The world of anime is full of epic stories and intense battles! Naruto and Jujutsu Kaisen are two of the most popular series, known for their amazing storylines and unique takes on the shonen genre. But there's a hidden connection that some fans may have missed- a controversial plot device- reincarnation.
Reincarnation in Naruto
The Naruto series had an enormous twist! It was revealed that Naruto and Sasuke were the reincarnations of Ashura and Indra, brothers who had this never ending feud from way back when. The controversy? This came near the end and completely retconned the series’ most important ideas. Naruto always championed the idea of overcoming obstacles and choosing your own fate but having them predetermined because of reincarnation caused massive issues! Many felt like this part of the series totally undermined its themes, feeling super shoe-horned in towards the end, challenging the egalitarian core of the entire show and series.
Jujutsu Kaisen's Take
Jujutsu Kaisen came onto the scene as a rival. Many have considered it to be better, than Naruto, and in this series Yuji Itadori and Ryomen Sukuna are shown in a lot of ways as parallels. One specific plot point that the series even borrowed from Naruto is reincarnation!
This new spin was in Chapter #257 of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga only 14 chapters before its conclusion. What makes this so unique?
- Fans had actually suspected Yuji and Sukuna were brothers all along, so the twist, was anticipated!
- Yuji had a really mysterious past so it helped create the needed surprise and actually fitted into his lore seamlessly, compared to how forced Naruto's plot was!
Key Differences:
The key differences between the use of reincarnation in both series are what made Jujutsu Kaisen’s more powerful.
- The scale is different! Naruto's twist affects the entire world! While Jujutsu Kaisen's plot was focused on only one part! Yuji’s origin.
- What’s important about Jujutsu Kaisen was the themes!
- The main emphasis on this storyline has to do with the roles people have!
- There was plenty to explore! Including chance and free will. That means people still have an important power! Free will.
While Naruto's reincarnation story was something many felt was entirely forced to add an explanation to all events. What was missing entirely was Naruto’s previous emphasis on personal willpower!
Jujutsu Kaisen's Success
reincarnation was in both series but its execution is quite important.
- Jujutsu Kaisen really integrated reincarnation! The story made it make a natural impact that fit the series’ storyline.
- By contrast, Naruto’s version is jarring as it suddenly makes the main characters fated players that totally goes against the heart of what Naruto has been doing up until the very end. This lack of consistent thematic relevance is probably the main reason the Naruto storyline was controversial!
It's funny how Jujutsu Kaisen's creators got some major inspiration from lore, while Naruto went for Japanese Buddhism which, admittedly is also part of Jujutsu Kaisen. What is fascinating, is just what this comparison brings. This particular aspect brought this comparison and the way both used this plotline. While the execution wasn't perfect in Jujutsu Kaisen as well, what was done really well, was that it fit much more naturally with the ongoing narrative and made it such an unforgettable aspect to this powerful anime. It shows how important writing and storytelling really is in the world of anime. It has some truly important ideas and made such a major hit in Japan.
Conclusion
Naruto and Jujutsu Kaisen really demonstrated just how compelling and memorable these characters truly are!
While the stories of these shows and series might just look simple, the clever storytelling makes each unforgettable! In the end, both Naruto and Jujutsu Kaisen took a plotline about reincarnation, with its use of the concept, being remarkably different.
There is a deep insight for both writers of both shows. You could potentially bring these stories and shows to many, worldwide. That alone says a lot! It's what truly makes this whole series something worth seeing!
