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Naruto was all the rage back in the 2000s and continues to have that hold on fans. The series gave us some of the most iconic and impeccable fights with impressive battle choreography. The influence that the anime had helped it grow immensely and find its place amongst the Big 3.

The anime is praised for its compelling and profound backstories and arcs. It spans over 49 arcs, including fillers and canon. While some are enjoyable and exhilarating, others are a testament to Masashi Kishimoto’s fluctuating quality.

Despite their ups and downs, they all make for the anime we know and love so much. However, there is a vertical hierarchy that cannot be ignored.

49. Mecha Naruto Arc (Filler)

The Mecha Naruto arc is the worst filler arc, with a rating of 3.5/10 on IMDb. It is inconclusive and incoherent compared to the main storyline. The mecha and robot introduction sticks out like a sore thumb.

From battle choreography to character designs, Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto is a true top-tier series. It never fails to impress to this date. This is especially the case with its compelling characters and their stirring backstories.

But nothing compares to the Mc and his unique flair. He is goofy, gung-ho, but he is more than a knucklehead. Why? Well, he managed to gain expertise in one of the most forbidden jutsus, the Shadow Clone jutsu.

It is powerful, yet it becomes symbolic of the character’s journey. Which is why it isn’t merely a one-dimensional plot device per se. The jutsu itself is a marker of his identity crisis and conflict in many aspects, and here’s how.

Shadow Clone Jutsu as an Emotional Anchor

Naruto can run across the beach in his arms, even if Jackie Burkhart couldn’t. This is a classic That ’70s Show reference for those who missed it.

Like most anime, Naruto isn’t divorced from the concept of gluttony. Big, bulky guys eating to hone their strengths is more normal than you’d think. It all started with Dragon Ball, and we see Goku eating everything. Heck, even a dinosaur, come to think of it!

Then there’s Luffy, whose meat obsession is downright comical and abnormal. He often gets knocked out by Nami, and we all know it’s quite the gag in the series. However, Masashi Kishimoto gave us the perfect foodie when he wrote this character, and we gotta love him for that.

His obsession with food is on a different level altogether. It’s a recurring gag in the series, but we all know he’s more than that. That’s because food isn’t merely a survival tool, but more than that. It underlines the intricacies of characters, and here’s how.

Kurama’s existence made Naruto’s life difficult, but also allowed him to experience many things he wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. However, what if Kurama never existed? Or what if the reason behind Naruto’s ostracisation was Minato? All these possibilities defy the canon narrative, but that’s exactly what Masashi Kishimoto’s original draft looked like.

Almost two years before Naruto began its serialization, a one-shot with the same title was published. This one-shot garnered great attention from fans, but the original form of the story wasn’t ideal for long-term serialization. Hence, it underwent a lot of changes. During an interview, Kishimoto and his editor spoke about the original draft of the manga and how different it was. So, here’s how the manga evolved from its original form.

Masashi Kishimoto and Kosuke Yahagi discuss the original draft of Naruto

Naruto manga was first serialized in 1999, but...

The revelation of Naruto’s parentage put a question mark on the core idea of the series. Up until then, the story was all about hard work. Suddenly, the underdog turned into the chosen one, and his journey lost a part of its meaning. This idea further evolved during the war arc when Naruto was revealed to be the reincarnation of Asura Otsutsuki.

This plotline wouldn’t have bothered me as much if it had been executed in a better way. Consistency isn’t among Naruto’s strongest suits, and I have come to terms with that. However, Hashirama’s existence contradicts this reincarnation plotline, and here’s how.

The inconsistency among the Asura reincarnates

The backstory of the Otsutsuki family was explored during the Fourth Great Ninja War. Hagoromo Otsutsuki had two sons: Indra Otsutsuki and Asura Otsutsuki. While Indra was a prodigy from birth, Asura wasn’t as talented.

For me, Naruto is that one anime that remains a timeless masterpiece. The series impacted us anime fans for decades, and we all know why. We witness the hero’s journey from childhood to adulthood, and we could relate to it as well. The isolation and need for acknowledgement made it more real.

As we grew older, we were able to understand the story on a deeper level. The political intrigue and conflicts are mapped within the plot, and so is the idea of governance. This is where Hiruzen Sarutobi and his role as a leader are critiqued thoroughly, but fans might be blowing it out of proportion.

Indeed, the Third Hokage is flawed, and he has his shortcomings. Though there is one slander that makes no sense whatsoever, given his stature. More than that, his actions toward Naruto are often met with hate. This also ties in well with him being a flawed character.

Mangaka are not much different from the Shonen protagonists, especially when we consider the hardships they go through to achieve their goal. Even renowned mangaka like Masashi Kishimoto faced several challenges before Naruto became as popular as it is now.

