Hidan, one of the darkest characters in Naruto, made series creator Masashi Kishimoto question his own approach due to the character’s grim nature, which conflicted with the series’ younger target audience.
Hidan’s Darkness Challenged Naruto’s Creator
In the world of Naruto, the iconic manga and anime series created by Masashi Kishimoto, the array of characters has captivated fans for years. Among them, one stands out not just for his malevolence but for the creator’s doubts in bringing him to life—Hidan.
Hidan, a member of the notorious Akatsuki, is known for his sadistic and immortal nature. His twisted worldview and gruesome actions caused even Kishimoto to wonder if he had gone too far, particularly considering the series’ intended younger audience.
The Complex Nature of Hidan’s Character
Hidan embodies the darkness that pervades the shinobi world, making him a fearsome opponent aligned with the ideology of another major antagonist, Tobi. In an interview, Koyabashi, one of Kishimoto’s long-time editors, highlighted the dangerous and malevolent aura that Hidan and his partner, Kakuzu, brought to the series. He noted that this pair stood out among the many villains in Naruto for their ability to convey a genuine sense of threat.
Kishimoto himself has admitted that Hidan is one of his favorite characters, despite—or perhaps because of—the character’s deeply unsettling nature. This admission underscores the lasting impact Hidan has had, both on the series and its audience.
Hidan’s penchant for gory torture and his ability to smile through his own pain make him one of the most evil characters in the Naruto universe. His brutal assault on Asuma, combined with his self-harm rituals, has left a lasting impression on both the characters within the story and the viewers, solidifying his place as one of the series’ most heinous villains.
Kishimoto’s Concerns Over Depicting Heinous Acts in Naruto
As a shonen series, Naruto was primarily aimed at a younger audience. However, the graphic nature of Hidan’s actions made Kishimoto question whether he had crossed a line. The creator expressed concern about the portrayal of Hidan, particularly the scenes where Hidan stabbed himself, deriving pleasure from the pain.
Kishimoto revealed that he initially doubted whether he could draw a character as cruel as Hidan. His apprehension was understandable, given the explicit violence and the potential risk of alienating the series’ audience. Kobayashi also pointed out that Kishimoto’s concerns extended beyond Hidan’s self-inflicted violence to the grotesque attack on Asuma, which raised questions about the limits of depicting such brutality.
Ultimately, Kishimoto’s internal struggle with balancing the portrayal of villainy and maintaining sensitivity added depth and nuance to Naruto. This allowed the series to explore complex themes and emotions, resonating with readers worldwide.