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For longtime anime fans, the road to a fully dubbed Naruto Shippuden has been long and winding, spanning nearly two decades of waiting, weekly Toonami broadcasts, and countless streaming service switches. Now, that wait is finally over. Hulu has confirmed that the complete English dub of Naruto Shippuden is available in its entirety, giving fans a rare chance to experience the full story, from Naruto’s humble beginnings to his ultimate destiny, completely in English.

This Naruto news from @hulu_support on X is a huge milestone for North American anime viewers, especially those who first discovered the series in the early 2000s. With both the original Naruto series and all 500 episodes of Shippuden now dubbed and streaming in one place, it is the perfect time for both newcomers and seasoned fans to revisit the Hidden Leaf Village. No more checking multiple platforms or waiting for missing episodes, because Naruto...

Naruto Shippuden completed the iconic Naruto anime, adapting the second half of Masashi Kishimoto's manga. A fan-favorite for a generation of shonen lovers, these fans can now enjoy the English dub for every episode of its initial seasons.

Hulu is one of the many places where Naruto Shippuden can be streamed, with the dub of one of its seasons recently added to the platform. Now, every season of the anime on Hulu can be streamed in English. This makes Hulu the place to watch Naruto Shippuden, namely for Western fans who grew up with the dubbed version.

Hulu Becomes the Home for the Dub of Naruto Shippuden Believe it, Naruto fans! 🥷🌀🦊 The complete English dub of Naruto Shippuden is now available on Hulu. You can add Naruto Shippuden and Naruto to My Stuff (https://t.co/9u53ZVnKcS) to binge the full story anytime!— Hulu...

As someone who first watched Naruto as a kid, I’ve been hooked on every other thing about this series, particularly those complex characters. Speaking of some compelling characters, I’ve been obsessed with Sasuke Uchiha owing to his brooding aura, unique fighting style, and an equally dark and complicated background story.

Yet, there was something that always bothered me: Sasuke’s half-Rinnegan in his left eye. So it just makes me question, why only one eye? And what was going on with the six tomoe spinning around his eye like a cosmic pinwheel? Obviously, it seemed oddly strong at first glance. Perhaps this wasn’t just a badass move?

What’s with Sasuke’s ‘half-Rinnegan’ in Naruto?

So again, Sasuke has a left eye with a half-Rinnegan eye, all purples and mystical with six tomoe, and the right eye is Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan. His face is literally unevenly split.

It’s been a bit more than a decade since Naruto ended, and there are quite a few unexplained plot lines included within the storyline. To this day, I don’t know what Itachi Uchiha was dying of, and I was devastated by his tragedy. One of the most glaring unanswered storylines in Naruto, however, is how the Senju clan, a powerful clan that rivals the Uchiha, disappeared.

The Senju clan was mainly portrayed through Hashirama and Tobirama. The clan existed for years, fighting and equaling the Uchiha clan, but then there was no trace of them or a solid legacy. Naruto offers no exploration of their abilities.

It makes me accept a very harsh truth: Masashi Kishimoto simply forgot or never cared about any other clan except the Uchiha. Exploring their rival clan could’ve enhanced Naruto. He’s left fans fumbling for explanations rather than confirming why the Senju are so strong.

Paramount’s free streaming service, Pluto TV, has revealed its May highlights. The Pluto TV May 2025 lineup includes anime marathons, babysitter mishaps, and movie nights so good you might forget to leave the couch.

Pluto TV is kicking off Ani-May with a revamped collection that includes brand-new anime channels, fan-favorite marathons, and over 800 hours of fresh content to dive into. The service is also celebrating National Babysitter’s Day on May 10 with the Pluto TV debut of Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (2024).

And if you’re in the mood for a movie marathon (or three), the service has got you covered. Stream epic favorites like Gladiator, Boogie Nights, Hellboy, A Few Good Men, The Faculty, Zero Dark Thirty, Only the Brave, and more, all for free, all month long.

Pluto TV is the leading free streaming television service, delivering hundreds of live, linear channels and thousands of titles...

This month, Pluto TV decided to cater to... well, every anime fan in the world. The free streaming service announced a huge slate of anime content that is going to debut on the platform. The lineup amounts to over 800 hours of content and includes titles like One Piece, Hunter x Hunter, Naruto, and Bleach. The streamer starts rolling out the new content this week.

Pluto TV is dubbing the event "Ani-May" and calling it its "most extensive content refresh ever." It kicks off with the launch of three new channels: Anime x Hdive, Pluto TV Anime Comedy, and an InuYasha channel that will air content of the franchise 24/7. Later this month, Pluto TV is adding two more channels: Pluto TV Anime Movies, which will be exclusive to feature-length content from high-profile titles like the Naruto Shippuden movies, Bleach: Hellverse, and the Hunter x Hunter movies. Last but not least, the...