From weekly deadlines to grueling schedules, mangaka go through a lot to bring their vision to an audience that appreciates it. Naruto has found that audience, but the road to recognition was a rocky one for Kishimoto. During an interview, the mangaka shared how the journey starts.

Naruto with Iruka | Credits: Viz Media

His words suggest that even before a manga gets greenlit, the creators are already in a high-pressure zone. Apart from planning the story, they have to look out for the potential reception as well. This pressure comes from strict guidelines, and here’s what they entail.

Masashi Kishimoto shares the journey to Shonen Jump and beyond

Getting...

The following contains spoilers for Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League, now streaming on Prime Video.

A major positive of the original Batman Ninja film is its unique cast. Warner Bros. Japan infuses Batman's rogues with a feudal style in a twisted alternate reality. Thankfully, Batman and his clan successfully break the Quake Engine and restore that version of Japan to the real world to end the story on a satisfying note.

Or so fans thought. Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League picks up with the heroes returning to reality and realizing all isn't well. They have to head back to a new version of Japan, (i.e. Hinomoto), to fight a sinister Injustice League. In the process, this sequel charts out an action-packed sequence that subverts DC Comic characters, both visually and in terms of their personality.

Jim Gordon Becomes a Panicked Commissioner Jim Gordon Is Petrified By Ra's Scary Empire Image via Warner Bros.

While world-building and a good story are essential in anime, character development is important too. Without growth, a character remains stagnant and one dimensional. Fleshing out characters is what makes them relatable and real to the audience. In the Shonen series, Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto pulls this off extremely well. Despite the many different individuals in the series, Kishimoto gives each one of them their own story and internal conflicts that they learn to overcome.

Naruto doesn't just focus on the main character, but gives side characters and even antagonists their own arcs as well. Furthermore, each character has both external and internal struggles to tackle, showing that they are just human at the end of the day. That being said, there are multiple individuals in the Naruto franchise who undergo a significant change.

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There's no definitive answer about which Big Three anime is best,...

Naruto boasts some of the strongest characters in shōnen anime history, with many standing out for their incredible talent, intelligence, or natural gifts. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura—hailed as their generation's strongest team—earned their place through sheer determination and innate ability. However, none of their success would have been possible without the guidance of their teachers and mentors.

These masters not only shaped their growth but also passed on invaluable teachings and wisdom that helped them surpass their limits. Naruto showcases some of the best teachers in anime, each bringing unique skills and philosophies that have lasting impacts on their students. Even those whose paths turned dark contributed lessons that influenced their pupils in unexpected ways. These mentors played pivotal roles in shaping the fan-favorite characters fans admire, proving that behind every great ninja is a teacher whose guidance inspired their journey to achieving their ninja way.

Orochimaru The...

The rivalry and the bittersweet relationship between Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha have sparked endless debates, and the result might be positive, but one question continues to plague the minds of the fans—what if something had happened differently?

Sakura and Sasuke from Naruto: Shippuden. [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

For instance, assuming Sasuke killed Sakura when he had the opportunity, would Naruto have been pushed to kill his former friend and comrade, or would his dedication to the no-killing ideal, his friendship, and the virtue of forgiveness have held him back?

This hypothetical scenario has ignited passionate discussions about Naruto’s limits and reactions under pressure. Let us delve into this topic and have a look at what fans have been debating upon, and the reasons for their ideas or scenarios.

Would Naruto Change After Sakura’s Death?

Naruto’s emotional outbursts in high-stakes moments can offer insight into his potential reaction.

During its successful run, Naruto gave fans many things to hold dear. While the flashy techniques were far out of our reach, Masashi Kishimoto created some cool aspects that could easily be replicated by fans. For instance, the famous Naruto run, hand signs, and the headbands.

However, with Boruto, many of these things lost their meaning. The sequel has been endlessly criticized for numerous reasons, and even after all these years, a new gripe arises every day.

Boruto tightens his headband during his fight with Kawaki in the anime | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

From nerfing fan-favorite characters to having a modern setting, Kishimoto made a lot of questionable decisions while transitioning from Naruto to Boruto. While all these changes are somewhat understandable as the focus had to shift to the new generation, the mangaka didn’t even leave the iconic headband alone.

Naruto fans wonder why Masashi Kishimoto made...

Every shonen action anime needs its own combat system complete with its own rules, style, and quirks to set it apart. Among the "big three" of shonen anime, there are the zanpakuto of Bleach, the Devil Fruits of One Piece, and certainly the ninjutsu of Naruto. The latter anime is all about ninjas with access to powerful chakra, allowing them to combine stealth and trickery with explosive fantasy attacks like the Rasengan, Chidori, Fireball jutsu, and far more.

In some battles, the Naruto anime feels similar to its shonen competitors, such as martial arts showdowns, but other fights in Naruto definitely help set its combat system apart. And it's not always the biggest, most epic fights that flatter Naruto's combat system, either — fights of all types prove that this combat system, based on tricks, jutsu, and jinchuriki, is shonen's finest.

