"Naruto Shippuden" series plot is finally over. After its decade-long run, where should the series take its viewers? It was supposed to be the last time that viewers will get to see this amazing animated series, but lo and behold, it was announced that four more episodes will be aired. Thank you, series creators.
Each episode will come in two parts and will feature two characters and explore on their pasts and whatnot. So for this week, Studio Pierrot treated us with "Naruto and Hinata" which basically showed the life of the two when they were still very young.
At first glance of the episode, long time fans will spot how much different the art style is in this episode compared to the usual. The style is more dreamlike and cartoony, which kinda fits the childhood motif of the episode.
"Naruto Shippuden" Episode 480 Part 1: Naruto
The first part showed Naruto's childhood. He was shown as an outcast that was blamed for the death of the Fourth Hokage. Parent's told their kids not to play with the cursed child Naruto, so not really having much of a choice, he spends his day alone staring at the blue sky or training himself in the forest. Generally, Naruto was a quiet little boy and far from the mischievous one we have all known and loved in the previous episodes. Sasuke was also seen observing the young Naruto.
He managed to catch a fish which he grilled and was approached by Sarutobi Hiruzen, Naruto did not even know that he was talking to the Third Hokage. Sarutobi told the young Naruto to not let people dictate who he should be and that he should just focus on being himself and not seek the acceptance of the people in the village. Come to think of it, maybe he was the one who triggered Naruto's mischievous personality to come out.
Sarutobi Hiruzen spent most of his free time with Naruto and helped him combat the child's loneliness. Naruto then became more confident and more like the boy we have always known.
"Naruto Shippuden" Episode 480 Part 2: Hinata
Hinata's part in the episode started with her first meeting with her cousin Neiji. Both were very close when they were children and though just a bit older than Hinata, Neiji seems to be better skilled in taijutsu than Hinata. This made Hinata feel inadequate and weak but her cousin Neiji promised to her that she will be stronger.
The episode will then have a time skip and will continue during the funeral of Neiji's father. He blames the main house for Hizashi's death and therefore, hated Hinata too. This really made Hinata feel really sad that she flee their house. She fell down on the road and that was when Hinata first met Naruto.
Naruto offered to walk her home and after seeing the big house that Hinata has, the young Naruto wondered how someone with all those things can be as sad as Hinata. After which, her father arrives and he tells her, "You're the main heir of the main family and what are you doing? For you and the main family, many people from the branch family have made their ultimate sacrifice. You need to understand this thing."
The episode then ends with that statement.
