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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.

Other than love and lust, some anime notoriously portray a common trope and that is, thirst. First things first, oops, thirst things thirst, this is often used as a gag that makes a character almost caricaturish. One of the common examples of this is Sanji in One Piece.

The drooling, swaying, floating, and not-so-occasional nosebleeds make it all too hilarious. It would have most viewers and readers in splits, but there’s the king of perverseness and thirst who is on par with the love chef. He is the only one who can potentially outrival him.

So much so that his entire demeanor is downright questionable. There’s thirst and then there’s dehydration, and this guy takes the trophy. His shenanigans make him a total pervert, yes, but he is only second to the Black Leg chef when it comes to sleaziness.

The anime character who personifies perverseness

When we think about thirsty characters,...

In the world of manga and anime, very few series have garnered as much acclaim and love from fans worldwide as Naruto. Penned down by none other than the mastermind Mangaka Masashi Kishimoto, it brought forward the extraordinary universe of ninjas through the life of the titular protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, the young fan-favorite ninja who seeks recognition from his peers and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village.

For an affair that originally started with the Japanese manga series that was kickstarted back in September 1999 by Kishimoto, the saga has gained incredible success and praise over the years and continues to do so even now, after more than a decade since the series finished its run back in November 2014. So much so that fans have gone ahead to develop theories by themselves for things that the mangaka ceased to explain through his work.

Naruto. | Credits: Aniplex.

That said,...

It won’t be a stretch to say that Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto, had some of the most popular characters in the history of anime. From Itachi Uchiha to Jiraiya, these characters developed a separate fanbase of their own, and I am convinced that some of them were even bigger than the protagonist Naruto Uzumaki.

However, along with the most popular characters, some were equally hated for their actions. The most hated among them, according to me, was certainly Danzo Shimura, one of the Elders of Konoha in Naruto. Danzo’s actions in Naruto led to fans developing next-level hatred for the character.

The only enticing characteristic about Danzo was the plethora of jutsus that he could use in Naruto, which made him a strong and fearsome character. Danzo had the most unique set of Jutsu in the entire series, and because of this, he earned my respect as a character in Naruto.

It isn’t all sugar, spice, and everything nice in the Naruto world. This is evident throughout the thematic progression of the plot. There are wars and conflicts, both internal and external, that shape the trajectory of the series, and our hero is no different. The ninja society is anything but romantic.

But the worst thing to happen to anyone is social isolation and ostracization. It often breaks most characters in the series, and the fact that a whole village partakes in it is baffling. And while it has more to do with war weapons, there’s one guy behind it.

Of course, it is Tobirama we’re talking about. He’s stern and grouchy, but that is not all. His stint as a leader of Konoha was both beneficial and detrimental for various reasons. It eventually corrupted the citizens and led them to participate in social evils, but it had damaging effects,...

There are many battles in Naruto that fans enjoy, but one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the series is definitely the fight between Jiraiya and Pain. The short battle remains one of the most emotionally charged and impactful moments in Naruto.

It was the fall of a kind, fun, and trusted mentor who had a lot of character development, signifying a massive change in the personality of Naruto, but also a loss that felt real to the viewers, leaving them in tears. But hidden beneath the layers of tragedy and action lies a forgotten subplot that could’ve completely flipped the outcome.

The Akatsuki’s mysterious ring network has never been explained in the series. There were enough hints dropped to suggest it had ties to the group’s unique communication method, and more importantly, to how Pain operated. If Kishimoto had chosen to flesh this out or let Jiraiya uncover the truth,...

Naruto taught us many timeless life lessons, but loyalty resonates with us. One shouldn’t abandon friends during adversities. That’s right, the series is centered around friendships, family, and the need to belong. And that’s what our hero always wanted to, and we cannot help but relate.

As years passed, he gained recognition as a hero and a promising leader. His charisma made him all the more magnetic, which was also reflected in his friendships. This is true for his bond with Shikamaru, but Kishimoto may have fooled us fans.

