Today, the newest and last episode of Naruto Shippuden aired. Culminating into the end of a beloved anime series that had started being aired in 2002 with over 700 episodes, and multiple films. Although the manga ended in 2014, the ending of the anime series is really cutting me up inside. This ending is a confirmation for me that I have finished growing up with Naruto and that it is time to part ways with my dear friend.
I think it is very easy to label me as a crazy person. I just called a fictional character my dear friend, but let’s break it down. I was 8 years old when I first read a chapter of Naruto, and I was 19 when Shippuden’s manga concluded, 19 just so happens to be the same age Naruto is during The Last: Naruto the Movie. I have literally grown up with the characters. The character Naruto inspired me in many ways growing up. He instilled in me the belief that when dealing with people, patience is a virtue. Naruto taught me something that I believe to be one of the most important aspects of being an adult. Naruto’s patience in dealing with his non believers, his enemies, and even Sasuke are the reasons that make his character so interesting in the first place. Through his brash nature he is still able to persevere through patience with his peers.
My problem right now is that I don’t want to watch the last episode. The last episode is of Naruto and Hinata getting married and I do not want to end it. I know I am going to cry and that if I watch the last episode, I acknowledge the end of a series that literally changed my life for all the better. I was never lonely like Naruto as a child but seeing him be lonely and seeing him gradually become the most renowned ninja in his world makes me so proud. I wish he existed in real life so I could give him a hug and tell him thank you. Thank you for filling in those empty lunch hours when I didn’t want to leave the building. Thank you for uplifting my spirit when I was down. Thank you for teaching me how to make great relationships with people. Thank you.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a friend’s wedding to attend.
