In the manga, we often had statements of ability that left the generic fandom perplexed to the point of simply dismissing them as expressions of admiration. Among these were Hashirama calling Itachi the ultimate shinobi, Raikage calling Minato unsurpassable and such.
Of course, these are downright crazy according to the generic rankings.
However, this only stands if one doesn't consider that such statements are made in a world different to our own by characters applying a different standard. This would be Shinobi Prowess as opposed to Combat Prowess that the fandom usually works with. I mean, one may not agree totally but such statement definitely make sense if one applies the standard/description/definition of a shinobi behind the ratings.
Consider the following, regarding Shinobihood:
- a
- one who
- one who
- a tool who always considers the mission above their own self, as per Zabuza
- Various comments throughout the manga back up the above explanations, including the death of Jiraiya (mission first), the struggle of Itachi (silence) and the pain of Hiruzen (wishes)
All in all, the consistency of the explanations despite the fact that they come from multiple sources combines with the portrayal that most characters agree with the 'crazy' statements leads to the conclusion that this was the standard being applied. A standard which one can sum up as: do your job without exposing your employer.
Of course the true meaning can always be questioned and debated and that's exactly what this thread is for.
What makes a shinobi, in the eyes of those who live in that world?
Of course, these are downright crazy according to the generic rankings.
However, this only stands if one doesn't consider that such statements are made in a world different to our own by characters applying a different standard. This would be Shinobi Prowess as opposed to Combat Prowess that the fandom usually works with. I mean, one may not agree totally but such statement definitely make sense if one applies the standard/description/definition of a shinobi behind the ratings.
Consider the following, regarding Shinobihood:
- a
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, as per Kakashi- one who
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, as per Zabuza- one who
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, as per Kakashi- a tool who always considers the mission above their own self, as per Zabuza
- Various comments throughout the manga back up the above explanations, including the death of Jiraiya (mission first), the struggle of Itachi (silence) and the pain of Hiruzen (wishes)
All in all, the consistency of the explanations despite the fact that they come from multiple sources combines with the portrayal that most characters agree with the 'crazy' statements leads to the conclusion that this was the standard being applied. A standard which one can sum up as: do your job without exposing your employer.
Of course the true meaning can always be questioned and debated and that's exactly what this thread is for.
What makes a shinobi, in the eyes of those who live in that world?