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I just wanna talk about Anime!

1. Naruto

After watching Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, and episodes here and there of Baruto, I just wanted to express my feelings towards this anime.

Some things to note before I start :

Opinions vary for everyone. When it comes to Anime, I feel like many are already drawing out their weapons, the moment someone says “Well I think ( insert any anime) is…” So please! Let’s be respectful! Let’s not be rude! Sharing your personal opinion and thoughts is perfectly fine, but let’s not insult others for their opinions, if they differ from ours!

I might curse a bit here and there. If you’re uncomfortable with that…uh…just imagine hearing a loud BEEEP, whenever you read it.

I finished watching all of the Naruto series! So! SPOILERS! WILL! BE! AHEAD!

What was Naruto to me before?

So, I’ve been watching anime since 2006. And even if Naruto never caught my interest at the time, I still knew about the Ninja Anime. Naruto in the Anime community, was and still is, very much considered an Anime classic. And little me at the time, was like “Eh. Sure”. I respected it, but never really bothered to look too much into it. One of the main reasons I had no interest in Naruto, was because of like…three reasons.

I was DEEP into Shojo Anime/ Manga. If it didn’t look cute and girly, I wouldn’t watch it. ( Ugh, I know! I’m sorry, and I have changed my ways! I’ve grown up! (T＿T) )

“ Why watch this long anime…when I can watch over 5 others? ” To younger me, it was about watching the most anime. Quantity is what mattered! Not stay stuck with just one, for what felt like decades.

The more I was told “ OMG! You should watch Naruto! ” the more I was set on NOT watching it. ( Idk what’s wrong with me（・□・；） )

So what changed my mind?

This might sound cliche, to the point where you will roll your eyes all the way to Asia, but the answer to that is…

✨ Friendship ✨

A bestie of mine just started to one day tell me, and tell me, and tell me, and tell me, and tell me about Naruto. Until I finally texted her :

Me :

Since I have nothing better to do, on Tuesday, I…GUESS I can watch some episodes with you.

Friend

AJAJDHXJSNDJJDJDNSS bet.

And that was the beginning of…a long…LONG journey.

So what happened? How did I go from “ I’m just gonna watch some episodes TODAY. See what the hype is all about. ” to “It’s New Years, and I’m about to finish Naruto…idk how to feel about this. I don’t want it to end…”

I’ll tell you what happened!

The world of the Ninjas

From the cool hand signs, to the many types of clans, I found myself amazed ( and a little slow to process it all ) by all of the depth that this world has. I really found the hand signs fun, and can see why so many Naruto Fans know them by heart. ( It’s so cool!!!! ) I really like the design of Konoha, and while 99% of the population were a bunch of ASSHOLES to little Naruto, Konoha is still cool.

Once we were introduced to the other villages, I’m gonna be honest, I really like The Land Of Lightning. The village hidden in the clouds, is SO cool to me! I love it!

Look at it! It looks like a cool blue spinning top!

….

But we also know why we stay for an Anime. And that’s it’s characters. Let’s get to the good stuff, okay? (ﾉ≧∀≦)ﾉ

Characters that made me stay

*coughcoughfavoritecharacterscoughcough* top 3.

- Kakashi Hatake -

Okay, okay. Let’s just get it out of the way here, guys.

Kakashi is hot.

Yeah. Yeah, you heard me. You’re probably rolling your eyes, or saying “of course” either in your head, or out loud. But it’s true, and now that I’ve said it, let’s move on. I’ll fangirl about him another day.

He’s proof that you could have the shittiest life, been in the darkest place within yourself, and still grow to be a good person. Because that’s what he did. He was so broken, and empty. Yet he managed to find meaning to life. Showing and teaching others on how to improve themselves. He became the Sensei of some of the strongest ninjas of the Leaf Village.

