Naruto has a vibrant and unforgettable cast with complex backgrounds and histories. The of Team 7, in particular, have always been treated with depth and care. Due to that, Masashi Kishimoto effectively captured the attention of fans worldwide. Beyond the central trio, the series also includes a good range of allies, rivals, and villains who boast distinct motivations and story arcs that contribute to the series’ popularity.

While Kishimoto may not like to play favorites among his characters, there remains one clear exception. Sasuke Uchiha may often be cold and distant, but that doesn’t change the fact that Naruto’s creator and fans of the series often gravitate toward him. His character development alone stands as one of the most impactful in the series, making him more than just an ally and rival to Naruto, but also a character that Kishimoto its to having a deep connection with.

Masashi Kishimoto’s Favorite Character Is Sasuke Uchiha

Sasuke Was a Creative Endeavor for Kishimoto That Proves His ion as an Artist

Although Naruto has a plethora of ninjas among its cast, Masashi Kishimoto has openly stated that Sasuke Uchiha holds the title of his favorite character. For some fans, this may come as a surprise given that Naruto himself is the protagonist the series was named after. However, Kishimoto has expressed having a connection with Sasuke’s character. Specifically, when it comes to the creative process behind creating him. Deg Sasuke presented challenges, and Kishimoto found satisfaction in the complexity it brought to his work. He also enjoyed experimenting with various designs, allowing him to push his artistic skills further.

Rather than finding the effort draining, Kishimoto saw drawing Sasuke as an opportunity to indulge in his ion for character design. He took pride in giving Sasuke distinctive features and a unique presence that further set him apart from other characters. Kishimoto’s appreciation for Sasuke stems from his challenges during the character’s creation and how it has become a source of inspiration. In a way, Sasuke represents Kishimoto’s artistic growth and love for the craft.

Sasuke Almost Wasn’t Going To Be Included in Naruto

The Series Would Have Been Completely Different Without Sasuke, and Not for the Better

Despite becoming a central figure in Naruto, Sasuke’s inclusion was initially not part of Kishimoto’s original plans. His editor suggested that Kishimoto add a rival character for Naruto, which led to the development of Sasuke. This advice significantly influenced the series and allowed the creator to explore themes of loss, rivalry, and redemption. Without Sasuke's introduction, Naruto would have followed a very different path if he had not been introduced.

With his ever-changing appearance, it’s clear that Sasuke challenged not just the storyline, but his creator himself in ways that hadn’t been expected.

Sasuke’s role as a rival and friend added to the tension in the series and the complexity behind the characters’ bonds. Kishimoto himself openly itted that Sasuke helped shape the series and offered the storyline more depth. Despite being a complex character to create initially, he became a cornerstone of the series. With his ever-changing appearance, it’s clear that Sasuke challenged not just the storyline, but his creator himself in ways that hadn’t been expected.

Without him, Naruto would have lost one of the most thematically rich elements of the story and lost out on the emotional core of the series. Sasuke adds to the stakes and deepens the storyline throughout the series’ run. He presented a challenge to Kishimoto, and the creator embraced it, allowing him to become one of the driving forces behind the series. Sasuke’s character is essential to Naruto and has made a lasting impact on both fans and Masashi Kishimoto himself.