When the Naruto anime ultimately reached its conclusion in 2017, the series wrapped up its major queries like, Will Naruto bring his friend Sasuke back from absolute darkness? Will Naruto achieve his childhood dream of having his village acknowledge him as the Hokage?
Along with these questions, Naruto’s romantic journey has consistently been a subject of dispute within the series’ community of fans, which is a common occurrence in most fandoms.
And then fans were finally provided with the pivotal information about the couples they had hoped for, which became part of the canon. As the dust settled and love’s arrows were unleashed, Sasuke eventually formed a bond with Sakura, while Naruto found companionship with Hinata.
Hinata holds a special place in the hearts of the Naruto fanbase, but the level of fan enthusiasm for her relationship with the main character is overshadowed by the fervor surrounding the desire to see him with Sakura. Many would expect ardent fans of the Naruto/Sakura pairing to voice criticisms toward the creator who ultimately paired him with Hinata instead.
Apart from the dissent among fans, the author’s decision also stirred some controversy within his personal life.
Masashi Kishimoto’s Wife Wanted Naruto/Sakura Pairing
Masashi Kishimoto likely never anticipated that Naruto’s selection of Hinata would spark controversy within his own household.
Nonetheless, as he disclosed in a 2015 interview with Anime News Network, this is precisely what occurred, given that his wife favored the idea of the main protagonist being paired with Sakura instead. He told:
“I almost caused a rift in my own household too, because my wife was very upset also that Naruto didn’t get together with Sakura. In fact, she complained quite vehemently to me!”
As it unfolded, Kishimoto’s wife happened to be a staunch supporter of Sakura. She took every opportunity to convey her dissatisfaction with the realization of Naruto and Hinata’s relationship.
However, he managed to ease his wife by informing her that she had served as the inspiration for Hinata’s character.
Masashi Kishimoto Thought NaruHina is a Perfect Couple
Later in the interview, Kishimoto provided his reasons for why he thought that Hinata and Naruto were more compatible as a couple. The manga artist highlighted Hinata’s consistent support for Naruto right from the outset of the series.
“I think what made me realize it was partly because, if you really look back and think about it, Hinata always supported and acknowledged Naruto, even before Master Iruka. She could see beyond his reputation and see the true person inside. I think I started realizing that they were meant to be.”
Kishimoto said in the interview.
As the story progressed, Kishimoto introduced significant moments that solidified the ‘NaruHina’ relationship. In the Pain Arc of the series, Hinata attempts to protect Naruto from Pain and finally confesses her love for him. Despite the perplexing nature of his ill-fated destiny, Neji’s tragic death deepened the connection between Naruto and Hinata.
Source: Anime News Network
