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{{Infobox animanga character |
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| name = Naruto Uzumaki |
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| series = [[Naruto]] |
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| image = [[Image:Naruto-Opening01 222.jpg|200px|]] |
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| caption = Naruto Uzumaki by [[Masashi Kishimoto]] <!-- Because most articles are formatted this way, please do not change it to "Naruto Uzumaki in Part I by [[Masashi Kishimoto]]". It may be confusing to those unfamiliar with the series! --> |
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| first = ''Naruto'' manga chapter 1 <br/> ''Naruto'' anime episode 1 |
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| voiced by = '''Japanese''' <br> [[Junko Takeuchi]]<ref name="ANNJunko Takeuchi">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=2130|title=Junko Takeuchi|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref> <br> '''English''' <br /> [[Maile Flanagan]]<ref name="ANNMaile Flanagan">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=47588|title=Maile Flanagan|publisher=Anime News Network|accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref> |
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| age = 12<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=NARUTO―ナルト―[秘伝・臨の書]|year=2002 |publisher=[[Shueisha]] |pages=31 |isbn=4-08873-288-X}}</ref>-13<ref name="Stats">{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=NARUTO―ナルト―[秘伝・闘の書]|year=2005 |publisher=Shueisha |pages=29 |isbn=4-08873-734-2}}</ref> in [[List of Naruto chapters (Part I)|Part I]]<br> 15<ref>{{cite journal|title=Hiden: Shō no Sho Official Character Databook Mini|journal=Weekly Shōnen Jump|issue=18|page=6|year=2005|publisher=Shueisha}}</ref>-16<ref>{{cite book|author=Kishimoto, Masashi|title=Naruto Character Official Data Book Hiden Sha no Sho|year=2008|publisher=Shueisha|page=25|isbn=978-4-08-874247-2}}</ref> in [[List of Naruto chapters (Part II)|Part II]] |
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| born = October 10<ref name="Stats"/> |
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| aux1 = [[List of Naruto characters#Minato Namikaze|Minato Namikaze]] (father, deceased) |
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Kushina Uzumaki (mother, presumed deceased)<!-- A godparent isn't a relative, so don't add Jiraiya here! --> |
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| aux1 name = Notable relatives |
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| aux2 = <!-- Sage is not a rank. Do not add it. -->[[World of Naruto#Genin|Genin]]<ref name="Stats"/> |
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| aux2 name = Ninja rank |
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| aux3 = [[List of Naruto characters#Team 7|Team 7]] |
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| aux3 name = Ninja team |
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}} |
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{{nihongo|'''Naruto Uzumaki'''|うずまき ナルト|Uzumaki Naruto}} is a [[fictional character]] in the [[anime]] and [[manga]] franchise ''[[Naruto]]'' created by [[Masashi Kishimoto]]. Naruto is the main [[protagonist]] and titular character of the series. In creating Naruto, Kishimoto wished to keep the character "simple and stupid" while giving him many attributes of [[Son Goku (Dragon Ball)|Son Goku]], the main character from the [[Dragon Ball|''Dragon Ball'' franchise]]. However, Kishimoto also added his dark past to make him look unique. Naruto's initial has been changed several times by Kishimoto giving him different clothes to make him more appealing to Western audience as well as to be easier to draw. |
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In the series, Naruto is a ninja affiliated with the fictional village of [[World of Naruto#Konohagakure|Konohagakure]]. The villagers ostracize Naruto because the [[List of Naruto characters#Nine-tailed demon fox|nine-tailed demon fox]], a malevolent creature that attacked Konohagakure, is sealed within his body. As such, Naruto has ambitions of becoming the village's leader, the [[World of Naruto#Kage|Hokage]] in order make everybody respect him. However, Naruto maintains a cheerful and boisterous personality, allowing him to befriend several other Konoha ninja throughout the series, as well as ninja from other villages. He builds an especially close relationship with Team 7, the ninja team where he belongs, treating them as his family. Naruto appears in all of the series' films, as well as in other media related to the franchise, including all video games and OVAs. |
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Several anime and manga publications have expressed acclaim and criticism of Naruto's character. Some view him as a stereotypical manga and anime protagonist comparable to those in many other ''[[shōnen]]'' manga, while others have praised his personality as well as his development in the series. Nevertheless, Naruto has remained highly popular with the ''Naruto'' reader base, placing high in several popularity polls.<ref name="PopularityPoll1">{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 22|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media|chapter=Chapter 199|isbn=1-4215-1858-9}}</ref> Merchandise based on Naruto has also been released, including [[Action figure|figurines]] and [[Plush|plush dolls]]. |
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== Creation and conception == |
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When Kishimoto created Naruto's character, he incorporated a number of traits he felt made an ideal hero: a straightforward way of thinking, a mischievous side, and many of the attributes possessed by Goku from the ''Dragon Ball'' franchise. He also made sure to keep Naruto "simple and stupid." Kishimoto did not model Naruto after anyone in particular, instead conceiving him as childlike with a dark side induced by his harsh past. Despite this, he is always optimistic, a trait Kishimoto says makes him unique.<ref name="Design">{{cite book|last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi |title=Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto|year=2007 |publisher=[[Viz Media]] |pages=138–139 |isbn=1-4215-1407-9}}</ref> Naruto's personality is, by and large, childish in nature. Kishimoto frequently tries to show this when illustrating Naruto, such as depicting him mimicking a turtle like a child might do on the manga cover of volume 10.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi |title=Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |pages=130 |isbn=1-4215-1407-9}}</ref> |
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Naruto's wardrobe is based on clothing Kishimoto wore when he was younger; according to Kishimoto, using a pre-existing design would not have made Naruto unique whereas something original would have made him stand out too much.<ref name="Ora-bayo">{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi |title=Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |pages=139 |isbn=1-4215-1407-9}}</ref> The orange coloring of his costume is used to make Naruto "pop," with blues often being used to complement the orange.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi |title=Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |pages=116 |isbn=1-4215-1407-9}}</ref> Because Naruto is associated with spirals, swirl patterns are incorporated into his costume.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi |title=Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |pages=135 |isbn=1-4215-1407-9}}</ref> Initial illustrations of Naruto had him wearing boots, but Kishimoto substituted these for sandals, because he enjoys drawing toes.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi |title=Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |pages=117 |isbn=1-4215-1407-9}}</ref> The goggles that Naruto used to wear were also replaced with a hitai-ate, or shinobi headband, because the goggles themselves were too time consuming to draw.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 1|year=2006 |publisher=Viz Media |pages=60 |isbn=1-56931-900-6}}</ref> |
