The Naruto series, one of the most beloved in the shonen genre, is divided into two parts: the original Naruto (Part I) and Naruto Shippuden (Part II). Each part has its unique charm and storytelling style, drawing fans in different ways. While Naruto Shippuden wraps up Naruto Uzumaki’s adventure, the original series offers a more focused and consistent narrative. The debate over which part tells a better story continues to divide fans, as both parts have their own strengths and weaknesses.
The Simplicity and Charm of the Original Naruto
The original Naruto follows the titular character from the very beginning of his journey to become a ninja. This first part excels in its straightforwardness, with a clear focus on Naruto’s growth alongside his new teammates in Team 7. The story is concise, avoiding the distraction of excessive fillers, and gives ample time to character development without overwhelming the viewer.
Although aimed at a younger audience, the original Naruto still tackles mature themes, including pain, loneliness, and perseverance. It strikes a balance between lighthearted moments and serious storytelling. Viewers appreciate the simplicity of Part I, with well-placed humor and action that resonates with younger audiences while still engaging older fans.
A major advantage of the original Naruto is its careful treatment of supporting characters. In this part, side characters like the Konoha 11 are given significant attention. Many of these characters participate in key battles, adding depth and emotional weight to the series. This inclusive approach makes the story feel more expansive and communal, with everyone contributing to Naruto’s journey.
Naruto Shippuden: High Stakes and Philosophical Themes
In contrast, Naruto Shippuden takes a darker, more philosophical turn. Set after a time skip of two and a half years, Shippuden deals with more mature themes and presents Naruto as a more experienced and determined ninja. The stakes are higher, as global conflicts take center stage, and the show explores deep philosophical questions about peace, war, and sacrifice.
However, one of Shippuden’s biggest flaws is its reliance on filler episodes, which make up more than 50% of the series. These fillers often disrupt the flow of important canon arcs and can leave fans feeling frustrated. The pacing suffers, and many viewers lose interest due to the excessive detours away from the main story.
In addition to filler overload, Shippuden also marginalizes its side characters. Unlike the original series, where characters beyond Naruto and Sasuke had their own subplots and battles, Shippuden shifts the focus almost entirely to the two protagonists. The side characters, once vibrant and essential to the story, are left in the background, rarely contributing to major events. This lack of balance leaves some fans disappointed with how the story sidelines beloved characters.
Consistency vs. Peaks and Valleys
When it comes to quality, the original Naruto is often praised for its consistency. The pacing is steady, the arcs are tightly woven, and the fights are more grounded in realism, with characters on relatively equal footing. There is less need for dramatic power scaling or plot devices to explain victories, which makes the battles feel more authentic.
On the other hand, Shippuden is more uneven. While it boasts some of the highest highs in the series—such as iconic battles and moments of emotional depth—it also suffers from significant lows. Some story arcs drag on unnecessarily, and others are marred by plot holes and retcons that complicate the narrative. These inconsistencies create an uneven experience for viewers, with brilliant moments often followed by disappointments.
The Evolution of Naruto and Sasuke’s Relationship
One of the most central elements of both parts is the relationship between Naruto and Sasuke. In the original Naruto, their bond is complex but balanced. Though rivals, they share moments of genuine camaraderie and mutual understanding. Naruto openly expresses his emotions, while Sasuke struggles with his internal battles, making their dynamic rich and intriguing.
However, in Shippuden, this relationship takes a toxic turn. Sasuke, consumed by vengeance, becomes more erratic and distant. Their rivalry escalates into something far more dangerous and less balanced, reflecting the darker themes of Shippuden. While this evolution adds to the tension and drama of the story, it also leaves some fans longing for the simpler, more heartfelt relationship they shared in Part I.
A Tale of Endings
The way each part concludes also sparks debate. The original Naruto ends on a strong note, with Naruto setting off on a journey with Jiraiya, leaving the series on a hopeful yet unresolved cliffhanger. The final fight between Sasuke and Naruto at the Valley of the End is one of the most emotionally charged moments in the series, marking a significant turning point.
Shippuden concludes with Naruto marrying Hinata, which many fans found satisfying in terms of personal resolution. However, Naruto’s ultimate dream was to become the Hokage, and this goal is only realized after the main series ends. Some feel that the anime should have ended with Naruto being named Hokage, making the conclusion feel more complete.
Fights and Power Scaling
Both parts of Naruto feature incredible battles, but they differ significantly in how these fights are handled. In Part I, the battles are well-balanced, with characters relatively close in strength. This creates tension and excitement without the need for drastic power boosts or nerfing certain characters to make a fight believable.
In Shippuden, however, power scaling becomes an issue. Characters grow immensely powerful, and the stakes of the fights escalate dramatically. While some of these battles are visually stunning, they often rely on plot contrivances, leaving the resolution unsatisfying. For example, during the Hidan and Kakuzu fight, Kishimoto had to artificially weaken Kakuzu to allow the Hidden Leaf ninjas to win.
Verdict: Which Tells the Better Story?
While Naruto Shippuden offers thrilling battles, deeper philosophical exploration, and a more mature storyline, it often falters due to filler episodes, sidelining of characters, and inconsistencies in quality. On the other hand, the original Naruto shines for its steady pacing, character development, and cohesive storytelling.
Ultimately, which part tells the better story depends on what fans value more: the consistent charm and emotional depth of Part I or the high stakes and epic battles of Part II. Each part has its own merits, but for many fans, the original Naruto remains the gold standard for its pure, heartfelt narrative.