While they’re both best friends, fans cannot ignore the glaring reality behind their friendship. It might even upset some, but it is what it is. But what truly matters is that both characters share a beautiful dynamic. How? Well, let’s find out now, shall we?

Masashi Kishimoto tricked the whole fandom

Honestly, there are innumerable reasons...

One of my favorite arcs from the Naruto series is, hands down, the Chunin Exams Arc. This is mainly because of plot twists, shocking revelations, and disturbing moments. Let’s be real, the original series was not for the beginners.

The gore and horror were unsettling to the core. Be it Orochimaru’s body modification or Kimimaro’s bone plucking, it sent a chill down our spine. But nothing beats Gaara’s menacing feats in the series. We were glad Kishimoto redeemed him in Shippuden, but the original left an indelible mark on us.

To give context, a moment involving pre-Shippuden Gaara haunts me even today. This perturbing scene puts me on edge, and because of this, I would probably never forgive the character anytime soon. This ultimately proved that he was a true menace to the ninja society.

The bone-chilling Naruto scene haunts me to this day

We keep...

There is a meaning behind everything that Eiichiro Oda does. Each character, element, and setting has its own use, and it all makes sense, and the impact ripples outward. One Piece’s next arc in Elbaph could finally reveal a hidden potential in one of its most unique Straw Hats: Brook, the Soul King.

While Brook’s Devil Fruit has long been thought to be fully understood, it is possible that his true awakening is yet to be shown. It may be something far more emotional and high-stakes than anyone expects.

Given how Oda treats life and death in One Piece, Brook’s ultimate ability could come with a tremendous cost and only one chance to use it. Similar to how Trafalgar Law’s Op-Op no Mi is extremely valuable.

How Brook’s awakening could work in Elbaph

Brook’s Revive-Revive Fruit (Yomi Yomi no Mi) grants him a second life after death.

You might wonder why they killed Jiraiya, while he was such an important and also a fun character in Naruto! But given the plot of the series, I can see why it was necessary and played a major role in the events that happened later. However, what really pisses me off is how Masashi Kishimoto decided to let Sasori die just like that!

Talking about deaths in Naruto, while most have been extremely heart-wrenching, there were still quite a few that felt off. Apparently, some of the characters in the series died without any solid reason, and Sasori’s death is where I lost it.

Sasori’s death was so unnecessary for the plot!

How could they just let Sasori die like that? Did they not even think about Sakura? The moment I got so invested in his character and felt like he might become a star villain in the future storyline,...

Over the years, one thing has become clear–there are no coincidences in the One Piece world. Everything that happens is carefully planned and executed by Eiichiro Oda. Therefore, fans are overly skeptical of any pattern they observe in the story, as it could easily prove to be relevant hundreds of chapters later.

That includes an ocular connection between Imu and Dracule Mihawk as well! These two and many other high profile characters have ring-patterned pupils. While this could simply be a stylistic choice, the story so far makes me suspect otherwise. There seems to be a deeper connection between these characters. I believe Zoro might hold the answer to all the questions I have, as he holds a similar secret.

Is there a connection between Mihawk and Imu? Mihawk during the Marineford War | Credits: Studio Toei Animation

Back when Mihawk was first introduced, his eyes didn’t seem special in any way.

Spoiler Alert !!!One Piece chapter 1147 spoilers.

The Elbaph arc in One Piece has taken a major twist ever since the God’s Knights have appeared and kidnapped the giant kids. These kids are the God’s Knights’ way of pressuring the giants to ally with the World Government of the One Piece world and become a part of their gigantic army.

However, there is a possibility that Eiichiro Oda may have hinted at something else with the giant kids’ kidnapping. The One Piece mangaka is known for foreshadowing major developments in different plot structures, and it looks like he has hidden the fate of the Straw Hats within the giant kids’ ongoing development.

The spoilers of One Piece chapter 1147 disclosed that the ten giant kids who have been apprehended draw a similarity with the Straw Hat Crew in the series. Therefore, this provides fans with a reason to suspect that...