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Kishimoto said he is glad his character has blond hair and blue eyes. The editor of ''[[Shonen Jump (magazine)|Shonen Jump]]'' in the United States added that he implied that the traits may have led the character to appeal to a Western audience. Kishimoto said that he most identifies with Naruto out of all of the ''Naruto'' characters. When asked why Naruto's favorite food is [[ramen]] instead of [[kitsune udon]] Kishimoto said that he personally liked eating ramen.<ref>{{cite book|title=Shonen Jump Special Collector Edition (Free Collector's Edition). No. 00 2005|publisher=Viz Media |pages=13}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=[[Shonen Jump]]. #33 Volume 3, Issue 9. September 2005|publisher=Viz Media |pages=8}}</ref> In the [[Naruto: Clash of Ninja (series)|''Naruto: Clash of Ninja'' video game series]], Naruto is playable in various stages of the demon fox's manifestation characterized by a red-colored chakra. Kishimoto took inspiration from the presentation of these forms, imitating one of them for the manga cover of volume 26.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 26|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |pages=1 |isbn=1-4215-1862-7}}</ref> When designing Naruto for his Part II appearance, Kishimoto drew Naruto's forehead protector wider to make his eyebrows easier to draw, something that had bothered him in his previous design. He also noted that Naruto's pants made the character look childish. To remedy this, Kishimoto designed a portion of Naruto's pants to roll up, giving the character a more mature appearance.<ref>{{cite book|author=Kishimoto, Masashi|title=Naruto Character Official Data Book Hiden Sha no Sho|year=2008|page=342|publisher=Shueisha|isbn=978-4-08-874247-2}}</ref> |
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In the original Japanese versions of ''Naruto'', Naruto often ends his sentences with the addendum "''-ttebayo''" (which achieves an effect similar to ending a sentence with "you know?"). Kishimoto wanted to give Naruto a childlike [[catch phrase]], and "''dattebayo''" came to mind. Kishimoto believes the phrase complements Naruto's character, and serves as a verbal tic that portrays him as somewhat of a brat.<ref name="Ora-bayo"/> Throughout the beginning of the English version, the [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|dub]] replaced "''dattebayo''" and "''-ttebayo''" with the phrase "Believe it!", both to mirror the effect and to match the character's lip movements.<ref name="ANNAnimeReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/naruto/dub.dvd-1|title=Naruto Dub.DVD 1 - Review|publisher=Anime News Network|author=Bertschy, Zac|date=March 24, 2006|accessdate=December 24, 2007}}</ref> The producers of the English anime stated that, of all of the characters, Naruto was the most difficult character to cast for, adding that [[Maile Flanagan]] "has Naruto down, from the mischievous side, that precocious twelve year old we learn to love, to the serious side."<ref>{{cite book|title=[[Shonen Jump]] Volume 3, Issue 8. August 2005|publisher=Viz Media |pages=4}}</ref> |
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== Character outline == |
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=== Personality === |
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[[Image:NarutoUzumaki Shippuden.jpg|thumb|120px|Naruto as he appears in [[List of Naruto chapters (Part II)|Part II]]]] |
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Naruto's father, the [[List of Naruto characters#Minato Namikaze|Fourth Hokage]]<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 41|year=2008 |publisher=Shueisha |chapter=Chapter 370 |pages=|isbn=4-08-874472-8}}</ref>, sealed the dangerous Nine-Tailed Demon Fox within Naruto's body at the cost of his own life, leaving Naruto without a family.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 40|year=2007 |publisher=Shueisha |chapter=Chapter 367 |pages=|isbn=978-4-08-874432-2}}</ref> As a result of him being the demon fox's container, the villagers of Konoha hold a strong animosity for Naruto. Thus, he never has a source of love or attention during his early childhood.<ref name="Uno">{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 1|year=2003 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 1 |isbn=1-56931-900-6}}</ref> Desiring what he lacks in his early life, Naruto dreams of becoming Hokage, the village's leader, hoping that it will bring him the villagers' recognition and respect.<ref name="Dos">{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 1|year=2003 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 2 |isbn=1-56931-900-6}}</ref> To assist him in gaining this title, Naruto possesses a fierce determination, always confident he can complete a given task with relative ease.<ref name="Rasengan">{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 17|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 151 |pages=139 |isbn=1-4215-1652-7}}</ref> Although he does not always complete his tasks, Naruto's efforts prove successful as the series progresses; many characters reach the conclusion that Naruto will someday be an excellent Hokage.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 19|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 169 |pages=131 |isbn=1-4215-1654-3}}</ref> Since his childhood, Naruto has commonly made jokes to attract attention. He sometimes goes to the point of transforming into a naked woman to ridicule whoever may be bothering him. This even causes his pupil, [[List of Naruto characters#Konohamaru Sarutobi|Konohamaru Sarutobi]], to emulate his techniques and jokes.<ref name="Uno"/> |
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Occasionally, Naruto's determination results in those around him adopting some of his traits, such that in [[List of Naruto chapters (Part II)|Part II]] his teacher, [[Kakashi Hatake]], notes this to be Naruto's unique power.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 29|year=2008 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 262|page=178-179|isbn=1-4215-1865-1}}</ref> [[Gaara]], after Naruto defeats him in battle, discovers that true strength is found in fighting for one's friends, not for oneself.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 16|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 138 |pages=64 |isbn=1-4215-1090-1}}</ref> These character metamorphoses serve as the moral for the [[Story arc|arcs]] they take place in, and subsequently become the creed for the particular character's life.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 24|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 217 |pages=182–184 |isbn=1-4215-1860-0}}</ref> |
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Through his ability to change others, Naruto gains the friends he lacks during his childhood. Among the many friendships he forms, none are more prominent in the series than those he has with his two teammates: [[Sasuke Uchiha]] and [[Sakura Haruno]]. With Sasuke, Naruto shares a highly competitive relationship which he likens to brotherhood.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 26|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 234 |pages=58–60 |isbn=1-4215-1862-7}}</ref> Though Sasuke betrays Naruto and the rest of Konoha at the end of Part I, Naruto maintains his attachment to Sasuke, readily lashing out at anyone who speaks poorly of him.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 32|year=2006 |publisher=Shueisha |chapter=Chapter 286 |pages=|isbn=4-08-874039-3}}</ref> Naruto possesses a deep dedication to Sakura, rooted in the crush he has had on her for years. Naruto's commitment to Sakura is so strong that he will do anything to make her happy, vowing to someday return Sasuke to Konoha for her sake.<ref name="promise">{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 21|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 183 |pages=58–60 |isbn=1-4215-1855-4}}</ref> |
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=== Abilities === |
