The final episode of Naruto Shippuden, titled “Naruto Uzumaki,” sees Naruto finally achieve his lifelong dream of becoming Hokage. It primarily focuses on the official Hokage inauguration ceremony, marking a poignant end to his journey and a new beginning for the Hidden Leaf Village.
The Dawn of the Seventh Hokage
The anticipation is palpable. After years of struggle, loss, and unwavering determination, Naruto Uzumaki is about to be crowned the Seventh Hokage. The episode opens with the village buzzing with excitement, preparing for the historic event. But it’s not just about the ceremony; it’s about the symbolism of Naruto’s ascent, representing peace, hope, and the realization that dreams, however audacious, can be attained through perseverance.
However, in a humorous twist, Naruto, still prone to his old habits, oversleeps and misses the initial part of the ceremony! This sets the stage for a frantic and comedic scramble, involving his family and friends, to ensure he arrives in time for the main event. The scene is a delightful reminder of Naruto’s enduring, albeit sometimes exasperating, personality.
The Ceremony Unfolds
Kakashi Hatake, the Sixth Hokage, formally presents Naruto to the gathered villagers. The atmosphere is thick with emotion as Naruto, clad in the traditional Hokage robes, finally stands before his people, ready to lead. His speech, though brief, is filled with sincerity and gratitude, solidifying his commitment to protecting the village and upholding the ideals of peace and justice. The episode concludes with a panoramic view of the village, bathed in sunlight, symbolizing a bright future under Naruto’s leadership. The episode cleverly uses flashbacks throughout to reinforce key character arcs, emotional beats, and thematic points, solidifying the impact of this culmination.
Understanding the Ending: Deeper Insights
While the surface-level narrative is straightforward, the ending is rich with underlying themes and significant implications for the Naruto universe. It’s not simply about Naruto becoming Hokage; it’s about the cyclical nature of legacy, the importance of friendship, and the enduring power of hope.
The ending also skillfully avoids overly sentimental or conclusive resolutions for every character. While it provides satisfying closures for core relationships, it leaves room for the continuation of their stories in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, creating a seamless transition into the sequel series.
Legacy and Hope
Naruto’s journey to becoming Hokage is a testament to the power of believing in oneself and never giving up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. The ending reinforces the idea that even the most unlikely individual can achieve greatness with hard work and determination. It inspires the viewer to believe in their own potential and to strive for their dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem. Furthermore, the passing of the Hokage mantle from Kakashi to Naruto signifies the continuation of a legacy, the passing on of responsibility for protection of the village, and the belief in the next generation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Naruto Ending
Here are some common questions about the final episode and the conclusion of Naruto Shippuden:
FAQ 1: Does Naruto ever get married in the final episode?
While the marriage of Naruto and Hinata occurs prior to the final episode, their relationship and family life are prominently featured. The episode showcases their close bond and the role of their children, Boruto and Himawari, in Naruto’s life. Family is a central theme in the ending, highlighting Naruto’s desire to create a world where future generations can grow up in peace and happiness.
FAQ 2: What happens to Sasuke in the last episode?
Sasuke makes a brief but impactful appearance. He is seen observing the Hokage inauguration ceremony from a distance, a silent acknowledgment of Naruto’s achievement. Although he doesn’t actively participate, his presence symbolizes his reconciliation with Naruto and his acceptance of Naruto’s path. He continues his journey of atonement, watching over the village from the shadows. Their bond remains a cornerstone of the series’ themes.
FAQ 3: Who becomes the Eighth Hokage after Naruto?
The Boruto series implies that Shikamaru Nara is likely in line to be the Eighth Hokage. Although not explicitly stated in the final episode of Naruto Shippuden, Shikamaru’s intelligence, leadership qualities, and close relationship with Naruto make him a strong contender.
FAQ 4: Is Kurama (the Nine-Tailed Fox) still inside Naruto at the end?
Yes, at the end of Naruto Shippuden, Kurama remains sealed within Naruto. They have formed a strong partnership, and Kurama actively assists Naruto in his duties as Hokage. However, the events of Boruto have changed this.
FAQ 5: Does Sakura play a significant role in the final episode?
Sakura plays a supportive role, ensuring that Naruto arrives at the inauguration on time. Her presence highlights her unwavering friendship with Naruto and Sasuke and her commitment to her duties as a medical ninja. She represents the strength and compassion of the Konoha 11.
FAQ 6: What is the overall tone and message of the ending?
The overall tone is optimistic and hopeful. The message emphasizes the importance of perseverance, friendship, and believing in the potential of future generations. It celebrates the realization of dreams and the establishment of a lasting peace. It’s a celebration of the journey, not just the destination.
FAQ 7: Does the ending tie up all loose ends and answer all questions?
While the ending provides closure for the main characters and storylines, it intentionally leaves some room for continuation in the Boruto series. This allows for the exploration of new challenges and the development of new characters. It’s designed to be a bridge, not a complete stop.
FAQ 8: How does the final episode connect to the Boruto series?
The ending sets the stage for the Boruto series by establishing Naruto’s role as Hokage and showcasing the next generation of ninja. It introduces key characters like Boruto and Sarada, who will become the protagonists of the new series.
FAQ 9: What are some of the most emotional moments in the final episode?
The most emotional moments include Naruto’s memories of his past, Kakashi’s heartfelt speech during the inauguration, and the expressions of joy and pride on the faces of Naruto’s friends and family. The entire episode is emotionally charged, culminating in a satisfying and cathartic conclusion. Nostalgia plays a key role, amplifying the emotional impact.
FAQ 10: Why did Kishimoto choose this particular ending?
Masashi Kishimoto chose this ending to emphasize the themes of hope, perseverance, and the importance of passing on a legacy to future generations. He wanted to create an ending that felt both satisfying and inspiring, leaving viewers with a sense of optimism and belief in the potential of humanity. Thematic consistency was crucial to the ending’s success.
FAQ 11: How is Naruto’s dream finally fulfilled in this episode?
Naruto’s dream of becoming Hokage is not simply about gaining the title but also about earning the respect and admiration of his village. In this episode, he has not only achieved the title but also demonstrated his strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment to protecting his people, thus fulfilling his dream in its entirety.
FAQ 12: What kind of impact did the series Naruto Shippuden have on global media?
Naruto Shippuden, and the Naruto franchise as a whole, had an undeniable impact on global media. It popularized anime and manga to a wider audience, influenced numerous other works, and established many anime tropes now considered common. It showed that stories about believing in yourself and fighting for your friends can resonate with people from all walks of life.