Only a handful of anime leave an imprint on a person’s memory. In my case, it is Naruto. Yes, it’s got cool characters, worldbuilding, and rich lore, but what makes it even better is the character depth and growth. No one does complexities better than Kishimoto.

Pain and loneliness are integral to the manga. It starts with the main character and branches out to the side cast. There are Sasuke, Sasori, and others who navigate the profundities of trauma. But nothing tops Kakashi and his journey of survival through the series.

As a shinobi, he undergoes extremes of all kinds, but it is so intense that even Zoro would break and cower ultimately. Both experience the grave emotions differently, but when it comes to Ptsd, Kishimoto’s depiction of trauma is spot on.

The intricacies of Kakashi’s trauma in Naruto

Initially, we all saw Kakashi as one...

When it comes to emotional character deaths within the anime industry, very few of them have been able to match the essence of legendary Sannin Jiraiya’s death in Naruto. It was one of the most devastating deaths in the history of anime, and even Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has failed to reach such a level of tragic death.

Oda has been against the idea of killing characters in One Piece since the beginning, and he has been quite vocal about it. Still, the mangaka has had to write off some characters from the series for the sake of the story, and their deaths have been damaging, but they did not have an impact like Jiraiya’s death.

However, Oda once had an opportunity to recreate a Jiraiya death scene in One Piece, and it would have had the same impact within the storyline. The character who would have...

We all have that innate feeling to go back in time, and for me, it’s Naruto. Yes, some crucial events and revelations were important to the plot. Some, however, were downright unnecessary and inconclusive. This also goes for the Fourth Shinobi World War Arc.

The War arc is one of my favorites, along with the Pain Assault. There were reunions and farewells, and we know how goodbyes hit the hardest. This is something most fans would agree on, especially with their love for Itachi and Jiraiya but not me.

Interestingly, the one character I’d bring back has the potential to stop the war from happening. There are solid reasons behind this, considering the character’s significance in the series. That is to say, they exist more than a mere plot device. Why? Let me explain.

This Naruto character’s return can foil the 4th Shinobi World War

War...

If there’s one thing Naruto fans know best, its that he is a powerful ninja who made his mark as a Hokage. He dared to dream and he did achieve it. We commend Kishimoto for that. But there are things that even the Seventh Hokage fail at.

For instance, there are the Chunin Exams and then the bad leadership. No doubt, he is a strong and formidable shinobi of his time. He mastered Senjutsu and even perfected it better compared to his mentor Jiraiya. But even he cannot use this iconic and lethal S-rank nature release.

We fans have often debated whether he can perform Wood Release or not. He seems capable, so why can’t he use the kekkei-genkai? Well, some solid reasons behind it seem plausible for the most part. But also, it points to the retcons associated with Hashirama’s ability in the series.

Why can’t Naruto use the wood-style?...

The world of villainy within the anime and manga industry has been graced by some of the best-written characters in history. From Madara Uchiha to Kaido, there have been many antagonists who have earned more fame than the protagonist, but none of them have been able to reach the level of Sosuke Aizen, who is considered the greatest shonen villain by many.

Tite Kubo’s creation of Sosuke Aizen was one of his best decisions solely because of the hype and praise the Bleach villain received over the years. He has literally inspired other creators, and even though he is currently in the background of the main story, he still manages to sway the fans towards him. However, there is one major issue with Aizen’s character.

This issue is connected to his inability to kill any significant character in Bleach. Throughout the series, Aizen has a big control over the narrative,...

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...

Every story has its fair share of tearjerker moments, and Naruto isn’t divorced from the norm, now is it? The series had some of the most heartbreaking deaths, ranging from Itachi to Jiraiya. But there’s one character whose end seemed unnecessary in every way.

Yes, I’m talking about Neji Hyuga, whose death is underwhelming and trivial for many reasons. He had so much potential and capability, yet he was killed eventually to further the plot. It didn’t serve much purpose,e but what vexes me is a character whose end impacted me the most.