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[[Image:Kyuubi Naruto2.jpg|thumb|Naruto in a one-tailed fox shroud forming the [[Jutsu (Naruto)#Rasengan|Rasengan]]]] |
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Because of the demon fox sealed within him, Naruto has access to its great reserves of [[Jutsu (Naruto)#Chakra|chakra]], a form of energy which allows ninja to perform supernatural feats. This surplus of chakra allows him to perform [[Jutsu (Naruto)|ninja abilities]] that someone of his age would ordinarily be incapable of using.<ref name="Uno"/> Though portions of the fox's chakra constantly mix with Naruto's own,<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 11|year=2006 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 95 |pages=17 |isbn=1-4215-0241-0}}</ref> Naruto can forcibly draw upon its reserves by either submitting to rage<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 4|year=2006 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 28 |isbn=1-59116-358-7}}</ref> or by directly asking the fox for a donation of its strength.<ref name="gift">{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 11|year=2006 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 95 |pages=99–105 |isbn=1-4215-0241-0}}</ref> Once the demon fox chakra releases, a fox-shaped shroud envelops Naruto, with the number of tails, ranging from one to nine, indicating its current state of release. While each tail drastically increases his fighting strength, Naruto begins to lose his rationality as more tails appear, completely losing himself once the fourth tail appears.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 33|year=2006 |publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 291|isbn= 4-08-874039-3}}</ref> Because the demon fox's power can quickly become a danger to those he cares for, Naruto has begun to limit his reliance on and usage of the power.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 34|year=2006 |publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 308 |isbn=4-08-874138-3}}</ref> |
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Naruto takes advantage of his expanded chakra reserves throughout the series. His first and most recurring example of this is the [[Jutsu (Naruto)#Shadow Clone Technique|Shadow Clone Technique]], which creates any number of physical copies of the user, but requires a large amount of chakra.<ref name="Uno"/> Though most ninjas can create only a few shadow clones, Naruto's vast chakra allows him to create hundreds of clones at once without worrying about tiring out.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 35|year=2006 |publisher=Shueishia|chapter=Chapter 315|isbn=4-08-874273-1}}</ref> He finds a number of uses for these clones, among them overwhelming opponents, scouting large areas, and training in a short period of time.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 36|year=2007 |publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 365 |isbn= 4-08-874432-2}}</ref> His ability to [[Jutsu (Naruto)#Summoning Technique|summon]] toads to aid him in battle also relies on the fox's chakra, since he can only summon larger toads with the fox's help. <ref name="gift"/> He also learns [[Jutsu (Naruto)#Senjutsu|senjutsu]], a power-enhancing ability derived from frogs and involving the gathering of natural energy. He also can infuse up to two shadow clones with natural energy which allow him easier access to "sage mode". |
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Naruto favors the [[Jutsu (Naruto)#Rasengan|Rasengan]], a concentrated ball of spinning chakra first created by his father.<ref name="Rasengan"/> When performing the technique, Naruto creates shadow clones to help him manipulate the chakra into its proper shape.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 19|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 167 |pages=102–103 |isbn=1-4215-1654-3}}</ref> While capable of grinding into whatever it touches and causing great damage, Minato creates the Rasengan with the intention of infusing it with his own elemental chakra.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 36|year=2006 |publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 321 |isbn= 4-08-874288-5}}</ref> Through repeated training with his shadow clones, Naruto infuses the Rasengan with his own wind chakra.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 37|year=2007 |publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 339 |isbn=4-08-874338-7}}</ref> This results in the creation of the {{nihongo|Wind Release: Spiraling Shuriken|風遁・螺旋手裏剣|Fūton: Rasen Shuriken}}, which damages anything it impacts on a devestating scale but also injures Naruto's arm, though to a lesser extent. However, he solves the problem of it damaging his arm when he developes the ability to throw his Rasen-Shuriken which expands when thrown during the use of senjutsu.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 38|year=2007 |publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 346|isbn=4-08-874364-4}}</ref> |
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== Plot overview == |
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As the title character of the series, Naruto appears in every arc, typically playing a prominent role for the duration of the arc. During Part I, Naruto drives few of the conflicts, as he spends his time improving his ninja abilities and pursuing his own goals while the overarching events occur elsewhere. Following the invasion of Konohagakure, Naruto discovers [[List of Naruto antagonists#Akatsuki|Akatsuki]], a fictional criminal organization that seeks to extract the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox from his body. Though [[Jiraiya (Naruto)|Jiraiya]] drives them off during this first meeting, Akatsuki's interactions with Naruto become a more central conflict in Part II.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 17|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 150 |isbn=1-4215-1652-7}}</ref> It is not until Sasuke attempts to leave Konohagakure that Naruto takes a leading role in the plot, joining a team of ninja dedicated to stopping Sasuke from joining forces with Konoha's enemy [[Orochimaru (Naruto)|Orochimaru]].<ref name="promise"/> Naruto and Sasuke ultimately have a one-on-one battle, though neither can convince himself to finish off the other.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 26|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 234 |isbn=1-4215-1862-7}}</ref> The two go their separate ways, but Naruto does not give up on Sasuke, leaving Konoha together with Jiraiya for two-and-a-half years of training to prepare himself for the next time he meets Sasuke.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 27|year=2007 |publisher=Viz Media |chapter=Chapter 238 |isbn=1-4215-1863-5}}</ref> |
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In Part II, Naruto receives less attention than he does in Part I. As other characters begin to receive additional development and the plot begins to cover multiple incidents across large distances, Naruto's role in the story considerably lessens. Upon his return to Konoha, Naruto begins to deal more actively with the Akatsuki threat. He first saves Gaara from Akatsuki's clutches,<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 31|year=2007 |publisher=Shueisha |chapter=Chapter 279|isbn=4-08-874002-7}}</ref> and later proves instrumental in the downfall of [[List of Naruto antagonists#Kakuzu|Kakuzu]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 38|year=2007 |publisher=Shueisha |chapter=Chapter 341|isbn=4-08-874364-6}}</ref> After learning that Jiraiya has been killed by the Akatsuki leader, [[List of Naruto antagonists#Pain|Pain]], Naruto trains to the point that, when they finally face off, he defeats four of Pain's six bodies in quick succession. Still, Naruto most actively dedicates himself to finding and retrieving Sasuke. He and the rest of his team briefly locate Sasuke prior to his confrontation with Kakuzu, but Sasuke's rapid development provides an opponent the team cannot handle.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 34|year=2006 |publisher=Shueisha |chapter=Chapter 309|isbn=4-08-874138-3}}</ref> After creating his new ''jutsu'', Naruto and company try once again to find Sasuke. Though they almost succeed in this attempt, even running into Sasuke's brother, [[List of Naruto antagonists#Itachi Uchiha|Itachi]], they ultimately lose his trail and are forced to return home.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 43|year=2008 |publisher=Shueisha |chapter=Chapter 396|isbn=4-08-874552-7}}</ref> |