Sarada Uchiha, the daughter of Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, would be a natural prodigy. In the manga for Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, she revealed her Mangekyo Sharingan’s ability, called Ohirume. This technique can summon four black spheres with a strong gravitational pull. These can pretty much crush or compress anything it has their sights on.

Ohirume sounds overpowered with the potential to defeat top-tier, Kage-level opponents, but like any ability in every anime, there will be a loophole. Sarada Uchiha won’t be invincible for long if other abilities perfectly counter hers.

One such Mangekyo Sharingan technique that could counter Ohirume exists in Naruto: Shippuden. It might not be the perfect loophole, but it could work if the user is proficient enough. This ability is called Kamui, belonging to both Obito Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake.

Kamui could counter Sarada’s Ohirume in different ways through both eyes

Obito...

Anime swordfights just hit you different (pun intended). They kinda take the show to the next level with those blades crashing, sparks flying, and all that brilliance. Speaking of swordfight, Roronoa Zoro in One Piece is an absolute legend with his three swords swinging like a total boss.

Whether he is cutting down Kaido’s goons on his way to the top or outdueling King in Wano, those fights are the best. But let’s take a moment and compare those epic moments to those of Naruto Shippuden.

We get to witness a swordfight that is just downright nuts with Killer Bee’s insane Acrobat technique. And honestly, it almost makes Zoro’s cleanest fights feel just a “little bit” ordinary.

Acrobat technique is pure chaos magic in Naruto Shippuden

In episode 143 of Naruto Shippuden, we get to see Killer Bee’s Acrobat technique during his epic clash against Sasuke.

A brand-new AI-powered web browser is leading users to pirated anime content while reducing the visibility of search results for legal streaming services. This "safe" and "fast" app has already been removed from the Google Play Store but as of writing, remains on the iOS App Store.

According to TorrentFreak, a new mobile web browser app called Seekee recently launched online. This app, which highlights its AI-powered capabilities, is experiencing a surge in popularity across social media for providing easy access to pirated content. Among popular entertainment titles like The Last of Us are anime series such as Dragon Ball and Naruto Shippuden. Although the app isn't advertised as one to aid in finding and streaming pirated content, its search results prioritize third-party pirated sources over officially licensed ones.

Seekee Gives Users Easy Access to Pirated Anime at the Cost of Official Streaming Sources Image by Ryan Rice

As TorrentFreak mentions,...

Michael B. Jordan is hands down one of the biggest Hollywood actors of recent times, and his success with the new movie Sinners is just proving that to the world. But, apart from being an amazing actor, he is also famous for his ardent love for anime, which makes him way cooler in every anime fan’s eyes.

He has time and time again, expressed just how much the Japanese animated scene has shaped him and his way of work. But the star was recently mad because of something that each and every anime fan will relate to.

However, his devotion to anime is nothing new, as he has always been very vocal about all the inspiration he took from this medium. It just proves how he is literally one of us, solidifying his nerd status.

Michael B. Jordan regrets missing Princess Mononoke‘s IMAX release

Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke...

Popular anime show Jujutsu Kaisen started airing on Sony Yay! from April 7, 2025, marking its Indian TV debut. In an exclusive conversation with Animehunch, Ronojoy Chakraborty, Head of Programming at Sony Yay!, talked about the thought process behind the acquisition.

While Sony Yay! aimed to build upon the considerable success and viewership of the Naruto franchise, the acquisition of Jujutsu Kaisen was a part of their goal to be a multi-generational entertainment brand.

Sony Yay! wanted to diversify and expand its current anime portfolio. Recognizing Jujutsu Kaisen‘s significant global standing as a cultural phenomenon, the channel identified the title as a key asset in extending its offerings.

Naruto and Naruto Shippuden’s success revealed the substantial potential for anime in India beyond the traditional children’s demographic.

And despite the channel’s core audience remaining children aged 4-14, Ronojoy revealed that with Jujutsu Kaisen, which is officially rated 12+, Sony Yay!

Naruto is one of the biggest and most top-selling anime and manga franchises. The manga itself ended in 2007, with Naruto Shippuden anime ending exactly a decade later. Needless to say, fans would do anything to bring it back or watch it fresh. And that’s exactly why the Naruto Live Action movie is such a big deal.

Hollywood has a penchant for taking good old anime series and turning them into horrendous movies. So truthfully, fans are somewhat in a panicky state. But what should be even more surprising is the lack of updates regarding the movie.

Naruto live-action movie has been stuck in production hell

The Naruto live-action movie was first announced by Lionsgate in 2015. It has since been in development by Lionsgate and Arad Productions. Its writer, Tasha Huo, was confirmed and revealed in late 2023. It has Destin Daniel Cretton as its director, who has previously helmed Shang-Chi.

