Latest news with #NarutoUzumaki
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Burger King menu brings unexpected international collaboration to US
American fast-food chains often seem to save the most exciting limited-time menu items for their international markets - often launching exotic desserts, crazy burgers, and unexpected partnerships in other countries. While factors out of their control may lead them to make these choices, it's hard not to wonder if U.S. consumers are being left out of all the fun releases on purpose. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Fast-food giants like McDonald's (MCD) , Burger King, and Starbucks (SBUX) frequently find themselves at the center of these speculations, which can lead to backlash from their own customers. Related: McDonald's puts popular Pokemon promotion back on the menu When Starbucks Japan gets a cool new seasonal Frappuccino, McDonald's Singapore unveils a new Crispy Mac 'N Cheesy Wrap, and Burger King releases an exciting collaboration anywhere but in the U.S., jealousy can get the best of anyone, prompting some of us to make one or two nasty comments on social media. Restaurant Brands International's (QSR) Burger King partnered with Naruto, the iconic manga series, to debut a limited-time menu collaboration in Brazil last December. This launch featured a King Jr. Meal with Naruto-themed toys, food, and packaging. It also consisted of four new items on the regular menu, including a shake, fries with toppings, a crispy chicken burger, and a new Whopper. The collaboration was so successful in the Brazilian market that Burger King released it in France only a month later. More Food News: This popular fast-food burger chain just turned into a hot dog standPopular chicken chain is begging customers to give it another chanceChick-fil-A offers free food to game-playing fans This second launch also featured a King Jr. Meal with Naruto-themed toys, food, and packaging. Additionally, Burger King x Naruto merchandise was released to make it unique for the French market. The partnership gained traction worldwide, especially across the U.S., with fans asking for the Naruto collaboration to be brought nationally. However, months flew by without updates, leaving American fans with little hope of its U.S. debut - until now. Burger King has unveiled that it will finally bring its Naruto collaboration to the U.S. on July 21, but it's being more cautious. This new national launch will be a King Jr. Meal with unique toys featuring the show's most iconic characters, including Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Kakashi Hatake, Hinata Hyuga, Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, and Gaara. However, this latest release is entirely different from its international launches because, as exciting as this is, no Naruto-themed food or beverage will be included. Related: Burger King menu goes big with new Whopper-style double burger Malaysia will simultaneously get its own Naruto King Jr. Meal, but Naruto-themed food and drinks will be included for this launch, as will new immersive fan experiences at select locations. Burger King has not revealed why the U.S. won't get Naruto-themed food or beverages, but there seems to be a pattern tied to this decision. Although Naruto has a global following, its biggest fan base is in Asia, which is fitting given its Japanese origins. The series is also very popular in Brazil and France and ranks as the top kids' show. The manga series has a solid U.S. following, as it has been translated into English to meet fans' demand. Still, its American fandom is much smaller than its Asian, European, and South American counterparts. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Naruto Uzumaki's greatest achievements: From underdog to legendary hokage
How one orphaned ninja became the world's most powerful hero and changed anime history forever Even if you're not into anime, you've likely heard of Naruto Uzumaki. He's the title character of Naruto, arguably the most popular Japanese anime and manga franchise in the world that was conceived, created and conceived by Masashi Kishimoto. What separates Naruto from being just a powerful hero is the way he achieved his strength. His 'zero to hero' journey. Born with a deadly predator trapped within him, Naruto was reviled by his hometown and raised in utter isolation. Yet in the face of that hatred, instead of capitulating, he decided to respond with hope. Through it all, Naruto transformed his suffering into strength, forged unbreakable bonds of friendship, saved the world from relentless, perpetual violence, and achieved his dream of becoming the Seventh Hokage, the protector and leader of his people. Here's a retrospective at Naruto Uzumaki's greatest accomplishments that made him … Continue reading The most amazing feats of Naruto Uzumaki that turned him into one of the best anime heroes of all time. 1. Naruto became the strongest shinobi of all time Naruto began his adventure as the most pathetic ninja in his whole graduating class. With passion, resilience, and perseverance never to quit, he became a legendary king amongst men. He became proficient in potent techniques such as Sage Mode, Kurama's chakra and eventually the divine powers of the Six Paths Sage Mode. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo By the end of the series, Naruto was powerful enough to match gods such as Kaguya Otsutsuki, even fought Sasuke Uchiha, one of the most powerful Uchiha (a clan that is very powerful overall) ever equal. His strength was not just in physical might, it was in articulation. He encouraged movements and led through example. 