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TheNarutoseries has introduced a number of themes and concepts throughout its run, though the reincarnation theme is arguably the most surprising addition. The notion of Naruto and Sasuke beingreincarnations of Asura and Indraallowed the two characters to take center stage, along with gaining a handful of power-ups that derived from their status as being reincarnates of the Sage of Six Paths' children. However, many fans question whether the introduction of the Reincarnation theme was a planned addition or merely a last-minute retcon.
With theNarutoseries having a history of beingplagued by retcons and plot holes, the notion of the reincarnation theme being a retcon seems quite plausible. This is further backed by the fact that the reincarnation theme was never hinted at until the latter part ofShippuden. However, the truth about the mystery surrounding this theme can be revealed by piecing together a few details from the series.
The Concept Of Reincarnation in Naruto
Naruto’s Notion Of Reincarnation Differs From Its Origins
TheNarutoseriesdraws heavily from Eastern mythologies, and one of the most obvious concepts that the series has borrowed is the notion of reincarnation. Originally found in Buddhist and Hindu mythologies, reincarnation is the process of a deceased soul finding its way into the world of the living in the form of another human being or living vessel. This concept was not initially present in theNarutoseries, though it was introduced in the latter half ofShippuden, when it was revealed that the Sage of Six Paths' two children, Asura and Indra Otsutsuki, were reincarnated into their respective lineages. The concept of reincarnation in Naruto can be a bit confusing at first, considering reincarnation generally refers to a soul being born once more in a new form, albeit with its consciousness intact.
This time, I shall share my power with you, Indra’s Reincarnate…
While this notion stands true forNaruto and Sasuketo some extent, the difference lies in the fact that neither Asura nor Indra are actively in control of their vessels. The notion of reincarnation here lies solely in their chakra manifesting in their reincarnates. However, this detail is also a bit unclear in the Naruto series, considering how Hagoromo once stated that Asura was drawn to Naruto after witnessing his resolve. This indicates that Indra and Asura are not reincarnated into their descendants at birth; rather, they choose their reincarnates later on. This presents the concept of reincarnation to be quite confusing, leading to many calling the reincarnation theme a retcon of sorts.
When Was the Reincarnation Theme Introduced to the Narrative?
The Theme Was Introduced Later On in Shippuden
To determine whether the reincarnation theme is a planned addition or a last-minute retcon, it is essential to pinpoint when exactly it was introduced to the narrative. While the theme was hinted at a few times, it’s safe to say that the concept was explicitly statedduring the Five Kage Summitwhen Obito lays out the history of the Sage of Six Paths and the reincarnation of Indra and Asura Otsutsuki. While this was clearly the first mention of the theme, there are a few other hints that indicate that this concept might have been planned much earlier.
After the conclusion of Naruto and Sasuke’s iconic battle at the Valley of the End, Kakashi states that the cycle will never end, hinting at Naruto and Sasuke’s battle, which mirrored Hashirama and Madara’s cataclysmic battleat the Valley of the End. While this could have merely hinted at Naruto and Sasuke’s own rivalry, and the symbolism of the battle taking place at the Valley of the End paralleling Hashirama and Madra, it is clear that there was some sort of hint towards the two being destined to fight each other. However, this still does not cement the notion of reincarnation, as it could have simply been a comparison being drawn with their ancestors. The only true indication of Naruto and Sasuke being reincarnates of Asura and Indra was made apparent during the Five Kage Summit, an event that took place further along the line in Shippuden.
A Retcon or a Planned Addition?
The Theme Is Likely a Retcon Considering the Events in Naruto
It’s evident that the reincarnation theme was added toNaruto’snarrative later down the line, which possibly indicates that it could have potentially been a retcon. However, the true indicator of whether the theme was actually planned or was merely a retcon lies in a few other key factors. The first hint is the fact that the Uzumaki and Senju clans were initially never mentioned to be linked to each other. It was merely stated that theUzumaki were known to be proficientin sealing jutsu, and that they were annihilated due to their longevity and prowess in using Fuinjutsu.
The concept of the Uzumaki being distant cousins of the Senju was introduced much later, making it seem akin to a retcon. For the reincarnation theme to work, it was necessary to connect the Uzumaki clan to the Senju, since Naruto being a reincarnate of Asura wouldn’t have made sense otherwise. Considering Kishimoto decided to alter the connection between these clans, it’s highly likely that the reincarnation theme wasn’t initially planned, and it was merely a last-minute retcon.
Another hint lies in theSenju clan’s lack of presencein the Hidden Leaf Village. Considering the Senju were the founders of the Hidden Leaf Village, along with being major players in the Warring States era and the village’s overall history, it’s certainly odd that they are nowhere to be seen in present-day Konoha. While an in-universe explanation was never given, the most obvious reason behind their disappearance lies in the fact that Kishimoto had never planned for the Senju clan to take center stage down the line. Since the Senju were never supposed to be the highlight of the series, it’s clear that the reincarnation theme wasn’t planned out either. This clearly shows that Naruto and Sasuke being reincarnates of Asura and Indra was a last-minute retcon, a fact that is backed by Kishimoto’s tweaks to Naruto’s narrative to fix these glaring issues.
How Does the Reincarnation Retcon Affect Naruto’s Premise?
The Reincarnation Theme Undermines Naruto and Sasuke’s Rivalry
Some believe that the addition of the reincarnation theme added another layer toNaruto’snarrative, yet others disagree with this notion. It’s true that deeming Naruto and Sasuke to be the chosen ones granted them a new set of powers and more significance in the narrative. However, it’s also clear that deeming them reincarnates undermined their own growth and development throughout theNarutoseries. This is especially true for Naruto, a character that was initially an underdog.
The reincarnates just prior to you were Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara…
This clearly undermines his journey to prove himself worthy to himself and those around him. Moreover, the entire reincarnation theme also underminesNaruto and Sasuke’s rivalry. The two characters were deemed rivals from the very beginning, and much of their strength and growth came from trying to best each other. However, this narrative was later changed to Naruto and Sasuke being destined to fight each other, a concept that now undermines their rivalry altogether. This notion throws their personal struggles out the window, as they were destined to duke it out, regardless of their personal gripes with each other. Overall, the reincarnation theme may have added to Naruto’s power system and overall worldbuilding, yet it clearly undermined both Naruto and Sasuke’s characterizations.
