Get ready for a blast from the past! Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto spills the tea on the most challenging arc of the series.

It’s been years since Naruto left us, but the series is still buzzing with new fans every day. And who can blame them? This iconic series has left an unforgettable mark on the world of anime! It’s all thanks to the mastermind behind Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto. Spent nearly 20 years bringing us the original run, and he’s still dishing out exclusive secrets about the series! Check out the juicy details!

During his recent in-person event in France, Kishimoto joined forces with Boruto artist Mikio Ikemoto for a special Q&A session, and one fan wanted to know what he thought was the most challenging arc of Naruto. And the answer might just surprise you! Kishimoto confesses that Pain’s Invasion arc was, in fact, the hardest to write – and it wasn’t because of the intense battles. No, it was because of the series’ core values and the deep moral dilemma that Naruto and Nagato faced.

According to Kishimoto, both Naruto and Nagato had very different views on peace, and both were entirely valid. The artist struggled to conclude the duo’s conflict, as he needed Naruto to emerge victorious while still acknowledging Nagato’s perspective. It’s no easy feat, folks! The Pain’s Invasion arc marked a turning point in the series, forcing the Hidden Leaf to come together to take on the Akatsuki and kick-start the Fourth Great Ninja War.

Want to experience the Pain’s Invasion arc for yourself? You can find the Naruto manga on the Shonen Jump app! And if you’re new to the series, here’s the official synopsis:

“Twelve years ago, the Village Hidden in the Leaves was attacked by a fearsome threat. A nine-tailed fox spirit claimed the life of the village leader, the Hokage, and many others. Today, the village is at peace and a troublemaking kid named Naruto is struggling to graduate from Ninja Academy. His goal may be to become the next Hokage, but his true destiny will be much more complicated. The adventure begins now!”

What do you think of Kishimoto’s latest confession? Which Naruto arc stuck with you all these years?