Chapter 22 slows down after a stretch of brutal tree-climbing drills to look inward, as young Inari lashes out at the relentlessly upbeat Naruto and Kakashi quietly defends the boy he has been pushing. The calm shatters the next morning when two familiar foes are found waiting at the bridge.
Summary
Having worn himself down through another exhausting round of practice, Naruto returns to the home of the bridge-builder Tazuna. The old man's grandson, Inari, cannot stomach the newcomer's constant optimism and snaps that he has no idea how completely Gatō's rule has broken the Land of Waves. Naruto fires back that the boy needs to grow up, and Inari storms off in a temper. Kakashi trails after him and calmly explains where his student comes from: a childhood with neither family nor friends, hardship that Naruto answered not with self-pity but with a stubborn habit of solving his own problems his own way.
Key Events
When morning arrives, the team decides Naruto has earned some rest and departs without him to guard Tazuna on his walk to the half-finished bridge. Standing at the construction site are Zabuza and his masked partner Haku, setting up the coming rematch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Naruto chapter 22, "A Rival Appears!!"?
Chapter 22 of Naruto follows Inari lashing out at Naruto over his relentless optimism, with Kakashi defending his student, before the calm breaks the next morning when Zabuza and Haku are found waiting at the half-finished bridge.
Why does Inari lash out at Naruto in this chapter?
Inari cannot stomach Naruto's constant optimism and snaps that Naruto has no idea how completely Gato's rule has broken the Land of Waves, prompting Naruto to fire back that Inari needs to grow up.
How does Kakashi explain Naruto's outlook to Inari?
Kakashi calmly tells Inari that Naruto grew up with neither family nor friends, and that he answered that hardship not with self-pity but with a stubborn habit of solving his own problems in his own way.
Who is waiting for Team 7 at the bridge at the end of the chapter?
When the team departs to guard Tazuna on his walk to the bridge, they find Zabuza and his masked partner Haku already standing at the construction site, setting up the coming rematch.
What alternate title did Viz Media give Naruto chapter 22?
Viz Media released chapter 22 under the alternate title "The Enemies Return"; it is part of the Prologue: Land of Waves arc, collected in volume 3.
Sources & Information
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Naruto anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
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- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
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