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto is no stranger to the themes of violence, tragedy, and meaningless destruction. Several of its characters are morally ambiguous, and their decisions force us to evaluate our understanding of human nature and malice.

And yet, even in its darkest chapters, the Bloody Mist massacre stands out as the most brutal. The tale of how the Fourth Mizukage ordered the culling of every individual possessing a Kekkei Genkai is Naruto’s bloodiest untold story. A spinoff detailing this massacre would allow one to explore the toll of such a purge and serve as an excellent story.

The Hidden Mist is a canvas for unrestrained violence Yagura and his tracking unit | Credits: Studio Pierrot

The world of Naruto is filled with a variety of Kekkei Genkai, which are unique, genetically inherited abilities. These abilities range from a simple Dojutsu to a complex genetic makeup that allows its individual...

Hulu May 2025 Releases ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

With the month of May just around the corner, there’s a whole new slate of content waiting for you to watch and enjoy on Hulu. The streaming platform wrapped up the season finale of The Kardashians last month and is set for more releases including Vanderpump Villa and Mission Impossible movies.

Hulu May 2025: Everything On Release Schedule May 1 Alone Australia Season 1 The Chicano Squad Season 1 History’s Greatest Escapes with Morgan Freeman Season 2 Inmate to Roommate Season 2 James Brown: Say it Loud Season 1 Jeopardy! Masters Season 3 Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story Naruto Shippuden Season 9 Pawn Stars Season 22 Alienoid Alienoid 2 Anaconda Anaconda En Español Attack The Block Attack the Block En Español Austenland Austenland En Español Babylon A.D. Bad Teacher Bad Teacher En Español Basic Basic En Espanol Battle of the Year Battle Of The Year En Español The Childe Con...

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto has some of the most entertaining characters in anime. Kishimoto-san drew inspiration from several myths, celebrities, and pop culture figures to create his characters, giving them a lot of personality. Among these characters, Killer Bee stands out as a fan favorite due to his raps and wrestling-inspired combat.

While everyone loves Bee, few know that his creation may have been influenced by the WWE legend, Hulk Hogan. Hints from Kishimoto, such as Bee’s combat style, point to this inspiration, drawing a connection between Naruto’s rapper ninja and the wrestling legend.

Naruto’s Killer Bee is a badass, ya fool Killer Bee before facing Taka | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Killer Bee of the Hidden Cloud village is one of the few people in Naruto known as the Jinchuriki, people with creatures known as the Tailed Beasts sealed inside them. Bee, in particular, was the host of the Eight Tails.

Anime opening songs are more than just an intro to any anime because they can make you feel more attached to the anime, which is why we will check out the top 10 best and worst anime opening songs today.

A single anime series has multiple intro songs that defend the storyline because the intro contains many scenes that are going to happen, which makes viewers feel excited. To keep the viewer stuck to the anime, the industry uses the best song to fit it.

Image showing Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia. Image Credit: Toho Animation/Crunchyroll

We are going to list the top 10 best and worst anime opening songs, which we picked based on many aspects, such as the streaming number, the love it gained from the listeners, the lyrics of the song, and the songs that justify the scene.

Top 10 Best Anime Opening Songs Still Image from Op 1 (Unravel) of Tokyo Ghoul,...

Almost 11 years ago, Masashi Kishimoto’s opus Naruto concluded with 700 chapters. It stands as one of the best sellers in the Shonen genre, and this also applies to the anime. The series was all the rage and continues to impact us fans even today.

Some remember the anime for its fights while others reminisce about the emotional moments. Regardless of that, its impact and influence on anime fans cannot be disputed in any case. Though this leaves me with a question that still haunts me to this date.

Why did the mangaka not expand on Nagato’s fate in the series? He is one of the pivotal characters who also makes a comeback during the War arc. But the question remains: what happened to his character in the end? This also connects well with the idea of an afterlife and the like in the series.

Nagato’s ambiguous fate in...

The anime/manga community has its fair share of epic badass villain gangs, and Akatsuki from Naruto is undoubtedly one of them. From Itachi’s death stare to Pain’s god-complex vibes, they had this oozing aura that takes this series to the next level.

But then you get to see Deidara and Tobi, the two little chaotic gremlins that make world domination into some sort of silly buddy sitcom where they bicker and argue like crazy. Looking at Deidara, he is out in the world yelling about his explosive “art” like a mad artist, and while Tobi is just being… Tobi, delulu, stupid, and doing the best to get a laugh out of you.

They make you almost forget that they are a part of the Akatsuki gang, and you have to take them seriously. Instead of having those dark and gritty vibes like Kakuzu and Hidan, Deidara and...

