Summary

• Early 2000's design for Naruto's Team 7 was far off from the iconic look fans know today, showcasing a dated fashion influence.
• Masashi Kishimoto's databook 'Rin no Sho' provides insight into the different character designs of Team 7, revealing their evolution.
• Naruto's timeless character designs have contributed to the series' lasting popularity, showcasing Kishimoto's artistry and distinctive style.

While Naruto and the rest of Team 7's look has become one of the most popular and recognizable in manga, they nearly had a completely different design. A Japanese guide to the series from the early 2000s reveals a wardrobe that is incredibly dated. Had this been the predominant design for the series, it would have likely had a very different vibe.

The Naruto book, Rin no Sho, is a databook from series creator Masashi Kishimoto that covers the first 119 chapters of the manga. There are four such databooks, though there are currently no official English translations.

This Naruto guidebook was first released in Japan in 2002 and it contains concept art, character profiles, and other information about different aspects of the hit manga series. Rin no Sho reveals that Naruto's team went through some different iterations before their final designs were cemented into manga - and anime - history. It's a good thing that they underwent the changes that led them to how they appear today, because one of the first looks they had was far from amazing.

Naruto's Team 7 Just Look Off in Late 90s - Early 2000s Fashion

And that Proves Why Kishimoto Was Right to Give the Series its Own Distinctive Style

The '90s seem to be a major influence on the trio in this iteration. Sakura looks like a pop star from the era with her midriff showing. Naruto's outfit features lots of chains and wiry elements, including a pair of earbuds. His hair droops downwards - a far cry from its spiked-up nature. However, his facial design remains largely the same. Though some fans have suggested these designs were the original looks for Team 7, Naruto's actual prototype design is near identical to his appearance in the series' first chapter, so these designs are more just fun artwork from Kishimoto.

Mangaka often draw their characters in alternate universes or settings for chapter cover pages, so it's possible this design was one of those that didn't end up getting used.

Though Naruto and Sakura look different, Sasuke underwent the most changes. While the design in of itself isn't bad, it definitely doesn't feel like it would fit the Sasuke that fans have come to love over the years and reads more like Shino Abarame. Sasuke's closed-off nature he has is visually depicted by the outfit, but in many regards, it seems like overkill for him.

Part of Naruto's Core Appeal Has Always Been its Character Designs

Masashi Kishimoto's Artwork Stands the Test of Time

Naruto has maintained immense levels of popularity almost a decade after the manga concluded, and part of that is because the series isn't stuck in one time period. There is a general lack of technology within Naruto's early adventures and a classic feel to the world he exists in. This is why it looks so out of place for Boruto to use a ninja version of the Nintendo Switch in Naruto's world. Though it's doubtful these early-2000 looks were seriously considered for final designs, outfits like these would have made the series appear far more dated by now.

Naruto is one of the most successful anime and manga series of ever because Masashi Kishimoto's designs haven't aged a day since the series' 1999 debut

It's no understatement to say that Naruto's timeless character designs are part of what makes it one of the world's biggest manga series. Naruto's orange jumpsuit, Kakashi's face covering, and the Akatsuki robes are all iconic designs that aren't tied down to a specific era. Naruto is one of the most successful anime and manga series of ever because Masashi Kishimoto's designs haven't aged a day since the series' 1999 debut.

Source: Rin no Sho

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