Okay but seriously. The man lost his dad to suicide, and his mom is gone…idk what happened to his mom. Does anyone know? He lost his friends. Obito died in front of his eyes, causing some major trauma. Karin died by his own hands ( even though he had no fault on that ) but yet, guess what? MORE TRAUMA! He then lost his Sensei, and himself. His past was just so sad…and then he had to fight Obito after thinking he was deeeaad!?😭

He was not only a Sensei to Team 7. He was a FATHER figure, and no one can change my mind. While he could have checked up on Naruto before ( knowing that Naruto is Minato’s son, and that everyone in the village hated Naruto with a PASSION ) , he soon took it upon himself to care for Naruto. Bringing him vegetables, feeding him when he was hurt, teaching him about himself, and what it is to be a Ninja. Teaching him life lessons, and how to overcome them. He also believed in Naruto’s dream of becoming Hokage. Believed in HIM. With Sakura, while I didn’t see that much, cause Tsunade later on took Sakura under her wing, I know he cared for her too. He was there to comfort her, whenever Naruto and Sasuke had another one of their fights. He was thankful that at-least she wasn’t the one causing trouble. When it comes to Sasuke, I’ve seen some comments here and there, that Sasuke was Kakashi’s favorite student, but I honestly don’t really agree. Sasuke is clearly a student ahead of everyone else. He can’t be taught like the others! It’s just the truth. And who else would teach Sasuke about his Sharingan, if his whole clan was wiped out??? At least Kakashi had ONE! Surely he could teach him something! He was the only one!

- Rock Lee -

Surprise? Not surprise? At first I didn’t think people liked Lee, but my friend told me that he’s actually a quite popular character. That made me very happy!💚 (*＾ワ＾*)

Apparently, and correct me if I’m wrong, but apparently Lee was designed to symbolize human strength. And there is so much in that. Lee is a Ninja that cannot do Ninjutsu, nor Genjutsu. The only thing he can do, is Taijutsu. And boy, does he hold on to that. I am a SUCKER, for characters like him. The whole “I may not have what everyone else has, but I can still prove myself”. It makes him feel more human, and for me (personally) more relatable. Knowing that you lack, compared to everyone else, and holding on to what you’re somewhat good at. Going above and beyond to continue to keep that special to you, and working nonstop to be the best at it, cause that’s the only thing you think you have a grasp on- ugh! I’ll stop before I start crying. I just relate to that, and find him a very inspirational character. I love him, he’s like my son.

I also like his rivalries were mainly healthy. He never really hated on his rivals. In fact, he was friends with all of them! With Naruto? They comrades. With Neji? Sure, their relationship was a bit bumpy at first, but they eventually came to respect each other, as they grew up. Shira? They became BFFLS! Had me in tears! 😭 And don’t even get me started with Gaara! Even after all…THAT ( amazing fight by the way ) the two ended up being the best of friends! Like- would you be friends with the person who not only broke your arm and leg, but had you go through a risky operation, having you question your existence, and tried to kill you when you were asleep? Naaaaah! Nah! Lee is an Angel!

Oh! I also watched the Lee Spin Off series! Pure. Perfection. Highly recommend. My favorite parts, are when we get to see Lee just create random scenarios, and drags everyone around him into them. 😂

- Obito Uchiha -

Guys.

This boy…

My god.

There was no rest for him, ever since he was born.

I like to have this thought that everyone has their Uchiha. Many choose Sasuke, Itachi, Madara, Shisui, etc. For me, it’s him. Obito Uchiha. I find it hilarious, and again- SPOILER ALERT that when we were introduced to TOBI, I loved him so much. When he said he was “Madara” I was in disbelief, but very much enjoying the supposed twist. But then- surprise! It’s Obito! I was having the time of my life. I was an Obito fan, without even knowing it. He’s my favorite Uchiha, even though…yeah…yeah he did a bit of big oopsies.

