullet.
• Naruto concealed himself in mist, took Kakashi’s bells, and tossed them to Sasuke and Sakura.
• Kakashi explained that the test was meant to teach teamwork and failed Naruto, ordering him to repeat the year at the Ninja Academy.
• Naruto told Kakashi he understood the lesson but was protesting the rule and intended to change it.

Naruto challenged Kakashi's bell test as unfair and ineffective, but Kakashi defended it as his personal way of ensuring he could trust his teammates in dangerous missions. Kakashi failed Naruto for taking the bells alone, and Naruto quietly declared that Kakashi had lost.

• Naruto argued that Kakashi's test unfairly forced new Genin to demonstrate teamwork under extreme conditions and failed to teach or reliably identify it.
• Naruto said genuine teamwork should develop naturally through experience rather than being forced by an artificial crisis, leaving Kakashi and his teammates stunned.
• Kakashi praised Naruto's reasoning but explained that his duty was to protect his own team, and that he would not risk taking teammates he could not trust into danger.
• Kakashi said he would have passed Naruto if he had worked with Sasuke and Sakura to take the bells, but failed him for taking them alone and giving them away afterward.
• Kakashi maintained that the ninja world was cruel and unfair, then declared Naruto failed; Naruto quietly told Kakashi that he had lost.

Naruto defeated Kakashi in the survival exercise and challenged him to address the unfair systems behind Genin training. Kakashi resolved to propose reforms, while Naruto committed to transforming the ninja world at its roots, even if the cycle continued.

• Naruto explained that Kakashi's rules came from his unresolved regrets and argued that teamwork should be an explicit part of Genin assessments.
• Naruto overwhelmed Kakashi, pinned him down, and argued that qualified Genin should not be denied graduation by one instructor.
• Naruto urged Kakashi to ask the Third Hokage to reform Konoha's Genin selection and team assessment systems.
• Kakashi saw Minato in Naruto and realized he should stop living in the past and act to prevent future tragedies.
• Sakura and Sasuke changed their views of Naruto, while Naruto resolved to reform the ninja world from the ground up.

After Team 7 passed Kakashi’s bell test, Kakashi proposed that the Ninja Academy and instructors teach the importance of teamwork more explicitly. Hiruzen said he would consider it, but privately dismissed Kakashi’s concern for shinobi’s lives as naivety.

• Kakashi congratulated Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura on graduating after Naruto took the bells, and announced that Team 7 would begin missions the next day.
• Sasuke left to train, and Sakura followed him while Naruto departed separately.
• Kakashi told Hiruzen that Naruto could surpass Minato, then proposed teaching teamwork more clearly to prevent future tragedies.
• Hiruzen said he would consider Kakashi’s proposal, then privately reflected that a shinobi should put missions and Konoha first.

Hiruzen Sarutobi grew uneasy about Naruto’s rapid growth and secretly monitored him, then tested Naruto’s loyalty to the village in person. Naruto met Neji briefly and left Hiruzen reassured for now, though Naruto privately showed little interest in the Hokage’s approval.

• Hiruzen heard an Anbu report on Naruto’s actions at Training Ground Three and worried that a powerful Jinchuriki with independent ideas could threaten the village.
• Hiruzen watched Naruto leave Ichiraku Ramen Shop and head toward the Hyuga Clan Compound through his crystal ball.
• Naruto encountered Neji Hyuga, introduced himself, and walked away before Neji could warn him to stay away from Hinata.
• Hiruzen approached Naruto and reminded him to follow the Will of Fire and protect the village, while Naruto replied respectfully.
• After Hiruzen left, Naruto’s smile faded as he reflected on how little he cared about earning approval or becoming Hokage.

Team 7 grew tired of easy D-rank work, so Naruto and Sasuke asked Hiruzen Sarutobi for a harder mission. Hiruzen assigned them to escort Tazuna to the Land of Waves, and Naruto abruptly told the confused client to meet them at the village gate the next morning.

• Naruto continued refining a way to neutralize the Hyuga Clan's Caged Bird Cursed Seal, while training Sasuke and spending time with Hinata.
• Team 7 quickly completed a mission to catch Tiger, the daimyo's wife's cat.
• Naruto and Sasuke asked Hiruzen Sarutobi for a more challenging assignment, with Kakashi pretending to scold them.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Team 7 a C-rank mission to escort Tazuna to the Land of Waves while he built a bridge.
• Naruto told Tazuna to meet Team 7 at the village gate the next morning, leaving Tazuna bewildered as Kakashi tried to explain Naruto's behavior.