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<!-- Information from his fight against Pain and others is showed above.--> |
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== Appearances in other media == |
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[[Image:ClashofNinjaGameplay.jpg|thumb|Naruto (left) in ''[[Naruto: Clash of Ninja]]'']] |
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<!-- Do not turn this into a list of entries. Use general descriptions of Naruto and focus on how what he does in movie/games differs from the anime and manga --> |
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As the series' [[Title role#Title character|title character]], Naruto appears in all of the [[Naruto#Movies|series' movies]]. He normally appears as the lead character, often on a mission with Team 7. The [[Naruto: Shippūden the Movie|first ''Naruto: Shippūden'' movie]] marks the first appearance of Naruto in his Part II appearance.<ref name="ANNNarutotheMovie1">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=3381|title=Naruto The Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow|publisher=Anime News Network|accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref><ref name="ANNNarutoShippudenMovie2">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=9194|title=Naruto Shippūden (movie 2008)|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|accessdate=January 24, 2008}}</ref> He also appears in all three [[List of Naruto episodes#OVAs|original video animations]] produced for the series, helping [[List of Naruto characters#Konohamaru|Konohamaru]] find a four leaf clover in the first one,<ref name="ANNNarutoOVA1">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=3499|title=Naruto Special: Akaki Yotsuba no Clover wo Sagase (OAV)|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|accessdate=January 24, 2008}}</ref> joining his team in escorting a ninja named Shibuki to his village and helping him fight the [[World of Naruto#Missing-nin|missing-nin]] who stole the village's "Hero's Water" in the second one,<ref name="ANNNarutoOVA2">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=3994|title=Naruto Special: Battle at Hidden Falls. I am the Hero! (OAV)|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|accessdate=January 24, 2008}}</ref> and participating in a tournament in the third one.<ref name="ANNNarutoOVA3">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6057|title=Naruto (OAV)|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|accessdate=February 18, 2008}}</ref> |
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Naruto is a [[Player character|playable character]] in all the [[List of Naruto video games|''Naruto'' video games]]. In several of the titles, it is possible to unlock and play as a version of him enhanced with the power from the Nine-Tailed Fox. In several games from the [[Naruto: Ultimate Ninja (series)|''Ultimate Ninja'' series]] he is also playable with his own versions of [[Rock Lee]] and [[List of Naruto characters#Might Guy|Might Guy]]'s techniques while wearing their costume.<ref name="GUIDE1 26">{{cite book|editor=|title=Naruto: Ultimate Ninja English instruction manual|year=2006|publisher=[[Namco Bandai]]|pages=}}</ref> ''[[Naruto: Clash of Ninja (series)#Naruto Shippūden: Gekitou Ninja Taisen EX|Naruto Shippūden: Gekitou Ninja Taisen EX]]'' marks the first appearance of Naruto in his Part II appearance in a video game.<ref name="Accel2">{{cite web|url=http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/naruto/goods/game.html|title= NARUTO-ナルト- 疾風伝:TV東京 - Goods|publisher=[[TV Tokyo]]|accessdate=January 29, 2008}}</ref> |
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== Reception == |
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<!-- In this section, do not give sources by Masashi Kishimoto; only by reliable secondary sources such as important websites, magazines, etc. --> |
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In every official ''[[Weekly Shonen Jump|Shonen Jump]]'' popularity poll of the series, Naruto ranks within the top five characters, and has positioned in first place twice.<ref name="PopularityPoll1"/><ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 12|year=2006 |publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 107|isbn=1-4215-0242-9}}</ref> However, in the sixth poll, in 2006, Naruto lost his top-two status to the characters [[List of Naruto antagonists#Deidara|Deidara]], Kakashi and Sasuke.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 33|year=2006 |publisher=Shueisha|chapter=Chapter 293|isbn=4-08-874108-6}}</ref> There has not been another official poll since 2006. Several pieces of merchandise have been made into his likeness, such as plush,<ref name="AmazonPlushPI">{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/Naruto-Half-Transformed-Plush-Anime/dp/B000VZOP3C/ref=pd_sim_t?ie=UTF8&qid=1201144840&sr=8-2|title=Part I Plush Doll|publisher=[[Amazon.com]]|accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/UFO-CATCHER-NARUTO-PLUSH-UZUMAKI/dp/B000TFE2LE/ref=pd_sim_t?ie=UTF8&qid=1201144840&sr=8-2|title=Part II Plush Doll|publisher=Amazon.com|accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref> [[Keychain|key chains]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://narutostore.viz.com/ttp/Naruto-Keychains-Naruto-Jutsu-Stand-PVC-Keychain/products_id/118271.html|title=Part I Key Chain|publisher=Naruto Store|accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref> and numerous action figures,<ref name="NaruStoreFigurePI">{{cite web|url=http://narutostore.viz.com/ttp/Naruto-Action-Figure-Naruto-12-Inch-Action-Figure/products_id/111776.html|title=Part I Action Figure|publisher=Naruto Store|accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref> of both his Part I and Part II appearance. [[Junko Takeuchi]], the ''[[seiyū]]'' for the character, comments that Naruto fascinates people because of how they think he's all cheer and fun, but in reality he's very harsh, while he accepts his past hardships and keeps going forward. She also comments she would like to make a song about his lonely past, as she did with him in the OVA before the first Naruto movie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akadot.com/story.php?id=200|title=Junko Takeuchi|publisher=Akadot News|accessdate=March 4, 2008}}</ref> Maile, Naruto's voice actor in the English adaptation, comments that she does not listen to Takeuchi's records when performing Naruto as she did not want to imitate her voice. Instead, she wants to create her own voice for the character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kidzworld.com/article/11810-naruto-ninja-destiny-voice-actor-interview|publisher=Kidzwolds|title=Naruto Ninja Destiny voice actor interview|accessdate=November 29, 2008}}</ref> |
