The Unprecedented Brilliance of Naruto's Writing: Unveiling the Unparalleled Aspect

Years have passed since the conclusion of the Naruto manga, yet it remains one of the most successful series to date. Beyond its captivating story and expansive world, the series truly shines in its portrayal of death. For quite some time, Naruto was renowned for its numerous character deaths. This may lead some to assume that this plot element grows repetitive and tiresome, but such assumptions could not be further from the truth.

Created by Mangaka Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto follows the journey of its eponymous protagonist, a ninja who carries the Nine-Tails within him. Despite experiencing rejection and isolation from his village, Naruto's unwavering determination to seek acknowledgment propels him to strive for the position of Hokage in the Hidden Leaf Village.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinion.

How Naruto's way of handling deaths could be the best in the Big Three

In the anime, Naruto, five countries initially held a cautious stance towards each other. It was eventually disclosed that three wars had already ensued prior to the start of the story, resulting in a universe where deaths were not uncommon. However, these deaths held significance, as each major loss in the series contributed to the advancement of both the plot and the characters.

Other popular anime series such as One Piece and Bleach also feature instances of characters meeting their demise. In One Piece, noteworthy fatalities include those of Gol D. Roger, Whitebeard, Ace, and Kozuki Oden. However, it is Ace's tragic death that resonates deeply with many devoted fans.

Ace's demise depicted in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

In Bleach, deaths of characters like Masaki Kurosaki, Yachiru Unohana, and Yachiru Kusajishi occurred. However, their deaths didn't have a significant impact on most fans, except for Yachiru Unohana.

Right from the first arc, Masashi Kishimoto's series effectively depicted the functioning of the manga's world. Team 7 initially embarked on a C-rank mission, but it was later upgraded when they faced an attack from Zabuza and Haku. This arc vividly illustrates the universe of Naruto by showcasing how deaths and losses shape individuals. Despite Zabuza and Haku's presence limited to just one arc, their deaths made a profound impact, molding the protagonist's mindset.

The death of Itachi Uchiha in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot) marked a turning point in the series, intensifying the already increasing mortality rate. Itachi's demise, along with the deaths of prominent characters like Jiraiya, Neji Hyuga, Obito Uchiha, and Asuma Sarutobi, had a profound impact on both the narrative and devoted fans.

If that wasn't sufficient, the preceding deaths had an even greater impact on the narrative. The loss of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki rendered Naruto an orphan, while simultaneously forcing him to assume the role of the new Jinchuriki. As a result, he experienced rejection from society.

Rin Nohara's demise in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The death of Izuna Uchiha resulted in Madara Uchiha gaining the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. Similarly, Rin Nohara's death profoundly affected Obito Uchiha, molding his character. Devastated by the loss of his loved one, Obito devised a grand scheme, orchestrating the Fourth Great Ninja War with the intention of subjecting everyone to the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

Even the demise of a character like Rin played a pivotal role in shaping the overall narrative. This demonstrates Masashi Kishimoto's outstanding storytelling abilities and his mastery of employing death as a plot device, setting him apart from his competitors.