“I think he’d succeed in life”: Masashi Kishimoto Revealed His Ideal Character He Would Date from Naruto That’s Surprisingly Neither Ino or Hinata
Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the Naruto series, sparked an interesting and surprising debate in the fandom. The creator unleashed chaos by revealing which character from Narutoverse he would choose to date. In a candid moment during an interview, Kishimoto’s response caught many off guard.
Most fans expected him to choose one of the many female creators Kishimoto had crafted himself. However, his unusual response was a shock to many in the Naruto community.
Fans Have a Mixed Reaction To Masashi Kishimoto’s Response
In an interview (via Reddit) with Masashi Kishimoto, the creator was asked some interesting questions and Kishimoto’s response was equally interesting and astonishing. When Kishimoto was asked which female character he would date from Naruto, his response was a resounding “none”. His explanation for the response was that he had created these characters after all.
However, the interviewer twisted the question and asked Kishimoto which character he would date if he were a girl, and the creator’s shocking response was Shikamaru. He said:
Shikamaru because he’s intelligent and I think he’s succeed in life.
Fans were definitely not ready for that response and took to X to express their surprise. Many fans made humorous comments with some suggesting Kishimoto might be or wanted to be like Shikamaru.
Maybe shikamaru is the person kishimoto wants or always wanted to be.
— NoFatBrat (@Pro_tein98) August 25, 2023
As a straight man, I would date/ marry Shikamaru. That means I’d do the same if I were a woman. He’s incredibly intelligent, and his whole fighting style is the embodiment of “Work smarter, not harder”.
— Thaddeus Ewing (@technowolf121) August 25, 2023
Shikamaru = best girl
and it’s canon XD
— BenTheBear (@BenTh3B3ar) August 25, 2023
This man is funny😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/k0Wmh6vIH0
— Mxshfiqx (@Mxshfiqx) August 25, 2023
While some users expressed their shock as they had always assumed Kishimoto would favor the female characters he had created, other fans took to X to express their disappointment with the depiction of female characters in Naruto. One user mentioned that Kishimoto is the only writer who didn’t like his own female characters.
Kishimoto the only writer one who don't like his own created female character
— 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐤𝐮𝐧𝐚 ☢ (@King_Sukunaaa) August 25, 2023
While the debate about Kishimoto’s handling of female characters has been ongoing for years, some fans came to Kishimoto’s defense as well.
Fans On Reddit Adopted a More Serious Tone While Addressing Masashi Kishimoto’s Response
Despite the mixed reactions, many fans found Kishimoto’s response amusing and hilarious. While many supported his decision, some Reddit fans took a more imaginative route. The interview by Masashi Kishimoto not only generated excitement among fans but also led to a more serious discussion on Reddit.
One fan said that Kishimoto did not actually create Shikamaru, but rather, Shikamaru is a transcended being who inserted himself into the manga.
Comment
byu/Quetzal_29f from discussion
inNaruto
This theory originated from the surprise and disbelief the fans experienced after learning about Kishimoto’s interest in the particular character. Although a bit far-fetched and unsubstantiated, the theory is fascinating and hilarious.
Moreover, Kishimoto’s response to the interviewer’s question regarding which character he would like to date seems consistent. Another Reddit user pointed out that Kishimoto had to choose a character if he were female.
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byu/Quetzal_29f from discussion
inNaruto
Nevertheless, it is fascinating to see the fans reacting in such an invigorating manner. Although Kishimoto’s preference for Shikamaru over other female characters raised some eyebrows and prompted a humorous exchange among fans, it was also heartening to see some fans rise up to defend the creator.
