Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are two parts of the same continuous story. They follow Naruto Uzumaki’s journey to become Hokage, the leader of his ninja village.
Both series have loyal fans, but they’re also very different. The plots diverge, and the characters change significantly. The pacing is different, and so is the overall quality.
In this comparison, we’ll look at the strengths and weaknesses of each series, focusing on power scaling (how powerful characters are), the treatment of female characters, how well the side characters develop, how good the filler episodes are, how many plot holes there are, and the series’ pacing.
The power scaling is more believable in Naruto
In the original Naruto series, the fights were often won with smarts, skill, and the sensible use of resources. Clear limits were set on what characters could do.
Think back to the Chunin Exams. Those fights, like Rock Lee versus Gaara, were great because they showed what each character could do and what they couldn’t do.
In Shippuden, some of the characters became way too powerful. The Rinnegan and Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan abilities created some inconsistencies in the power scaling.
Characters seemed to get massive boosts in power that they hadn’t exactly earned. This made their earlier struggles seem less important somehow.
The Role of Female Characters in Naruto
One area where the original Naruto and Shippuden differ is in how they portray female characters.
Female Characters in the Original Played a Bigger Role
In the original series, female characters like Sakura, Ino, and Temari had more significant roles. The series gave more depth to female characters, with some playing significant roles. Temari, for example, was a prominent antagonist during the Chunin Exams, as was Tayuya.
Shippuden Sidelined Female Characters
In Shippuden, Sakura’s development stagnated, and other female characters were often relegated to supporting roles or romantic interests. Their contributions to the overall plot were often minimal. Female characters weren’t given the same opportunities for growth and impact as their male counterparts. They were largely sidelined in favor of male characters.
Side characters were fleshed out in the original
While Shippuden ramps up the action and hones in on Naruto and Sasuke’s journeys, some fans feel that it sacrifices the depth of its supporting cast. Characters like the Konoha 11, who had distinct personalities and storylines in the original series, often get sidelined.
In Naruto, we see more development for characters like Neji, whose backstory and internal struggles are carefully explored. We also witness Choji’s loyalty and strength in his battles against the Sound 4.
Though Shippuden definitely has its strengths, many believe that the original Naruto gave more love and attention to its ensemble cast, making the world feel richer and more engaging.
Quality of filler episodes
Anime series often include filler episodes: storylines that weren’t part of the original manga series. Filler episodes can be a fun diversion from the main story, but they can also be pretty tedious.
The original Naruto series featured higher-quality fillers
In Naruto, filler episodes often explored characters’ backstories and relationships. For example, episodes such as “Laughing Shino” and “the Curry of Life” were entertaining and well-received by fans.
Shippuden’s filler episodes were often criticized
In contrast, Shippuden’s fillers were often seen as disruptive to the main story and less engaging. Many fans felt that the filler content was repetitive, irrelevant, or a waste of time.
Plot Holes and Retcons
The original Naruto didn’t have many plot holes or retcons. Shippuden, however, seemed to be built on them.
The introduction of the Sage of Six Paths and his chakra created inconsistencies with what fans had already come to know about the Naruto universe. Shippuden just kept adding plot holes and inconsistencies.
The series’ power scaling also made things confusing. Power levels jumped around so much that they introduced even more plot holes and logical fallacies.
The original series features better pacing
One common complaint about Shippuden is its pacing. While the original Naruto had its share of filler, Shippuden‘s pacing often feels incredibly slow.
The Fourth Great Ninja War is a prime example. The event only lasts for two days in the Naruto universe, but it takes more than 200 episodes to depict. The show uses flashbacks and recaps to pad out the runtime, which makes the pacing feel sluggish and inconsistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between Naruto and Naruto Shippuden?
Naruto Shippuden picks up the story two and a half years after the end of the original Naruto series. During this time skip, Naruto has been away training with Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin, to improve his skills and prepare for future threats. The other characters have also grown and developed in their own ways during this period.
Does Naruto Shippuden assume I remember everything from Naruto?
Yes, Naruto Shippuden largely expects you to be familiar with the characters, plot points, and relationships established in the original Naruto series. While it occasionally provides brief flashbacks or reminders, it doesn’t re-explain everything. Watching Naruto first is essential for understanding the context and appreciating the character development in Shippuden.
Are there any filler episodes I should skip in either series?
Both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden have filler episodes. Many viewers choose to skip these to focus on the main story arc. Online resources and episode guides are available that list filler episodes, allowing you to decide whether to watch them or not based on your preferences.
Is Naruto Shippuden a direct continuation of the same storyline?
Yes, Naruto Shippuden is a direct continuation. It follows Naruto’s journey as a teenager, focusing on more mature themes, higher-stakes battles, and the looming threat of the Akatsuki. The overall goal is still for Naruto to become Hokage, but the challenges he faces are significantly greater in Shippuden.
In Conclusion
So, what’s the bottom line in the Naruto vs. Naruto Shippuden debate? While Shippuden ramps up the action and introduces some truly formidable villains, the original Naruto often comes out ahead in terms of consistent power scaling, thoughtful character arcs, and pacing. Even the filler episodes in the first series were often more engaging!
Shippuden undeniably has its strengths, but it also struggles with inconsistencies that can detract from the overall experience.
Despite its flaws, the Naruto franchise as a whole has left an indelible mark on the anime landscape, captivating audiences around the globe and securing its place in anime history.