Think about it. Naruto began as someone ostracized and unpopular, and yet dreamt big and wanted everyone to acknowledged the greatness he perceived in himself. Perhaps in school Kishimoto wasn't very popular and maybe even been teased for being quirky and different, just like Naruto grew up being abused and friendless. Just like Kishimoto vowed to himself and others he would become a successful mangaka Naruto vowed to become Hokage. When Naruto first began, Kishimoto had nothing but his faith in himself that it would get fans, and it eventually did. Similarly Naruto had nothing but faith in himself that he'd be able to climb the ladder and become a shinobi worthy of Hokage, but by making bonds for support (everyone that helped Kishimoto make it in the business including his editor), working hard, and believing in himself he eventually became a hero. Like Kishimoto he couldn't have done it himself, a big reason Naruto was even successful in the first place was due to the input of his editor, which Kishimoto has admitted several times.
In the Pain arc, Naruto was finally acknowledged by the village, and Kishimoto had also been acknowledged by the world at this point for his manga. Both had become what they had dreamt of becoming as young children, but there was still more to go. Kishimoto had to tackle the completion of his 15 year long project and Naruto needed to come to terms with his dark side, tame his demons, and finally lead the shinobi world to victory as well as create true peace.
Kishimoto may have had some issues accepting his now celebrity status, as all his life he had been doubted and denied and often only had his own faith in himself to lean on. Perhaps his acceptance of the world that once doubted and opposed him was reflected in Naruto's acceptance of "Dark Naruto"? Kishimoto had overcame his demons, and funneled his frustration and energy into the characters and story to make a relatable story of a boy with a dream against the world. Naruto harnessed the power of the demonic fox that once made his life a living hell, and used it to rise even further beyond his initial potential. Perhaps Kishimoto's overcoming of his hardships gave him the work ethic and wisdom to make a captivating story and this was reflected by Naruto taming his demon and using it to his advantage.
Finally, when it came to Naruto facing the final stretch of the conflict that stood before his ultimate goals and the fate of the world, he now had the whole shinobi world to lean on and keep him going. When Kishimoto was working those tireless final years to finish his life's work, he now had his entire world spanning fanbase to lean on for motivation, he now had people to fight for rather than fighting to simply prove himself.
While there is more to Naruto's character than these parallels, I find it interesting the comparisons that can be made to Naruto and Kishimoto, as he himself has stated he based Naruto off of himself.
In the end of the story, Naruto has a son Boruto. And Kishimoto describes their relationship to mirror his with his own kids, who don't understand his work and why he had no time to spend with them when he was writing manga. His son didn't understand what made his father great, but rather just wanted his father to be a father for him. This personal conflict was captured with Naruto and Boruto. Boruto eventually learns more about the significance of his father's position, and becomes interested in his dad's story, asking Naruto to tell him about his life and how he became the great man he is today.
In the Pain arc, Naruto was finally acknowledged by the village, and Kishimoto had also been acknowledged by the world at this point for his manga. Both had become what they had dreamt of becoming as young children, but there was still more to go. Kishimoto had to tackle the completion of his 15 year long project and Naruto needed to come to terms with his dark side, tame his demons, and finally lead the shinobi world to victory as well as create true peace.
Kishimoto may have had some issues accepting his now celebrity status, as all his life he had been doubted and denied and often only had his own faith in himself to lean on. Perhaps his acceptance of the world that once doubted and opposed him was reflected in Naruto's acceptance of "Dark Naruto"? Kishimoto had overcame his demons, and funneled his frustration and energy into the characters and story to make a relatable story of a boy with a dream against the world. Naruto harnessed the power of the demonic fox that once made his life a living hell, and used it to rise even further beyond his initial potential. Perhaps Kishimoto's overcoming of his hardships gave him the work ethic and wisdom to make a captivating story and this was reflected by Naruto taming his demon and using it to his advantage.
Finally, when it came to Naruto facing the final stretch of the conflict that stood before his ultimate goals and the fate of the world, he now had the whole shinobi world to lean on and keep him going. When Kishimoto was working those tireless final years to finish his life's work, he now had his entire world spanning fanbase to lean on for motivation, he now had people to fight for rather than fighting to simply prove himself.
While there is more to Naruto's character than these parallels, I find it interesting the comparisons that can be made to Naruto and Kishimoto, as he himself has stated he based Naruto off of himself.
In the end of the story, Naruto has a son Boruto. And Kishimoto describes their relationship to mirror his with his own kids, who don't understand his work and why he had no time to spend with them when he was writing manga. His son didn't understand what made his father great, but rather just wanted his father to be a father for him. This personal conflict was captured with Naruto and Boruto. Boruto eventually learns more about the significance of his father's position, and becomes interested in his dad's story, asking Naruto to tell him about his life and how he became the great man he is today.
Last edited:
