Biodata
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Tazuna (达兹纳) |
| Gender | Male |
| Affiliation | Land of Waves |
| Occupation/Role | Bridge builder; client of Kakashi Squad's Land of Waves escort mission |
| First Appearance | Chapter 23 |
Background
Tazuna is constructing a bridge intended to give the isolated Land of Waves a route to outside development. The project represents the country's hope, while Tazuna himself is described as its courage. 75 83
Wealthy merchant Gato seeks to prevent the bridge's completion, disrupting construction through rogue ninja and thugs before hiring Zabuza and Aoi Rokushō to assassinate Tazuna. 88 102
Land of Waves Escort Mission
Tazuna hires Kakashi Squad under a C-rank commission despite ninja attackers targeting him. He admits that his funds can only cover a C-rank mission, but insists he cannot abandon the bridge project. 83
At Konoha's gate, Tazuna mocks Naruto's appearance and ability, prompting Naruto to argue with him before Kakashi restrains the boy. 81
During the Demon Brothers' ambush, the attackers redirect their assault toward Tazuna after Sasuke interrupts their initial attack on Naruto. Naruto and Sasuke subsequently fight together to protect him. 82
When Zabuza traps Kakashi in the Water Prison, Kakashi orders Team 7 to flee with Tazuna. Sasuke rejects retreat, reasoning that Zabuza would eventually hunt them down without Kakashi's protection. 23
After the Demon Brothers' ambush, Tazuna initially denies knowing why ninja are pursuing the group. Kakashi does not press him further, recognizing that the looming conflict is important to Naruto and Sasuke's development. 83
Protection and Aftermath
Kitahara Kaede assigns Sakura to protect Tazuna during the clash with Zabuza's forces. 89
Following the battle, Tazuna allows the Konoha shinobi to stay at his house. Having witnessed their strength and knowing Gato could hire additional attackers, he recognizes that their protection is essential for his survival. 93
Kaede later states that Gato's forces have been neutralized and that a Shadow Clone has taken control of Gato, preventing further interference with the bridge's construction. 102
With Gato controlled and his forces eliminated, the bridge is completed without further disruption. It retains its original name rather than being renamed the Naruto Great Bridge. 102
Gato remains under the Shadow Clone's supervision afterward and is directed to gather materials for Kaede's planned underground laboratory. 322
Relationships
- Hatake Kakashi — Escort leader who protects Tazuna despite the mission's concealed danger. 23 83
- Uzumaki Naruto — Assigned to accompany Tazuna to the bridge site while work continues; initially clashes with him after Tazuna mocks him. 81 97
- Uchiha Sasuke — Refuses to abandon Tazuna after Kakashi is captured by Zabuza and helps protect him during the Demon Brothers' ambush. 23 82
- Haruno Sakura — Tasked with guarding him during the confrontation with Zabuza's group. 89
- Kitahara Kaede — Coordinates protection for Tazuna and later removes Gato's ability to disrupt the bridge project. 89 102
- Gato — Merchant whose campaign against the bridge includes hiring ninja to kill Tazuna; later controlled by Kaede's Shadow Clone and used to procure materials. 88 102 322
- Momochi Zabuza — Hired by Gato to assassinate Tazuna and stop the bridge from being completed. 75 88
- Aoi Rokushō — Rogue ninja hired alongside Zabuza by Gato to kill Tazuna. 88