Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Masashi Kishimoto’sNarutoseries takes place in a world inhabited by ninjas classified under ranks such as Genin, Chūnin, Jōnin, and Kage. The titular protagonist seeks to achieve the most prestigious rank of the Hokage while saving his village of Konohagakure. Interestingly, the Rasengan-wielding hero was initially planned to be a magic user rather than a ninja.
Ninjutsu, which is based on the ‘chakra’ power system, is a prominent feature of theNarutoverse. It does bring out the ninja theme but fans of the decade-old manga have pointed out magical realism to be a more dominant theme. In the beginning,Narutois about perfecting physical combat forms and increasing one’s speed but the ninja series gets progressively into fantasy.
Masashi Kishimoto does employ magic inNarutobut it is channeled by the ninja chakra system. It’s no surprise that the mangaka initially wanted Naruto Uzumaki to be a full-fledged mage in a completely different genre than the fox-transforming ninja we know him as today.
Also Read:Unexpected Connection Between One Piece’s Sanji and Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto will Surprise Fans
Naruto Uzumaki Was Originally Intended To Be A Mage In A ‘Monster/Ghost Story’
Ninjas inNarutorarely rely on physical or melee combat. In fact, they have abilities that can manipulate elements such as fire, water, and earth, while some legendary fighters like Madara Uchiha can reincarnate themselves in other humans. Masashi Kishimoto’s work clearly deviates from classic ninja shonen such asShinobi no Kuniby Wada Ryou.
The character of Naruto Uzumaki is based on the legend of Shonobis in Japan. Fantasy elements are generally associated with myths and Masashi Kishimoto took a similar approach to finally finish his work. He originally wanted to create a ‘cooking manga’ that featured Naruto making ramen.
After the editor rejected the cooking manga idea, Kishimoto thought of involving monsters or ghosts in his plot with the main character Naruto possessing the powers to transform other people. The mangaka’s words have been transcribed byNaruto Wiki.
“After my cooking manga got refused, I created a monster/ghost story in which Naruto was a fox-man who could change other people’s form. To add more variety to this magic, I decided after that to add ninjutsu. Of my first idea, only the name [Naruto] is still there.”
While monsters have been replaced by ‘Tailed Beasts’ in Naruto, Kishimoto did previously reveal that he originally wanted to make all Okkotsuki monsters. Other fantasy creatures such as ghosts are also depicted in his manga, an example being Black Zetsu in the Fourth Shinobi War and the ghost ship led by Hishaku inEpisode 225 of Naruto Shippuden.
Masashi Kishimoto Envisioned A Character As A Wizard & Gave Him The Classic Look
Deemed to be the greatest shinobi of his generation, Jiraiya played an important role in developing Naruto Uzumaki’s character. Naruto’s godfather passed his entire knowledge of jutsu, including taijutsu, and genjutsu, and made him more able to control his chakra. Kishimoto also benefited from Sannin’s death as Uzumaki was able to feel rage for the first time.
Also Read:“What would Naruto do?”: Masashi Kishimoto Revealed Real Reason He Killed Off Jiraiya – It’s Not for Shock Factor
Jiraiya is undoubtedly a cool name and Kishimoto based his appearance on the same. He believed the character’s name to be similar to Kabukis, so he “imagined a wizard-like hermit with a scroll in his mouth on a frog.” Kabuki is a popular dramatic dance form in Japan.
Even though the manga relied less on ninja combat and more on invoking Tailed Beasts and techniques that trapped opponents in another realm,Narutohas kept growing in popularity. The latestTwo Blue Vortexseries features Boruto performing a surreal new Rasengan technique that is completely based on fantasy elements.
Also Read:Two Blue Vortex: Boruto May Have Surpassed Naruto, Sasuke and All Kekkei Genkai With Ungodly Rasengan Technique
Spandan Chatterjee
Articles Published :165
Spandan Chatterjee is a Freelance Anime Writer at FandomWire.Spandan, who has been in the content industry for over two years, uses his passion for anime in his writing. He delivers the latest news, theories, and facts about various manga’s including Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, and Bleach.After completing his B.A. degree in English, Spandan is now pursuing a Masters degree in the same field.
