There are several rivalries in anime, but Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto’s is the most iconic in real life. They began their magnum around the same time and both paved the way for modern anime and gained massive popularity. Even though they were rivals, they always cared and held each other in high respect. While Naruto Uzumaki fulfilled his dream a few years back, Monkey D. Luffy is still chasing his.
The One Piece creator and Naruto creator have often praised each other and added subtle details in their magnum opus celebrating the other. When Naruto: Shippuden concluded, Kishimoto sensei did not forget about his rival and paid him tribute in the most adoring way possible.
Masashi Kishimoto Used A Jolly Roger In Naruto: Shippuden
One of the most striking features of One Piece is the Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger. Since it is an anime based on pirates, there are tons of Jolly Rogers signifying the pirate crews. The Jolly Roger picture contains a skeleton face with designs of the ship’s captain. Masashi Kishimoto used the Jolly Roger in Naruto chapter 700 to pay tributes to his old rival cum friend. During an interview with Kobayashi, Kishimoto sensei was asked about the Jolly Roger on the Hokage monument.
He answered, “It is a tribute to his fellow mangaka, Eiichiro Oda.” It shows that their friendship is stronger than their rivalry. Even the interviewer was in awe after hearing Masashi Kishimoto’s answer. He mentioned that never hearing such an incident taking place. The Jump Volume contains messages from several fellow mangaka, Oda sensei included. The latter called him a rival, and the Naruto creator agreed with him.
Both, Oda and Kishimoto are great mangaka. They shared the same stage for almost two decades. So, as a form of appreciation for creating One Piece, it was the Naruto creator’s way of thanking him. While the two fandoms keep getting involved in hot debates, the creators appreciate and enjoy each other’s company.
One Piece and Naruto: Shippuden Have Always Had Subtle Details Relating To Each Other
Since One Piece and Naruto: Shippuden were made by two of the icons in the anime and manga industry, they always liked adding elements from each other’s works. When Shippuden was ending, Eiichiro Oda drew a panel where Luffy and Chopper were enjoying ramen (Naruto Uzumaki’s favorite food) while Nami was wearing a dress with prints of Konoha.
On the other hand, there is also a panel where Monkey D. Luffy and Naruto Uzumaki were seen to enjoy a hot bowl of ramen together. There have been many subtle details over the years that the fans have enjoyed. With Naruto: Shippuden coming to an end, fans thought it to be a farewell to the rivalry. But Kishimoto sensei returned with Boruto and is continuing his rivalry with Eiichiro Oda.
One Piece and Naruto: Shippuden is available on Crunchyroll.
