The backstory of Naruto Uzumaki has influenced a plethora of characters within the battle-anime genre, and Orient’s protagonist Musashi appears to be no exception. While these two characters come from very different worlds, they both grew up as outcasts within their society, contain powerful beings inside of them and have a childhood dream of conquering their adversities in an effort to prove to those around them that their assumptions were wrong.
Whether Shinobu Ohtaka took direct inspiration from Masashi Kishimoto’s ramen-loving ninja has yet to be uncovered. However, both of these characters share unmistakable characteristics and backstories that tie the two together.
Growing Up As An Outcast
On the day of his birth, Naruto became the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails after his parents -- Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki -- sacrificed themselves to save Konoha from the Kyūbi’s devastating power. Orphaned, Naruto would live a lonely existence, as few of the people within his village could put aside their losses after the disaster that had taken place. Naruto would be openly ostracized, resented and feared by those around him for containing the Nine-Tails.
While Musashi’s parents were simple farmers rather than acting leaders within Tatsuyama, they too died shortly after their son's birth. Like Naruto, Musashi was rejected by those around him as he wandered from family to family seeking shelter. A group of his relatives eventually took him in; however, their relationship was abusive, and they would only promise Musashi respite if he was to throw stones and insults at his friend’s father and his personal mentor Jisai Kanemaki.
Unlike Naruto, Musashi was not rejected by those around him because of the creature contained inside of him (the Obsidian Goddess). However, both characters share the experience of becoming an outcast due to their associations. Ultimately, Musashi was forsaken because of his friendship with a Bushi warrior rather than his personality or actions. As children, both Naruto and Musashi found it difficult to understand why people had a hatred for them, as it stemmed from a fear of the unknown.
The Obsidian Goddess and The Nine-Tails Beast
Currently, very little is understood about the Obsidian Goddess contained within Musashi. Whether this is a creature from another world or, like Naruto’s Kyūbi, a more earthly spirit, remains to be seen. However, both characters have managed to get out of a few tight situations that their skills and powers would otherwise be incapable of doing with the help of their internal companions.
Within Episode 11 of Orient’s first season, Musashi transformed into the Obsidian Goddess and was consequently able to force Shiro and Nanao Inukai into fleeing, despite hundreds of other Bushi being unable to do so. Naruto too has oftentimes used the Nine-Tails’ chakra to outwit or outpower his opponents in an effort to get out of a sticky situation that he would usually fall folly to.
Childhood Dreams
Musashi’s dream of creating a Bushi Band and Naruto’s endeavor of becoming the Hokage of Konoha village are obviously quite different. However, the two characters share the trait of using their fantasies to gain the inner strength to push through difficult situations.
Despite a fierce campaign of propaganda that the Bushi are the devils of Hinomoto who will stop at nothing to destroy the nation's Kishin gods, Musashi remains convinced in his belief that they are truly good. Likewise, Naruto is committed to his dream of becoming a leader strong enough to gain the respect of his fellow villagers, regardless of the ridicule that he faces due to being a jinchūriki.
Ultimately, while the characters might be different in their appearances, catch-phrases or overarching goals, they are at their core very similar. Musashi and Naruto have had immensely difficult childhoods, have been entrusted with a powerful creature and hold dreams that, despite others' disbelief, enable them to overcome their hardships. When Season 2 of Orient airs this summer, it will be interesting to see if Musashi’s backstory will reveal further similarities with Konoha’s most powerful ninja.
