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Masashi Kishimoto’sNarutois arguably the most popular and best-selling manga and together withBleachandOne Piece, it is regarded as one of the most iconic series under Shonen Jump’s Big Three. Over the years,Narutofans have not only experienced the heartbreaking deaths of beloved characters but also explored the darker aspects of the ninja world in depth.
While there are many fan-favorite characters, Jiraiya’s death arguably had the greatest impact, leaving fans in tears alongside Naruto. Jiraiya, the legendary Sannin, is more than just a mentor but also a father figure who profoundly shapes Naruto’s path as a ninja. Despite his crucial role in the series, Jiraiya’s power level remains shrouded in mystery, with numerous plot holes adding to its intrigue.
Jiraiya:Naruto‘s Beloved Character Shaped by Masashi Kishimoto’s Flaws and Mysteries
Masashi Kishimoto‘sNarutohas left a long-lasting impression on its audience, enthralling fans for decades. The mangaka introduced fans to the heartwarming story of Naruto, showcased as an orphan frequently shunned by villagers who viewed him as a threat.
To earn everyone’s approval, Naruto followed thepath of the Hokage of Konohagakure, the leader of the village. However, the journey wasn’t easy, and without Jiraiya’s guidance and teachings, Naruto’s dream of becoming Hokage would have been nothing more than a distant fairy tale.
Jiraiya is undeniably one of the most influential characters in Naruto’s life. He is not only his mentor but also a father figure to him. Not to forget, Jiraiya’s training allowed Naruto to develop his signature technique, the Rasengan.
Jiraiya is also one of the few characters who have treated Naruto as family, and their close-knit relationship is proof of that. In many ways, Jiraiya served as a father figure to Naruto, and their close bond made him the crowd’s favorite instantly.
Although considered one of theThree Legendary Ninjas, alongside Orochimaruand Tsunade, Kishimoto crafted Jiraiya’s character with numerous flaws and unresolved mysteries.
Désolé de vous donnez les larmes au yeux mais ce Thread devait contenir des scènes poignantes comme se fut le cas lorsque Naruto appris la mort de Jiraya. Il était tellement abattu le pauvre…pic.twitter.com/Dr6H1KIyDe
From the start, Jiraiya’s power level fluctuates throughout the series, as he was initially portrayed as the weakest of the Legendary Sannin, behind Tsunade and Orochimaru.
Later in the series, Itachi Uchiha acknowledges Jiraiya’s strength, stating that even if he and Kisame joined forces, they could only hope for a draw against him.
Considering Itachi completely outclassed Orochimaru, yet still acknowledged Jiraiya as a formidable opponent, highlights Kishimoto’s flaw in addressing Jiraiya’s true power level.
“A Truly Monstrous Character”: The Grave Mistake Masashi Kishimoto Nearly Made With Itachi Is Why a Vocal Section of Naruto Fans Hate Him
Lastly, Jiraiya was severely injured battling Naruto’s Three-Tails transformation, while Orochimaru held his own against Naruto’s Four-Tails, revealing how Kishimoto altered Jiraiya’s power level to serve the plot.
Masashi Kishimoto on Jiraiya’s Design
As the story progresses, not only do Naruto and Jiraiya become close to each other, but viewers do as well. Thus, many fans faced the same breakdown and depression as Naruto after he learned of Jiraiya’s death at the hands of Pain.
Indeed, every viewer loved the Toad Sage’s design and personality throughout the series. Interestingly, Masashi Kishimoto also feels the same andreveals his thoughts. He revealed:
For Jiraiya I have him an incisive and energic speech pattern like in old kabuki plays. And since, except him, there has been few characters who really like to talk, he makes everything more colorful.
Kishimoto wasn’t lying when he mentioned that Jiraiya would make everything colorful with his speech. He was one of the few shinobis who never saw Naruto as a threat.
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Furthermore, he decided to nurture him and help him overcome all the discrimination he would face as a child. Jiraiya was the sole reason Naruto didn’t fall into darkness and always chased hope in others.
Narutois available to stream on Crunchyroll
Mehul Rolta
Articles Published :510
Mehul Rolta is a seasoned journalist with over 3 years in esports and soccer journalism. Transitioning to anime writing at Fandom Wire, Mehul shares his lifelong passion for anime about integrates professionalism. Dedicated to connecting the world of anime globally, Mehul shares thoughts and insights, communicating personal passion with professional insight.
