In the intriguing world of Naruto, the Chunin exam holds great significance. It is during this exam that the protagonist, Naruto, is attacked by the forces of Sunagakure and the notorious Orochimaru. However, in a surprising twist, it is revealed that the original plan for the storyline was quite different.
In a 2014 interview, the author of Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto, uncovered the original concept for the Naruto storyline. One of the key elements of this plan was the selection of the winner of the Chunin exam. Unlike what readers might expect, Naruto and his rival Sasuke Uchiha were not intended to be the main victors of the tournament.
Instead, the original plan was to crown Shikamaru Nara as the champion of the Chunin exam. Known for his unrivaled intelligence and strategic abilities, Shikamaru was considered the ideal candidate for this honor. However, Kishimoto faced pressure from his editor, resulting in a change of plans. He ultimately chose to promote ninja based on their appearances rather than their abilities, introducing the concept of Hidden Villages through the tournament.
Despite this alteration in the story, Shikamaru’s intelligence and skills were still prominently displayed. Even though he did not emerge as the actual winner of the Chunin exam, he managed to showcase his brilliance throughout Naruto’s journey.
It is important to note that due to time constraints, Kishimoto was unable to fully write the desired battle scenes for Shikamaru. Nevertheless, his character proved to be an essential part of the Naruto universe, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
The original plan for the Naruto storyline highlights the strategic capabilities of Shikamaru Nara and his potential as a worthy victor of the Chunin exam. While the final outcome of the tournament may not have aligned with fans’ expectations, it serves as a testament to the complexity and surprises that make Naruto such a captivating series.