Related The 10 Best Naruto Arcs, Ranked

Naruto has many...

Some of the most underrated characters in Boruto have a long legacy of being forgotten or snubbed by Naruto's narrative in favor of Naruto and Sasuke's journey on a good day, and while certain choices were made to facilitate some characterization, the plot had other ideas and too much filler to give each supporting cast member enough time or development to truly stand out.

While certain characters in Boruto have made waves, the vast majority continue to be snubbed in favor of Boruto's progression. Ultimately, while the Boruto storyline continues to develop Boruto and Kawaki, certain legacy characters still have opportunities to establish themselves as more than just background characters. Underrated characters can vary from useless to victims of circumstance, but no one can deny they should've been given more time to develop.

Shikadai Nara's Overshadowed Legacy Shikadai Can't Break Free From Shikamaru's Shadow

Shikakai made his first...

Naruto from Naruto grows into one of the most powerful protagonists in anime history. However, he did not become this way overnight. His friends save him many times throughout the shonen. Without older allies like Iruka or Jiraiya, Naruto would never have become the Hokage or survived until the end of the series.

While Naruto has become a skilled ninja, his friends are the driving force behind that goal. His friends help him transition from the "number one knucklehead ninja" to the village's Hokage. Friends like Sakura allow him to transcend his limits and become the ninja he was meant to be. Ultimately, Naruto's friends will always save him when things seem impossible.

Sakura Stabilizes Naruto After Kurama Is Taken Sakura Uses Her Superior Medical Ninjutsu to Save Her Friend

During the Fourth Great Ninja War, Naruto nearly loses his life. After having the Nine-Tails extracted, his body begins to shut down.

The beloved original Naruto series continues to influence the anime medium as one of the classic "Big Three" titles that paved the way for the modern landscape of the shonen genre. Naruto Uzumaki's coming-of-age tale, based on Masashi Kishimoto's best-selling manga, is a truly timeless story that has become one of the greatest anime of all time.

Over the span of one hundred thirty-five episodes, the Naruto anime delivers a story with the perfect balance of action and drama that has captivated audiences all over the world since its debut. Among the best Naruto sequences, several of them stand apart from the rest of the series as perfect episodes that are flawless from beginning to end.

Naruto Accepts His Role as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki Episode 1 Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!

In the premiere episode of the original Naruto anime, fans receive a perfect introduction to reckless main character Naruto Uzumaki. The...

With less than a month and a half remaining until the next annual New Year's Eve broadcast, the official website for Nhk's Kohaku Uta Gassen today unveiled the 41 artists who will form the long-running music show's 75th lineup. The accompanying number below indicates each artist's total selections for the program. Ten artists, three on Red Team (consisting of female artists) and seven on White Team (consisting of male artists), will be making their first appearance this year. Red Team aiko (15) Aimyon (6) Illit (Debut) Sayuri Ishikawa (47) Iruka (2) Hy (3) Fuyumi Sakamoto (36) Sakurazaka46 (4) Ringo Sheena (9) Superfly (8) Mariko Takahashi (6) tuki. (Debut) Yoshimi Tendo (28) Twice (5) Nogizaka46 (10) Me:i (Debut) Misia (9) Kaori Mizumori (22) Ryokuoushoku Shakai (3) Le Sserafim (3) White Team Omoinotake (Debut) Creepy Nuts (Debut) Glay (4) Hiromi Go (37) Kocchi no Kento (Debut) The Alfee (2) JO1 (3) Junretsu (7) Da-iCE (Debut) Tomorrow X Together (Debut) Number_i (Debut) Leon Niihama (Debut) Vaundy (2) Be:first (3) Masaharu Fukuyama (17) Fujii Kaze (3) Gen Hoshino (10) Mrs. Green Apple...

From pain to loneliness, Masashi Kishimoto excels in his portrayal of complex emotions. His series is a riveting account of a young ninja caught up in prejudice. The manga is an all-time bestseller and among the big three of Shonen.

But what makes it truly impeccable is the underscoring of themes of love and family. Friendships and companionship are pivotal in the premise of this story. And undoubtedly, the mangaka reigns supreme in the very portrayal of these relationships. And there’s more to it.

Naruto Uzumaki in a still from the series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

The series stems from his own experience and instances. This includes the need for acknowledgment. Interestingly, a life-changing event shaped the course of the series. This further highlights the heartrending parental bonds and soul ties within the series.

Masashi Kishimoto’s life-changing event altered his manga

Masashi Kishimoto’s manga is a poignant account of personal experiences.

Naruto is an anime filled with a variety of strong, skilled shinobi clans. Two of the most popular are the Uchiha and Hyuga clans. Still, people often forget that although Naruto grew up as an orphan, his Uzumaki lineage comprises equally or even more powerful shinobi. With only adoptive father figures like Iruka and Jiraiya, many tend to overlook that a powerful line of shinobi is connected to the protagonist by blood.

