Naruto, Vol. 4

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 4. 2000. 184p. ISBN 9781591163589. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

The battle on the unfinished bridge that started in Naruto, Vol. 3 continue with Naruto prostrating over Sasuke's body. Sasuke has been slain by Haku's attacks, and seeing his frenemy die triggers the demon fox imprisoned inside Naruto. Haku, who had been dominating the battle due to his mirror tricks, now finds himself on the defensive and can barely survive Naruto's attacks. Naruto is relentless, however, and soon Haku is forced to surrender, but instead of begging for his life he asks for a shinobi's death. He has failed at accomplishing his dream of protecting his master from his enemies, so now there is nothing left to life for.

Kakashi and Zabuza continue their fight on the other side of the bridge, and for a while Kakashi appears outclassed, but using his powerful chakra he surprises Zabuza and immobilizes him, leaving the rogue ninja vulnerable to attacks. Sakura continues to protect Tazuna the bridge builder, but the fog that Zabuza has summoned makes it very difficult to see anything, and she remains unaware that the boy she loves has been killed.

Back in the village, Inari summons the villagers, and tells them they have to go to the bridge and fight, just like his father did before him, because strangers should not be the ones performing heroic acts on the villagers' behalf. And the evil crime lord Gato takes this opportunity to eliminate his enemies and his mercenary, so that he can avoid paying Zabuza. With so many enemies on the bridge, can Naruto survive the assault?

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 5.