This article contains spoilers from the Naruto series.
Overview
- Kishimoto’s main intention was to focus on the aspects of ninja life rather than romance.
- Sakura’s diminishing popularity ultimately influenced the romantic pairing of Naruto and Hinata.
- Hinata’s unwavering support for Naruto positioned her as the optimal choice for his partner.
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In the realm of Shonen anime and manga, audiences often gravitate towards thrilling battles and dynamic story arcs. However, a successful series is not solely defined by conflict; compelling characters and the intricate relationships they forge are equally vital. While romance typically emerges as a subplot in Shonen narratives, Naruto is no exception.
Despite romance not being Kishimoto’s primary focus, it subtly infiltrates the storyline, serving as a compelling device to maintain viewer engagement. The romantic connection between Naruto and Hinata is well-known among fans, yet Kishimoto has shed light on the reasons behind this pairing, showcasing deeper character dynamics.
Kishimoto’s Perspective on Romance in Naruto
- Kishimoto’s Indifference to Romantic Storylines
- Potential Pairing of Naruto and Sakura
From the outset, Masashi Kishimoto emphasized that Naruto was intended to focus primarily on the lives of ninjas rather than romance. Recognizing that a touch of romantic subplot could enrich the narrative, Kishimoto included various love interests, including Naruto’s initial crush on Sakura Haruno. From the series’ beginning, Naruto admired Sakura, hoping to win her affection. However, Sakura’s heart belonged to Sasuke Uchiha, a fact that remained unchanged throughout the series.
Naruto-kun, I want to stand by your side at all times. — Hinata Hyuga
In contrast, Hinata Hyuga nurtured feelings for Naruto and consistently sought ways to capture his attention. Ultimately, Hinata emerged as Naruto’s partner, but Kishimoto noted that Sakura could have easily been the choice, influenced by several pivotal factors.
Reasons Naruto Chose Hinata Over Sakura
Sakura’s Declining Popularity According to Kishimoto
It would be misleading to assert that Hinata and Naruto were always destined to be together; Kishimoto himself initially struggled with the romantic elements of the series. Sakura stood as a strong candidate for Naruto’s affection for much of the narrative, but Kishimoto later felt compelled to shift focus to Hinata due to Sakura’s waning popularity. In an interview with Kobayashi, Kishimoto candidly expressed that Sakura’s appeal dropped significantly over time, even among female readers, which was a challenge he faced while developing her character.
Tsunade-sama, I’ve finally caught up to these two! — Sakura Haruno
Kishimoto even invested additional effort into illustrating Sakura in an appealing light, evident in Volume 66 where he meticulously crafted her appearance in comparison to other characters. Ultimately, because fans continued to show interest in Hinata despite her minimal role in the story, the decision to validate the Naruto-Hinata pairing became clear for Kishimoto.
Hinata exactly watched Naruto, as he persisted from the beginning. The whole time, she was the only child who cheered for him. Although Naruto faced numerous hardships, Hinata admired his determination to never give up. Sakura acknowledged this quality in Naruto as well, yet Hinata’s long-standing support made her deserving of his love. — Kishimoto
Kishimoto’s reflections reveal that while Sakura was initially a prime candidate for Naruto’s partner, her diminishing popularity coupled with Hinata’s rising favor forced a shift in his narrative trajectory. This change ultimately led to the beloved NaruHina pairing that resonates with many fans of the series.
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