As the story of Naruto, the Seventh Hokage, unfolds, fans learn that he is not just a lonely orphan with dreams of becoming a Hokage. The Uzumaki clan, in fact, is one of the strongest clans to exist, with a history stretching from the beginning of time all the way to Boruto's generation. Known for their immense chakra reserves and sealing techniques, they have earned their place as a powerful force in the shinobi world.

Asura Otsutsuki The...

In Naruto, not many shinobi are capable of learning S-Rank jutsu and those who are, normally take years of constant training and improvement to even have a chance at performing such abilities, let alone mastering them. Naruto Uzumaki, however, has his name in the title. Through ingenious and often repetitive methods, Naruto learned some of the most powerful jutsu in the series in the span of days or weeks compared to years like the average shinobi.

Naruto amassed powerful jutsu across the series through unlikely and often unorthodox methods that allowed him to surpass the vast majority of characters within the shnen. Not only did Naruto surpass the 4th Hokage while still in training, he managed to become the most powerful shinobi to ever live, all thanks to his commitment and stubbornness to learn.

Naruto Stole the Scroll of Seals Naruto's Signature Move: Shadow Clone Jutsu

Not many jutsu in...

Naruto can feel a bit tough for newcomers to jump into. Created by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto is made up of multiple series, hundreds of manga chapters and spinoffs, several movies, filler arcs, mixed canon, specialized ninja terms and abilities, and tons of characters that you will absolutely come to love. Don't worry, I’m here to help you sharpen your kunai and get ready for ninja school. Welcome to your beginner’s guide to the legendary, the iconic: Naruto ! Overview What is Naruto About? Chakra, Jutsu and More! Naruto Heroes and Villains Why Watch Naruto? Naruto Watch Order What is Naruto About? Naruto Uzumaki is, like every other kid in the village, a wannabe ninja, but he’s also a quirky loudmouth prone to pulling pranks. Sometimes he defaces the Hidden Leaf Village monument of all the Hokage, and other times he'll use his “Sexy Jutsu” to turn into a...

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto is known for its complex characters and moral dilemmas that challenge traditional views on heroism and duty. One of the beloved characters of the series, Jiraiya, embodies the ideals of true a ninja; strength, resolve, and unwavering loyalty to his village. However, beneath this glorification, there’s often a flawed side of him that gets overlooked by the fans often.

Jiraiya from Naruto | Credit: Studio Pierrot

In part 1 of the Naruto series, there was a moment when Jiraiya threatened Tsunade stating that he would go to the extent of killing her if Tsunade ever betrays Konoha. This moment, while often praised for showing Jiraiya’s unwavering dedication to his duty, actually reveals far deeper flaws in his character and sheds light on why, for all his greatness, Jiraiya could never fulfill the role of the “Child of Prophecy” same as Naruto.

The Orochimaru-Tsunade Dilemma in Naruto:...

As one of the Big Three shnen titles from the 2000s and onward, Naruto hardly needs an introduction, as it chronicles the titular Narutos journey from an ostracized outcast in the Village Hidden in the Leaves to the eventually celebrated Hokage. Narutos undertaking sees himself and his allies in direct conflict with the other villages, shinobi and organizations populating the world of Naruto, with epic fights a staple of the series. And while some of these fights culminate in strong emotional moments, intense action sequences or epic collisions of ideals and then deliver spectacularly some of the fights that tease these incredible moments fall abysmally flat.

Not every fight can reach the high-octane moments viewers yearn for, yet these moments wind up audience expectations and then, in some manner, fail to deliver. From Sakura fighting Ino during the chnin exams to Kakashi duking it out with Zabuza on Team Sevens first bodyguarding mission,...

Boruto has been subject to relentless criticism. Being a sequel spin-off, it is compared to Naruto. Both series are written by Masashi Kishimoto. However, both differ in most ways. One is a magnum opus and the other is lackluster. Although Mikio Ikemoto is critiqued for his bland art, things are about to change. True Blue Vortex’s promotional video might redeem that.

Naruto Uzumaki in a still from the Shippuden series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

The video garnered attraction and positive reception. Several users anticipated the series’ anime adaptation. Many believe this would redeem Kishimoto’s legacy. In all honesty, the clip is more than promising. Moreover, the series might make its much-needed breakthrough. It would take creators to unlock the series’ potential.

Boruto: True Blue Vortex’s Promotional Video looks more than promising.

Despite its potential, Boruto is often met with criticism. From art style to pacing, it has faced backlash.

In Mashasi Kishimoto’s magnum opus, Naruto Uzumaki is considered to be the strongest Shinobi to ever live. With immense chakra, the power of all the nine-tailed beasts has helped him to earn this rightful status. However, none of this would have been possible if he had not met Jiraiya-Sensei at the hot springs.

Naruto Uzumaki. Credits: Studio Pierrot

Well, that’s what the fandom believes; it is rightfully correct because he trained Naruto to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming the Hokage. However, they should consider the fact that there was one other name, whom our young protagonist believed to be a father figure to him.

The ardent fans of the show would know that Iruka-Sensei is the only ninja from the Konohagakure who did not see the young boy as a threat. But more importantly, became an unsung hero of the series that some fans of the series...

Naruto is one of the most successful manga and anime franchises ever, standing as the mighty ninja face of the Shnen Big Three. While its main series concluded in 2014, its legacy continues in the present. Since its 1999 manga debut, the series has sold over 250 million units worldwide and become an internationally recognized multimedia presence to rival Dragon Ball and One Piece. While its latest sequel series, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex continues to gather momentum, Naruto takes stock with a heartwarming 25th Anniversary tribute video commemorating the manga's greatest moments.

Iconic moments in Naruto include its protagonist overcoming adversity and isolation as a shunned orphan living in Konohagakure, mastering his potential as a shinobi, while giving space for other incredible supporting characters. Massive victories are showcased in a striking animated manga format, and the high-energy soundtrack elicits tones of celebration and hype, appropriate sentiments for such a beloved series. The 25th...

The original series of Naruto was filled with characters who weren't given enough attention because of plot circumstances or time restraints. While dozens of characters were sidelined for the sake of plot cohesion, many key characters were robbed of any significant character growth or plot importance, which could have completely changed the narrative had they been given just a bit more love and attention.

The original Naruto is filled to the brim with iconic characters who made a big impact on audiences, yet they had almost no significance in the larger conflict once the story became about Naruto and Sasuke's collective journey. Once the series focused on the two leads, a vast number of supporting characters were abandoned or even forgotten about, even though they could have stirred the story in an exciting direction if given the chance to shine.

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The Chunin Selection Exams...

The Naruto anime regularly throws its heroes into deadly battles, and they don't always survive. Still, from the shonen standpoint, it's a good idea to keep the main characters alive, so fans don't have to worry about losing their favorite charaters in spite of the dangers they face. So, characters like Naruto Uzumaki benefit from a great deal of plot armor, surviving dire situations that would spell doom for anyone else.

So long as plot armor is written in believable and interesting ways, fans can forgive how obvious it is that Naruto Uzumaki survived all those fights simply because he's the protagonist. It's true that Naruto's plot armor was stronger than any jutsu, but at least he survived those fights in meaningful ways. Most of the time, fans trace the reason back to his status as a jinchuriki. Naruto's inner fox demon didn't just save his life it made him who he is,...

Inspiration plays a huge role in any creative industry, and the anime-manga industry is no different. Many mangaka have been vocal about being inspired by their predecessors, especially in the shonen sphere. Dragon Ball created many iconic shonen tropes that were incorporated by the Big Three anime, which eventually inspired the new generation of shonen anime and manga. One such manga is Yuki Tabata’s Black Clover.

Asta | Credits: Viz Media

In Black Clover, Tabata retains the key elements of the shonen experience and refines them excellently. He has also shared in the past how Dragon Ball and One Piece have inspired him in numerous ways. However, one manga series that Black Clover resembles the most, in my opinion, is neither Dragon Ball nor One Piece, but Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto instead!

Here’s How Black Clover Resembles Naruto Naruto declares his dream to Iruka | Credits: Viz Media

The similarities...

Naruto Uzumaki is one of the most well-known characters in anime and the main lead of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden. Fans across the globe admire him for his strength, never-give-up attitude and journey of battling being an orphan to becoming the Hokage.

Naruto carrying Himawari. [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

Naruto possesses many great qualities but being a great parent is not one of them. He constantly struggles when it comes to his relationship with his son, Boruto.

Despite having father figures like Iruka, Kakashi and Jiraiya, Naruto is not always there for Boruto as a father. His job as Hokage takes up most of his time, affecting his relationship with his family. However, his wife, Hinata tries to make up for it, but Boruto still feels neglected.

Why Is Naruto Being A Bad Father To Boruto and Himawari Not a Mischaracterization? Naruto reconciles with Boruto. [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

Many fans believe that Naruto being...

Naruto has achieved great heights throughout its run. It has even attained a cult status and following post its completion. Every character in the series has left a deep impact on the fans. One cannot imagine the series even if one single character was missing. But did you know the creator Masashi Kishimoto didn’t think of a very important character in the series until he hit writer’s block?

In a 2002 Naruto Fanbook interview, Masashi Kishimoto agreed that while laying out the base of the series he had only thought of Naruto, the character and with him came the theme of his search for acceptance.

This further led to the creation of Iruka, one who would eventually accept Naruto. Also, since the village needed a chief and the protagonist needed a teacher, it led to the creation of the Hokage and Kakashi, respectively. However, despite having these important characters...

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and its sequel, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, have had some amazing plot twists and developments that changed the franchise permanently, but fans may have been praising the wrong person this entire time. Fortunately, the person responsible for these bombshells has been revealed and fans can direct praise towards them going forward.

Masashi Kishimoto, creator of Naruto, and Mikio Ikemoto, artist and co-author of Boruto, were invited to Paris for interview, press conference and more this past weekend. The two disclosed many aspects of the creative process and their dynamics working together.

After confirming that while he made a template for the entire story, Kishimoto revealed that Ikemoto suggests many changes that are usually incorporated after a discussion. One of these suggestions was the Omnipotence plot twist that led to Kawaki and Boruto's lives being reversed.

Related Naruto's Creator Just Confirmed He Wants to Make a New Manga,...

As an action shonen anime, the Naruto series makes it clear that even if words can be powerful, it's usually jutsu and martial arts that will save the day and alter the course of history in this shinobi world. Naruto's talk jutsu has its moments, but in some battles, words will solve nothing, so Naruto Uzumaki and other Leaf heroes will gear up for battle and protect their way of life. Certain disaster has been averted or avenged because Naruto and his friends were ready to use extreme force against their villainous foes.

This means that all throughout the Naruto anime, the heroes used jutsu to win the day in epic fashion, and some of those moments are emblematic of the entire series. Such victories are the perfect payoff for several episodes' worth of desperate fighting against the likes of Orochimaru and the Six Paths of Pain, and such...

Over the course of 15 years, 700 chapters, and 500 episodes, Naruto has birthed some of the most iconic characters in the medium, and the series is hailed for its incredible cast of main and side characters. From the villains, heroes, and anyone in between, very few other anime rival Naruto when it comes to character writing.

Written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto, the series boasts more than 600 characters, not counting the sequel, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. What makes Naruto's cast exceptionally strong is that each represents a lesson such as hard work, sacrifice and more.

These characters challenge and motivate the viewer into expanding their horizons and bettering themselves as a person, something very few series offer.

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Naruto is one of the biggest anime of all time, and its mark on the industry is still present many years after its end.

Kushina Uzumaki Is the...

The Land of Waves arc is vital for showcasing Naruto's character development and essential bonding with Team 7. The mission introduces Naruto to the dangers and high-caliber ninjas like Zabuza and challenges his notions of what a ninja should be. Skipping the arc robs the impact of Naruto's growth from a prankster to a determined ninja with his own path.

Naruto's first big storyline often falls by the wayside compared to its others, but there are many vital moments of development that prove The Land of Waves arc should not be skipped. With the Naruto anime recently revealed as the most popular series worldwide for children, more people than ever are diving into the series, which both entertains and teaches valuable life lessons to millions of fans. It's a story that deserves to be enjoyed from the very beginning.

Author Masashi Kishimoto created a beloved world filled with colorful ninjas and fascinating abilities.

The anime adaptations of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden are wonderful representations of their source materials, but they also include plenty of elements exclusive to the anime. Many changes throughout both series positively influence the plot, demonstrating how adapting to a new medium presents the opportunity to capitalize on the best parts of a story while staying true to the original narrative. While some anime-only details simply add to the plot, others shift the meaning of the events by depicting them differently.

Details only canon to the anime might add depth to major characters, emphasize significant encounters, or depict events unseen in the manga. Unlike anime filler, anime canon is still based on events from the manga, but may include original elements in its depiction of the material. The best anime-only details in the Naruto franchise are so good they feel even more true to the story than how it's originally presented.

Naruto is an emotional rollercoaster of tears, excitement, shock, and happiness. Certain iconic moments in Naruto stand out and have made a mark in the anime industry. The series concluded with a perfect ending, showcasing themes of friendship, atonement, hope, and persistence.

Very few series have quite as many peaks as Naruto, and the many manga chapters and episodes of the anime adaptation have provided fans with incredible moments that will last forever in their memories. Naruto's ability to invoke all kinds of emotions is one of its strongest points and explains why the series is still beloved 10 years after it concluded.

From tears, excitement, shock, and happiness, Naruto is, almost surprisingly, an emotional rollercoaster.

Image Created by Anna Williams

Although there are many amazing scenes the series has to offer, a select few of these have managed to stand within the anime industry and are some of the...

Kishimoto's childhood experiences shaped Naruto's characters to be relatable to children from broken homes. Family in Naruto is defined beyond blood ties, emphasizing relationships and connections over traditional notions. The main theme of Naruto is the importance of family, found or otherwise, showcasing various relationships that define loyalty, sacrifice, and growth.

