The Impact of Road to Ninja on Naruto Canon

The Rise of Road to Ninja

The Naruto franchise has seen many remarkable movies, but one that stands out is 'Road to Ninja.' Despite its critical acclaim, the film was not initially considered part of the official Naruto canon. However, this perception changed a few years after its release, when a Naruto Shippuden episode incorporated elements of the movie into the official storyline.

Naruto and Menma goofing around

At the time of its premiere, Road to Ninja received widespread praise and was hailed as the best movie in the Naruto franchise. The film introduced an iconic villain, Menma, whose character and the 'what-if' scenario it presented captivated audiences. Despite not being part of the official canon, the movie's critical success and impact on fans did not go unnoticed by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto.

Naruto Road to Ninja promotional artwork drawn by Masashi Kishimoto

Kishimoto's Recognition and Involvement

The praise for Road to Ninja seemed to resonate with Kishimoto, who expressed his desire for everyone to enjoy the movie and the story it told. Subsequently, Kishimoto further demonstrated his support for the film by publishing a one-shot manga that expanded on the movie's lore. His direct involvement in the creation of the one-shot manga underscored his belief that Road to Ninja should be considered canon.

The one-shot manga, relatively unknown to casual fans, received an anime adaptation in the form of Naruto Shippuden Episode 311, titled 'The Prologue of the Road to Ninja.' This adaptation shed light on the events preceding the movie and provided a deeper exploration of the characters' vulnerabilities and motivations, adding to the significance of Road to Ninja within the Naruto universe.

The Case for Road to Ninja in the Canon

The attention and recognition given to Road to Ninja, including Kishimoto's involvement and the anime adaptation, raise the question of whether the film deserves a place in the official Naruto canon. Despite being labeled as non-canonical, the impact of Road to Ninja's story and characters make a strong case for its inclusion in the core narrative of the Naruto saga.

The depth of the story, the exploration of characters' vulnerabilities, and the significant role played by Menma all contribute to the argument that Road to Ninja should be recognized as part of the Naruto canon. Its journey from a standalone movie to an integral part of the Naruto universe highlights its enduring impact and relevance to the overall narrative.