From fights to friendships, Naruto remains iconic in every sense. While Shippuden has its fair share of legendary battles, nothing beats the original in this case. From top-tier animation to unique character designs, the original series is a class apart in more ways than one. This holds especially true for this epic showdown.
Gaara and Rock Lee’s fight was nothing short of legendary. From Lee’s mastery of Taijutsu to Gaara’s bloodlust, the fight was truly power-packed. Moreover, it reinstills nostalgia in every possible way through its stunning visuals. To say the least, fans look back at the iconic scene that brought acclaim to Masashi Kishimoto as a mangaka.
Fans on X look back at the iconic pre-Shippuden fight in the series
From its character design to animation, the original Naruto series peaked in every way. This holds especially true for the iconic fights in the series. Be it Team 7’s fight with Zabuza or Shino’s fight with Zaku, Part 1 showcased some intense power-packed battles. Moreover, the series had some of the most malicious and sinister villains.
Of all the battles in the series franchise, Gaara and Rock Lee’s showdown is one of the best fights in the series. The two genins fight during the Chunin exams in an intense and heavy battle. With Rock Lee unleashing his Taijutsu prowess on Gaara, the fight had evenly matched opponents. This battle remains iconic as fans on X look back to this moment from the series.
In a video posted by @Crunchyroll on X, several fans looked back to the iconic match in the original series.
I remember watching this episode in English dubs, and the dialogue was one of the best.
Original Naruto was truly in a league of its own, as were other anime of that era.
— Ash Jones (@AshStoryTeller) August 14, 2024
That moment you know something badass coming up, and you get your face closer to the screen…
— WizArt the 7th (@7thWizArt) August 13, 2024
Rock Lee showed why he is HIM
— Shadow-sama🥷🏾 (@fusekid01) August 13, 2024
If a no skip album was an anime episode this is it
— Mr. Roybot 👺 (@MisterRoybot) August 13, 2024
I was watching this episode after school with some friends back then. As we did almost every day. The absolute hype we had. My mom found it funny as hell how we were cheering and jumping around like idiots.
— Jaeric🏆🐙🗿😈💚 (@Jaeric897) August 13, 2024
While the original series excels in its animation and visuals, this scene takes the cake. This holds especially true for Masashi Kishimoto‘s recognition and worldwide acclaim.
Masashi Kishimoto carved Naruto in a league of its own
While he’s heavily criticized for his bad writing of female characters, Masashi Kishimoto excelled in portraying heroism, courage, and friendships. His series peaked through the mangaka’s compelling storyline and complex characters. This was reflected in the character’s persona. Be it Sasuke’s quest for vengeance or Sakura’s zeal for growth, the series is in a league of its own.
Moreover, Kishimoto’s portrayal of complex emotions of pain and loneliness sets it apart from its contemporaries. The need for acknowledgment coupled with healthy rivalry is what makes the protagonist different from most heroes. Furthermore, the author’s art style stands in contrast to the series’ sequel Boruto in terms of its impact and liveliness.
While Shippuden has its fair share of iconic fights, its precursor has a legacy that even the former can’t live up to. From its portrayal of grief and loneliness to its outlining of friendships and courage, the original series is truly in a league of its own.
Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Viz Media.