One of the best parts about the Naruto franchise is its incredible characters and their development, which is only possible because of the series' length. However, they have a surprising and deeply comforting inspiration that shows why the series has become so beloved.

In an interview with Kana, the creator of the manga, Masashi Kishimoto, dived deep into the series and his inspirations, reasons for certain elements, and more. Toward the beginning, he discussed the familial background of the characters.

Naruto has many characters who are orphans, and this is because Kishimoto had childhood friends in similar circumstances,...

Naruto's initial chapters introduced characters with promising bonds that faded over time, affecting the series. Konohamaru, initially positioned as a significant character, fell short in terms of relevance and development. Team 7's introduction in chapter #3, with Sakura and Sasuke, set the story in motion and established vital character dynamics.

The cast of the Naruto series often stole the show from the titular ninja, and it's partly due to the beginning of the story's brilliant introductions that did more favors for some than others. A retrospection of the Naruto series has proven it's better and worse than some fans may remember. While Naruto's first chapters introduced some bonds that failed to stay relevant to the overarching plot, it eventually added characters that helped sharpen the series.

Before Naruto's ultimate rival, Sasuke Uchiha is introduced to the plot, Naruto forms his seemingly first strong bond with his sensei Iruka. While the...

When he first appeared in the Naruto anime, protagonist Naruto Uzumaki was just a punk kid with a dream, but by the end of the story, he was almost like a completely different person. Crucially, Naruto Uzumaki never lost his most essential traits, such as his stubborn determination and his humanistic idealism, but in many other ways, he glowed up and transformed himself for the better.

Naruto and his friends in the Hidden Leaf Village all changed in inspiring and memorable ways, growing up to become kinder, stronger, and more confident as shinobi and as people. That helped Naruto and the others set a new standard for character arcs in shonen, gaining far more than just new weapons or new jutsu during their adventures. In ten particular ways, Naruto Uzumaki changed on both the inside and outside, becoming a whole new man by the time the anime saga concluded.

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One of the most enticing aspects of Boruto has been how Naruto's son is attempting to carry on his father's legacy. Make no mistake, Naruto has been one of anime and manga's most revered characters for many years. It makes sense, given how inspirational and altruistic he has been in his time in Konoha.

Naruto navigated treacherous waters in order to stop the Fourth Shinobi World War and bring peace and order to many villages outside the Hidden Leaf. In the process, he achieved his ambitions and became Hokage. However, as Boruto lives up to the Uzumaki name, it's quite clear he is a better main character for a few reasons.

Boruto Had A Weaker Shinobi Foundation Naruto Had Kakashi and Iruka as His Senseis Close

Related Naruto: All Forms Of Naruto Uzumaki, Ranked By Strength As one of the strongest ninja in the shinobi world, Naruto has impressed...

Naruto's beginning defies expectations and ninja stereotypes with his brilliant character introduction. The Shadow Clone technique became one of Naruto's iconic skills, masking his loneliness and showcasing the power of teamwork. Despite minor flaws, Naruto's story starts by setting the stage for emotional depth and epic action.

Naruto is an emotional and epic ninja-filled tale about a once annoying blonde orphan who inspired the world through empathy. While the beginning of the story helped launch a franchise beloved by millions, it wasn't without a few road bumps and missed opportunities. Author Masashi Kishimoto had several manga ideas rejected before Naruto became a hit, and even some of the series' earliest ideas failed to leave a big enough impact to stay around.

Shonen Jump began publishing the Naruto manga in 1999. Like other popular series, Dragon Ball and One Piece, Naruto released one new chapter weekly in the Japanese magazine. Within the story's first chapter,...

The sprawling Naruto franchise features plenty of high-octane fight scenes featuring a variety of characters, jutsu, and martial arts techniques, though sometimes, plot armor is the best jutsu of all in Naruto. To his credit, protagonist Naruto Uzumaki earned plenty of victories honestly in the series. A great example of this is when he and Sasuke Uchiha used clever teamwork to free Kakashi from Zabuza early in the series. In other fights, though, it's obvious sheer plot armor saved that Naruto from failure.

Most shonen leads benefit from protagonist powers and plot armor to make sure they survive to the very end, such as surviving obviously lethal injuries or even having a hidden half-other power to bail them out of a losing fight. Naruto Uzumaki is no different, winning plenty of fights simply because it's his name that's on the cover of each manga volume. Of course, Naruto's protagonist powers...

Throughout Naruto, everyone's favorite knucklehead ninja grew more powerful through a combination of necessity, grueling training, and a desire to help his friends. His progression from a poor ostracized ninja to Hokage of the Leaf Village is a tale fans still can't get enough of, even 6 years after its conclusion. The various abilities Naruto learned throughout his journey have made him one of the most powerful shinobi in the series.

