A lot of fighting. Not a whole lot to derive meaning out of, and this is early in the series so that fights aren't CRAZY intense, but still, the fights were well drawn and choreographed.

Key Takeaways:
-Teamwork makes the dreamwork. Better to break the rules than to betray your friends.
-You have to grow up fast if you want to take hard responsibilities. ( )

Introducing Zabuza! The Demon of the Hidden Mist is up against rank amateurs. What a surreal sight this is, after seeing what Naruto and Sasuke eventually become. What? This little moron and this budding psychopath will become two of the most powerful ninjas in the world?

Definitely not yet. It really helps that this series sets up very interesting and extremely impressive villains like Zabuza to hopelessly outmatch our heroes. ( )

Zabuza and Haku have stuck with me despite not having interacted with this series in over a decade. I didn't remember Zabuza's backstory, but having reread it now, it's quite a powerful sample of what to expect going ahead. Naruto and Co. have been completing menial tasks since Kakashi gave them the pass, and now they're suddenly fighting a foe who has no qualms with slaughtering a bunch of kids. It's the first dose of the real dangers and expectations of being a ninja that our group has encountered, and because of that, we see some character growth in not only Naruto, but Sasuke as well. Even Sakura, to a lesser extent.

Sometimes the explanations of maneuvers or various aspects of the Narutoverse can get a little wordy or jarring when it's in the middle of a fight, but I still find them really interesting, and I expect it'll taper off once the crew (namely Naruto) have a better understanding of their world.

Also, the Chapter 16 title page of sleeping Kakashi and the pictures of him as a kid and with his students...precious. ( )

Interesting volume. Naruto is growing up and isn't as annoying anymore. Its nice to see the characters' transition.

Naruto who thinks great of himself realizes he isn't brave at crucial moments. Disappointed with himself, he vows to be bold from then on and eventually proves that he is fit to be a ninja.

Sasuke who looks down upon others and thinks they get in his way listens to Naruto's plan in the end.

Would have been nice to see some improvement in Sakura as well.

Overall a fun read.

Full manga review at https://anushanarasimhan.com/2015/12/19/naruto-manga-review/ ( )

Quite enjoyed this one; great evil villain and great battle tide turning, blah blah. More. ( )