Masashi Kishimoto has created a series that many consider to be a shonen anime staple amongst titles like Dragon Ball and Bleach . With 220 episodes of Naruto , 500 episodes of Naruto Shippuden , Naruto’s sequel series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and multiple movies, you could spend a lot of time catching up to Naruto Uzumaki’s seemingly simple story of trying to become Hokage. But what happens when the well runs dry? What if you want more anime like Naruto ? Related: All Naruto Arcs in Order from Naruto to Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Have no fear. This anime list will seek to point the enterprising Naruto viewer (and anime fans in general) toward the next step in their great anime journey. As you can imagine with an anime series as renowned as this, there are plenty of options to choose from. Do I recommend Fairy Tail or Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba...

Storytelling and narratives are compelling, and Naruto is a prime example of that. It is a phenomenal Shonen series that made its mark as an offbeat ninja story. Masashi Kishimoto, sure as hell, isn’t one to bow down to cliche, for he breaks monotony through his characters and their backstories.

Throughout the series, we see characters struggle and shine through. This is reflected in their past, which is laid out beautifully in the manga. It amazes me how the mangaka brings out complex emotions and behaviours. He does so through each character, but nothing beats this manga panel that says it all.

In all honesty, the visual sums up the storytelling aspect, yes, but if there’s one word to describe it, it’d be impact. It will wring out the grief and sadness embedded within the readers and turn it into a cryfest. This is precisely why we...

Major U.S. footwear and lifestyle brand Converse is partnering with Naruto Shippuden -- one of the biggest anime series in the world -- to deliver fans a new sneaker collection next month that's fit for first-rate ninjas.

Sneaker Bar Detroit (Sbd) reported earlier this week that Converse will release new Naruto sneakers inspired by Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha and Gaara. The Naruto Converse Chuck Taylor Pack includes details like an orange colorway for Naruto, his Nine Tails seal on the sides, the Konoha emblem on the back and a yellow interior referencing his hair. Sasuke's Shippuden aesthetic is also clear, ditching his navy blue style from Part 1 for white and purple, referencing his clothing and obi. Readers can check out images of the three Naruto Converses below.

Anime Fans Can Kick Back Like Naruto, Sasuke & Gaara in New Converse Shoe Release

All dropping on May 22, Sbd reports that...

There have been plenty of debates about which one is better, Black Clover or Naruto. Of course, most people would choose Naruto with their eyes closed. But that doesn’t mean Black Clover has no redeeming qualities. In fact, most people who hate it are just too adamant to acknowledge its greatness.

Black Clover might not be able to beat Naruto in all fields, but there is one thing that the series does better. And that is thanks to Studio Pierrot’s efforts that went into the animation.

Naruto‘s vice lies in its battle-centric episodes

There are plenty of battles in Naruto that feel dragged out to their maximum capacity. These fights are stretched out over multiple episodes, with little to no progress in between. This is sometimes done to build tension, establish character development or even to stretch out the episode so that the manga has time to run ahead.

Currently decades old, the Naruto franchise has remained one of the biggest names in the industry. Now, those subscribed to Hulu can enjoy another pivotal chapter in its long anime legacy.

Naruto Shippuden was the second Naruto anime and adapted around 45 volumes of content from Masashi Kishimoto's original Naruto manga. Running for a decade, it featured the bulk of the anime's numerous episodes, with its many seasons featured on various streaming services. Thankfully, fans who prefer the English dub are in luck, as another season is about to be added to Hulu.

The Next Dubbed Season of Naruto: Shippuden Is About to Hit Streaming Image via Studio Perriot.

May is set to be a busy month for the Hulu streaming service, with numerous TV shows and movies being newly added to the platform starting May 1. Anime fans are also in luck, with one of the biggest shows of the...

Isekai is rapidly becoming a go-to anime genre for streaming services. Next month, Disney's Hulu platform is fleshing out its ever-growing anime library by adding My Next Life As a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! and I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss -- two highly popular isekai series (and both the biggest "villainess" anime series listed on MyAnimeList by number of members).

As detailed on What's on Disney Plus, both of the aforementioned titles will become available on Hulu starting May 12. All 12 episodes of I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss will be streaming in both the original Japanese and English-dubbed versions. Season 1 of the two-season series, My Next Life As a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom, will likewise have both English and Japanese language options. Several additional anime titles are also scheduled to be updated or added throughout May 2025, including Naruto Shippuden...

Masashi Kishimoto’s characterization of Shikamaru Nara has made him the Mvp for the Naruto fandom. He played an integral role throughout the story, including the final war, solely through his intellect. Apart from his tactical brain, his biggest weapon was his Shadow Manipulation and Shadow Imitation techniques.

From the chunin exam to his most important fight, his Shadow Imitation ability helped him defeat the strongest opponents. These techniques were seemingly ordinary, but a new Naruto theory suggests they might share a correlation with the most overpowered clan in the series: the Otsutsuki Clan. If this theory is indeed true, then it makes the Shadow Imitation and Manipulation seem like an overly simplistic version of an overpowered technique.