I enjoyed seeing who he was, before life decided to be a bitch to him. Helping the elderly, his rivalry with Kakashi, his wish of also being Hokage, and being a bit of a softie (which I found endearing ). He lost all of himself, and like many comments I’ve seen “He was the Naruto that gave up”. And I see that. And it saddens me every time. To see that man, if Naruto would have given up…this could have been him. When Obito was ready to die, I was actually understanding of it. Unlike prior deaths in Naruto, with Obito’s death, I…accepted it. I understood why he preferred to die. He did too much harm, that he couldn’t possibly see himself being anywhere. He was going to die, while bringing the others back to life. But…that didn’t end up happening, and he was given some more time. Just seeing the contrast of who he was before, and who he currently was, was very bitter. Him pushing his old self away, and just being blinded by so much hatred and sadness.

Man, I just really his character. I like what he represents, and how without knowing, he in some way, influenced Kakashi, and Naruto. I also really like his design with the goggles, and all. So cute! (*＾ワ＾*)

The Fights That Had Me SCREAMING

They’re Ninjas! Of course they’re gonna fight! Good action, good execution, good choreography- Naruto Fights are one of a kind, and I always found myself at the edge of my seat with them.

Rock Lee Versus Gaara of the Sand.

THE LEE VERSUS GAARA FIGHT. Okay okay I won’t comment much about this fight-just go watch it. PLEASE! No amount of words can describe this fight! Not only do we see Lee UNLEASHED, but the animation, the music, the moves, EVERYTHING. It’s so iconic, and at the time, I bet it had the world in awe. My boi Leeeee!!!😭

Obito Uchiha Versus Kakashi Hatake

This frikin fight hurt me guys. While it’s so badass, and nicely animated, the addition of the past them and present them fighting HIT. HARD. Again, that moment when Obito pushes his old self back, is so painful to watch. It has my heart shattering into pieces every time I see it. There’s this part, that I’m obsessed with.

THIS! Idk why! I just find myself repeating that part, over and over. Is it just me!?

Madara Uchiha Versus The Shinobi Alliance

Yeah, Yeah this isn’t surprising…BUT YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND WHY! YOU MUST! All that hype that Madara kept getting, was about to be proved with this moment! And MY GOD!!!! The tension, the raw screaming of the Ninjas running towards him, knowing of who he was. And Madara just nonchalantly killing everyone he laid his eyes on! Did you see his eyes!? The immediate read! I- The METEOR-No- THE TWO METEORS. You cannot top this. This introduction to Madara Uchiha, will be forever engraved in my brain. Loved it. Just seeing the Meteor slowly falling, and seeing the scale of it. Everyone running-OH! And how Flying Grandpa (The Tsuchikage) and Gaara stopped it- had me jumping on the couch. Amazing, simply amazing. GO WATCH IT. Cause my rambling on it, does it no justice!!! 😭😭😭

Okay listen, one thing we can all agree on, when it comes to Anime, is that Anime Intros, and Outros, are a BIG part of it all. Especially the Intros. If Intro isn’t good, would you still watch this anime? What makes a good Intro song? Is it the animation? The lyrics? The artist? All of these come in to play, to create a masterpiece. An aid for an anime.

Naruto, has a lot of intros. BUT MY GOD- does it have triple the outros.

I’ve listened to all of them, and I’d just like to share my personal favorites!

Intro’s that hit ( From Naruto to Shippuden )

Far Away -Asian Kung Fu Generation

( Second OG Intro )

So before even watching Naruto, I came upon this song on Spotify. And there was just something about this song, that hit. I am a big fan of Japanese Rock ( J-Rock ) , and Asian Kung Fu Generation brought it all out with this song.

I feel like it really catches the aesthetic, and the overall vibe of the Original Naruto Series. Hype, full of energy, and hypes you up for the new episode. I really love it, and even if I didn’t watch Naruto back in the day, hearing this, causes me major nostalgia. A mystery, I know.

Wind and Waves Satellite - Snowkel

( Seventh OG Intro )

It’s the start that does it for me. Seeing everyone get ready to leave on their next adventure, fills me with some type of emotion. I don’t know how to describe it. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s nostalgia, but it fills me with this kind of sad/good feeling in my chest? Something like that. It’s great!