Team 7 left Konoha with Tazuna and encountered the Demon Brothers, who attacked Kakashi and Naruto. Sasuke defeated the Hidden Mist ninja, and Kakashi revealed that Tazuna’s mission needed to be raised to B-rank.

• Team 7 met Tazuna at Konoha’s gates and set out toward the Land of Waves.
• Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi noticed a suspicious puddle, but the group continued past it.
• The Demon Brothers emerged from the puddle and appeared to tear Kakashi apart with their chains.
• Sasuke pinned the Demon Brothers’ chains to a tree, then knocked both ninja unconscious.
• Kakashi revealed that he had used the Substitution Technique and identified the attackers as Hidden Mist Chunin.
• Kakashi tied up the Demon Brothers and told Tazuna that the mission needed to be raised from C-rank to B-rank.

Team 7 learned that Tazuna had concealed the danger of their mission, but Naruto and Sasuke agreed to continue escorting him to the Land of Waves. As they entered the forest near Tazuna’s home, Naruto left a Shadow Clone with the others and rushed ahead to confront Zabuza and Haku.

• Kakashi explained that the attackers were Hidden Mist Chunin and pressed Tazuna to reveal why he had underpaid for the mission.
• Tazuna admitted that Gato controlled the Land of Waves’ sea routes and that the bridge he was building was the country’s hope.
• Naruto and Sasuke agreed to continue the mission, and Kakashi approved their decision.
• Team 7 traveled by boat to the Land of Waves and saw Tazuna’s unfinished bridge emerge through the mist.
• In the forest, Naruto pretended to have a stomachache, left a Shadow Clone behind, and hurried toward Zabuza and Haku’s ambush.

Naruto confronted Momochi Zabuza and Haku at their forest meeting point, revealing that he knew their plans and challenging Zabuza to fight. He effortlessly dodged Zabuza’s sword strike and countered both Zabuza’s attack and Haku’s senbon, leaving the confrontation underway.

• Naruto arrived at the hidden meeting point where Momochi Zabuza and Haku were waiting for the Konoha ninja hired by Tazuna.
• Naruto appeared behind Zabuza and Haku, then revealed their identities, backgrounds, and plan to stop Tazuna’s bridge.
• Zabuza attacked Naruto with Kubikiribōchō after Naruto challenged him to fight.
• Naruto dodged Zabuza’s sword strike and punched the hand gripping its hilt.
• Haku launched senbon at Naruto, who deflected them all with shuriken.

Naruto Uzumaki told Zabuza and Haku that he wanted to transform the Shinobi World and explained how their goals aligned. After revealing detailed intelligence about Gato, Naruto left Zabuza convinced of his strength and knowledge.

• Naruto praised Haku's combat ability, then explained that Haku held back because he was unwilling to kill.
• Naruto introduced himself as a Konoha ninja and said he intended to transform the Shinobi World, but Zabuza distrusted him.
• Naruto recounted Zabuza's opposition to Yagura and his dream of returning to Kirigakure to change the Bloody Mist Village.
• Naruto argued that Zabuza needed his help to reach that dream, leaving Zabuza visibly shaken.
• Naruto explained that he needed Gato's money and influence for his plans, then revealed detailed information about Gato's security and whereabouts.
• Zabuza asked in horror whether Naruto intended to kill Gato and became convinced by Naruto's strength and intelligence.

Naruto forced Zabuza and Haku into a brief alliance, ordering them to deceive Gato while he prepared to seize the man’s wealth and kill him. Zabuza accepted because he saw Naruto as a possible path toward changing Kirigakure, though he remained wary.

• Naruto demanded that Zabuza and Haku become his subordinates and said Gato must die, with his wealth used to rebuild the country or fund change.
• Zabuza discarded the Kubikiribōchō and submitted reluctantly, while Naruto recognized that he had not yet earned Zabuza’s trust.
• Naruto ordered Zabuza and Haku to tell Gato their mission failed after encountering Kakashi Hatake, then ask for another chance and take Gato’s money.
• Naruto revealed that he knew all of Zabuza’s hideouts and left, warning Haku and Zabuza to make Zabuza’s injuries look serious.
• Zabuza told Haku that Naruto might be their only chance to gather the strength and resources needed to return to Kirigakure and end the Bloody Mist.
• Zabuza and Haku decided to follow Naruto’s plan and keep Gato unaware of their intentions.

Naruto returned to Kakashi’s team, and they reached Tazuna’s house without another attack. Naruto took Sasuke to a remote grove and revealed that Itachi Uchiha was the main reason he wanted Sasuke to become stronger.