Naruto fan theory highlights the true origin of the Shadow Manipulation technique

The introduction of Kaguya Otsutsuki threw off the power scaling in Naruto. The pre-established standards didn’t make any sense,...

Is there a better month to have Disney+ than May, the Star Wars fandom’s holy month? May 2025 is extra special, with the second and final season of “Andor” in full swing on the streamer, along with tons of other Star Wars series, films, and specials.

The platform’s annual May the Fourth celebrations will including the premieres of “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld,” a six-episode series about villains from throughout the galaxy; “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” and “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance” — two immersive P.O.V. journeys inside rides at Disneyland Resort.

For Hulu subscribers, the Star Wars celebration includes the three original films and 2016’s “Rogue One,” the perfect post-“Andor” viewing to segue right into that trilogy. And, of course, there’s no shortage of brand new series and beloved films joining the Hulu library, including “Nine Perfect Strangers” Season 2 and 2024’s “The Last Showgirl.

Nobody does assassins better than Yoshihiro Togashi, and the Zoldyck Family from Hunter x Hunter is all the proof we need. Whether it’s the creepy, bloodthirsty killer like Illumi or the conscientious one like Zeno, the Zoldyck family has all sorts of assassins. Even though most of them have a cordial disposition, it’s difficult to be comfortable around their presence or trust them because of the threat they pose.

Every Zoldyck family member has numerous kills under their belts. But who is the strongest of them all? The obvious choices would be either Alluka or Zeno. However, there’s an even stronger Zoldyck member that we don’t know much about–Maha Zoldyck. Maha is undoubtedly the strongest Zoldyck warrior, but if you’re struggling to remember who he is, here’s everything you need to know!

The Zoldyck powerhouse explained

Fans’ introduction to the Zoldyck Family in Hunter x Hunter was Killua.

One Piece might include some deeply sympathetic and nuanced villains, whose backstories will shock or break your heart. However, it isn’t the only show with great villains. Naruto has some of the most iconic ones, but what makes some of them stand out is their incredible redemption arcs.

The Fourth Great Ninja War is one of the best arcs in the series. The stakes are high, the portrayal of war is brilliant within its universe, and the character development is worth the wait. Even villains we found irredeemable in Naruto shine and are useful instead of being an inconvenience.

While everyone thought Orochimaru had died at Sasuke’s hands, this arc proved otherwise. During the war, he decides to revive the legendary Sannin after realizing he needs him to resurrect the previous Hokage. This one strategic decision turned the battle in their favor, but also redeemed his character.

Orochimaru...

Itachi Uchiha is known as one of Naruto‘s most emotionally composed and mysterious characters. He’s so chill, and quiet, and his eyes are always half-closed as if he’s five moves ahead of everyone else. You could be yelling at him, and he’d just blink at you casually, like, “Dude, why you gotta be so dramatic?”

He’s the one who murdered his whole family and yet looked so calm doing it. He lies, manipulates, and sacrifices everything while looking like a ghost who has already made peace with hell. But one particular scene actually tells a different story. This moment goes down in Naruto Shippuden Episode 455, as part of Sasuke’s flashback.

“You’re all pathetic.”: The one time Itachi actually snapped in Naruto

That particular scene from Naruto shows, that Itachi totally loses his cool right before the Uchiha clan council. In that completely intense meeting,...

To unlock Mangekyo Sharingan is a rarity, and Itachi Uchiha is one such case. He is among a few who were able to grasp the extent of the dojutsu’s power. His abilities were truly overwhelming, be it in activating Tsukuyomi, Susanoo, or even the Totsuka Blade,

However, nothing compares to the ultimate form of Sharingan, the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. It was the most menacing weapon for which Uchiha killed their brethren, but there is a question that plagues most fans. Why is it that Itachi never sought this power through his father?

In other words, the genjutsu prodigy’s inability to take his father’s eyes is a mystery to this date. It is yet another plothole, yet to be expanded upon for many reasons. There are speculations and conjectures, so let’s unpack this plothole now, shall we?

Why didn’t Itachi take Fugaku’s Mangekyo Sharingan?

Itachi...

You either die as the greatest shonen villain or live long enough to see yourself become Uchiha Madara. His introduction in Naruto Shippuden remains a fond and exciting memory for many fans. The character entered the battlefield and shook it, leaving the strongest characters completely powerless and worn out.

However, almost every Naruto fan finds the later parts of his character arc unsatisfying for numerous reasons. Compared to that, Aizen had a better progression and conclusion in Bleach. Masashi Kishimoto should’ve used the same formula for Madara that makes Aizen the most deserving of the greatest shonen villain throne.

