The long-running series Naruto has experienced its share of triumphs and challenges over the years. Notably, one of the most intriguing aspects of this beloved anime is its ability to provoke conversation without alienating its fanbase entirely. Instead of alienating viewers, the series tends to create discussions around its controversial elements, holding a balance where fans can either embrace or critique these moments.
Regarding the conclusion of Naruto, there are numerous facets that could raise eyebrows. The controversial twist involving Kaguya and the Otsutsuki clan generated heated debates, as did the unveiling of Naruto and Sasuke as reincarnated embodiments of an ancient rivalry. However, perhaps none are as contentious as the retcon involving Black Zetsu, a narrative change that many fans continue to scrutinize.
Confronting Naruto’s Major Retcon: The Black Zetsu Conundrum
The Diminution of Willpower in Naruto’s Universe
The Black Zetsu retcon unveils a shocking revelation: Black Zetsu was a driving force behind centuries of shinobi history. Acting as a manifestation of Kaguya’s will, this entity orchestrated a plan to resurrect its creator by manipulating events from the shadows. This intricate subplot had far-reaching implications, involving key figures like Indra Otsutsuki, Madara, and Obito Uchiha, along with the entirety of Akatsuki’s operations.
While it’s debatable whether this retcon rewrote the history of the shinobi world—something contested by Naruto’s stance that “shinobi made the shinobi world”—it undoubtedly casts a shadow over the Akatsuki’s originally noble aspirations. This alteration diminishes the value and significance of a group that was initially viewed as striving for peace.
The Black Zetsu Retcon: Non-Fatal But Unnecessary
Zetsu: A Character With Intriguing Depth
One of the more humorous aspects of the Black Zetsu retcon is that its introduction seemed wholly unnecessary. This alteration fundamentally changes Zetsu’s character, overshadowing the complexity that he already possessed. Zetsu stood out within Akatsuki as an oddity; unlike most members who operated in pairs, he acted as a solitary messenger. His unique ability to phase through materials complemented his role and allowed him to engage in strategic maneuvers.
One of Zetsu’s standout moments unfolds during the Five Kage Summit arc, where his interventions disrupt Sasuke’s attempts at stealth, showcasing his role as a wildcard in the story. Furthermore, Zetsu’s involvement with Madara and Obito adds layers to his character. The notion that he was a manifestation of Madara’s will, rather than merely an underling, could have enhanced the narrative, giving Madara’s character even greater depth. However, the retcon ties Zetsu to Kaguya in an unneeded manner, complicating the storyline and undermining the established arcs.
The Black Zetsu Retcon Challenges Naruto’s Core Themes
The Underlying Harm of the Black Zetsu Twist
The world of shinobi is intricately tied to aspirations and dreams, serving as the foundation for its narrative. Jiraiya’s poignant death and the philosophical explorations within the narrative portray the shinobi world as a reflection of dreams, where peace seems always just out of reach. This deeply rooted obsession with peace can obscure the pathways to achieving it, often retrofitting reality to fit these lofty ideals.
Madara’s drive toward the Infinite Tsukuyomi serves as a profound critique of the shinobi paradigm. He contemplates whether enduring suffering and injustice is worth continuing a civil society that perpetuates conflict and pain. His philosophical stance provides a stark contrast to the naive aspirations of other characters, articulating a perspective that resonates with the tragic complexities of shinobi life.
While each character navigates these moral dilemmas differently—Yahiko’s armed resistance, Nagato’s extreme measures, and Sasuke’s vague revolutionary aspirations—the Akatsuki’s presence allows Naruto to engage in essential self-examination. The group embodies a resistance movement against the traditional shinobi order, echoing Sasuke’s thoughts on revolt.
My disdain for the Black Zetsu retcon arises from its unintended consequences on the narrative’s self-reflection. Among other controversial plot arcs, the reincarnation twist diminishes the impact of themes like perseverance and merit, while the introduction of the Otsutsuki clan shifts Naruto from a grounded narrative into more fantastical territory. However, the Black Zetsu retcon stands as the most detrimental alteration, suggesting that all genuine skepticism about the shinobi world emanated from a manipulative force.”
Ultimately, this retcon implies a fatalistic narrative where the shinobi order becomes the unquestioned norm, rendering the conflicts fought over generations meaningless.
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