Few creators have achieved the level of success and influence enjoyed by Masashi Kishimoto, the mastermind behind the globally acclaimed series Naruto. However, even the most accomplished storytellers are not immune to missteps, and Kishimoto’s work is no exception. One of the most reignited controversial plot points in the saga, the introduction of Ginkaku and Kinkaku, sheds light on the challenges of maintaining narrative consistency in a long-running series.
As fans continue to dissect and debate the intricacies of Kishimoto’s storytelling, comparisons to other manga giants inevitably arise. Among these, Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, stands out as a paragon of meticulous planning and world-building. The contrast between regret and flawless narrative construction has once again brought to the forefront the ongoing debate about storytelling techniques in the manga industry.
Masashi Kihimoto’s Troublesome Tale of Ginkaku and Kinkaku
At the heart of this controversial storyline lie Ginkaku and Kinkaku, two characters introduced late in the series. These brothers from the Hidden Cloud Village were pivotal in the Fourth Great Ninja War arc, serving as a convenient plot device to resurrect the Ten-Tails. Their sudden appearance and significance in the overall narrative raised eyebrows among fans.
Ginkaku and Kinkaku’s importance stemmed from their unique ability to wield Kuruma’s chakra, despite not being official jinchuriki. This trait allowed them to serve as substitute vessels for the Nine-Tails, facilitating the revival of the Ten-Tails without the need for the actual Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto.
The introduction of these characters was seen by many as a hasty solution to a complex plot problem. Their backstory, involving surviving inside Kurama’s stomach and absorbing his chakra, felt contrived and inconsistent with the established lore. This narrative choice undermined the significance of the jinchuriki concept and the unique bond between Naruto and Kuruma, that had been carefully developed throughout the series.
Eiichiro Oda’s Consistent Excellence over Masashi Kishimoto
The contrast with Eiichiro Oda‘s storytelling in One Piece becomes particularly stark when examining such narrative decisions. Oda is renowned for his ability to plan and foreshadow plot developments in advance, ensuring that new characters and plot twists feel organic and consistent with the established world.
While Kishimoto’s work is undoubtedly influential and beloved, the Ginkaku and Kinkaku storyline stands out as a blemish on an otherwise impressive narrative. It exemplifies the challenges of maintaining coherence in a long-running series and the pitfall of introducing convenient plot devices to resolve complex story arcs.
The enduring discussion around this storyline underscores the passionate engagement of the series’ fanbase and the high standard to which they hold their favorite series. The lessons learned from both Kishimoto’s missteps and Oda’s triumphs continue to shape the expectations and appreciation of readers worldwide.
Naruto is available to watch on Crunchyroll and read on Viz Media.
