Qiuqa highlights 4 key points from Naruto Classic Episode 19.
1. Shinobi Are Human Too
Suddenly, Gato appeared with his army, interrupting Zabuza and Kakashi’s battle. Smirking arrogantly, Gato announced that he had come to eliminate Zabuza. He even mocked the assassin, calling him a “cute little demon” now that Kakashi had defeated him. Zabuza then told Kakashi that their fight was over; he no longer had any reason to kill Tazuna.
Gato casually stepped on the face of Haku’s lifeless body. Furious, Naruto demanded to know how Zabuza could just stand there and watch. He shouted that Haku had respected Zabuza above all else. Did Zabuza really see Haku, who had lived by his side for so long, as nothing more than a tool? Naruto pressed further, asking if becoming as strong as Zabuza meant losing one’s heart completely.
Zabuza had tried desperately to mask his emotions, pretending to be a true, unfeeling shinobi. But finally, he could hold it back no longer. The loss of Haku shattered his facade, exposing his humanity. Tears streamed down his face as he begged Naruto to say no more. Zabuza confessed that in the end, even shinobi are still human.
2. Zabuza Eliminates Gato
Zabuza asked to borrow Naruto’s kunai, and the boy tossed it to him. Catching the blade in his teeth, Zabuza sent a wave of terror through Gato. He charged headlong into Gato’s army. Without hesitation, he slashed and stabbed his way through the blockade until he finally plunged the kunai deep into Gato’s chest.
In retaliation, Gato’s mercenaries thrust multiple spears into Zabuza’s vital organs. Despite the fatal wounds, Zabuza relentlessly drove the kunai into Gato over and over again until the tycoon died and plummeted off the bridge into the sea below. His vengeance complete, Zabuza collapsed face-down onto the bridge.
3. Inari & The Army
Shortly after, Sakura noticed Sasuke regaining consciousness. Crying tears of relief, she pulled him into a tight embrace and shouted to Naruto that Sasuke was alive. Naruto smiled brightly, overjoyed that his friend had survived.
Meanwhile, Gato’s remaining thugs announced their intent to raid the Land of Waves and loot the town’s wealth, seeking a new payday now that their employer was dead. However, their advance was abruptly halted when Inari fired a crossbow bolt across their path.
The thugs panicked as they saw a massive crowd of armed villagers marching in behind the boy. Terrified by the sheer numbers, the mercenaries scattered, leaping off the bridge and fleeing in their boats.
4. The Great Naruto Bridge
Dying, Zabuza asked Kakashi to lay him down beside Haku. Kakashi gently carried the fallen assassin and placed him next to his partner. Several hours later, Kakashi and Team 7 buried them both with deep respect.
The next day, Tazuna expressed his profound gratitude. Thanks to the protection of Kakashi and Team 7, the bridge was finally complete. Naruto and Inari shared a tearful goodbye before Team 7 departed the Land of Waves, beginning their journey back to Konoha.
As a lasting tribute, Tazuna proudly announced to the gathered villagers that the structure would be named the Great Naruto Bridge, honoring the young ninja’s unwavering courage and spirit.