• Naruto rejoined Kakashi, Sasuke, Sakura, and Tazuna, and they continued toward Tazuna’s house without encountering more enemies.
• Tazuna brought the team to his home, where his daughter welcomed them and explained that Inari was away; the group planned to rest before starting bridge construction the next day.
• Sasuke asked Naruto to train with him, and Naruto said he had something important to discuss; Kakashi let them leave for the grove.
• Naruto asked Sasuke why he thought Naruto was willing to train him, then said that although he considered Sasuke his best friend, Itachi Uchiha was the main reason he was teaching him to get stronger.

Naruto told Sasuke about the history of the Uchiha Clan and suggested that there was more to the truth behind its massacre, urging him to get stronger so they could uncover it together. While Sasuke returned to training, Naruto left a Shadow Clone behind and headed through the woods to meet Zabuza.

• Naruto explained to Sasuke how Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha founded Konoha, how they later split, and how Tobirama Senju assigned the Uchiha Clan to the Military Police Force.
• Naruto told Sasuke that he had investigated the Uchiha Clan’s history and suspected there was more to the massacre than Sasuke knew.
• Sasuke reconsidered his single-minded goal of killing Itachi Uchiha, and Naruto advised him to focus on getting stronger before searching for the truth.
• Sasuke resumed training as Naruto slipped away, leaving a Shadow Clone in his place.
• Naruto raced through the woods toward Zabuza’s hideout.

Naruto, Zabuza, and Haku raided Gato’s mansion, killing Gato and the bodyguards marked for elimination. They found a cautious butler who could serve as an authoritative spokesman for Gato’s business empire.

• Naruto gave Zabuza a detailed list of Gato’s people, marking whom to kill and whom they could recruit or deal with later.
• Naruto, Zabuza, and Haku approached Gato’s mansion at night, and Zabuza covered the grounds with mist.
• Zabuza and Haku silently took down the guards while Naruto killed Jōri and Faraday with shuriken.
• Naruto entered Gato’s bedroom and killed him after Gato tried to bargain for his life.
• Naruto searched Gato’s room for seals, contracts, keys, and property documents, while Zabuza brought in a cautious, influential butler.

Naruto took control of Gato's business in the Land of Waves and revealed to Zabuza his plan to unite the shinobi world and create a new order. Zabuza accepted Naruto's offer and took charge of the takeover while Naruto prepared to leave.

• Naruto persuaded Gato's butler to announce Gato's death, keep the business running under Zabuza's management, end the blockade, and distribute compensation to civilians.
• Naruto gave Zabuza Gato's assets and detailed intelligence, instructing him to take control of the criminal empire swiftly and discreetly.
• Naruto explained that he planned to replace the shinobi world's foundations with a unified order rather than merely reform Kirigakure.
• Zabuza warned that uniting the world would require immense power and bloodshed, but Naruto argued that they could prevent future tragedies by joining forces.
• Zabuza clasped Naruto's hand and agreed to follow him, and Naruto left the takeover in Zabuza's hands before saying he needed to return.

Naruto returned to Tazuna’s home after killing Gato and arranging for Zabuza to take control of his forces. The next morning, Team 7 escorted Tazuna to the bridge, where Naruto kept Gato’s absence unexplained as work continued without interference.

• Zabuza was inspired by Naruto’s plans and regained hope of returning to the Hidden Mist and ending the Bloody Mist Village’s fate.
• Naruto returned to Tazuna’s home, and his Shadow Clone dispelled itself after carrying out his cover plan.
• Kakashi told Team 7 to escort Tazuna to the bridge while he handled other business, and Inari ate quietly after being comforted by Tazuna and Kakashi.
• Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura escorted Tazuna through the impoverished Land of Waves to the unfinished bridge.
• Tazuna directed the workers while Team 7 waited without encountering trouble, and Naruto privately recognized that Gato could no longer interfere.

After Gato’s death ended the blockades and brought compensation to the people of the Land of Waves, Tazuna and the villagers resolved to continue building the bridge. Naruto kept Gato’s hidden change of leadership to himself while the group returned to Tazuna’s home for lunch.

• Tazuna took Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke to the market, where fishermen told them Gato had died and his company had lifted the blockades and distributed compensation.
• Tazuna insisted the bridge still needed to be completed so the Land of Waves would be better protected from future oppression.
• Naruto thought the company’s housekeeper had followed his instructions and wondered how Zabuza was doing.
• Sakura asked Naruto what Sasuke liked, then went looking for training supplies after Naruto explained that the market mostly sold fishing gear.
• Tsunami told the group that the villagers remained uneasy but wanted the bridge finished, and Tazuna vowed to make it sturdier than planned.
• Kakashi privately suspected Gato’s death might have resulted from an internal power struggle.