naruto‘Shadow Clone Jutsu, or Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, is one of the most famous techniques of the series, but it was actually inspired by another successful manga series. Series creator Masashi Kishimoto has conducted several interviews over the years to explain his inspiration and the challenges of making the series. Notably, in an interview from 2009, the mangaka revealed where he got the idea for shadow clones.
One of the best-selling manga series of all time and a modern classic, Naruto began serialization in 1999. On the occasion of its 10th anniversary in 2009, Kishimoto shared more details. details about the first technique that Naruto learned. In order to graduate and become a full-fledged ninja apprentice, the young ninja was tricked into stealing a sacred scroll and learning a forbidden technique initiated by Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, known as the Shadow Clone. This technique quickly became Naruto’s signature technique, and it is one of the most iconic features of the series, appearing in basically every major battle. However, the inspiration for Kage Bunshin actually came from Yoshihiro Togashi’s Yu Yu Hakusho.
Yu Yu Hakusho inspired Naruto’s shadow clone technique
In the Naruto 10th Anniversary Chronicle Book Mini, there is an interview with both Kishimoto and Yoshihiro Togashi. Togashi is known as the author of many hit series, most notably Hunter x Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho. The two admire each other greatly and it’s no secret that Kishimoto draws inspiration from Togashi’s works. In fact, Naruto’s shadow clone technique was actually inspired by Yu Yu Hakusho, which began serialization in 1990 and ended in 1994. It was inspired by a character named is Suzaku – specifically his Prism of Seven, or Dark Spectral Siege Formation – technique that splits the villain into seven versions of himself.
During the interview, translated by user MrGenial11 on the Hunter x Hunter fandom site, Kishimoto was asked what was impressive about Togashi’s work, he said:
His approach surprises the reader. The way he is able to create unexpected scenes that can reveal the threat the enemy represents, Naruto’s Kagebushin no Jutsu is heavily inspired by Suzaku’s technique in Yu Yu Hakusho. The idea of making the background images come to life was so creative, I was so excited and wondering ‘how are they going to beat this guy.’
Ironically, Kishimoto later regretted his decision to incorporate Shadow Clone Jutsu in his series – especially early on. It was a challenge to not only recreate it artistically, but also set Naruto’s power bar very high. Suzaku debuted in Chapter #34 of Yu Yu Hakusho’s manga and episode #14 of the anime adaptation. While still at the beginning of the series, he only splits into a total of seven versions of himself, which he can use to increase his attack power and heal himself. In contrast, Naruto’s first episode follows the popular hero not only stealing the forbidden scroll, but also demonstrating his early technical mastery in active combat.
Togashi’s creative work has inspired many Mangakas and their series
Yu Yu Hakusho has inspired many other series and is particularly influential on Naruto. From shinobi techniques to character design, Kishimoto has never shied away from admitting that he admires and appreciates Togashi’s work. Naruto’s rapid mastery of the Shadow Clone jutsu left a huge impact on viewers early on and it remains a steady feature of the series. While it’s not surprising that Yu Yu Hakusho was the inspiration for such an important aspect of narutoThe changes introduced into the story of the ninja have become absolutely iconic and have a life of their own.
Source: Interview with Yoshihiro Togashi & Masashi Kishimoto