The key difference between Aizen and Madara Aizen in Bleach anime | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

From the moment he was introduced as the benevolent Captain Aizen to the role he played in the Tybw arc of Bleach, Aizen’s aura remained superior. Tite Kubo never toned down the character’s God Complex.

Naruto has some painful and heartbreaking moments in the series, including deaths. These were jarring, to say the least, both for readers and viewers. But sometimes, some of these were way too unnecessary and made fans flip tables for worse.

One such case is Neji Hyuga, and we do not blame fans at all. He was and shall always remain a fan-favorite for various reasons. His death, though, was uncalled for and, to this date, it feels strange. But what if Kishimoto had second thoughts about it?

Sasuke’s Rinnegan in the series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Well, to begin with, this theory states that the character was supposed to be in his villainous era. He was supposed to join the Akatsuki, but that did not happen because his path was too similar to Sasuke Uchiha’s. Hence, he was killed off, and the mangaka chose not to follow his pattern of parallels.

While Naruto is hailed for its depiction of fraternity, solidarity, and friendships, the series also outlined some dark and disturbing moments. This is true for Part 1, which surpasses Shippuden through body horror. It was downright eerie and bloodcurdling, to say the least.

However, there were several instances where Shippuden encompassed fear, grief, and other complex emotions. The disorderliness and dissociation is portrayed sensibly by Masashi Kishimoto. This beautifully detailed panel from the manga proves that exactly but here’s the catch.

Hashirama Senju in a still from the Naruto Shippuden anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

While the panel is immaculate and intricate, it outlines ferocity and brutality in every sense. This is something the anime diluted in some aspects. But more than that, it also highlighted a key detail that proved Hashirama was purposely fluffing around with Madara when it came to his strength.

The Naruto panel that outlined ferocity and...

The battle between Naruto and Sasuke is an unforgettable one for the fans of Naruto. It wasn’t just any fight, but an outburst that was the culmination of years of emotional build-up in breathtaking animation.

The fight at the Valley of the End is perhaps one of the best fights in anime history. Even after almost a decade, it remains a captivating and intense fight that can send the viewer into a flurry of emotions.

But behind the special effects and smooth transitions, there is a hidden story of exhaustion, pressure, and raw dedication to one’s art. Chengxi Huang was one of the key animators behind the iconic scene, and he recently opened up about what it was like working on that pivotal moment. Spoiler alert: It was anything but easy.

Even the Big 3 couldn’t escape the harsh deadlines of the industry

The anime industry is famous for its harsh schedules,...

To sum up Naruto’s plot in one word, it’d be complex. Yes, there’s friendship, betrayal, revelations, self-growth, and so much more. This is precisely why the series doesn’t fit into the traditional mold of Shonen. It borders between conventional and outlandish elements.

We’ve got a gung-ho Mc who dares to dream and wishes to achieve them someday. The pursuit of a cold and aloof rival fuels Naruto’s determination to become better. His faith in Sasuke makes him better each day as both characters grow stronger. But what if things were done a bit differently here?

Naruto and Sasuke argue with each other | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Sasuke’s gender swap would be a fascinating idea. Things would pan out differently, but there’s one thing for sure. He would be one of the best female characters in Shonen for various reasons. But what’s the rubric behind it exactly?...

Naruto is considered one of the ‘Big 3’ for a reason. The series might have ended long ago, but it can keep its status due to the immense amount of popularity it retains.

Fans like me keep revisiting the series, watching different parts when we feel like it; I personally like the intense training arcs very much. But completely rewatching Naruto after a decade brings a fresh perspective and lets me notice many things I somehow missed before.

Sasuke vs Naruto in Naruto Shippuden | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Unfortunately, it is not a good thing, but a harsh realization of just how much the series bent over backward to elevate Sasuke, even at the cost of narrative logic.

Sasuke was the poster boy of the series

Both Naruto and Sasuke were meant to be rivals destined to clash, and both had tragic backstories that were going to play a major role in dictating the narrative.

When we think about top-tier fights in Shonen, Naruto being on the list is no overstatement. This is because of the impeccable and flawless battle choreography. There’s Naruto versus Sasuke, and then there’s Kakashi versus Obito; we asked for it, and Pierrot delivered it.

The moves, be they kicks and punches, are perfected to a T. We have to salute the animators behind this fluidity in motion and maneuvers. But there is an underrated fight that deserves a special mention for using a unique combat style.

Sasuke and Naruto spar with each other | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Most specifically, the animator used Wing Chun in one of the fight scenes, which added an oomph factor to it. The scene is significant in most aspects as it racks up action elements, but also in the sense that it highlights Bruce Lee’s legacy and impact. How so? Let’s explore this.

Masashi Kishimoto’s opus, Naruto, is a true masterpiece in every way. This applies to the complex themes and symbolism in the narrative, be it friendship, resilience, or self-discovery. The series is thought-provoking and compelling in every manner.