The extra chakra he received from the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within him, along with his fierce determination and training, allowed him to hone his unique fighting style and bring his signature techniques like the Shadow Clone Jutsu to their fullest potential. From the adaptability achieved in his Kurama Chakra Mode to the ability enhancement granted by Sage Mode, Naruto has developed several exciting abilities that have helped him dominate battles and save the ninja world multiple times.

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Naruto Uzumaki faced hostility in Hidden Leaf Village due to being Kurama's jinchuriki, unfairly affecting his childhood. Despite internalizing the hate, Naruto Uzumaki remained kind and focused on becoming a Hokage. He was sympathetic to other underdogs in particular. Naruto found friendship with Iruka, Teuchi, Ayame, and Hinata Hyuga, which helped him cope in his toughest years.

The smash-hit shonen manga/anime franchise Naruto is known for many things, from its clever ninja-based combat system and its cool ninjutsu to the lively himbo personality of its protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki. In some ways, Naruto Uzumaki was evidently written to be a Son Goku clone, but there is much more to Naruto than his loud outfits and louder mouth. Naruto's early life was marked by tragedy and hardship, which had a profound impact on him. Naruto Uzumaki's boisterous, flashy ways derive from one simple fact: almost everyone in the Hidden Leaf Village hated him.

Naruto Uzumaki's childhood experiences of being a misunderstood outcast set the tone for his journey and persistent feeling of loneliness. Naruto's emotional connection with his first mentor Iruka, who also experienced intense loneliness, helped them form a united front against darkness. Naruto's battle with Haku brought out his darkest side, as he nearly lost himself to vengeful rage, but he managed to stop himself just in time.

Naruto quickly established itself as a "big three" shonen title in many ways, from its clever, jutsu-based combat system and its stellar character designs to its strong, resonant emotional core. The characters of Naruto don't fight just to survive and win – they all have serious emotional stakes in what they do, and that can lead to moments of inspiring hope, awe-inspiring grit, and soul-crushing darkness, sometimes a combination thereof. That includes protagonist Naruto Uzumaki, whose journey has been emotional since the start.

It might take some convincing for Naruto fans to accept that some of its filler episodes actually improve the series. To be fair, the anime boasts seven hundred episodes – with almost half of them being filler – and it can be tough to separate the good from the bad. However, there are plenty of reasons not to skip Naruto's filler arcs.

Whether they skew humorous or dramatic, Naruto's filler episodes give its massive cast of characters time to shine, something that the core narrative occasionally struggles with. The shinobi world is equally vast, and some of these filler episodes use the world to its advantage, and expands on it in an interesting and insightful way.

Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-sensei's True Face!

There are many questions surrounding Kakashi Hatake throughout Naruto, with one of the biggest being why he wears his omnipresent mask. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura are just as curious as fans,...

After the original Naruto storyline, there was a time skip of about two years during which Naruto went to train with Jiraya. Before he left, the bulk of the characters — including the Konoha 11 — were 12-13 years old. Once Shippuden began, however, they had all turned about 15. The sequel series took place over two years, but most of it happened while Naruto was around 16 years old.

Naruto Shippuden concluded after the Fourth Shinobi World War, and the war ended in October. After everything wrapped up, another two-year time skip showed Naruto and Hinata's wedding. This scene makes up Naruto's ending, before the commencement of the blank period and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Here are ten main Naruto characters' ages at the end of Naruto Shippuden.

Updated on September 4, 2023, by Ajay Aravind: Naruto might be long finished, but its characters will always remain integral icons of the shonen genre. With Boruto currently running,...

Many fans understandably view Naruto as an action manga more than anything else, especially romance. This is one of the key reasons why many were understandably critical of Boruto's controversial romance tease. However, certain developments that take place at critical points in Naruto put an unprecedented amount of emphasis on an unexpected element that arguably too many shonen choose to either ignore or only briefly discuss.

Of course, there's no question that the vast majority of Naruto centers more on fighting than romance. One of the most shocking revelations is how little Naruto's love interest and eventual wife, Hinata, appears in the series – which is significant considering she's popular in part because of her adorable encounters with Naruto. The two of them are many people's favorite couple in the series. Regardless, romance serves the basis of the preceding origin story, the first major relationship in the entire series, the ending,...

The following contains major spoilers for Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Season 1, Episode 2, "Bucket List of the Dead," now streaming on Hulu, Netflix, and Crunchyroll.

As Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead kicks off, the first few episodes paint the zany, cheerful Akira Tendo as a very intriguing character. The young man initially hates the world he lives in. He's succumbed to the corporate drawl by force, feeling like a robot in a society that keeps overworking him in a production company. However, when a zombie apocalypse hits, new life's breathed into him.

Amid Zom 100's vibrant visuals, Akira attains fresh purpose, accepting each day could be his last. His main goals lie away from killing the undead or being a hero. He just wants to experience the things he was too scared to partake in before. With no job left and Tokyo in decay, he's finally liberated.