Even seven years after the shōnen anime’s final episode, Naruto continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many fans. Amids the adoration, not all viewers have the same positive feedback, and question the mangaka’s writing skills.
One such reason is the underdevelopment of the anime side of characters, as they would only get the spotlight when it concerns Naruto. Surprisingly, only a few fans know that Masashi Kishimoto himself faced several obstacles while designing most characters, especially Orochimaru.
Unraveling Kishimoto’s Challenges of Designing Orochimaru in Naruto
Undoubtedly, Orochimaru is one of the unique and formidable antagonists in the Naruto series. Created by the visionary mangaka Masashi Kishimoto, Orochimaru stands as a testament to the challenges. However, designing such a character came with its own set of obstacles for the mangaka.
Back in 2013, Kishimoto shared his initial thoughts and challenges while designing most characters. Out of all the characters, the mangaka shared that the Serpent Boy’s speech pattern was the most troublesome.
I’d say Orochimaru. I wanted him to give a very creepy androgynous vibe. But since I wanted him to be a terrifying opponent, I wondered if that was really the way to go to make him sound strong. Then I started thinking it was fine like that, he’s strong and creepy, and the creepyness kept growing and growing.
There’s no denying that Orochimaru instantly drew a lot of Naruto fans’ attention when he was introduced to the series. It was all thanks to the Serpent Boy’s unique design and antagonist vibe.
Not to mention, Orochimaru played a vital role in the Great Ninja War, which changed a lot of viewers’ perspective of him. Indeed, designing such a fan-favorite character came with its own set of problems, and Masashi Kishimoto didn’t disappoint anyone with his approach.
Since we are already talking about one of the Legendary Sanin, let’s dive into Kishimoto’s thoughts on our beloved Pervy Sage a.k.a Jiraiya.
Masashi Kishimoto on Jiraiya’s Design
Among all the characters introduced in the franchise, Jiraiya remains one of the most adored ones. As the story progresses, not only do Naruto and Jiraiya become close to each other, but viewers do as well. Thus, many fans faced the same breakdown and depression as Naruto after he learned of Jiraiya’s death at the hands of Pain.
Indeed, every viewer loved the Toad Sage’s design and personality throughout the series. Interestingly, Masashi Kishimoto also feels the same and reveals his thoughts.
For Jiraiya I have him an incisive and energic speech pattern like in old kabuki plays. And since, except him, there has been few characters who really like to talk, he makes everything more colorful.
Kishimoto wasn’t lying when he mentioned that Jiraiya would make everything colorful with his speech. He was one of the few shinobis who never saw Naruto as a threat.
Furthermore, he decided to nurture him and help him overcome all the discrimination he would face as a child. Jiraiya was the sole reason Naruto didn’t fall into darkness and always chased hope in others. Even though Kishimoto faced many challenges while designing these Legendary Sanins, there’s no debate that he did a perfect job as far as captivating viewers’ interest is concerned.
Naruto has undoubtedly created a soft spot in many fans’ hearts. Moreover, its potential adaptation into a live-action series is generating considerable buzz worldwide. Despite the original anime concluding in 2017, the fandom is still passionately awaiting the live-action’s future.
Fans will have their fingers crossed as Shang Chi-fame Destin Daniel Cretton was confirmed to direct the movie. While Netflix’s “One Piece” adaptation was positively received, Naruto may not see the same assured future.
Naruto Shippuden can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
