Summary
Narutois considered one of the Shonen Big Three - along withOne PieceandBleach. The show has spanned decades, including over 700 episodes ofNarutoandNaruto Shippuden, eleven movies, a spinoffRock Lee & His Ninja Pals,and a sequel focused on his son -Boruto.Narutofocuses on overcoming obstacles, friendship, war, and death.
There have been four Great Ninja Wars inNarutoand plenty of deaths before, during, and after. While there have been many deaths in Naruto, including Sarutobi Asuma, Hyuga Neji, the entire Uchiha clan, and both of Naruto’s parents, there is one death that fans can’t seem to get over. What is it about the death of the great Toad Sage, Jiraiya, that is so impactful to the anime?
Jiraiya’s Crucial Role Throughout The Series
Jiraiya is a powerful and legendary shinobiknown as one of the Three Sannin, along with Orochimaru and Tsunade - the fifth Hokage. At some point, Jiraiya travels to Mount Myōboku, the residence of the toads. While there, he meets the Great Toad Sage, who makes a prediction about Jiraiya: that he would travel the world and during that time meet the Child of the Prophecy, a child with the power of the Nine-Tailed Fox who would grow up to either save or destroy the world, depending on how they are taught by Jiraiya. The Child of Prophecy is, of course, Naruto. (Minato named Naruto after one of the characters in his book, as well.)
Jiraiya, also known as Pervy Sage, becomes a mentor and father figure to Naruto, playing a crucial role in Naruto’s development, training him in advanced ninja techniques, such as the Rasengan, providing guidance, and influencing Naruto’s worldview.
Despite Jiraiya’s impressive skills and the use of his Sage Mode, Jiraiya meets his end while trying to protect the village he loves. Jiraiya’s death happens during his mission to gather intelligence on the mysterious and dangerous criminal organization known as Akatsuki. He takes on the assignment to investigate the identities and motives of the Akatsuki members, who are collecting powerful-tailed beasts known as Biju. Jiraiya recognizesthe growing threat posed by Akatsukiand understands the need to uncover their plans to protect the Hidden Leaf Village and the ninja world at large. Jiraiya faces off against several members of Akatsuki, including Pain (Nagato), who possesses the Rinnegan, a powerful dojutsu. His dojutsu helps Pain to create multiple, each with different abilities that can be coordinated and synchronized attacks.
Jiraiya manages to uncover some information about Pain’s abilities and even inflicts significant damage on a few of the bodies. However, Pain’s abilities, including the power to absorb jutsu and transmit physical damage among the bodies, give him a strategic advantage. Jiraiya is caught off guard by one of Pain’s bodies, which can summon and control giant, amphibious creatures. Jiraiya is ultimately impaled and incapacitated, leading to his tragic death. His death has a profound impact on Naruto, shaping his character and motivations throughout the remainder of the series.
Jiraiya & Naruto’s Father-Son Bond Made His Death Hurt More Than Others
Jiraiya’s death is an extremely traumatic experience for Naruto, marking the loss not only of a mentor but also of a father figure. The emotional impact of losing someone so significant leaves an enduring scar on Naruto, influencing his character in profound ways. Jiraiya’s self-sacrifice instills in Naruto a profound sense of responsibility and determination to protect both his friends and the village. This resolve becomes a driving force for Naruto as he matures and confronts increasingly formidable foes and challenges.Through the tragic event of Jiraiya’s death,Naruto gains an even deeper understanding of pain and loss, becoming a crucial aspect of his character development. Motivated by a desire to honor Jiraiya’s legacy, Naruto not only strives to prove himself but also reevaluates the ideals of the Hokage. He aspires to become a leader who comprehends the pain of others, seeks to break the cycle of hatred, and aims to bring about positive change.
Jiraiya served as a symbol of strength and perseverance for Naruto, and his death fuels Naruto’s determination to grow stronger, both as a ninja and as a leader. Naruto is resolved to surpass his limits, demonstrating that he can live up to the legacy left by Jiraiya. The experience also teaches Naruto to use loneliness as a source of strength, rather than a source of despair. Naruto carries forward the lessons and techniques imparted by Jiraiya, particularly the Rasengan, which establishes a symbolic connection between mentor and student. This passing of knowledge becomes a powerful link between the two, driving Naruto to embody the teachings of his fallen mentor and ensuring that Jiraiya’s legacy lives on through Naruto’s continued growth and leadership.
After All These Years, Fans Still Aren’t 100% Over Jiraiya’s Death
Jiraiya’s death is a personal tragedy for Tsunade,adding emotional weight to the narrative. As the Fifth Hokage and a member of the legendary Three Sannin alongside Jiraiya, Tsunade experiences the loss of a close friend and trusted teammate. Jiraiya was a highly respected figure in the Hidden Leaf Village, not only as a powerful ninja but also as a mentor and elder. His death has a significant impact on the village’s morale and sense of security.
The loss of such a prominent and revered figure leaves a void that resonates throughout the community. Jiraiya’s death becomes a symbol of the impact of war in the conflicts of the ninja world. It serves as a narrative device to emphasize the sacrifices made by those tasked with maintaining peace and order, highlighting the harsh realities of the world in which the characters live. Jiraiya’s death is a pivotal moment inNaruto, impacting not only the main characters but also the overall trajectory of the show.