To be specific, Oda triggered a cryfest through his writing of Bon Clay’s character. The Baroque Works member defied the norms in every aspect but what made them so unique was the ability to stick to their beliefs. This overshadows Kishimoto’s treatment of his side characters.

Bon Clay’s impactful...

Naruto has some of the most cool and edgy jutsu in the series but nothing beats Senjutsu. The Sage Mode takes the to position when it comes to its mastery, effectiveness, control and intensity. It takes almost decades for most shinobi to master it.

Let’s be real, not even Jiraiya was able to perfect it, but the only exceptions were both Minato and his son. They were truly daunting on the battlefield with their fusion transformation. But it seems that others might have had prior knowledge about the sacred Sage art jutsu.

In other words, there is a Konoha clan that may have hidden their Senjutsu abilities all along. According to this theory, the clan members were discreet about their knowledge of the Sage Mode abilities. But why would they do that, and what could be the implications of that? Let’s find out.

The Konoha Clan’s “discreet” Senjutsu

For starters,...

One Piece and Crocs bring Luffy's iconic Gear 5 form to life in a highly limited-edition clogs release, currently slated to be available for fans to purchase for only two days.

Sneaker News reports that the One Piece Crocs Classic Clog will be released exclusively at atmosCon in Tokyo, Japan, which runs from April 19-20. The clogs are inspired by Luffy's Gear 5 form, featuring the purple and white colorway derived from his white hair and shorts, as well as his purple sash. Jibbitz (Crocs accessories) include Luffy's eyes bursting out of his sockets, his straw hat, his tongue, his Gum Gum Devil Fruit, the Straw Hat Pirate flag, and one commemorating atmos and One Piece's collaboration. Readers can check out the collaboration image below.

Crocs & One Piece Unite for Exclusive Gear 5 Luffy Clogs Image via One Piece

It's unclear whether the clogs will get a wide domestic release, let alone an international release,...

There’s this intriguing Boruto theory that has recently popped up, and it’s a nightmare for Sakura worshippers. According to the theory, Sakura’s most powerful technique, the Byakugō Seal, might come with a deadly price if you think about it. It can potentially shorten her lifespan!

Given her crucial role as a medic ninja, she’s been adding much more value to the ongoing storyline since the very beginning of Naruto, and now even in Boruto. However, these exact healing powers of hers can become a double-edged sword, allowing her to save others while possibly sacrificing her lifespan.

Sakura Haruno from Naruto | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Here’s a more detailed rundown of what exactly the future of Boruto might have in store for the Sakura fans and how much of it is plausible. Without any doubt, though, this theory raises the stakes and adds depth to Boruto’s current storyline.

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,...

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.

Demon Slayer has its fair share of compelling characters, and it is a major reason why this is one of the most loved shonen anime out there, right now. From the sweetheart protagonist, Tanjiro, to his adorable yet demon sister, Nezuko, the series is packed with characters who just amaze us in the best sort of way.

But then comes Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, who has somehow managed to steal the show owing to all sorts of reasons, particularly his tragic story. This guy is a cannonball with a backdrop of a flamethrower, both physically and metaphorically, and his story punches you right in the feels.

Kyojuro Rengoku kills the Slasher in Demon Slayer. [Credit: Ufotable]

This is not to be another hero, but a tragic one, which is what sets Demon Slayer apart from the shonen pack. He isn’t just there for those demon-slaying games—he’s the embodiment of heart and duty,...

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 dynamic between Sasuke and Naruto in Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto was one of the biggest elements of the entire series. Their uncanny relationship involved friendship, constant chase, and dangerous battles, and finally, reconciliation became the central theme of the entire series for a very long time, and fans were more or less happy with it.

Naruto and Sasuke | Credit: Studio Pierrot

However, there were some moments where the development of the two characters in the story felt a little weird and raised some big doubts in the minds of Naruto fans. One such moment was after the time skip when Naruto met Sasuke for the first time, and Sasuke showed Naruto the gigantic difference in their training over the past two years.