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Several publications for manga, anime, video games, and other related media provide praise and criticism on Naruto's character. [[GameSpot]] claims Naruto lives the ideal teenage life, as he is a ninja and eats all he likes, but, on the other hand, he is parentless and is shunned by the other villagers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6181360/index.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures;title;1|title=Franchise Player: Naruto|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author=Dodson, Joe|date=October 13, 2007|accessdate=December 24, 2007}}</ref> [[Anime News Network]], calling Naruto "a bastion of optimistic energy"<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/naruto/dvd-uncut-dvd-box-set-9|title=Naruto DVD Box Set 9 - Review |date=August 4, 2008 |publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|author=Kimlinger, Carl|accessdate= November 7, 2008}}</ref>, comments that Naruto's fights are not as good as others fought by their partners,<ref name="ANN">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/naruto-gn-8-10|title=Naruto GN 8-10 - Review|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|author=Kimlinger, Karl|date=November 2, 2006|accessdate=March 4, 2008}}</ref> but claim his fight against Gaara as one of his best moments in the series since it surpasses most ''shōnen'' stereotypes.<ref name="ANNReviewDVD6">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/naruto/dvd-uncut-dvd-box-set-6|title=Naruto Uncut DVD Box Set 6 - Review|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|author=Martin, Theron|date=February 29, 2008|accessdate=March 4, 2008}}</ref> Active Anime noted, that Naruto "with his single-minded convictions, staunch belief in good overcoming evil, and sheer devotion and recklessness, may prove to be the unlikeliest hero ever".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.activeanime.com/html/content/view/1941/57/|title=Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow |date=October 18, 2007|publisher=Active Anime|accessdate=November 7, 2008}}</ref> However, another reviewer noted that Naruto is "always sympathizing with everyone and anyone", like a counselor.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.activeanime.com/html/content/view/3784/57/|title=Naruto Vol. 26: The Race Is On! |date=August 27, 2008|publisher=Active Anime|accessdate=November 7, 2008}}</ref> T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews disagrees, noting, while Naruto is a "likable enough scamp", his type of character has been done before in many previous anime and manga series.<ref name="THEM Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=120|title=THEM Anime Reviews 4.0 - Naruto|publisher=T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews|author=Ross Christina|accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref> Deb Aoki from about.com labeled Naruto as "practical joker who’ll do anything for attention".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://manga.about.com/od/mangatitlesmz/p/narutoprofile.htm|title=Naruto Series Profile and Story Summary |publisher=About.com|author=Aoki, Deb|accessdate= November 7, 2008}}</ref> |
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Mania.com praised him a good lead character, although mentioned Naruto's "blind stupidity", "bullheadedness"<ref name="dani">{{cite web|url= http://www.mania.com/naruto-unleashed-set-11_article_78617.html|title=Naruto Unleashed Set 1.1 |date=September 1, 2006 |publisher=Mania.com|author=Moure, Dani|accessdate= November 7, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mania.com/naruto-box-set-02-also-wspecial-edition_article_78860.html|title=Naruto Box Set 02 (also w/Special Edition) |date=January 4, 2007 |publisher=Mania.com|author=Rich, Justin|accessdate= November 7, 2008}}</ref> Nevertheless, after his fight with Gaara they praised his development as a good hero.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mania.com/naruto-box-set-06-also-wspecial-edition_article_79870.html|title=Naruto Box Set 06 (also w/special edition) |date=June 18, 2008 |publisher=Mania.com|author=Rich, Justin|accessdate= November 7, 2008}}</ref> He's also complimented for "eternally optimistic view of things"<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mania.com/naruto-box-set-08-also-wspecial-edition_article_80170.html|title=Naruto Box Set 08 (also w/special edition) |date=June 19, 2008 |publisher=Mania.com|author=Beveridge, Chris|accessdate= November 7, 2008}}</ref>, and overall character development.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mania.com/naruto-unleashed-set-12_article_78904.html|title=Naruto Unleashed Set 1.2 |date=January 5, 2007 |publisher=Mania.com|author=Moure, Dani|accessdate= November 7, 2008}}</ref> DVD Talk liked his personality, while calling him an "impeccably boisterous kid".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/22847/naruto-volume-1/|title=DVD Talk Review: Naruto, Volume 1 |date=June 4, 2006 |publisher=DVD Talk|author=Todd Douglass Jr.|accessdate= November 7, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/30756/naruto-the-movie-ninja-clash-in-the-land-of-snow/|title=Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow |date=September 4, 2007 |publisher=DVD Talk|author=Todd Douglass Jr.|accessdate= November 7, 2008}}</ref> DVD Verdict noted that his ego has the "size of a small mountain".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/narutothemovie.php|title= Naruto The Movie: Ninja Clash In The Land Of Snow |date=September 4, 2007 |publisher=DVD Verdict|author=Adam Arseneau|accessdate= November 27, 2008}}</ref> IGN commented on his relationships with Tsunade, as they "have really great chemistry",<ref>{{cite web|url= http://tv.ign.com/articles/807/807288p1.html|title=Naruto: "Kidnapped! Naruto's Hot Springs Adventure!" Review|date=July 23, 2007 |publisher=[[IGN]]|author=White, Charles|accessdate= November 7, 2008}}</ref> with Jiraiya, as "they share so much in common"<ref>{{cite web|url= http://tv.ign.com/articles/780/780823p1.html|title=Naruto: "Jiraiya: Naruto's Potential Disaster!" Review|date=April 16, 2007 |publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Jason Van Horn|accessdate= November 7, 2008}}</ref>, and with Sasuke, as it shows "signs of maturity" in Naruto.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://tv.ign.com/articles/846/846722p1.html|title=Naruto: "For a Friend" Review|date=January 22, 2008 |publisher=[[IGN]]|author=White, Charles|accessdate= November 7, 2008}}</ref> Active Anime also described the battle between Naruto and Sasuke as "emotional, suspenseful and laden with incredible action sequences fueled by bitter feelings".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.activeanime.com/html/content/view/3983/57/|title=Naruto Uncut Box Set 10 Limited Edition (Adnace Review) |date=October 7, 2008|publisher=Active Anime|accessdate=November 7, 2008}}</ref> |
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== References == |
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Revision as of 07:52, 10 February 2009
Naruto Uzumaki | |
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Naruto character | |
File:Naruto-Opening01 222.jpg | |
First appearance | Naruto manga chapter 1 Naruto anime episode 1 |
Naruto Uzumaki (うずまき ナルト, Uzumaki Naruto) is a fictional character in the anime and manga franchise Naruto created by Masashi Kishimoto. Naruto is the main protagonist and titular character of the series. In creating Naruto, Kishimoto wished to keep the character "simple and stupid" while giving him many attributes of Son Goku, the main character from the Dragon Ball franchise. However, Kishimoto also added his dark past to make him look unique. Naruto's initial has been changed several times by Kishimoto giving him different clothes to make him more appealing to Western audience as well as to be easier to draw.
In the series, Naruto is a ninja affiliated with the fictional village of Konohagakure. The villagers ostracize Naruto because the nine-tailed demon fox, a malevolent creature that attacked Konohagakure, is sealed within his body. As such, Naruto has ambitions of becoming the village's leader, the Hokage in order make everybody respect him. However, Naruto maintains a cheerful and boisterous personality, allowing him to befriend several other Konoha ninja throughout the series, as well as ninja from other villages. He builds an especially close relationship with Team 7, the ninja team where he belongs, treating them as his family. Naruto appears in all of the series' films, as well as in other media related to the franchise, including all video games and OVAs.
Several anime and manga publications have expressed acclaim and criticism of Naruto's character. Some view him as a stereotypical manga and anime protagonist comparable to those in many other shōnen manga, while others have praised his personality as well as his development in the series. Nevertheless, Naruto has remained highly popular with the Naruto reader base, placing high in several popularity polls.[7] Merchandise based on Naruto has also been released, including figurines and plush dolls.
Creation and conception
When Kishimoto created Naruto's character, he incorporated a number of traits he felt made an ideal hero: a straightforward way of thinking, a mischievous side, and many of the attributes possessed by Goku from the Dragon Ball franchise. He also made sure to keep Naruto "simple and stupid." Kishimoto did not model Naruto after anyone in particular, instead conceiving him as childlike with a dark side induced by his harsh past. Despite this, he is always optimistic, a trait Kishimoto says makes him unique.[8] Naruto's personality is, by and large, childish in nature. Kishimoto frequently tries to show this when illustrating Naruto, such as depicting him mimicking a turtle like a child might do on the manga cover of volume 10.[9]
Naruto's wardrobe is based on clothing Kishimoto wore when he was younger; according to Kishimoto, using a pre-existing design would not have made Naruto unique whereas something original would have made him stand out too much.[10] The orange coloring of his costume is used to make Naruto "pop," with blues often being used to complement the orange.[11] Because Naruto is associated with spirals, swirl patterns are incorporated into his costume.[12] Initial illustrations of Naruto had him wearing boots, but Kishimoto substituted these for sandals, because he enjoys drawing toes.[13] The goggles that Naruto used to wear were also replaced with a hitai-ate, or shinobi headband, because the goggles themselves were too time consuming to draw.[14]
Kishimoto said he is glad his character has blond hair and blue eyes. The editor of Shonen Jump in the United States added that he implied that the traits may have led the character to appeal to a Western audience. Kishimoto said that he most identifies with Naruto out of all of the Naruto characters. When asked why Naruto's favorite food is ramen instead of kitsune udon Kishimoto said that he personally liked eating ramen.[15][16] In the Naruto: Clash of Ninja video game series, Naruto is playable in various stages of the demon fox's manifestation characterized by a red-colored chakra. Kishimoto took inspiration from the presentation of these forms, imitating one of them for the manga cover of volume 26.[17] When designing Naruto for his Part II appearance, Kishimoto drew Naruto's forehead protector wider to make his eyebrows easier to draw, something that had bothered him in his previous design. He also noted that Naruto's pants made the character look childish. To remedy this, Kishimoto designed a portion of Naruto's pants to roll up, giving the character a more mature appearance.[18]
In the original Japanese versions of Naruto, Naruto often ends his sentences with the addendum "-ttebayo" (which achieves an effect similar to ending a sentence with "you know?"). Kishimoto wanted to give Naruto a childlike catch phrase, and "dattebayo" came to mind. Kishimoto believes the phrase complements Naruto's character, and serves as a verbal tic that portrays him as somewhat of a brat.[10] Throughout the beginning of the English version, the dub replaced "dattebayo" and "-ttebayo" with the phrase "Believe it!", both to mirror the effect and to match the character's lip movements.[19] The producers of the English anime stated that, of all of the characters, Naruto was the most difficult character to cast for, adding that Maile Flanagan "has Naruto down, from the mischievous side, that precocious twelve year old we learn to love, to the serious side."[20]
Character outline
Personality
Naruto's father, the Fourth Hokage[21], sealed the dangerous Nine-Tailed Demon Fox within Naruto's body at the cost of his own life, leaving Naruto without a family.[22] As a result of him being the demon fox's container, the villagers of Konoha hold a strong animosity for Naruto. Thus, he never has a source of love or attention during his early childhood.[23] Desiring what he lacks in his early life, Naruto dreams of becoming Hokage, the village's leader, hoping that it will bring him the villagers' recognition and respect.[24] To assist him in gaining this title, Naruto possesses a fierce determination, always confident he can complete a given task with relative ease.[25] Although he does not always complete his tasks, Naruto's efforts prove successful as the series progresses; many characters reach the conclusion that Naruto will someday be an excellent Hokage.[26] Since his childhood, Naruto has commonly made jokes to attract attention. He sometimes goes to the point of transforming into a naked woman to ridicule whoever may be bothering him. This even causes his pupil, Konohamaru Sarutobi, to emulate his techniques and jokes.[23]
Occasionally, Naruto's determination results in those around him adopting some of his traits, such that in Part II his teacher, Kakashi Hatake, notes this to be Naruto's unique power.[27] Gaara, after Naruto defeats him in battle, discovers that true strength is found in fighting for one's friends, not for oneself.[28] These character metamorphoses serve as the moral for the arcs they take place in, and subsequently become the creed for the particular character's life.[29]
Through his ability to change others, Naruto gains the friends he lacks during his childhood. Among the many friendships he forms, none are more prominent in the series than those he has with his two teammates: Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno. With Sasuke, Naruto shares a highly competitive relationship which he likens to brotherhood.[30] Though Sasuke betrays Naruto and the rest of Konoha at the end of Part I, Naruto maintains his attachment to Sasuke, readily lashing out at anyone who speaks poorly of him.[31] Naruto possesses a deep dedication to Sakura, rooted in the crush he has had on her for years. Naruto's commitment to Sakura is so strong that he will do anything to make her happy, vowing to someday return Sasuke to Konoha for her sake.[32]
Abilities
Because of the demon fox sealed within him, Naruto has access to its great reserves of chakra, a form of energy which allows ninja to perform supernatural feats. This surplus of chakra allows him to perform ninja abilities that someone of his age would ordinarily be incapable of using.[23] Though portions of the fox's chakra constantly mix with Naruto's own,[33] Naruto can forcibly draw upon its reserves by either submitting to rage[34] or by directly asking the fox for a donation of its strength.[35] Once the demon fox chakra releases, a fox-shaped shroud envelops Naruto, with the number of tails, ranging from one to nine, indicating its current state of release. While each tail drastically increases his fighting strength, Naruto begins to lose his rationality as more tails appear, completely losing himself once the fourth tail appears.[36] Because the demon fox's power can quickly become a danger to those he cares for, Naruto has begun to limit his reliance on and usage of the power.[37]
Naruto takes advantage of his expanded chakra reserves throughout the series. His first and most recurring example of this is the Shadow Clone Technique, which creates any number of physical copies of the user, but requires a large amount of chakra.[23] Though most ninjas can create only a few shadow clones, Naruto's vast chakra allows him to create hundreds of clones at once without worrying about tiring out.[38] He finds a number of uses for these clones, among them overwhelming opponents, scouting large areas, and training in a short period of time.[39] His ability to summon toads to aid him in battle also relies on the fox's chakra, since he can only summon larger toads with the fox's help. [35] He also learns senjutsu, a power-enhancing ability derived from frogs and involving the gathering of natural energy. He also can infuse up to two shadow clones with natural energy which allow him easier access to "sage mode".
