Key Takeaways:
• Naruto’s creator Masashi Kishimoto initially conceived a different storyline for sequel series ‘Boruto.’
• Kishimoto initially planned to pay homage to the character Neji in ‘Boruto.’
• The name ‘Bolt,’ representing Neji’s influence, was chosen for Naruto’s and Hinata’s son.
• Changes made during the progression of the story erased the intended references to Neji.
Masashi Kishimoto’s Ambitions for Naruto’s Legacy
Naruto, a globally celebrated anime series, sprung from the dreams and aspirations of its creator, Masashi Kishimoto. With the saga of Naruto came an enduring legacy, sparking the desire among many to follow its path. The crux of the narrative shifted when Naruto, the protagonist, began acknowledging Hinata’s significant role in his life, offering another character the chance to seize the limelight.
The Start of Boruto’s Journey
Acknowledging the legacy left by Naruto, Boruto’s storyline took flight, stretching out in myriad directions. Interestingly, Kishimoto initially aimed to center the narrative around another character from the original series. He wanted to create an homage to the long-lost character, Neji, whose story had already reached its end.
Neji’s Story: A Catalyst in Kishimoto’s Vision
As noted in an interview with Kobayashi on Fuji TV, Kishimoto shared insights into the death of a pivotal character that ultimately led Naruto and Hinata together. Neji’s demise in the Fourth Shinobi World War bore a harrowing impact, predominantly serving to bring Naruto and Hinata closer.
The character of Neji was intended to play a crucial role in their son’s legacy, essentially carrying forward the principles of the man who sacrificed his life to unite his parents. Implying a hypothetical scenario, Kishimoto expressed the would-be focus on Neji and his legacy if Boruto was developed as a sequel.
Boruto: An Homage to Their Late Uncle
Naruto’s son’s name, Boruto, pays tribute to their deceased uncle, recognizing his sacrifice. Kishimoto originally envisaged Boruto’s story differently from what currently prevails. Had Kishimoto’s initial designs played out as intended, Boruto’s tale would have unfolded differently.
The Original Name for Boruto
Meanwhile, an interesting revelation came from Kishimoto’s Kobayashi interview. Before Hinata and Naruto’s union, Kishimoto envisaged their son’s name as ‘Bolt.’ This directly conveyed the impact the departed Neji had on their lives. Neji, synonymous with screw and likewise ‘bolt,’ became the inspiration behind the name. Kishimoto’s creative process involved Neji playing a pivotal role in sparking off the primary relationship of the series as well as the sequel series.
Changes in Boruto’s Storyline
Nonetheless, the narrative’s progression led to changes in Boruto’s name and the significance it held. In the current storyline, there is virtually no trace or reference to Neji. His role has faded away, becoming almost insignificant in the sequel series.
In conclusion, Kishimoto’s original vision for Boruto was significantly different, paying homage to Neji, a character who shaped the lives of Naruto and Hinata. Although the story has been altered radically from its initial conception, the sequel carries Naruto’s legacy forward.
You can watch Naruto on Netflix and delve into the captivating world of this legendary anime. While Boruto’s tale may not have retained Kishimoto’s original plan, it certainly continues to keep anime enthusiasts engaged.
