Naruto and Hinata: A Love That Felt Real

Throughout the Naruto series, the love between Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga has been a focal point for many fans. In this article, we explore the development of their relationship, the pivotal moments that solidified their love, and the insights provided by author Masashi Kishimoto himself.

The Early Stages: Naruto's Unconscious Feelings

Initially, Naruto Uzumaki was focused on his pursuit of Sakura Haruno, his childhood sweetheart. As the story progressed, Naruto faced the reality that Sakura had feelings for Sasuke. However, it wasn't until he serenaded Hinata in the Naruto The Last movie that Naruto truly acknowledged his feelings for her. This moment marked a significant turning point in their relationship, as Naruto recognized the depth of his feelings for Hinata.

The Moviemaker's Perspective: A Clear Vision

Meanwhile, Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the Naruto series, had a clear vision for the love triangle between Naruto, Hinata, and Sakura. In an interview with Weekly Shōnen Jump, Kishimoto revealed his intentions:

"When I introduced Sakura, she was a character like any other, like Kiba or Shikamaru. There was no concept of her ending up with Naruto. Of course, they would be friends and teammates. However, I decided early on that Naruto and Hinata would end up together. After that, I decided that Sakura would play a role in creating a love triangle. The concept of Naruto and Sakuras relationship developed mostly around obsessive love and one-sided affection, which left little room for further development."

Kishimoto's intention to have Naruto and Hinata fall in love was influenced by his wife, who inspired the character of Hinata in the first place. This decision, however, created controversy among fans who were hoping for a different outcome.

A Love Develops and Grows

Despite the controversy, their relationship developed organically. In The Last: Naruto the Movie, Hinata's willingness to risk her life to save Naruto revealed the depth of her feelings. This scene profoundly affected Naruto, leading him to confess his feelings to Hinata in the moonlight. Their eventual marriage solidified the love and mutual respect they shared.

Lessons from the Source and Interviews

When analyzing the development of the Naruto and Hinata relationship, it's important to draw from both the manga and the interviews with Kishimoto. These sources provide a nuanced understanding of the character's development and the creator's intentions.

"I almost caused a rift in my own house too because my wife was really upset that Naruto married Hinata and not Sakura. My wife complained a lot to me about this decision and so I had to try to defuse that bomb by explaining to her that my inspiration for Hinata was her."

This quote highlights the real-world influence on character development. Kishimoto's insights into the creation and development of the Naruto and Hinata relationship provide valuable context for understanding how their love story unfolded.

Conclusion

The relationship between Naruto and Hinata is a significant part of the Naruto series, with a unique journey that was both organically developed and influenced by external factors. While the type of love that filled the pages of the manga might not have been what every fan envisioned, Kishimoto's interviews offer a clear perspective on the deliberate decisions that shaped the story.

By examining the key moments in the relationship and the insights provided by Kishimoto, we can better appreciate the depth of Naruto and Hinata's love and the creative vision that brought it to life.