Naruto favors the Rasengan, a concentrated ball of spinning chakra first created by his father.[25] When performing the technique, Naruto creates shadow clones to help him manipulate the chakra into its proper shape.[40] While capable of grinding into whatever it touches and causing great damage, Minato creates the Rasengan with the intention of infusing it with his own elemental chakra.[41] Through repeated training with his shadow clones, Naruto infuses the Rasengan with his own wind chakra.[42] This results in the creation of the Wind Release: Spiraling Shuriken (風遁・螺旋手裏剣, Fūton: Rasen Shuriken), which damages anything it impacts on a devestating scale but also injures Naruto's arm, though to a lesser extent. However, he solves the problem of it damaging his arm when he developes the ability to throw his Rasen-Shuriken which expands when thrown during the use of senjutsu.[43]
Plot overview
As the title character of the series, Naruto appears in every arc, typically playing a prominent role for the duration of the arc. During Part I, Naruto drives few of the conflicts, as he spends his time improving his ninja abilities and pursuing his own goals while the overarching events occur elsewhere. Following the invasion of Konohagakure, Naruto discovers Akatsuki, a fictional criminal organization that seeks to extract the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox from his body. Though Jiraiya drives them off during this first meeting, Akatsuki's interactions with Naruto become a more central conflict in Part II.[44] It is not until Sasuke attempts to leave Konohagakure that Naruto takes a leading role in the plot, joining a team of ninja dedicated to stopping Sasuke from joining forces with Konoha's enemy Orochimaru.[32] Naruto and Sasuke ultimately have a one-on-one battle, though neither can convince himself to finish off the other.[45] The two go their separate ways, but Naruto does not give up on Sasuke, leaving Konoha together with Jiraiya for two-and-a-half years of training to prepare himself for the next time he meets Sasuke.[46]
In Part II, Naruto receives less attention than he does in Part I. As other characters begin to receive additional development and the plot begins to cover multiple incidents across large distances, Naruto's role in the story considerably lessens. Upon his return to Konoha, Naruto begins to deal more actively with the Akatsuki threat. He first saves Gaara from Akatsuki's clutches,[47] and later proves instrumental in the downfall of Kakuzu.[48] After learning that Jiraiya has been killed by the Akatsuki leader, Pain, Naruto trains to the point that, when they finally face off, he defeats four of Pain's six bodies in quick succession. Still, Naruto most actively dedicates himself to finding and retrieving Sasuke. He and the rest of his team briefly locate Sasuke prior to his confrontation with Kakuzu, but Sasuke's rapid development provides an opponent the team cannot handle.[49] After creating his new jutsu, Naruto and company try once again to find Sasuke. Though they almost succeed in this attempt, even running into Sasuke's brother, Itachi, they ultimately lose his trail and are forced to return home.[50]
Appearances in other media
As the series' title character, Naruto appears in all of the series' movies. He normally appears as the lead character, often on a mission with Team 7. The first Naruto: Shippūden movie marks the first appearance of Naruto in his Part II appearance.[51][52] He also appears in all three original video animations produced for the series, helping Konohamaru find a four leaf clover in the first one,[53] joining his team in escorting a ninja named Shibuki to his village and helping him fight the missing-nin who stole the village's "Hero's Water" in the second one,[54] and participating in a tournament in the third one.[55]
Naruto is a playable character in all the Naruto video games. In several of the titles, it is possible to unlock and play as a version of him enhanced with the power from the Nine-Tailed Fox. In several games from the Ultimate Ninja series he is also playable with his own versions of Rock Lee and Might Guy's techniques while wearing their costume.[56] Naruto Shippūden: Gekitou Ninja Taisen EX marks the first appearance of Naruto in his Part II appearance in a video game.[57]
Reception
In every official Shonen Jump popularity poll of the series, Naruto ranks within the top five characters, and has positioned in first place twice.[7][58] However, in the sixth poll, in 2006, Naruto lost his top-two status to the characters Deidara, Kakashi and Sasuke.[59] There has not been another official poll since 2006. Several pieces of merchandise have been made into his likeness, such as plush,[60][61] key chains,[62] and numerous action figures,[63] of both his Part I and Part II appearance. Junko Takeuchi, the seiyū for the character, comments that Naruto fascinates people because of how they think he's all cheer and fun, but in reality he's very harsh, while he accepts his past hardships and keeps going forward. She also comments she would like to make a song about his lonely past, as she did with him in the OVA before the first Naruto movie.[64] Maile, Naruto's voice actor in the English adaptation, comments that she does not listen to Takeuchi's records when performing Naruto as she did not want to imitate her voice. Instead, she wants to create her own voice for the character.[65]
Several publications for manga, anime, video games, and other related media provide praise and criticism on Naruto's character. GameSpot claims Naruto lives the ideal teenage life, as he is a ninja and eats all he likes, but, on the other hand, he is parentless and is shunned by the other villagers.[66] Anime News Network, calling Naruto "a bastion of optimistic energy"[67], comments that Naruto's fights are not as good as others fought by their partners,[68] but claim his fight against Gaara as one of his best moments in the series since it surpasses most shōnen stereotypes.[69] Active Anime noted, that Naruto "with his single-minded convictions, staunch belief in good overcoming evil, and sheer devotion and recklessness, may prove to be the unlikeliest hero ever".[70] However, another reviewer noted that Naruto is "always sympathizing with everyone and anyone", like a counselor.[71] T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews disagrees, noting, while Naruto is a "likable enough scamp", his type of character has been done before in many previous anime and manga series.[72] Deb Aoki from about.com labeled Naruto as "practical joker who’ll do anything for attention".[73]
Mania.com praised him a good lead character, although mentioned Naruto's "blind stupidity", "bullheadedness"[74][75] Nevertheless, after his fight with Gaara they praised his development as a good hero.[76] He's also complimented for "eternally optimistic view of things"[77], and overall character development.[78] DVD Talk liked his personality, while calling him an "impeccably boisterous kid".[79][80] DVD Verdict noted that his ego has the "size of a small mountain".[81] IGN commented on his relationships with Tsunade, as they "have really great chemistry",[82] with Jiraiya, as "they share so much in common"[83], and with Sasuke, as it shows "signs of maturity" in Naruto.[84] Active Anime also described the battle between Naruto and Sasuke as "emotional, suspenseful and laden with incredible action sequences fueled by bitter feelings".[85]
References
- ^ "Junko Takeuchi". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
- ^ "Maile Flanagan". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2002). NARUTO―ナルト―[秘伝・臨の書]. Shueisha. p. 31. ISBN 4-08873-288-X.
- ^ a b c Kishimoto, Masashi (2005). NARUTO―ナルト―[秘伝・闘の書]. Shueisha. p. 29. ISBN 4-08873-734-2.
- ^ "Hiden: Shō no Sho Official Character Databook Mini". Weekly Shōnen Jump (18). Shueisha: 6. 2005.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2008). Naruto Character Official Data Book Hiden Sha no Sho. Shueisha. p. 25. ISBN 978-4-08-874247-2.
- ^ a b Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 199". Naruto, Volume 22. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-1858-9.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto. Viz Media. pp. 138–139. ISBN 1-4215-1407-9.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto. Viz Media. p. 130. ISBN 1-4215-1407-9.
- ^ a b Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto. Viz Media. p. 139. ISBN 1-4215-1407-9.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto. Viz Media. p. 116. ISBN 1-4215-1407-9.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto. Viz Media. p. 135. ISBN 1-4215-1407-9.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). Uzumaki: the Art of Naruto. Viz Media. p. 117. ISBN 1-4215-1407-9.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). Naruto, Volume 1. Viz Media. p. 60. ISBN 1-56931-900-6.
- ^ Shonen Jump Special Collector Edition (Free Collector's Edition). No. 00 2005. Viz Media. p. 13.