There were moments when he wasted its potential. The characters, lore, and even the world-building were frittered away despite the sheer number of possibilities. What’s more disappointing is that this happened to one of the best arcs in the storyline.

Ino-Shika-Cho in the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

But we’re not done yet, especially with fans’ reactions and comments. They won’t forgive the series for having butchered one of the pivotal characters. It was underwhelming and unnecessary for the most part, but it also highlights the mangaka’s knack for creating fodder characters.

How Naruto butchered an iconic character

Naruto has an interesting assemblage of characters, especially villains. They’re menacing,...

In recent years, Ryomen Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen has emerged as the fan-favorite shonen villain. Whether it’s reciting his dialogue or imitating his face makeup, fans have been obsessed with the King of Curses. But to be fair, anything and everything can enjoy similar popularity nowadays, simply because of how trends work.

This realization instantly makes one wonder what Sukuna’s massive popularity entails, and if he shares a similar status as legendary villains like Uchiha Madara or Sosuke Aizen. It has been decades since these characters were first introduced, yet their mere mention is enough to evoke a loud cheer from their respective fandoms.

Ryomen Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen | Credits: Studio Mappa

So, will Sukuna be remembered in a similar way in the future? The answer would be no, as there’s a huge yet simple difference between his rise to popularity and how the others rose to...

Much of Naruto and Naruto Shippuden is based on the rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke. Both characters helped each other grow and it was Sasuke defecting from the group and getting obsessed with revenge that pushed Naruto to choose a better path.

While fans love to argue that Naruto is the stronger one between the two, there have been times when Sasuke was far stronger than the protagonist. In fact, in part 2 of the series, Sasuke was powerful enough to murk Naruto.

Sasuke was far stronger than Naruto in early Naruto Shippuden | Credits: Pierrot

But to preserve the faith of the series, Masashi Kishimoto had to interfere and give Naruto plot armor, because of which he got far more powerful in a short amount of time.

Early Naruto Shippuden Sasuke was too strong for Naruto

In the early period of Naruto Shippuden, Sasuke was extremely powerful. He had mastered the...

The final war in Naruto was a mix of many great moments and some lackluster drawn-out ones. The war might have been shorter and more coherent if Konan hadn’t been killed off so soon, and that’s what a new Naruto theory suggests. Right before the war, Obito visited Amegakure to retrieve the Rinnegan. Konan put up a great fight, but it marked the conclusion of her character arc, as she was killed off.

Many characters were reincarnated by Kabuto through Edo Tensei including the likes of Madara and the Hokage. While the legendary shinobi were able to break free of the mind control, some characters still had to fight their loved ones.

Konan in Naruto Shippuden | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

If Konan had been alive during the Final War or even if she was reincarnated, she could have made a difference. If you’re wondering how, the...

Other than being a genjutsu prodigy, Itachi Uchiha is a true mastermind. They don’t call him a genius for nothing. He outmaneuvered both Orochimaru and his protege Kabuto. This is true for the moment when he defeats and seals away the Snake Sannin.

With his apprentice, he used the Izanami to break free from the Edo Tensei Jutsu. He outsmarted his enemy through his strategic thinking and combat prowess. However, there is a skill so broken and overpowered that it could potentially overpower Naruto.

A reanimated Itachi uses Izanami in a still from Shippuden. | Credit: Studio Pierrot

He could have easily kidnapped him if he wanted to because of this ability. This also outlined his true motivations and goals in the series. But above all, Itachi’s most broken ability of the Sharingan would have overpowered Jiraiya himself, considering he never mastered the Sage Mode to perfection.

Itachi’s...

Almost eight years ago, Naruto ended, leaving several questions unanswered. This is true for Hidan’s immortality and the Uchiha clan’s eyes that Obito eventually stored. There have been conjectures and theories, but no such confirmation has been made.

The same goes for the deaths in the series. There’s Hashirama, whose death is one of the biggest mysteries in the series that is yet to be explored. But there is a pressing question among fans that vexes them to this date. And that is, how did Itachi die?

Itachi Uchiha prepares to kill his parents | Credit: Studio Pierrot

So far, there have been fan theories and speculations about the character’s supposed “sickness”. It becomes even more saturated, especially since there’s no confirmation regarding it. Like the Sharingan storage and Jashin’s origins, this remains an enigma in the ninjaverse.

Itachi’s mysterious death in Naruto

To...

Decades back, Masashi Kishimoto outdid himself with his writing of the Sharingan. He took the phrase “seeing eye to eye” way too literally. But we’re not complaining one bit. That’s because the dojutsu lives up to its hype, glazing and power.

Its abilities are truly fascinating and impressive, to say the least. There’s Amaterasu, whose powerful flames are a perfect offense. Then there’s Izanami’s genjutsu loop, which is brutal and the ultimate Op ability. Nothing, however, beats this goated technique, but here’s a catch.

