Masashi Kishimoto Couldn’t Hide His Shikamaru Bias for Giving Him the Coldest Line in Naruto for a Side Character

Like most mangaka, Masashi Kishimoto doesn’t shy away from playing favorites. This, of course, is subject to change. From Sasuke to Jiraiya, he has quoted a range of his favorite characters. He bases this on their personality as well as his own subjective experiences. While both characters are the mangaka’s favorite, he might’ve reflected his bias with yet another character.

Especially with Shikamaru’s character in the Shippuden, the mangaka tends to be a bit biased. His high intelligence and aloofness make him more charming. Besides his popularity, Kishimoto gave him one of the most savage moments in Naruto. This also highlighted the author’s ever-present bias towards the character.

Shippuden gave Shikamaru an iconic moment of savagery

Shikamaru Nara is one of the popular characters in the Naruto franchise with a rank of 4. Apart from being a member of the Nara clan, he is highly skilled and intelligent. It is evident in his securing the chunin rank and his mastery of shogi. With Asuma’s guidance, he could hone his strengths and skills. His wit and intellect proved efficient for his position as a close aide to the Seventh Hokage.

In contrast to other side characters, his growth entailed a sense of maturity. This was especially due to Asuma’s death, which eventually catalyzed his personality. From being laidback to being responsible, his character underwent a drastic transformation. This, however, doesn’t exempt him from having his moments of badassery in the series.

His battle with the Akatsuki member Hidan is one of the iconic fights in the series. This also marked one of the key moments that fans cheered on. As fans are delighted at the latter’s death, the scene is nothing short of epic.

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What’s interesting is that this showdown marked one of the epic moments in the series. Hidan’s defeat was a satisfying feat for Asuma’s protege and the fans. While this battle outlined the characters’ intelligence, Kishimoto established his bias early on in the series.

Masashi Kishimoto loves to play favorites with this character

Masashi Kishimoto is notorious for playing favorites with his characters. Be it Sasuke or Killer Bee, the mangaka doesn’t shy away from portraying their coolness. This also extends to Asuma’s protege, especially, with his intelligence and wit.

From his mastery of Shogi to his 200 IQ, he is nothing short of a prodigy. In his move of hypping the character, Kishimoto may have reflected his bias. However, we have barely scratched the surface with this one.

Besides his high IQ, the character is highly favored by the mangaka. Being the only ninja to secure the chunin rank is one example. The other, being, his emotional growth throughout the series. Kishimoto’s love for the character ensured a laughter riot among fans. Especially when the mangaka revealed his decision to date the character.

Kishimoto was asked which Naruto character he would date. Did you expected this answer⁉️🤔 pic.twitter.com/pHDvxffTxQ

— Yotsu或 (@yakipacks) August 25, 2023

Keeping the jokes aside, Kishimoto’s writing of the character is impeccable in most aspects. His pivotal role as an advisor and subsequent Hokage highlights his caliber. Moreover, his development and growth throughout the series are rather gradual as opposed to other characters.

In his writing of Shikamaru’s character, Kishimoto reflected a rather bigger plan. This holds especially true with his pivotal role in the sequel series. It also marked Kishimoto’s brilliance in creating well-written side characters.

Naruto: Shippuden is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Viz Media.