The anime sections of the internet are in an uproar, and anyone who’s cared enough to take a glance over can see why. Allegedly, Naruto leaks have hit the internet ahead of the manga’s end on November 10, 2014. Namely, various pictures have been bouncing around showing images of the characters in the final chapters of the series, as well as designs for future versions of them that will appear in The Last: Naruto the Movie on December 6, 2014.
Or, perhaps you know all of this is happening because you heard my fangirling squeals of delight. Get ready folks, because I’ve been given full permission to giddly discuss how happy these announcements have made me and, if these Naruto leaks are real, it’s going to be a spoilerific ride.
First of all, I’m incredibly happy about the Naruto leak suggesting my favorite pairing of all is now canon. That image at the very top of the page made my month. I have always loved the idea of Naruto/Hinata since the series began, and even though I haven’t been religiously following the series for some time, I had always hoped that something would really “happen” between Naruto and Hinata after chapter 437 of the manga (that’s episode 166, for those of you keeping up with the anime.) I know that a lot of people hoped for Naruto/Sakura, especially since it would be a nice parallel between Naruto/Sakura/Sasuke and Kakashi/Rin/Obito, but I always considered the relationship between the Naruto and Sakura as more of a sibling dynamic.
Not to mention, Bolt and Himawari are adorable. I’m even willing to forgive the fact that the kid’s name is “Bolt,” because he’s so cute. Though, I will forever tie him together with Disney’s Bolt , thanks to a friend pointing out the similarity.
That isn’t the only pairing that’s making me hope the Naruto leaks are true. We all know Shikamaru and Temari belong together, and the images that have popped up online suggest the two are happily married. Especially since there are other images that suggest the two had a son that looks exactly like Shikamaru and Shikaku.
The Naruto leaks suggest that many of our favorite side-characters survive, which is another good thing if they’re real. Konohamaru looks good as a grown up, and we get to see Kakashi, Guy, Kurenai, and Iruka made it too. Good for them! Also, if the leaks are accurate, it looks like Asuma and Kurenai’s child is the cutest little girl, and we all know the Naruto series can always use more adorable kids.
Even the one pairing I don’t care for in the Naruto leaks doesn’t look that bad. Based on these early images, it seems like Sakura and Sasuke got together after all. Now, I never really cared for the two as a couple, because it seemed like such an abusive relationship. But if it is true, perhaps Masashi Kishimoto will manage to set it up in such a way where it ends up being healthier than the past 72 volumes.
Given that Naruto ‘s main storyline finally ends next week, I’m pretty confident that all these leaks are real. It wouldn’t be at all surprising for images from the end of the series and The Last: Naruto the Movie to appear online. Especially since many show kids and pairings, and it’s already been established that there will be Naruto spin-offs and side-stories, with a Naruto’ s New Era Opening Project mini-series potentially starring the next generation of Konohagakure. May as well brace ourselves and all find something to love about the new ninjas.
UPDATE: Seems like there was some truth to those leaks after all. You can check out the last issue of Naruto here !