Pokémon and Naruto have been one of the world’s biggest anime and manga franchises. Both have been regarded as some of the best anime series present in history. While both have entirely different storylines, they have been popular since the beginning of the anime craze and are still going on strong after so many years. Recently, an unusual connection between the two series has been pointed out that has surprised the fans and may be considered as a homage from Pokémon to Naruto.
One of Ash’s strongest Pokémon has been trained like a Ninja, by a Ninja who looks like a character from Naruto. Given Greninja’s apparent influences, the training session is not only suitable but also necessary for the role that Ash’s Froakie would play as it matured further.
Naruto’s Ninja Tricks in Pokémon
Ash’s Froakie is both light and strong, allowing it to jump quite high. Attacks are deflected by the bubbles on its chest and back. Froakie may appear to be distracted, although it is constantly aware of its surroundings. However, when Ash and Froakie lose to a ninja named Sanpei and his Frogadier(an evolved form of Froakie), he asks Sanpei who looks exactly like a Naruto character to teach Froakie and Ash and train them for the future.
Sanpei accepts and begins teaching Froakie basic ninja moves like sprinting across the surface of the water and flying through the treetops, much like in Naruto. While it takes some time, Froakie finally learns how to perform these powers, which it will use as the story progresses.
Froakie also eventually learns the move Double Team, which is known in Japanese as “Shadow Divide,” which sounds a lot like Naruto’s Shadow Clone Jutsu. These moves were a great connection to Naruto from the series surprising the fans.
Other Naruto References in Pokémon
The series has shown a great deal of references to other anime series. Even in Pokémon: Sun and Moon, the series gave a reference to Boruto which made quite a stir. The episode “A Rush of Ninja Wisdom!” has numerous references to the popular series, such as Pikachu and others dressed in ninja costumes and Sanpei coming from a secret town to be the greatest ninja. Ninjas have played an important role in the Pokémon world since Kanto gym leader Koga in the first generation.
A similarity in anime is unavoidable, as artists seek reference from everything that is around them, both in the natural world and in entertainment. Some resemblances are direct homages, while others are coincidental. With over 900 Pokémon in the series, there are numerous parallels between the Pokémon and the Naruto franchise.
Source: ScreenRant
