Summary

The artist behindBoruto , Mikio Ikemoto , has been a part of theNarutofranchise for more than a decade . His contribution as Masashi Kishimoto ’s assistant tend to get overlooked , as he was not the main creative person of the project at the time . Nevertheless , an interview published inWeekly Shonen Jumpmagazine with both Kishimoto and Ikemoto proved thatBoruto ’s main artist has been essential to the dealership since the beginning .

At one point in the consultation , Kishimoto was need about his thoughts on Ikemoto ’s art , to which he respond he greatly admired it . It is due to this admiration thathe asked his assistant to help him design two fan - preferent quality , Zabuza and Haku . The interview helps greatly in show how much Ikemoto ’s workplace has bestow to the creation ofNaruto ’s world .

Masashi Kishimoto is well - jazz for his intricate and expressive art , which can be seen in many of the volume covers throughout the Naruto series .

Collage style image featuring official artwork from the Naruto manga series with panels of Sasuke and Naruto, with a full color illustration of Naruto Uzumaki in the center.

Ikemoto’s Designs Helped Kishimoto In a Time of Need

Original series created by Masashi Kishimoto; anime adaptation produced by Studio Pierrot

In the interview , Kishimoto revealed that he was feeling overwhelmed while cultivate onthe Chunin Exams Arc . The demand to make several different character for the story left him with small to no time to work on background fibre . When the clock time came to piece of work on Zabuza and Haku , Kishimoto asked his trust assistant to create their designing . WhileNaruto ’s creator was still involved in the creative process , he leave Ikemoto to put to work almost entirely on his own , sure-footed that his supporter would create something unbelievable .

" [ Ikeoto ] pretty much designed [ Zabuza and Haku ] . Zabuza changed his getup at some point and I also had Mikio treat that along with the Third Hokage ’s battle outfit . "

Kishimoto stated , " One bad contribution he made was Zabuza and Haku . He pretty much designed those two characters . Zabuza exchange his turnout at some point and I also had Mikio handle that along with the Third Hokage ’s battle outfit . " Furthermore , the interview revealed that Ikemoto ’s contribution to the manga began several chapters before the introduction of Zabuza and Haku . He started working with Kishimoto around chapter 7 , meaning that he was involved in most of the major eventsthat took place inNaruto .

Madara Uchiha from Naruto using his Mangekyo Sharingan

The Importance of Zabuza & Haku

The pair being one of Team 7’s earliest major threats had a bigger meaning than most fans realize

Naruto ’s Land of the Waves story arcis one of the most important moments in the early stages of the dealership . Up until that point , the light-haired ninja had fought ambitious but irrelevant enemies , visualize as he had never left the Hidden Leaf Village . He had no idea how hefty and dangerous a real Shinobi could be . Zabuza and Haku were a stir up - up call for the future Hokage , who realized at that moment how weak he still was . While the villain ’ science were essential for this deterrent example , their designs also helped in transmitting that example .

Zabuza is an impose opponent who exalt concern at first coup d’oeil . His bandage give the impression that he is uncoerced to cover a conflict despite having been injured . Haku , on the other hand , looks inconspicuous , as if he could blend into the bunch and strike when you least expect it . They worked perfectly as the first literal resister that Naruto had to look on his journey as a ninja , and this was execute thanks to Ikemoto ’s incredible work .

Narutois usable for cyclosis on Crunchyroll .

Itachi Uchiha

Source : Weekly Shonen Jump Interview ( Translated )

WATCH ON CRUNCHYROLL

Kakashi with Zabuza and Haku in Naruto Land of Waves Arc

Zabuza and Haku, both under Kabuto’s control, fighting Kakashi and Lee