Chapter 29 delivers a wrenching pause mid-battle when Naruto recognizes his masked foe as the gentle boy he once met in the woods. Haku's plea to be finished off exposes how completely he has bound his worth to Zabuza, while Kakashi turns the larger fight with his hounds.
Main Characters (3)
Summary
Naruto halts his killing blow the instant Haku's face is uncovered, realizing this is the same youth he had crossed paths with days earlier. Reading the hesitation as pity, Haku reminds him that he struck Sasuke down and argues that being spared is an insult. In his own eyes his existence has emptied of meaning, since losing to Naruto has stripped away his value to Zabuza.
Key Events
Haku explains that Zabuza alone ever saw worth in him, which is why he vowed to serve as the man's instrument. Elsewhere on the field, Kakashi capitalizes on the wounds he has already dealt. Because his blood now marks the swordsman, he summons a pack of ninken to trace his own scent and pin Zabuza in place.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Naruto stop his attack on Haku in chapter 29?
Naruto halts his killing blow the instant Haku's mask comes off, realizing this masked opponent is the same gentle youth he had met in the woods days earlier.
Why does Haku want Naruto to finish him off?
Haku insists that being spared is an insult since he already struck Sasuke down, and in his own eyes his existence has lost all meaning now that losing to Naruto has stripped away his value to Zabuza.
Why is Zabuza so important to Haku?
Haku explains that Zabuza was the only person who ever saw worth in him, which is why he vowed to serve as Zabuza's instrument no matter what.
What is Kakashi doing while Naruto confronts Haku?
While Naruto faces Haku, Kakashi capitalizes on wounds he already dealt to Zabuza and summons a pack of ninken to track the swordsman's scent and pin him down, since his blood now marks Zabuza.
What is the English title of chapter 29 and where does it fall in the story?
Naruto chapter 29 carries the Japanese title Taisetsuna Hito, meaning a treasured or precious person, and Viz Media published it in English as "Someone Precious to You"; it is collected in volume 4 near the close of the Land of Waves arc and reached print in the spring of 2000.
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.
Rights holders
- Created byMasashi Kishimoto
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Studio Pierrot and Toho.
- Game pages: official box art for the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm games, credited to Bandai Namco.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
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