Few creators are held in as high regard as Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto in the manga industry. Responsible for One Piece and Naruto respectively, these two legendary authors have not only shaped the modern Shonen landscape but also have become cultural icons in their own right. As these series successfully started to evolve, Oda and Kishimoto developed a casual rivalry that was fueled by mutual respect and admiration.
However, despite starting at almost similar times, they faced very different paths by the mid-2010s. Kishimoto, having successfully completed Naruto manga in 2014 after a 15-year run, was able to step away from the grueling demands of weekly serialization. In contrast, Eiichiro Oda is still working tirelessly on One Piece, with no signs of slowing down.
The End of Naruto and Its Impact on Eiichiro Oda
Naruto had already become one of the “Big Three” alongside One Piece and Bleach, by the time Masashi Kishimoto decided to conclude the manga in 2014. Alongside this, the anime adaptation also reached its end in 2017. With the completion of his legendary series, Kishimoto had reached the peak of his career and was free to enjoy life outside the constraints of his drawing desk, spending time with family and reflecting on his remarkable journey.
Following the conclusion, Kishimoto had an interesting exchange with One Piece‘s creator Eiichiro Oda. In 2018, Oda shared the tidbits of this exchange where Kishimoto humorously shared how ending Naruto meant he could finally enjoy his family life. As @sandman_AP has shared on X (formerly, Twitter),
Eiichiro Oda admitted that hearing Kishimoto’s comment made him “depressed”, as he was still in the thick of balancing the creative process, relentless deadlines, and his personal life. Despite his worldwide success, Oda had little time for himself or his family. While Kishimoto could enjoy the sunshine with his kid, Oda was chained to his drawing desk.
However, Oda experienced a renewed sense of motivation along with his depression. Kishimoto’s words became a source of inspiration, sparking Oda’s desire to someday reach that same level of peace. He envisioned a future where he could finish One Piece on his own terms, allowing himself to enjoy the fruits of his labor like Kishimoto. This motivation influenced a shift in Oda’s mindset and how he approached his art.
The Long Road Ahead for One Piece
Having started One Piece in 1997, Oda is now more than two decades into his career as a mangaka, with no clear end in sight. His iconic creation has become a global phenomenon, setting records and establishing itself as one of the greatest manga of all time. But despite this success, it’s natural to be caught in the relentless cycle of deadlines and creative pressure that accompanies weekly serialization in Japan.
However, Oda still remained committed to delivering the best possible version of One Piece. Naruto’s completion acted as a reminder to Oda that One Piece’s end would also eventually come, but until then, he wanted to create a future where he could “take a walk on a sunny day with his kid”, just like Masashi Kishimoto. This deep-rooted personal goal influenced both his creative process and his approach to drawing.
While One Piece is still ongoing, Oda’s subtle shift in art and mindset signifies his desire to finish strong, while also preparing for the day when he can finally enjoy his leisure life with his family by enjoying the fruit of his labor.
One Piece and Naruto are currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