This was a contentious writing decision by Kishimoto because the plot made it look like Naruto did nothing for the past two years, but Sasuke was working very hard.

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...

Big bad villains have gone out of fashion in shonen anime, as more and more anti-villains emerge and become fan-favorites. Tite Kubo’s Bleach is no different in this respect. From Aizen to Ulquiorra, there are many villains who are complex and have a fair share of likable qualities.

It’s odd how Gin Ichimaru is hardly ever mentioned during discussions about Bleach villains. He’s the perfect anti-villain; the evil in his heart is driven by the innocent bond he shares with Rangiku. If all he wanted was to seek revenge, he could have just exposed Aizen’s secret to the Soul Society.

Gin Ichimaru in Bleach anime | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

It would have been an easier and more convenient way to achieve his goal. His character arc explains why he chose the more difficult path, and the explanation aligns with his priorities that make him a true anti-villain.

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.

If you thought Naruto was all about the Talk-no Jutsu, think again. The series is a wholesome blend of drama, action, comedy, and fantasy. But there are moments when the mangaka goes the extra mile with his characters, especially when it comes to their dialogues.

The side characters, be they villains or supporting characters, are both extra and unique. And quite honestly, we’re not complaining, especially when it comes to flaring up the dramatics in the series. This is true for a parallel scene, which is one of the best yet iconic comebacks in the series.

Naruto and Sasuke’s fight at the Valley of the End | Credit: Studio Pierrot

On top of that, the scene would take the viewers back to the good old nostalgic ride. The comeback hits hard but it fits well with the mangaka’s affinity towards theatrics. It, however, doesn’t stop at dialogues...

Naruto is one of the most popular shonen series ever. Hailed as one of the Big 3s, Masashi Kishimoto’s masterpiece continues to entertain fans even years after its conclusion. Its spin-off sequel, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, has only added to that hype.

However, for all its success, there is one complaint that Naruto fans still feel enraged about. That is, the entire series revolves continuously around only Team 7.

Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke from Naruto | Credits: Studio Pierrot

While it is not exactly surprising since Team 7 does make up the extended protagonist trio, it makes fans dissatisfied due to the lost opportunity to expound on many other interesting characters the series boasts.

Naruto revolves entirely around Team 7 and their parallels

Naruto tells the story of the titular orphan boy, who goes to great lengths to gain the attraction of the people of his village while they try their best to ostracize him.

The economy is brutal, we know that because even a good saver like Naruto is struggling financially. All his life Naruto dreamt of becoming the Hokage and even achieved his goal in Boruto. He’s the highest authority in Konoha, he isn’t answerable to anyone. If he wanted to, he could use his authority and status for anything.

Naruto in the Hokage office in Boruto | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

As long as he keeps the village safe and is dedicated to his work, people would be more than willing to support him in other ways. Yet his life isn’t smooth sailing. His frugal ways are the indicators of his struggles, and fans on Reddit have a long list of reasons to explain Naruto’s quarter life crisis.

The economy didn’t even spare Naruto

Growing up, Naruto was all alone. He only had to look after himself.

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto is a universe filled with eccentric battles, powerful shinobis, complex jutsus, and some gigantic creatures that help the shinobis in their battles. These gigantic creatures are divided into different categories and are thus a unique addition to the storyline, making them quite popular among the Naruto fanbase.

Naruto Anime Series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Most of these creatures and monsters are called into the Naruto storyline with the help of a summoning technique called Kuchiyose no Jutsu or Summoning Jutsu. It is indeed one of the most powerful jutsus in Naruto, and not every character can use it and call upon a monstrous summon that could help them win their battle against their opponents.

Kishimoto once revealed why he created the summoning jutsu and what was the influence behind the creatures that were summoned using this. The Naruto mangaka expressed his love for Godzilla, the prehistoric monster,...

Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is finally in its final saga, and just like any other fan of One Piece, I am also eagerly waiting to witness how this epic journey comes to an end. As the anime starts the new chapter of the Egghead Arc on April 5, the biggest question remains: how is Oda going to wrap up One Piece?

Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation

Oda has always been diligent in planning and deep storytelling. Given the scale of One Piece and its 25+ year history, we are not surprised to find that Oda has already mapped out how the series will end. But statements from the legendary mangaka himself have me buzzing, especially as I dive into discussions about his stance on character death and how he envisions the end of the series.

The problem with a happy ending in One Piece

Oda has openly...

If you think Jiraiya from Naruto or Sanji from One Piece are the biggest pervs in anime, then you couldn’t be more wrong! While those two are definitely guilty of ogling the ladies, they at least know how to keep it together. But there’s one character who always takes the cake – or rather, tries to take a peek under the cake, without any consent whatsoever!

Master-Roshi in Dragon Ball Super | Credits: Toei Animation

It’s time to greet Master Roshi from the Dragon Ball series, the Og lecherous old man! This guy’s been around for ages, and his love for the ladies (sarcasm intended) knows no bounds. He’s always on the prowl, always trying to catch a glimpse, and always up to no good. So, if you thought Jiraiya and Sanji were bad, how would you justify the things Master Roshi has done?

The biggest pervert...

The hit shonen anime Solo Levelingis good at many things, such as making Jinwoo Sung a cool, badass power trip of a hero, and the stellar animation helps, too. Still, Solo Leveling can't be good at everything, with the anime having rather mediocre and forgettable villains. That is bound to happen when an anime like Solo Leveling focuses on the hero killing countless fantasy monsters, with few antagonists surviving long enough to actually mean something.

Solo Leveling has villains like Beru the ant king and Antares to its name, but even they aren't half as interesting as the villains found in other action anime. Regardless of comparative strength, plenty of villains and antagonists from other action anime are simply cooler, thematically deeper, or even more sympathetic than any antagonist in Solo Leveling has been so far. Some of those outstanding action villains might also have strong personal arcs or do...

Jiraiya is one of Naruto's most beloved characters, and as a fan favorite, he left anime lovers with a lot of wise quotes to ponder. As a Toad Sage and one of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya holds an impressive reputation known throughout the Hidden Villages. While doing "research" for his latest novel, he catches Naruto's attention. Naruto recognizes his incredible abilities and harasses Jiraiya until he agrees to train him. Jiraiya reluctantly agrees, and the show's best student-teacher relationship is born.

Fans learn much about Jiraiya through his relationship with Naruto and his startling connection with the Akatsuki. It's through these interactions that fans become emotionally attached to his character, as they discover that he not only trained Naruto's father, Minato Namikaze, but inadvertently named Naruto and declared himself his godfather. Jiraiya is a kindhearted and powerful shinobi who helps Naruto become the unstoppable force he became later and...

Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden have 720 episodes of character-focused plot, but a few characters still have mysterious backgrounds, inexplicable power or unexplained absences. Most of Naruto is, naturally, focused on Naruto and the main cast. Like the Kakashi side story, most filler and backstory arcs explain fan-favorite characters' mysterious skills, relationships and personality traits. But what happens to the other characters that fall through the cracks?

A long-running franchise like Naruto naturally invites inconsistencies between canon and non-canon stories, backstories and the sheer number of adventures. The Naruto franchise was good at keeping its facts straight for the most part, and there aren't many unexplained mysteries. But it may come as a surprise that even some of the most popular characters, like Naruto himself, have mysterious aspects of their character despite reappearing throughout the anime.

Updated on March 13, 2025, by Natasha Elder: Naruto has a plethora of characters, which understandably leads to some gaps in their histories.

Kakashi Hatake could have easily been the poster boy of Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto and nobody would complain. As a character, Kakashi is reliable, lovable, strong, and perceptive. Whether it’s the village elders wanting to assign a top-secret mission or the youngins looking for a friendly adult, Kakashi was the go-to person for everyone.

