YOUR MANGA MINUTE SPECIAL, NARUTO, PART 2

[MattBrady]

by Troy Brownfield

When we last left the discussion of VIZ Media’s hit manga, Naruto, we’d just wrapped up a discussion of the basic elements of its appeal. If the article or discussion intrigued any potential readers out there, this is the next logical step. This time, I’ll break down some of the key players and tenets of the series with an eye toward the first-time reader. Granted, this doesn’t pretend to be an exhaustive account or retelling of the story; it’s just a small primer for the potentially interested.

The World of Naruto

To first understand the series, you need a bit of a grasp on the setting. The world of Naruto is a fantasy realm that contains many parallels to feudal period Japan, though modern and advanced technology does exist. There are really five major countries, referred to as Lands; those are the Lands of Lightning, Water, Earth, Wind and Fire (sing “Shining Star” somebody!). You’ll find a number of other lands (some more critical than others) introduced throughout the series, and occasionally, in the anime (where there have been “filler” arcs of original material).

The principal cast lives in the Land of Fire. They make their home in Konohagakure (often shortened to Konoha, and frequently called the Village Hidden in the Leaves); it’s also simply called the Leaf Village. Konoha is one of the great ninja villages (basically every country has one), and its presided over by the Hokage. The village has a fairly large population of ninja (divided in several clans), which lends to its overall power.

What Happened Before

Twelve years before the story of Naruto actually begins, Konoha was the site of great tragedy. The Land of Fire fell under attack by the monstrous entity, the nine-tailed demon fox. The demon fox killed an untold number of people and devastated the region. The Fourth Hokage of Konoha died saving his people by sealing the demon fox in the only place that he could - - inside the body of a tiny infant named Naruto.

Who the Hell is Naruto anyway?

Twelve years old at the outset of the series, Naruto Uzumaki is the young man who becomes the vessel for the demon fox. Unfortunately, rather than appreciating him as the receptacle that saved them, the villagers around Naruto treat him scornfully as he matures. By the time that he reaches adolescence, Naruto has become a vaguely obnoxious malcontent. In fact, one of his mentors will eventually refer to him as "Number One Loudest, Unpredictable, Hyperactive Knuckleheaded Ninja" (and he’s being kind). Still, this bragging nature really belies his deep desire to be liked after a young life of dismissal. Naruto also wishes to become Hokage someday.

Moving Up the Ranks
Naruto is one of many young people enrolled in a Ninja academy in his village. Accordingly, the academy system among the hidden villages means that there are various ranking systems by which the ninja are classified. Students learn to deal with chakra (their basic energy, which can be manipulated for a variety of purposes) and amass jutsu (fighting and disciplinary techniques) and must pass a variety of exams to become ninja; upon graduation, they get a headband which bears the symbol of their village.

The Genin, fresh out of the academy, are the low level or “junior ninja”. They may perform missions to gain money or respect for their village. These missions are ranked from D (lowest level of danger or import), C, B, A, and S (the really, really big stuff). Genin typically get put in a team of three under the leadership/continued instruction of a Jonin. The three-person teams (usually two boys and a girl in the manga) are assembled to create the best balance. Naruto, whose grades essentially sucked, winds up with two strong students in Sasuke and Sakura.

Next up the tree are Chunin, who are the middle guys. Advancement here is determined by more testing and eventual tournament duels. Those who have obtained this level often wear vests. Iruka, Naruto’s first mentor of note, is of this level.

The elite ninja are called Jonin. Fan-favorite Kakashi Hatake, the leader of Naturo, Sasuke and Sakura’s Team 7, is Jonin. A pseudo-level up from Jonin are the Tokubetsu Jonin, who maintain a specialty in one particular discipline.

Of course, Naruto desires to become Hokage. The Kage class are the most powerful ninja of their villages. In some cases, there can be two living Kage at once (this is what happened with the Third and Fourth Hokage of the Leaf Village, as it was the Fourth Hokage who died binding the Demon Fox, thus forcing the Third to again assume the active mantel).

Next time out in the end of our close-up on Naruto, we’ll look at the major characters of the manga. Thanks for reading!

Troy Brownfield is a ninja of the Journo Class.

[Scavenger]

Enjoying the series Troy.


Edit: ooh..first! Ain't I cool! Ninja art: posting!

[Kolimar]

Good follow-up. Clear explanation of the basics of Naruto. I want more.

[Kolimar]

Originally Posted by Scavenger

Edit: ooh..first! Ain't I cool!

Nope.

Originally Posted by Scavenger

Ninja art: posting!

I guess I am a Jonin with several specialties, mainly listing and whoring.

[Kolimar]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

Next time out in the end of our close-up on Naruto, we’ll look at the major characters of the manga.

Looking forward to it.

[Kolimar]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

Thanks for reading!.

You're welcome.

[Kolimar]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

Troy Brownfield is a ninja of the Journo Class.

Who wants to test Troy's skills in mortal combat?

[Zeodiego]

arghhh kolimar just used the "multi post jutsu" along with the "usseles coment jutsu" i dint know he had that much chakra.
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now getting serious again. naruto started showing in brazil not so long ago and one of the best aspects for me so far is that the history is not rushed they take time to develop the relationships with the characters even the secundary ones, and the twists and constant jutsu using really gets you to edge oh my god he got hit in the leg POOF holy %$#@ it was just a log, and he is behind the bad guy now for the killing blow POOF the bad guy is also a log that just gets me juping out of the chair to the ceiling.

also congratulations on talking about a anime show without spoiling the history for those who havent seen or read it yet.

[Sano]

Good read man keep it coming. Shikimaru rules.

[Kolimar]

Originally Posted by Zeodiego

arghhh kolimar just used the "multi post jutsu" along with the "usseles coment jutsu" i dint know he had that much chakra.

I think I'm going to try my Gōkakyū no Jutsu on you:

[Joan17]

This the the best and clearest explanation that I've heard, this post is even quoted in the Naruto Gang site with the same compliment
check it here