- ^ Shonen Jump. #33 Volume 3, Issue 9. September 2005. Viz Media. p. 8.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). Naruto, Volume 26. Viz Media. p. 1. ISBN 1-4215-1862-7.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2008). Naruto Character Official Data Book Hiden Sha no Sho. Shueisha. p. 342. ISBN 978-4-08-874247-2.
- ^ Bertschy, Zac (March 24, 2006). "Naruto Dub.DVD 1 - Review". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 24, 2007.
- ^ Shonen Jump Volume 3, Issue 8. August 2005. Viz Media. p. 4.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2008). "Chapter 370". Naruto, Volume 41. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874472-8.
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value: checksum (help) - ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 367". Naruto, Volume 40. Shueisha. ISBN 978-4-08-874432-2.
- ^ a b c d Kishimoto, Masashi (2003). "Chapter 1". Naruto, Volume 1. Viz Media. ISBN 1-56931-900-6.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2003). "Chapter 2". Naruto, Volume 1. Viz Media. ISBN 1-56931-900-6.
- ^ a b Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 151". Naruto, Volume 17. Viz Media. p. 139. ISBN 1-4215-1652-7.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 169". Naruto, Volume 19. Viz Media. p. 131. ISBN 1-4215-1654-3.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2008). "Chapter 262". Naruto, Volume 29. Viz Media. p. 178-179. ISBN 1-4215-1865-1.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 138". Naruto, Volume 16. Viz Media. p. 64. ISBN 1-4215-1090-1.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 217". Naruto, Volume 24. Viz Media. pp. 182–184. ISBN 1-4215-1860-0.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 234". Naruto, Volume 26. Viz Media. pp. 58–60. ISBN 1-4215-1862-7.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 286". Naruto, Volume 32. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874039-3.
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value: checksum (help) - ^ a b Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 183". Naruto, Volume 21. Viz Media. pp. 58–60. ISBN 1-4215-1855-4.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 95". Naruto, Volume 11. Viz Media. p. 17. ISBN 1-4215-0241-0.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 28". Naruto, Volume 4. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-358-7.
- ^ a b Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 95". Naruto, Volume 11. Viz Media. pp. 99–105. ISBN 1-4215-0241-0.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 291". Naruto, Volume 33. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874039-3.
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value: checksum (help) - ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 308". Naruto, Volume 34. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874138-3.
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value: checksum (help) - ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 315". Naruto, Volume 35. Shueishia. ISBN 4-08-874273-1.
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: Check|isbn=
value: checksum (help) - ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 365". Naruto, Volume 36. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874432-2.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 167". Naruto, Volume 19. Viz Media. pp. 102–103. ISBN 1-4215-1654-3.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 321". Naruto, Volume 36. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874288-5.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 339". Naruto, Volume 37. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874338-7.
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value: checksum (help) - ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 346". Naruto, Volume 38. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874364-4.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 150". Naruto, Volume 17. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-1652-7.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 234". Naruto, Volume 26. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-1862-7.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 238". Naruto, Volume 27. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-1863-5.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 279". Naruto, Volume 31. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874002-7.
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value: checksum (help) - ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2007). "Chapter 341". Naruto, Volume 38. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874364-6.
{{cite book}}
: Check|isbn=
value: checksum (help) - ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 309". Naruto, Volume 34. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874138-3.
{{cite book}}
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value: checksum (help) - ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2008). "Chapter 396". Naruto, Volume 43. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874552-7.
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value: checksum (help) - ^ "Naruto The Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
- ^ "Naruto Shippūden (movie 2008)". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 24, 2008.
- ^ "Naruto Special: Akaki Yotsuba no Clover wo Sagase (OAV)". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 24, 2008.
- ^ "Naruto Special: Battle at Hidden Falls. I am the Hero! (OAV)". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 24, 2008.
- ^ "Naruto (OAV)". Anime News Network. Retrieved February 18, 2008.
- ^ Naruto: Ultimate Ninja English instruction manual. Namco Bandai. 2006.
- ^ "NARUTO-ナルト- 疾風伝:TV東京 - Goods". TV Tokyo. Retrieved January 29, 2008.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 107". Naruto, Volume 12. Shueisha. ISBN 1-4215-0242-9.
- ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2006). "Chapter 293". Naruto, Volume 33. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-874108-6.
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value: checksum (help) - ^ "Part I Plush Doll". Amazon.com. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
- ^ "Part II Plush Doll". Amazon.com. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
- ^ "Part I Key Chain". Naruto Store. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
- ^ "Part I Action Figure". Naruto Store. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
- ^ "Junko Takeuchi". Akadot News. Retrieved March 4, 2008.
- ^ "Naruto Ninja Destiny voice actor interview". Kidzwolds. Retrieved November 29, 2008.
- ^ Dodson, Joe (October 13, 2007). "Franchise Player: Naruto". GameSpot. Retrieved December 24, 2007.
- ^ Kimlinger, Carl (August 4, 2008). "Naruto DVD Box Set 9 - Review". Anime News Network. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ Kimlinger, Karl (November 2, 2006). "Naruto GN 8-10 - Review". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 4, 2008.
- ^ Martin, Theron (February 29, 2008). "Naruto Uncut DVD Box Set 6 - Review". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 4, 2008.
- ^ "Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow". Active Anime. October 18, 2007. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ "Naruto Vol. 26: The Race Is On!". Active Anime. August 27, 2008. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ Ross Christina. "THEM Anime Reviews 4.0 - Naruto". T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
- ^ Aoki, Deb. "Naruto Series Profile and Story Summary". About.com. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ Moure, Dani (September 1, 2006). "Naruto Unleashed Set 1.1". Mania.com. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ Rich, Justin (January 4, 2007). "Naruto Box Set 02 (also w/Special Edition)". Mania.com. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ Rich, Justin (June 18, 2008). "Naruto Box Set 06 (also w/special edition)". Mania.com. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ Beveridge, Chris (June 19, 2008). "Naruto Box Set 08 (also w/special edition)". Mania.com. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ Moure, Dani (January 5, 2007). "Naruto Unleashed Set 1.2". Mania.com. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ Todd Douglass Jr. (June 4, 2006). "DVD Talk Review: Naruto, Volume 1". DVD Talk. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ Todd Douglass Jr. (September 4, 2007). "Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow". DVD Talk. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ Adam Arseneau (September 4, 2007). "Naruto The Movie: Ninja Clash In The Land Of Snow". DVD Verdict. Retrieved November 27, 2008.
- ^ White, Charles (July 23, 2007). "Naruto: "Kidnapped! Naruto's Hot Springs Adventure!" Review". IGN. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ Jason Van Horn (April 16, 2007). "Naruto: "Jiraiya: Naruto's Potential Disaster!" Review". IGN. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ White, Charles (January 22, 2008). "Naruto: "For a Friend" Review". IGN. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ "Naruto Uncut Box Set 10 Limited Edition (Adnace Review)". Active Anime. October 7, 2008. Retrieved November 7, 2008.