The Next Big Thing: Crunchyroll's New Ninja Anime that Surpasses Naruto's Legacy

Under Ninja, Crunchyroll's new anime, offers a refreshing take on the world of ninjas. Unlike the typical action-packed narratives seen in popular shows like Naruto, Under Ninja explores the everyday struggles and hidden workings of these skilled warriors. Based on the beloved manga by Kengo Hanazawa, the series presents a modern-day scenario where ninjas coexist with the general population, having been integrated into the government's secret military force. This intriguing adaptation provides a much-needed alternative for viewers seeking a break from the over-the-top battle-centric animes that have dominated recent years.

However, despite being able to pursue careers as teachers, doctors, or food delivery personnel, ninjas continue to experience social isolation. Their role in ninja society is permanent and inescapable, running alongside their role in the "open" society.

Ninjas Are Everywhere In Modern Japan

The anime follows Kuro Kumogakure, a seventeen-year-old Genin ninja who is one of the 200,000 shinobi currently present in Japan. However, despite his ninja abilities, Kuro lacks a job that allows him to utilize them. In fact, he doesn't even have a cover job like many other unassigned ninjas. His days are spent stealing food and drinks from his neighbors, as well as playing pranks on others. Everything changes when his handler assigns him the task of infiltrating a local high school. Finally given a real ninja job, Kuro is determined to give it his all. However, after slacking off for so long, he realizes that channeling his ninja side is not as easy as he had anticipated.

Under Ninja focuses on the lesser-known aspects of being a ninja, making it a worthy successor to the renowned ninja anime, Naruto. On one hand, Naruto showcased how any ninja, even those considered underdogs, can surpass their circumstances and become great ninjas of their generation. However, at its core, Naruto was a fantasy anime that paid little attention to realism. Conversely, Under Ninja portrays ninjas as significant players in the modern world, which is plagued by conflict and warfare. These ninjas live in plain sight, adding a touch of realism to the setting and tone of the story.

Under Ninja Presents The Aspects Of Ninja Life That Naruto Skips

Under Ninja deviates from the traditional ninja anime model by focusing less on action-packed episodes. Instead, it delves into the non-action aspects of a ninja's mission, showcasing how Kuro navigates challenges like enrolling in school without a grade report or parental guidance. These realistic aspects are often glossed over in anime like Naruto. However, Under Ninja manages to captivate its audience by presenting a well-rounded portrayal of the ninja lifestyle, combining mundane moments with a compelling storyline. With its fresh take on the ninja world, Under Ninja has the potential to become one of Crunchyroll's next major hits. Catch new episodes of Under Ninja every Thursday, exclusively on Crunchyroll.