Naruto is popular for its iconic jutsu, breathtaking visuals, and exceptional storytelling. It is no surprise that the anime is one of the big three of Shonen. Be it character designs or writing, Masashi Kishimoto’s manga set a benchmark in the Shonen genre through this ninja story. However, the initial draft differs from the current version.
From Gaara to Itachi, the initial character designs differed from their eventual execution. The drafting process wasn’t restricted to just characters, but also weapons. This was the case with Zabuza’s legendary sword. The author’s initial draft exaggerates Zabuza’s blade. It is no surprise that the draft was dropped off.
Zabuza’s Kubikiribōchō was made abnormally huge by Masashi Kishimoto
Zabuza Momochi is an elite swordsman who belongs to the first generation of Seven Swordsman of the Mist. He appears in the Land of Waves arc in Naruto Part 1 along with his apprentice Haku. Besides that, he’s also one of the strongest villains in the series. Although he’s popular for his title Demon of the Mist, he wields his signature blade Kubikiribocho.
Masashi Kishimoto‘s initial draft of Zabuza’s blade Kubikiribōchō was entirely different and comical. That his assistant designed Haku and Zabuza as a result is an unknown fact to most viewers. Apart from Gaara and Itachi, several character designs and jutsu were changed after the first draft. This included Zabuza and his signature blade Kubikiribocho.
Zabuza establishes himself as a strong villain in Part 1. However, his blade’s design was far too exaggerated in the first draft. In an interview that was later published in the Fourth Databook, the manga’s first editor, Yahagi Kosuke revealed the author’s initial design for Zabuza’s blade. He quoted:
Also the long sword that he carried on his shoulders was even huger when it was ideated.
Something was vertically piercing through the huge hideout, and when I asked he said: «It’s a sword.» It was, like, 100 metres long.
Besides that, Kosuke san also reveals that Kubikiribōchō appears as a pair of twin swords attached to the hilt and is much longer in the original draft. It is easier to carry and is foldable in the original draft. However, this idea and concept was dropped off, eventually. Nonetheless, the blade makes its comeback as an iconic weapon in the Shippuden series.
Kubikiribōchō is one of the most iconic weapons in Naruto
Although Juzo Biwa is the original wielder of the Kubikiribōchō, Zabuza is mostly associated with this legendary sword. However, the sword is passed down to several Shinobis. Apart from Zabuza, Kakashi, and Suigetsu Hozuki got their fair share in wielding the legendary sword. This iconic sword makes its comeback in the Shippuden series.
The sword’s design is quite similar to a butcher’s knife, considering its efficacy in decapitating enemies with precision. Besides, its chakra absorption and regeneration make it a remarkable, yet iconic, weapon in the series. This is clear when Kakashi fuses the blade with its lightning release. It is also the most sought-after considering Suigetsu Hozuki plans to add it to his collection.
To add to that, Kishimoto san’s earlier design of the sword was so exaggerated that he made Naruto as tall as the weapon. Yahagi san believes that the author had a plan behind this design. Apart from being the Demon of the Hidden Mist, Zabuza’s character arc and introduction paved the way for Kakashi’s strength to be highlighted in the series.
Naruto is available for streaming on Crunchyroll
