On April 13, 2023, the results of the NARUTOP99 poll were announced and the decades-long debate over who is the most fan-favorite character in the series. naruto The final story has been carefully resolved. However, more than just declaring the favorite character, the winner of the poll will receive an official one-shot spin-off from Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto himself.
According to Naruto’s official website, the winner of the poll was none other than Naruto Uzumaki’s father, the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze. Out of 4.6 million votes, Minato received 792,257 votes, nearly 300,000 more than the runner-up. According to the contest rules, this means that Minato will receive an exclusive one-shot manga written by Masashi Kishimoto. Since the one-off deal cannot begin until the final results of the poll are determined, the NARUTOP99 competition has not announced when Minato’s manga will be produced. However, considering the news that Naruto’s upcoming 30th anniversary next October will include four brand new episodes to the original Naruto animated series; It should come as no surprise that Kishimoto revealed the independent publication at or near that time.
Naruto’s father, Minato is officially the most loved character in the series
While some fans may be surprised by the result, not the winner is completely surprised. The original poll was announced and started in December 2022; and participants have until January 31, 2023 to vote for one of the nearly 500 Naruto characters. It offers a rare opportunity for fans to have their voices heard about their favorite manga. The poll sparked a great debate about who deserves Kishimoto’s coveted position and special treatment. The controversy and deliberation about the manga it led to created a renewed interest in Naruto despite the fact that the series ended years ago. While live, the poll also provides timely updates on its rankings. So the fan base always has access to the characters that are in the best position to win and Minato is always one of the people who get the most votes.
Rounding out the top 10 are Uchiha Itachi, Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Shisui, Hatake Kakashi, Naruto Uzumaki, Hatake Sakumo, Sasuke Uchiha, Madara Uchiha and Hyuga Hinata. What’s more interesting than the real winner is that Naruto and Sasuke didn’t even make the top five. Chances are, if the poll was taken during the manga’s initial run, both would be voted winner or runner-up. However, it seems time has diminished fans’ interest in their story. In contrast, Sakura’s defeat of Naruto and Sasuke to become the third most popular character speaks volumes about history and further exploration of her backstory, has shown her to be much more interesting than the character. the object that most fans mocked in the manga. initial run.
Outside of the actual voting, NARUTOP99 is a great promotional campaign to spark fan interest in one of the most beloved manga series in industry history. Judging by the number of votes, even in retirement naruto is still a force to be reckoned with, and it’s one that will only grow stronger as the manga approaches its 30th anniversary.
naruto now available to watch from Viz Media.
Source: Naruto’s official website