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Who is Zabuza in Naruto? Explore this figure’s identity, role, strengths and abilities, as well as significance in the series.
Over the course of hundreds of episodes, the Naruto universe has introduced a plethora of compelling characters. Among these, Zabuza is one of the most memorable and important characters in the series. He may not have as much screen time as others, but his impact became a driving force in the protagonist’s life. So, who is Zabuza in Naruto?
Zabuza is the first “main” villain, facing Team 7 during a mission. The events of their confrontation and his final fate left a long-lasting impression on both fans and characters. Here is a closer look at him.
Who Is Zabuza in Naruto?
Zabuza Momochi is one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist from the Kirigakure. He earned the position after a brutal exam where he had to kill hundreds of students who trained alongside him.
Through this title, Zabuza gained fear and renown as the Demon of the Hidden Mist. However, after the Fourth Mizukage was elected, he staged a coup d’état due to his disagreements with him, but it ultimately failed. Forced to flee, Zabuza worked as a mercenary along with Haku, whom he met along the way. He began cooperating with an illegal businessman named Gato in order to raise funds and continue his efforts to defeat the Kirigakure leadership.
Zabuza is an intense and ruthless man willing to kill anyone for the sake of his goals. He used to be a charismatic warrior but became disillusioned with the world. He is smart and analytical, coming up with a detailed plan to achieve his objective. At the same time, Zabuza also has a softer side that he discovers only towards the end.
This is largely due to Haku, an orphan adopted by the antagonist. While believing that he only saw Haku as a weapon for his use, Zabuza eventually came to care about him. Their dynamic and redemption still remains as one of the most heartfelt scenes in Naruto.
Zabuza’s Strengths and Abilities
As part of the elite club of the Kirigakure’s ninja swordsmen, Zabuza is an extremely impressive fighter. Even as a child, he could viciously defeat hundreds of peers. His skills have only been honed over time, as he proved to be an even match to Kakashi for a long period.
Zabuza is a master of the “Silent Killing” technique, where he assassinates targets stealthily. Kakashi praised his unparalleled expertise in this skill. In addition, he is also a powerful hand-to-hand fighter. He displays proficiency in taijutsu, only boosted by his immense speed, strength, and durability.
Zabuza’s main ability, however, is Kenjutsu. This refers to his use of the Kubikiribōchō, an oversized sword that gets stronger by absorbing the blood of his victims. Zabuza can comfortably wield this and ends most battles with a single slash.
Finally, Zabuza is an expert at using Water Release nature transformation techniques. He can create clones, stable water prisons, and even launch powerful bullets. By converting the water to mist, Zabuza can obstruct the view of his opponent and make his Silent Killing more potent.
Zabuza’s Role in Naruto
As we have seen, Zabuza was working as a mercenary for Gato and was assigned to kill a master bridge builder named Tazuna. When out on his mission, he discovered Kakashi and the rest of Team 7 to be assigned to protect his target.
At this point, he attacked the group, trapping Kakashi in a water prison and sending a clone to kill Tazuna. However, Naruto’s bravery put a stop to his efforts, giving Kakashi the time to rejoin the battle. The Copy Ninja showed off his mastery, hitting Zabuza with his own Great Waterfall technique and defeating him.
Right when the end seemed near, however, Haku intervened and saved his master. Zabuza then regrouped with Haku and fought Team 7 once more, leading to the famous “bridge battle” in Naruto.
Hence, Zabuza’s main role in Naruto is to be the first major obstacle faced by the main characters. While the young Naruto had been stuck inside Konoha all this time, he finally got a taste of the real world. Despite being intimidated at first, he showcased his determination to fight back and protect others. His development is further assisted by Zabuza’s final fate, which is one of the best scenes in the Naruto universe.
Zabuza’s Final Fate in Naruto
During Zabuza’s final battle in Naruto, he was facing Kakashi while Haku kept Naruto and Sasuke busy. Despite filling his surroundings with mist to render Kakashi’s Sharingan useless, his opponent used Ninken to track and pin him down.
When Kakashi prepared a fatal Lightning Cutter to kill Zabuza, Haku came in the nick of time and protected Zabuza at the cost of his own life. However, Zabuza seemed to show little care, taking advantage and nearly slashing through his ally to harm Kakashi.
Nevertheless, Kakashi escaped and disarmed Zabuza yet again, leaving him little hope for victory. At this point, Gato arrived, nullifying his contract with Zabuza since his own henchmen could kill Tazuna. Zabuza willfully accepts this, showing no remorse for Haku’s death.
Naruto was stunned by this scene, delivering an emotional speech to Zabuza about Haku’s feelings, forcing the antagonist to reveal his thoughts. Zabuza tearfully expressed how he too, cared about Haku and how Naruto’s words cut deeper than any blade.
Wishing to gain retribution against his employer, Zabuza borrows Naruto’s kunai and cuts through all of Gato’s men. He finally killed Gato himself and fell due to his injuries. Left at the edge of death, he asked Kakashi to place him near Haku. As the antagonist faded into death, he wished to join Haku in the afterlife.
This touching ending marked the final fate of the real Zabuza. He was later reincarnated during the Fourth Shinobi World War but displayed unhappiness with his circumstances. Fortunately, after another encounter with Kakashi, the Konoha ninja defeated him once again. He was ultimately sealed by Maki and returned to the afterlife after the war.
Zabuza’s Significance in Naruto
He may not have the most screen presence, but Zabuza is undoubtedly one of the most significant characters in Naruto. He was the very first challenge faced by Naruto, as well as the first user the protagonist used his famous “Talk no Jutsu” against.
Zabuza helped Naruto understand that the world wasn’t always black and white and that all enemies weren’t necessarily evil. While Naruto had formed a bond with Haku, he couldn’t understand why the boy would give up his life for Zabuza. Nevertheless, he wished Zabuza to honor Haku’s sacrifice and acknowledge his efforts.
Zabuza’s tears and final words to Naruto helped shape the protagonist into who he is today. He made Naruto experience the tragedy of death as well as to always strive for a truly happy ending.
Conclusion
Zabuza Momochi is one of Naruto’s most memorable early antagonists. His brutal fighting style, tragic backstory, and eventual redemption make him a standout character. He helped develop Naruto into the true hero of the story, looking forward to the boy’s future growth despite being one of his enemies.
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