Summary
The sheer impact thatNarutohad as a series can’t be stated enough, with people loving the show to bits despite some flaws here and there that people have noticed after they take off their nostalgia-tinted glasses. One of the biggest complaints fans have with this show is that the series has way too much filler for its own good, which is understandable. The pre-timeskip portion of the anime is loaded with filler after Sasuke joins Orochimaru, whileShippudenitself has a lot of ill-placed filler that can make certain narratives hard to follow.
Still, there’s no denying that fans ofNarutocan find something to love aboutNaruto’s filler. Sure, it may not be the most compelling viewing around, but most fans will be more than invested in the characters of this show and not mind the fluff surrounding these additional storylines as long as they get to spend time with their favorite characters. In fact, some people will go so far as to say that some ofNaruto’s filler elevates the quality of the storytelling, which is pretty impressive in its own right.
1Land Of Tea Escort Mission
Expands On Ibiki’s Character And Is A Pretty Solid Side-Mission
Despite all the things being said about ninja being sent on missions, the vast majority ofNarutoinvolves the main characters doing their own thing and barely following the instructions of the Hokage unless it suits the plot. So, it’s nice to see the filler actually send the ninja on missions from time to time, and a great example of this iswhen Team 7 is sent to the Land of Teaon an escort mission.
By this time, most viewers will have formed a bond with the three characters in this team, and it helps that the new characters introduced in this filler arc are pretty decent in their own right. Ibiki’s character is also expanded upon a bit in this filler, which is very much welcome given how much of a muted role he plays after the Chunin Exams, even if there are some inconsistencies in the plot told here.
2The Twelve Guardian Ninja
Builds Up Asuma’s Character For A Pivotal Moment Later On
At the start ofNaruto: Shippuden, the filler arcs are pretty decent and worth checking out. A great example of this is when Asuma’s character is built upon during the Twelve Guardian Ninja arc, making him one of the more compelling characters around after not getting a lot of screen time beforehand.
However, the best reason why so many people love this filler arc is because of how much weight it adds to the events that follow.Watching Asuma die at the hands of Hidanhurts way more after fans have spent a long time watching Asuma and his backstory.
3Three-Tails' Appearance
The Jinchuriki are some of the more interesting characters inNaruto, and it’s easy to see why any arc elaborating on these figures and the creatures they house inside of them is bound to be exciting. In the manga, the Akatsuki acquire most of the tailed beasts off-screen. It’s not the worst idea in the world for one or two of these Jinchuriki to be captured in a relatively elaborate storyline.
It doesn’t hurt thatNaruto has to work with his toad summons extensivelyduring certain sections of this arc, which makes for a fresh change of pace. It’s not something fans usually get to see, which is why most people don’t mind checking out this arc and what it has to offer despite the storyline being stretched just a bit too much for most people’s liking.
4Six-Tails Unleashed
Features A Bunch Of Unique Jutsu While Expanding On The Character Of The Six-Tailed Jinchuriki
For a show named after the eponymous character, even its biggest supporters would argue that it isn’t the worst thing in the world for the anime to move away from the setting of Konoha and focus on other aspects of the rich world that Kishimoto has created. After all, the worldbuilding ofNarutois sublime, and viewers would want to see more than just one solitary village and the events relevant to it.
The Jinchuriki of the Six-Tails Utakata is a fascinating character whose bond with his student Hotaru is explored poignantly. Thismakes the character’s death all the harder to witness, and anyone who lovesNarutoknows just how much this series loves to play with the viewer’s emotions.
5Power
Celebrates The Milestone Of Naruto Reaching 500 Episodes
Any anime that completes 500 episodes deserves a celebration, but onlyNarutocould think about creating a high-budget filler arc full of some of the most stellar animation the series has ever produced. It may only be six episodes, but any fan ofNarutowill be hooked from the get-go after checking out this beautiful arc.
Thestoryline in Tonika Villageis pretty engrossing, with Naruto’s tailed beast forms being a treat to witness as always. However, the biggest highlight here is undoubtedly the incredible animation that fans simply can’t get enough of. Even now, afterNaruto’s end, fans love to revisit this arc and see the glorious work Pierrot served to its fans.