Blue Bird - Ikimono Gakari

( Third Shippuden Intro )

Perhaps one of the top favorite songs out there, in the Shippuden Intro List. And I can see why. Or well- HEAR why.

It’s a bop. The vocals, the instrumental, oh-THe HARMONICA! That person goes OFF! 👏🏼

Diver - Nico Touches The Walls

( Eight Shippuden Intro )

At first, I didn’t really feel much for this song. It was alright…UNTIL IT WASN’T.

I found myself sudden listening to it, back and forth, and…I love it now? Yeah, it just happened, I don’t know how.

What I love about this one, isn’t only the song. But the animation of it. What we see, is Naruto falling, and simply sinking down deep and deeper into the water. This obviously referring to his current depressive state. He’s lost, and is beginning to give up. Then, one by one, the hands of all of the friends he’s made along the way, slowly but surely push him up. Naruto is finally out of the water, and when he looks down, he sees that Sasuke is also sinking, similar to how he was before. Seeing that he has no one, Naruto prepares himself to dive down for him. Remembering his goal again. Save Sasuke from the dark path he’s chosen, and bring him back to the village.

It’s beautiful really.

Lovers - 7!! Seven Oops

( Ninth Shippuden Intro )

I didn’t know how to feel for this song. But after a while, I started bopping my head to it- and then poof! Loved it. It’s good!

I like the part where there’s that explosion behind Killer Bee, and that glimpse of Sasuke’s smile. That unsettling smile, letting us know that he’s waaaay gone. It gave me goosebumps the first moment I saw it.

Silhouette - Kana-Boon

( 16th Shippuden opening )

I’ll admit, I knew about Kana-Boon before listening to Silhouette. I love this band, with my life.

It’s such a good song! Great! A masterpiece! That’s right! And it left its mark on Shippuden, as it SHOULD have!

It’s just so good guys. Highly recommend! ❤️

Honorable Mentions ( yes ) :

Sign - Flow

Moshimo - Daisuke

Niwaka Ame Ni Mo Makezu - Nico Touches The Walls

Blood Circulator - Asian Kung Fu Generation

Outros that punched ( From Shippuden )

I honestly don’t recall any song that stuck to me from the Naruto series…I’ll probably go back to give them a second listen.

Broken Youth - Nico Touches The Walls

( Sixth Shippuden Ending )

I quickly became a NTTW fan, and this was no exception. The guitar at the start, the vocals! *chefs kiss*

I also like the cute story of seeing both Sasuke and Naruto as both wanted people.

U can do it ! - Domino

( 15th Shippuden Ending )

I just love the story being told here, the animation guys! The animation of Naruto practicing with Team Guy and Konohamaru! It’s soooo good!

The song is a bop. I’m totally not being biased cause Lee is there. I swear-

Sayonara Memory - 7!! Seven Oops

( 24th Shippuden ending )

I honestly think this deserved to be an opening- but either way, this is a great song.

Black Night Town - Akihasa Kondo

( 27th Shippuden ending )

It took me by surprise. It’s just very different, and I think that’s what caught my attention at first.

I don’t see many talk about it, but it really is

Niji No Sora (Rainbow’s Sky) - Flow

( 34th Shippuden ending )

It’s one of the cutest stories out there, that is told. Just the beginning of little Naruto’s love for Ichiraku Ramen. Watching him grow, and just how many people go in and out…it’s so cute and made me teary eyed.

I mainly liked it because of the story telling-but it’s also a cute song!

Honorable Mentions :

YOU CAN DO IT!!! - Dev Parade

I can hear - DISH//

Never Change - SHUN

Kotoba Ni Naranai Yakusoku (A promise that doesn’t need words) - Sana

So!

This is all I wanted to talk for the time being. I’ll probably talk about ships some day! Hope you enjoyed reading my…I don’t even know what this is. I just wanted to share my thoughts on Naruto.

Have a lovely day/afternoon/night! 🧡