“Sort of akin to Project Paperclip”: Masashi Kishimoto Keeping Orochimaru Alive at the End of Naruto Might be Based on a Shameful Real-Life Incident That Most Fans Didn’t Realize

Be it Gaara’s bloodlust or Tsunade’s dissection, Naruto has had its fair share of creepy moments. Although Masashi Kishimoto gave some spine-chilling visuals in his manga, Orochimaru takes the cake. It’s not the unhinged creepy laughter or the skin-shedding but his experiments that are truly terrifying.

Orochimaru’s Face-Shedding Transformation in Naruto Part 1 | Credit: Studio Pierrot

The Great Snake Sannin’s exemption deeply concerns fans even after the anime’s ending. His crimes and atrocities bear resemblances with the real-life Project Paperclip, as some fans pointed out. This adds to the eeriness and horrifying nature of his crime. Although the author provided him with normalcy in the end, several fans questioned it. 

Orochimaru’s experiments in Naruto run parallel with Project Paperclip

Orochimaru is an antagonist who appears in Part 1 of the Naruto series, written by Masashi Kishimoto. Apart from being one of the legendary Sannin, he’s notorious for his experiments and obsession with rare jutsus. His mastery over ninjutsu and kinjutsu makes him a formidable shinobi. While his excellence in jutsu makes him remarkable, he went overboard in his pursuit.  

Orochimaru in a still from the series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Although his thirst for knowledge and power is impressive, it proved to be lethal later on. From his body modification and cursed seals to his perfecting Edo Tensei, Orochimaru went too far in his ambitions. His creepy experiments involved abducting ninjas from different clans. Some fans have linked his goals in resonance with the real-life Project Paperclip.   

The project involved German and Austrian engineers and scientists assisting the United States in its war against Japan. This project was highly controversial because of the individuals’ Nazi affiliations and history of war crimes. A Reddit user pointed out the resemblances between Orochimaru’s actions and the Paperclip Project.

Orochimaru’s previous affiliation with Akatsuki deemed him a criminal in the Hokage’s eyes. His list of crimes that were eventually pardoned also enabled him to integrate himself into society as a commoner. However, the normalcy followed by his redemption didn’t sit well.   

Masashi Kishimoto’s redemption of Orochimaru didn’t sit well with fans

Naruto has had its fair share of questionable villains. While some deserved their redemption arcs, others simply make no sense. The series’ final episode aired in 2017, marking the end of the iconic ninja story. However, what did not sit well with most viewers was the author’s decision to keep Orochimaru alive.  

Orochimaru in a still from Boruto: The Next Generations | Credit: Studio Pierrot

From his medical experiments to Living Corpse Reincarnation, Orochimaru went too far in his pursuit of knowledge. While he may possess scientific prowess, his crimes are unpardonable. His obsession with Sasuke and his knowledge of Kinjutsu led the 3rd Hokage to seal his arms. However, that did not faze him, as he defied all bounds of normalcy. 

This included cloning ninjas, performing Edo Tensei, and brainwashing Kabuto Yakushi. His actions triggered Yakushi to wage the Fourth Shinobi World War with Obito. Besides that, he lived a normal life continuing his experiments despite killing the third Hokage and many innocent Shinobis as this Reddit user pointed out.

Another Reddit user pointed out Orochimaru’s knowledge being an asset to the village.

Orochimaru’s redemption arc may have exempted him from the punishment for his crimes, but it doesn’t take away the diabolical nature of his pursuits. While he redeems himself in the storyline, fans place him in the grey area because of his past actions.

Naruto is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. It is also available for reading on Viz Media.