Naruto Uzumaki was 19 years old in The Last: Naruto the Movie. This places the film chronologically two years after the end of the Fourth Shinobi World War and just before his eventual marriage to Hinata Hyuga.
The Timeline and Naruto’s Progression
Understanding Naruto’s age in The Last requires a firm grasp of the Naruto series’ timeline. The original Naruto series concludes with Naruto and his peers around the age of 12-13. Naruto Shippuden picks up the story two and a half years later, making Naruto approximately 15-16 years old at its start. The entirety of Shippuden, including the climactic Fourth Shinobi World War, spans roughly two years. Therefore, by the war’s end, Naruto is about 17 years old. The Last: Naruto the Movie is set two years after the war, placing Naruto squarely at 19 years of age.
Key Events and Age Markers
- Naruto’s Academy Years: 12-13 years old
- Start of Naruto Shippuden: 15-16 years old
- End of the Fourth Shinobi World War: Approximately 17 years old
- The Last: Naruto the Movie: 19 years old
- Wedding to Hinata/End of the series: 20 years old (shortly before becoming Hokage)
This timeline is crucial for understanding Naruto’s character development and the significant changes he undergoes between the end of the war and the events of The Last. He’s no longer a reckless child, but a maturing young man grappling with his responsibilities and his growing feelings for Hinata.
Why Is Naruto’s Age Significant?
Naruto’s age in The Last is significant because it represents a pivotal point in his life. He’s transitioning from a war hero to a responsible adult, and the movie explores his emotional maturity and his burgeoning relationship with Hinata. This transition is critical for understanding his eventual role as Hokage.
Thematic Implications of His Age
- Maturity and Responsibility: Naruto’s age reflects his growing maturity as he takes on greater responsibilities for his village and begins to understand the complexities of relationships.
- Emotional Growth: At 19, Naruto is finally ready to acknowledge his feelings for Hinata, a development that’s been subtly building throughout the series.
- Preparation for Hokage: The Last serves as a bridge, showing Naruto’s development in the two years between the war and his eventual role as the Seventh Hokage. His actions and decisions at 19 foreshadow his leadership style and his commitment to protecting his village.
The film deliberately portrays Naruto at this age to highlight these crucial aspects of his character arc. It allows the audience to witness his growth beyond the battlefield and into a more nuanced understanding of his personal relationships and his duties as a future leader.
FAQs: Unveiling More About Naruto in The Last
These frequently asked questions aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Naruto’s age, development, and the context surrounding The Last: Naruto the Movie.
FAQ 1: Was The Last considered canon?
Yes, The Last: Naruto the Movie is considered canon within the Naruto universe. Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, was heavily involved in its production and story, ensuring that it aligns with the established continuity.
FAQ 2: How old was Hinata in The Last?
Hinata Hyuga was also 19 years old in The Last: Naruto the Movie, making her the same age as Naruto. Their shared age highlights their parallel journeys of growth and maturity throughout the series.
FAQ 3: What happened during the two-year gap between the war and The Last?
The two-year gap is largely unexplored in detail within the main series or the movie itself. However, it’s understood to be a period of reconstruction, healing, and rebuilding after the devastating Fourth Shinobi World War. Naruto and his friends likely focused on helping to rebuild Konoha and surrounding areas, as well as dealing with the emotional aftermath of the war.
FAQ 4: Why did Naruto suddenly develop feelings for Hinata?
While seemingly sudden, Naruto’s feelings for Hinata were subtly built throughout the series. Hinata’s unwavering support and genuine belief in him resonated deeply with Naruto. In The Last, Hinata’s scarf, woven with love and representing her unwavering support, triggers a realization in Naruto regarding his own feelings. The events of the movie, where Hinata is kidnapped, cement his love for her.
FAQ 5: How does The Last tie into the Boruto series?
The Last directly ties into the Boruto series by establishing the foundation for Naruto’s relationship with Hinata and his eventual family. It shows the crucial step in Naruto becoming the father of Boruto and Himawari. Knowing the events of The Last provides context for Naruto’s role as a father and Hokage in Boruto.
FAQ 6: How old was Sasuke in The Last?
Sasuke Uchiha was also 19 years old in The Last, mirroring Naruto and Hinata’s age. However, Sasuke spent much of the two-year period traveling and atoning for his past actions, as depicted in the Sasuke Shinden novel and subsequent adaptations.
FAQ 7: Why did Naruto cut his hair in The Last?
Naruto cutting his hair in The Last is a visual representation of his maturation and transition into a more responsible and adult figure. It symbolizes his shedding of his childish past and embracing his future responsibilities.
FAQ 8: How did Naruto get his new arm after the war?
While not explicitly shown in The Last, Naruto receives his prosthetic arm sometime between the end of the war and the movie. The arm, created using Hashirama Senju’s cells, is a testament to his resilience and the advancements in medical ninjutsu. Sasuke also received a prosthetic arm, though he chose not to attach it.
FAQ 9: Is there any other material that covers the events of the two-year gap?
While The Last is the most significant source, some light novels and short stories provide glimpses into the two-year gap. The Sasuke Shinden novels, for instance, shed light on Sasuke’s travels during this period. However, a comprehensive account of the entire two-year period remains largely unexplored.
FAQ 10: Did Naruto become Hokage immediately after The Last?
No, Naruto did not become Hokage immediately after The Last. He becomes Hokage shortly after marrying Hinata, likely within the year following the film’s events. Kakashi remained the Sixth Hokage until Naruto was deemed ready to take on the mantle.
FAQ 11: How did Naruto and Hinata’s relationship develop after The Last?
The development of Naruto and Hinata’s relationship after The Last is mostly implied rather than explicitly shown. The birth of Boruto and Himawari showcases their love and commitment to each other, as does Naruto’s unwavering dedication to protecting his family and village. The Boruto series provides glimpses into their domestic life, showing a loving and supportive dynamic.
FAQ 12: Where does The Last fit within the overall Naruto storyline on a chronological watch list?
Chronologically, The Last: Naruto the Movie should be watched after the conclusion of Naruto Shippuden (episodes 476-500), but before the start of the Boruto series. It serves as a crucial bridge between the two series, providing essential context for the characters’ development and relationships.
By understanding Naruto’s age and the events of The Last, fans gain a deeper appreciation for his character arc and the transition into the Boruto era. The film showcases his growth, his relationships, and his preparation for the responsibilities that awaited him as the Seventh Hokage.