Sasuke’s Mangekyo Sharingan in the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

The ability was shown only once in Naruto: Shippuden, which is such a shame. It’s got aura and intensity, but first and foremost, it is a daunting technique to wield. This somehow also fits in perfectly with the origins and mythology associated with it.

The most Op Sharingan ability...

A village that cries endlessly seems almost fascinating, doesn’t it? Well, it most certainly is the case with Amegakure in the Naruto Shippuden anime. The village has a history of war, loss, and suffering. It is evident with children either being orphaned or turning to criminal organizations.

Moreover, it doesn’t exist for mere aesthetic purposes in Kishimoto’s series. Rather, it has deep symbolism of pain, loss, and suffering. It represents the history of oppression and tyranny, but there’s a catch to that. There is a plausible explanation for its unnaturalness in the anime.

Amegakure in Naruto Shippuden anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

According to this theory, the downpour can be attributed to a weapon test gone wrong. It does align well with the village’s history of conflict and its technological advancements. The rebreathers and the village’s landscape are only a fraction of its true potential.

For Naruto fans, Itachi’s genjutsu skills aren’t a newsflash. He awakened his Sharingan at the age of 8 and became an Anbu captain at the age of 12. What followed was his mastery of clan techniques, as well as kekkei genkai. These also included the dojutsu’s signature abilities.

From Amaterasu to Tsukuyomi, he outdid himself through his visual chakra prowess. It is a big feat in itself that came at a great cost. This involved chakra drainage and sickness. His proficiency in Totsuka Blade, on the other hand, is a masterstroke. But it might be tied to yet another lethal jutsu.

Itachi’s final moments in the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

A theory suggests that it is a rather advanced form of the Reaper Death Seal. This makes sense since both share similarities in terms of their components. They also have certain differences in terms of their origins, both known,...

We often come across people saying Masashi Kishimoto is a bad writer. It might not be the case entirely. This is true for the series being flawed on most occasions, but it is what it is. The manga is a mixed bag of the good, the bad, and the ugly.

However, there are times when the mangaka tricks both viewers and readers. He did so by maneuvering the plot and characters, thinking we wouldn’t notice. And we didn’t, especially when it came to one of the pivotal characters in the series, Sasuke.

In Shippuden, Kishimoto effortlessly hid the character’s biggest weakness through plot armor. It is undoubtedly thicker than Batman’s cape, but here’s the thing. This move is a total hit or miss. The author, on the other hand, seems to have an undying love for it.

Sasuke’s biggest weakness in Naruto

Sasuke Uchiha...

Fillers, fillers everywhere! This is one of the issues with Naruto, as some say. But is this the case? Well, there’s one thing we know: quantity doesn’t equal quality. This is also the case with non-canon episodes that may or may not work out.

Some are low-key cringe, while others are feel-good. This doesn’t beat the criticism, though, in any case. The series is overly laden with such episodes that add little to the plot. They are irrelevant and inconclusive for the most part, but rating them low would be a little extreme. At least in this case.

Nagato and Itachi in a still from Naruto Shippuden | Credit: Studio Pierrot

With this Naruto Shippuden episode, the rating is the worst thing to happen. It doesn’t even make sense because it is offbeat. The writing and the conception are refreshing, but to some fans, it is misaligned.

Every great piece of art is flawed, and Masashi Kishimoto’s series is no exception. It is hailed as one of the finest series in the Shonen genre, but it is far from perfect. Be it plot, characters, or pacing, it is disappointing. There is a seesaw undertone to it with the sheer number of highs and lows.

This time, however, people didn’t hold back in throwing shade at one of the key moments in the anime. It concerns Fugaku Uchiha and his role as an important clan member. His death by Itachi was gut-wrenching, yet fans were quick to give their two cent regarding it.

Uchiha clan in a still from the Shippuden anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Some called it unnecessary, and others deemed it a character flaw; however, that might not be the case. The series is ridden with pitfalls, but this most certainly is not one of them.

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto might not be flawless, but it’s an incredible series with a compelling heroic message. We witness the titular protagonist fight for his place in the world and become powerful after being shunned for matters he had no control over.

This perception of him, however, changed when it was revealed that Naruto Uzumaki and his rival, Sasuke Uchiha, were the reincarnations of Hagoromo Otsutsuki’s sons and the rival brothers, Ashura and Indra.

Naruto and Ashura from Naruto: Shippuden. [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

Naruto fans began to believe his powers weren’t earned through hard work anymore. The reincarnation factor soured the series’ message and sowed the seeds of doubt into his development. What would have been the point of the hard work if he had been Ashura’s vessel all along?

Solo Leveling employs a similar plotline. Sung Jinwoo gets chosen to be the next Shadow...