episode 439

The Naruto universe is a complex mix of varying characters of varying strengths with varying philosophies. It’s easy to get lost in this world full of jutsus, asinine humor and morality; a world which has also provided a consistent stream of ‘oh-SHIT!’ moments. However, I feel this really masks one of the core themes in Naruto; a theme magnificently displayed in the last episode (439).

We all know (at least those who read the manga) know that Naruto has always been isolated for being a jinchuuriki. Despite the Yondaime’s hope that’d he be treated as hero, he was treated otherwise. (I have always thought this was an accurate depiction of modern-day ostracizing, and an awesome analogy to how we treat ‘undesirable’ individuals in modern society.) However, his isolation began to erode when he joined Sakura, Sasuke and Kakashi as Team 7. It is then he starts to have friends, thereby conquering isolation and thus begins to enjoy life – that is, of course, until Sasuke becomes the little bitch he is and decides to run away to the girl-man Orochimaru.

I honestly believe that the current arc has done a really good job of expanding on this concept of isolation. The pertinent question remains; what does it mean to be truly lonely? Things have gotten clearer thematically, ever since the main entrance of Pein. Even if we don’t know his backstory yet, Pein has been pushing the agenda of isolation consistently. This is really evident in the Pein vs. Naruto fight which really was centralized around isolation. The icing on the cake for me was when Pein reproved Naruto for not knowing what true ‘pain’ was.

Naruto, on the other hand in the latest episode, has finally come to terms with this isolation. When he finally gives into the kyuubi’s call for him to release the seal, he shows how truly alone and lost he is. Currently, Naruto is the only person capable of beating Pein. He has no one to turn to for help, what with Old pa, Jiraiya and Kakashi being dead. His breakdown in 439 shows just how isolated he still is, despite now having people who love him and who would (or has, in Hinata’s case) die for him. This is awesome in that Kishimoto has moved away from the social, superficial isolation to a somewhat more mature form of isolation; the isolation of power – when it truly becomes lonely at the top.

I hope to see Kishimoto expand and develop this theme of isolation, which really is the emotional core of Naruto. It always gets to me when I see how isolation affects the characters, especially Naruto given his background. Let’s just hope that Kishimoto continues to let this theme develop, and to let it breathe more depth into the characters.