Kakashi Hatake in Boruto | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

This is why it hurts so much to have him on the sidelines in Boruto. In Boruto, most of the older characters have been significantly nerfed and removed from the main storyline. However, Kakashi deserves better than that. He can easily make a great comeback with a good enough power-up. And here’s a perfect idea for what this power-up could look like for him.

Purple Lightning Armor could be Kakashi’s next big power-up in Boruto Kakashi uses Raikiri | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

During the Fourth Great Ninja War,...

There are few anime with more international recognition than Naruto , and its unforgettable score has played a major part in that fame. With music by composer Toshio Masuda and a host of fantastic opening themes, it left you humming its tunes long after Naruto went off to train with Jiraiya. And now, fans of both the show and live symphony can enjoy Naruto ’s music thanks to Naruto: The Symphonic Experience . Currently touring around the United States, it’s being conducted by the talented Emily Marshall. Emily took the time to participate in an interview with Crunchyroll where she told us about how she fell in love with the music of the series, what goes into making a symphonic tour run, and what audiences can expect from such a fan-focused event. Thank you, Emily, for taking part in this interview. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself...

Maybe it’s time for some Naruto fans to finally face the truth. While we all love fantasizing theories, it’s simply outrageous how some of you are still holding onto the idea that there is any chance of Kushina forgiving Obito! That’s just not gonna happen.

Kushina Uzumaki from the Naruto series | Credits: Studio Pierrot

The sheer amount of trauma Kushina got from Obito is something that can never be forgiven. So, despite some fans’ hopes for redemption, it’s time to make clear the harsh reality of her character and the severity of Obito’s actions.

No way Kushina is forgiving Obito! Nine-tails from Naruto | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Kushina has always been very level-headed and cheerful, and for someone like that, what Obito did was straight-up horrific. She had literally been ripped apart by him, was kidnapped, had the Nine-Tailed Fox ripped out of her, and pretty much sealed her fate.

Tite Kubo’s Bleach is one of the most popular manga series of all time. Fans were ecstatic when it was finally revived after almost a decade to adapt the final arc, i.e., the Thousand-Year Blood War Arc in 2022.

Rangiku Matsumoto in Tite Kubo’s Bleach | Credits: Studio Pierrot

While this has obviously excited fans beyond measure, they have also started reanalyzing the story from beginning to end from time to time. During such analysis, some fans have noticed a subtext in Tite Kubo’s story, which they believe hides a darker truth.

However, some other fans argue that they might be going way over the head with their theories. At any rate, a heated debate has ensued, with the fandom getting divided over their vastly different opinions.

Fans were horrified after realizing the depth of the tragic backstories of Jugram Haschwalth and Rangiku Matsumoto in Tite Kubo’s Bleach

As stated above,...

A lovable protagonist, twisted and complicated villains, and heart-racing battles are just a few factors that have made Naruto one of the most popular shōnen anime of all time. Naruto set itself apart by making its characters feel human, allowing fans to form long-lasting emotional attachments. Many of the ninja viewers connected with were so well-written that they felt like real people.

And just like real people, some of these characters fell in battle, many times through self-sacrifice. Heroic and emotional, these ninjas' deaths profoundly impacted fans. As expected, many of the saddest deaths in Naruto involved sympathetic heroes, but a few villain deaths were notably sad, too, showing how emotionally complex the Naruto story can be.

Updated on March 5, 2025, by Natasha Elder: The complexity of Naruto characters, hero and villain alike, are one of the main draws to the show. Unfortunately, that means many of the character deaths are devastating.

There are many reasons why Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto is considered one of the greatest works in the manga and anime industry, but the biggest one among them is its protagonist, Naruto himself. For many anime enthusiasts, Naruto was the first character they came across that connected with them and helped them understand the real essence of the anime art form.

Naruto Uzumaki in Naruto | Credit: Studio Pierrot

From his personality to his hard work, every aspect of Naruto’s character makes him iconic, but the one that is the most popular is his fighting style. Just like any other stereotypical shonen protagonist, Naruto’s fighting style also includes a uniqueness that makes him different from other characters and thus helps him become prominent among fans.

