Most fans agree thatNarutois primarily an action-oriented, martial arts fantasy. After all, the story of ninjas with mystical powers battling magical creatures embodies many of the key elements found in the popular shōnen genre. Yet, as the groundbreaking series finale made clear, while fantasy and fighting were central to the narrative,Narutoultimately evolved into a science fiction tale.
The finale of theNarutosaga left many fans scratching their heads. After meticulously building upMadara as theNarutofranchise’s ultimate villainand threat throughout several arcs, Masashi Kishimoto, the creator, surprisingly sidelined him in favor of Kaguya Otsutsuki. This sudden shift was jarring, especially considering the intricate subplots and side stories that had been woven throughout the narrative, which explored personal, clan, and village-level struggles between shinobi.
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Naturally, fans did not take kindly to what many saw as a creative “bait-and-switch.” Those invested in Madara as a character and in his role within the story were upset by what they felt was an incomplete resolution to his arc. More importantly, fans felt thatNaruto’sKaguya storylinewas rushed, underdeveloped, and contradicted much of the lore the series had carefully built over the years. A final villain whose motivations boiled down to a simple desire for power and control seemed, to many, unworthy as the final villain to a story with such complex themes.
The displeasure amongNarutofans with the series finale arises from the widespread misunderstanding that the story is a fantasy.But the reality is that it has always been a science fiction tale wrapped in a fantasy shell.The introduction of theKaguya storyline is not some random narrative pivot, but rather Kishimoto’s creative way of bringing all the sci-fi aspects, long hidden in plain sight of the story, to the forefront. Indeed, Kishimoto then spun those tragic elements of his family into a magnificent sci-fi tale which its sequel,Boruto, is now taking to even greater heights.
Naruto’s sci-fi elements receive even greater exploration inBoruto, as the series puts Ninja Tech and the Otsutsukis front and center as major elements that are integral to the story.
Beyond basic fantasy elements, such as the incorporation of magic and mysticism, the narrative surprisingly forgoes other typical fantasy tropes, including a pantheon of gods, spirits, or demons.Instead, it incorporates numerous nods to science and technology. For example, following the legendary battle at the Valley of the End, Madara – believed dead by all – utilizes advanced biological grafting to transplant a piece of Hashirama’s skin onto his own, therebyactivating his Rinnegan, a recessive trait inherited from Hagoromo, the Sage of the Six Paths.
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Early on, there isOrochimaru’s quest for immortalitythrough scientific exploration and biological experimentation. However, perhaps the best illustration ofNaruto’s sci-fi-based fantasyis the Akatsuki’s Zetsu—the bi-colored humanoid with a Venus Flytrap-like outer shell. Unlike his teammates, Zetsu can phase through solid objects, much like Marvel’s Vision. However, these abilities are not explained as stemming from ninjutsu or any other type of jutsu typically used by shinobi for their extraordinary skills.
It turns out that the creature is a fusion of two distinct entities: Black Zetsu and White Zetsu. Black Zetsu embodies Kaguya’s will, serving as its physical manifestation. In contrast, White Zetsu were once human, transformed and mutated into mindless, zombie-like servants through Kaguya’s dark manipulations. The Akatsuki’s Zetsu combines the cognitive abilities of Black Zetsu with the physical body of White Zetsu. Despite its supernatural origins, Akatsuki Zetsu’s formation and purpose – primarily to manipulate everyday events to Kaguya’s advantage – is remarkably sci-fi in nature.
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While magic and mysticism play a role inNaruto, they are not core elements of the story. Any use of magic should be viewed through the lens of Kishimoto’s nod to science and technology. As groundbreaking science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke famously said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”InNaruto, most instances of magic or mysticism can be explained through pseudo-science, and the source of this science is not a supernatural entity. Instead, it originates from the arrival of the alienKaguya and the Ōtsutsuki Clan on Earth.
The narrative’s numerous and diverse science fiction elements might have gone unnoticed, dismissed as mere nods to the genre.However, the introduction of the Kaguya storyline reveals a profound connection. Kaguya, an extraterrestrial being from another planet, “infected” humanity with more than just Chakra - she imparted her alien DNA, granting humans the ability to access and transform Chakra into extraordinary, superhuman abilities. Notably, most shinobi possess some strand of Kaguya’s alien DNA, establishing a genetic, rather than magical, link to this extraterrestrial origin.
Even the supposedly mystical Ten-Tailed Beasts have a plausible science-based explanation. For instance, they can be seen as an extreme manifestation of Chakra energy. Like energy, there are various methods — ranging from quantum physics to bioelectricity — that can explain their formation, separation, transformation, and recombination.
In one brilliant narrative decision, Kishimoto activates multiple “sleeper” plot threads, which, when viewed through the lens of Kaguya’s backstory, reveal their brilliance. If you blink, you might miss the connections, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Ultimately,Narutois a sci-fi tour de force. If any doubts exist, all one need do is take a look atBoruto-Naruto’s sequel, which dives even deeper and more openly into its sci-fi roots.
Naruto
Naruto is an action-adventure anime series based on the manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto. The titular Naruto Uzumaki is a fearsome Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit sealed inside him, which once wreaked havoc on his village. Shunned by his community yet determined to earn their respect, Naruto dreams of becoming the greatest ninja, the Hokage. This series follows his journey through the Ninja Academy as he continues to train and grow, hoping to prove himself to his peers- and himself.
