Land of Waves Arc

The Land of Waves arc is from Part I of the series that spans from chapters 9 to 33 of the manga and episodes 6 to 19 of the Naruto anime. It is the first major arc of the series.

Summary
This arc was the first arc in both the manga and anime of Naruto. This is also Team 7's first A-Ranked mission. The goal was to transport the bridge builder Tazuna back to his home. But, Zabuza Momochi was hired by the evil Gato to kill the bridge builder. After Team 7 and Zabuza fight, Haku comes and takes him away. This battle shows Kakashi Hatake in battle and Sharingan is mentioned for the first time. After the battle, Kakashi is too weak from the Sharingan. He teaches Team 7 about chakra control and how to climb a tree with no hands. Sakura was amazing, though Naruto and Sasuke failed. After the chakra control lesson Kakashi realizes that the Hunter-nin was a fake, working for Zabuza. After Team 7 learns of Inari's stepfather and the Gato empire, they head to the construction of the bridge. Zabuza appears from the mist, showing that he was alive. After a short talk between Kakashi and Zabuza, Haku and Sasuke commence in battle as Zabuza threatens to kill the bridge builder if Kakashi interferes. At first Haku seems to prove more fast and agile, but Sasuke demonstrates his speed and quickness which shocks both Zabuza and Haku. As the battles continues Haku demonstrates the ability to use single-handed hand signs, an ability which Kakashi noted that he has "never seen before". It is then realized that Haku inherited a bloodline limit that allows him to turn water into solid, it is mistaken by Sasuke that it is plain ice. However it is shown that the ice does not melt even during high temperatures (Sasuke blasted the ice with a fireball yet it still did not melt). Sasuke is trapped within Haku's Demonic Ice Crystal Mirrors slashing Sasuke repeatedly. Later then, Naruto appears out of no where after saving the bridge builder's grandson and daughter, Tsunami. Naruto tries to help Sasuke but ends up getting seriously injured. Sasuke tries fighting back whilst defending Naruto, he even activated his Sharingan but with only two tamoe's. Naruto was then pulled into a life threatening situation, Sasuke hurls himself to Naruto's direction and shields him from the ice needles. Overwhelmed by emotions and anger, Naruto pledges to avenge for Sasuke's assumed death, the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's chakra leaks out from Naruto's body and this is the 1st time he's vermilion chakra manifested. His chakra bolstered him with superhuman strength and heightened senses and increased speed. Naruto managed to beat Haku and break the Demonic Ice Crystal Mirrors. Naruto reverted to his original self and Haku told Naruto about his life and misery.

Meantime, Zabuza and Kakashi were in the heat of battle. After Kakashi used Summoning Technique: Earth Release: Tracking Fang Technique, he tried landing Zabuza with his own original assassination jutsu, Lightning Blade, Haku sensed Zabuza's danger and mustered the last of his strength to protect Zabuza. Kakashi accidentally kills Haku meanwhile Inari plans on helping Naruto, equipped with a helmet and a crossbow. The mist subsided and all sight has returned, only to bring dismay to Sakura's eyes, the sight of Sasuke dead (which he was actually just knocked out). Gato and his men appears and threatens to kill Zabuza. Naruto is flabbergasted by the fact that Zabuza is unmoved by his close friend's death. Zabuza then confesses that no one in this world is able to nullify sorrow from their hearts when a loved one is gone. The mission ends by that time. However, Zabuza enraged by emotions, swore to kill Gato. He manages to slice through Gato's men while fending off attacks and finally killing Gato with only a kunai in his mouth as he's hands were unable to move due to Kakashi's attacks. Gato had a vision of a demon manifesting in Zabuza just before he dies. Zabuza drops dead due to being stabbed in the back by several weapons by Gato's men. Thereafter, Inari and the villagers arrive at the seen ready to confront Gato and his men. With the help of Kakashi and Naruto's Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, the villagers were able to drive away Gato's men. At the end, Zabuza is seen reminiscing about the days he had with Haku while lying beside him. It then started to snow, signifying the bond between Haku and Zabuza and the end of their struggle.