In Naruto’s case, many anime fans think that he learned his fighting style from his mentors like Kakashi and Jiraiya, or maybe he got it genetically from Minato.

Orochimaru is the resident creepy guy who is always looking for spare parts (or a spare body.) Nonetheless, after kicking up quite some dirt in Naruto, he is keeping his head low in Boruto. He is probably the kind of guy who read Frankenstein once and got too inspired by it.

But who is to say he will always stay passive? As long as he is alive and kicking, there is always a slight chance of his brain doing a summersault and returning to its past ways. With a delicious target in front of him, can Orochimaru hold back for too long?

Did Orochimaru really forget his ultimate goal in Boruto? Orochimaru might be simply bidding his time in Boruto | Credits: Pierrot

Orochimaru’s ultimate desire was to achieve immortality. He experimented on humans to test what kind of modifications a human body can endure without breaking. He wanted to...

Masashi Kishimoto wrote some of the finest villains in Naruto. They are deeply flawed and complex in terms of their motives and backstories. From Pain to Sasori, the series gave us well-written and layered antagonists that embodied a menacing personality.

However, Kaguya Otsutsuki is an exception to that, especially with how she was introduced. Her being overpowered is one of the criticisms that is often thrown around like confetti. Fans, however, may have been too quick in their judgment of her character’s origins.

Team 7 during the Fourth Shinobi World War | Credit: Studio Pierrot

More often than not, people tend to overlook Kishimoto’s brilliance, and they might have done the same in this case. Fans may have ignored the foreshadowing aspect of the series, which makes the character’s path more coherent.

Kaguya’s foreshadowing in Naruto

From Jiraiya to Tsunade, most characters in Naruto draw inspiration from Japanese folklore.

The legendary shonen anime Narutopacks plenty of action, drama, worldbuilding, and comedy in each major story arc, but if anime fans focus entirely on the battles, then some arcs are definitely stronger than others. Anime fans will agree Naruto has excellent fights by any standard, but even so, not all Naruto arcs are truly equal to each other. Filler arcs might not even be counted by some fans, for example, and some arcs in Naruto Shippuden were surprisingly forgettable in the long run.

Some arcs in Naruto certainly have the biggest and most explosive battles, but scale alone does not make any story arc's battles rank among the best in the anime. Naruto fans also look for essential factors like the character drama or themes involved, clever and smart moves, unique or creative exchanges of jutsu, and personal stakes involved. The combination of all helps even some of the smaller,...

Although it is an iconic ninja story, Masashi Kishimoto’s series Naruto is ridden with its fair share of disadvantages. There are upsides and then there are downsides, especially when it comes to characters. The mangaka had every opportunity to overshadow the Marineford Arc, but he fumbled big time.

A reanimated Itachi says goodbye to Sasuke as he fades away | Credit: Studio Pierrot

To be fair, every Shonen series has its drawbacks, yet the manga garnered major flak from viewers as well as readers. The fumble is tied to the recurring plot inconsistency in the series. But it leaves us with a pressing question: Are stakes that low in the manga?

Masashi Kishimoto’s fatal fumble in the series

As we all know, Masashi Kishimoto has had his fair share of highs and lows with his series. It is a rollercoaster ride when it comes to the good, the bad and the ugly.

Naruto is known for its top-tier jutsu, and Senjutsu is one of them. Not only is it daunting, but it gives the characters a certain edge over the others. We all saw how the knucklehead made it way cooler than Jiraiya by mastering it within a brief period. But he might not be the Og God in any case.

Naruto Uzumaki’s Sage Mode in the Shippuden anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

According to this fan theory, a certain someone learned the jutsu beforehand but it isn’t what makes it special. From fluency to usage, the character’s feats make it rather legendary. However, it only proves why Masashi Kishimoto should have expanded and unpacked the domains of Sage Mode in the series.

The Senjutsu God in Naruto

In the beginning, we were introduced to different types of jutsu in Naruto mainly ninjutsu, taijutsu, and dojutsu. Then there is kinjutsu...