This article contains spoilers from Naruto.
Overview
- The Sharingan’s origin can be traced back to a Kabuki story titled The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant.
- Initially designed to replicate techniques, the Sharingan later developed into a power featuring unique abilities like Susanoo.
- Kishimoto’s vision for the Sharingan shifted to include distinctive powers beyond mere imitation of jutsu.
Masashi Kishimoto has earned his status as one of the most celebrated manga creators, with Naruto being a monumental pillar of his success. This series, alongside One Piece, not only defined a generation of anime and manga but continues to resonate with fans worldwide due to its profound narrative and compelling characters.
A key aspect of Naruto‘s success lies in its intricate power system. Among the myriad abilities presented in the series, the Sharingan stands out as one of the most compelling. Kishimoto has shared fascinating insights into the evolution and significance of the Sharingan, shedding light on its pivotal role within the story.
The Importance of the Sharingan in Naruto
- The Sharingan is recognized as one of the Three Great Dojutsu.
- Kakashi Hatake was the first character to prominently display the Sharingan.
Within the Naruto universe, the Sharingan evolved from a mere capability to mimic techniques into a legendary power with significant importance over time. Early in the series, it was characterized by the ability to replicate other jutsu, capturing the imagination of fans and setting the stage for further developments. As the narrative unfolded, Kishimoto expanded the Sharingan’s repertoire, introducing striking abilities such as Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and the formidable Susanoo.
As the Kekkei Genkai of the Uchiha Clan, the Sharingan serves as a creative canvas for Kishimoto. Throughout the series, the abilities of iconic characters like Sasuke and Itachi showcased the depth added to the narrative through this powerful eye. The legacy of the Sharingan persists even into the present Boruto series, prompting ongoing speculation and curiosity among fans regarding its origins and transformations.
How Kishimoto Came Up with the Sharingan
The Sharingan Was Inspired by Another Piece of Media
Surprisingly, Kishimoto’s creation of the Sharingan evolved significantly from his initial concept. The idea finds roots in the Kabuki story The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant, wherein Jiraiya, the main character, possesses an eye dubbed the Sharingan. This early inspiration led Kishimoto to eventually bestow this unique power upon the Uchiha Clan, wildly recognized for their prowess.
Kishimoto later revealed that introducing Kakashi with the Sharingan added an intriguing dynamic, especially since he was not an Uchiha by blood. By Chapter 16 of Naruto, the foundational aspects of the Sharingan had already been established, along with its allocation to the Uchiha clan. Evidently, Kakashi’s Sharingan came from his fallen ally, Obito, who had trained under Minato.
Although Kishimoto did not outline every detail of the plot from the outset, certain essential elements, like the Sharingan, were clearly defined early in the series. The power of the Sharingan eventually surpassed other abilities like the Byakugan and even rivaled the Rinnegan’s might.
How the Sharingan Changed Throughout Naruto
The Sharingan’s Core Powers Were Forgotten
The narrative arc surrounding the Sharingan underwent substantial changes throughout the series. Initially, it was portrayed mainly as an eye capable of copying diverse jutsu—be it Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, or Taijutsu—except for Hiden techniques or other Kekkei Genkai. Early on, Kakashi’s demonstration of this power against Zabuza highlighted not only the Sharingan’s capabilities but also established the standard for powerful ninjas in the series.
However, over time, Kishimoto shifted focus away from the Sharingan’s copying abilities. Instead, the eye evolved into a vessel for unique powers, especially under the Mangekyo Sharingan. The introduction of extraordinary abilities and the creation of Susanoo marked a pivotal transformation in how the Sharingan was perceived and utilized.
In retrospect, while the original ability to copy techniques might seem like a captivating feature to retain, the unique powers offered by the Sharingan ultimately enriched the storytelling and character development throughout Naruto. Today, the Sharingan continues to captivate audiences and has inspired numerous powers in modern manga, securing its status as one of anime’s most iconic abilities. Fans remain eager to witness further exploration of the Sharingan’s capabilities through characters such as Sarada Uchiha in upcoming stories.
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