Key Takeaways:
– Naruto‘s protagonist, created by Masashi Kishimoto, is uniquely characterized by pacifism, setting him apart from typical fight-to-win heroes.
– The Edo Tensei Jutsu during the Fourth Shinobi World War arc became a game-changer, allowing Naruto to fight without straying from his morals.
– The undead shinobi, including Akatsuki and Jinchiriki, targeted Naruto’s pacifism, encouraging him to unleash his full strength.
– Masashi Kishimoto ingeniously found a loophole around Naruto’s pacifism by facing him off against dead characters.
The Pacifist Hero
If you’re a Naruto fan, you know that this isn’t a typical battle manga. The main character, Naruto, is not one to solve conflicts by jumping into violence. This unique pacifism, nurtured since Pain arc, sets him apart from most protagonists in similar genres.
Creator Masashi Kishimoto ardently followed this philosophy while shaping Naruto. He ensured his leading character’s principled stand stayed strong, even when confronted by progressively vicious villains. This pacifist philosophy’s impact on the series didn’t diminish its combat-focused elements but instead added a layer of complexity.
Twist in the Tale: Edo Tensei Jutsu
To balance Naruto’s pacifism with the action-packed expectations of the series, Kishimoto introduced the Edo Tensei Jutsu during the Fourth Shinobi World War arc. This jutsu revived shinobi from the past in semi-dead yet rebattling form, creating interesting plot twists and reuniting Naruto with past warriors, including his father Minato.
These revived characters, according to Kishimoto in an interview with Fuji TV, were designed not just to power up battles but mostly to challenge Naruto’s pacifism, making him tap into his full strength.
Naruto’s Shift in Approach
Naruto’s approach towards conflicts shifted after the Pain arc. His reluctance to resort to violence had given more depth to his character, cultivating a strong sense of morals. He became a more assertive character with firm beliefs. He was set on achieving peace, and decided that violence wouldn’t be his means to reach that end.
A Brilliant Countermove by Kishimoto
However, too much pacifism could make things monotonous, leading Kishimoto to introduce the Edo Tensei undead. As they were already dead, Naruto’s pacifist deterrence towards harming the living became irrelevant, giving him space to fight without straying from his firm morals. This was a well-thought plot deviation that kept the pacifism intact while allowing some action-packed sequences.
In essence, the story offered a thrilling rollercoaster of events, testing the pacifist hero’s strength and morals, and keeping the fans on their toes.
In conclusion, the peaceful approach that Naruto adheres to provides fresh insight into character evolution in manga series. The deliberate challenge to Naruto’s pacifism and the ingenious mechanism to overcome it prove Masashi Kishimoto’s storytelling prowess, and his ability to keep the tale intriguing without compromising on the core principles of his characters. This innovative storytelling approach is yet another reason that makes Naruto a beloved series among fans worldwide. Be sure to catch more of Naruto’s adventures on Netflix.