2. He saved konoha from total destruction As a child, the citizens of Konoha were terrified of Naruto and hated him, as he was the host of the Nine-Tails. Back during the Pain Invasion arc, Naruto's big return after weeks of heavy training saved the entire village by himself. In the end, he defeated the leader of the Akatsuki, Pain, without killing him, choosing instead to break the cycle of hatred. This moment cemented him as Konoha's true hero, and ultimately won him the love and respect of all of those who had once turned him away. 3. Naruto earned Kurama's trust and friendship The Nine-Tailed Fox, Kurama, was sealed within Naruto's body at his birth and for years sought to take control over Naruto's body. Rather than using him like a tool, Naruto developed a relationship with Kurama. Kurama personified hatred, rage, and destruction. What kind of power does Naruto wield, the one who changed that demon with compassion and understanding? This intense bond between the two of them provided Naruto with one of the most insane powers in the entire series and ultimately led him to becoming a true jinchuriki, both in strength and spirit. 4. He brought Sasuke back from the darkness Sasuke Uchiha was Naruto's classmate, teammate, rival, and best friend. When Sasuke left the village to seek revenge, Naruto took it upon himself to rescue him and bring him back to the village. After tons of jutsu, great fights and borderline tragic scenes of mentor/protege duos on either side of battle, Naruto ended up winning—not through killing Sasuke, but teaching him the importance of bonds. Though their last battle concluded with violent bloodshed, their legacy lives on through their shared respect, and Sasuke's return home to rebuild peace in the ninja world. 5. Naruto became the seventh hokage of the hidden leaf village Naruto's greatest aspiration as a child was to one day become Hokage, or chief of his village. He didn't want power—he wanted to belong. Through years of courageous acts, Naruto was finally able to achieve this dream. As a boy, he had trouble with relationships and communication, but he grew into a strong leader Kakashi never was and he was momentously trusted to become Seventh Hokage when Kakashi retired and today he rules the Village Hidden by Leaves with wisdom, strength and love. He's more than a leader; he's the living embodiment of peace and harmony in the post-war ninja world. 6. He ended the fourth great ninja war The Fourth Great Ninja War was one of the darkest moments in shinobi history. The villainous organization Akatsuki, under members Obito and Madara Uchiha's care, sought to collect all the tailed beasts in order to conquer the world. Naruto was the only one who ever really stopped them, though. He fought with the rest of the ninja alliance to stop Obito's plans, overcame obstructions from creating the final villain Madara, and even assisted in the final battle to seal her, Kaguya Otsutsuki, a deus ex machina like final villain. His extraordinary efforts helped bring lasting peace to the world. 7. Naruto inspired a new generation of ninjas This focus in itself may be one of Naruto's biggest achievements, but what is even more notable isn't the work that Naruto did—it's who Naruto inspired. Figures such as Boruto (his son), Sarada, Konohamaru, and countless others view Naruto as a figure of hope and determination. His legacy grew into a legend handed down to the next generation, inspiring young ninjas that if you work hard, stay humble, and always persevere, you can make the world a better place. Naruto's legacy in anime and pop culture Naruto's story is more than just ninjas punching each other in the face. It's about the power of never giving up, triumphing over hate and adversity, and most importantly, believing in yourself. His rags-to-riches story has inspired millions across the globe, helping Naruto become one of the most popular anime series of all time. More than 250 million manga copies sold worldwide A sequel anime, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, follows his story Millions of fans attend gaming conventions around the world, not to mention all of the popular video games, movies, etc. In fact, a live-action Hollywood Naruto movie is still in the works right now. Where to watch Naruto If you're new to the world of anime, or simply interested in learning more about Naruto, here's how to get started. Be prepared to watch Naruto Naruto Shippuden : Streaming on Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu Watch the new anime: Free on Crunchyroll or Hulu Read the sequel manga: Free on Manga Plus or Shonen Jump app Watch Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Stay tuned for more Naruto's journey is the ultimate underdog story Naruto Uzumaki's odyssey isn't just a tale of exhilarating fights and incredible jutsu. It is a journey of self-discovery, loss, camaraderie, and optimism. He showed the world that it doesn't matter where you're from. It's about what you make yourself into. From unwanted orphan to most powerful and beloved ninja in the world, Naruto's journey is an epic tale and a wonderful affirmation that you should always chase your dreams. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Naruto: The real reason shadow clone jutsu is a forbidden ninja technique
If you're familiar with the world of anime, you know that Naruto is one of the most popular Japanese series of all time. It's the epic tale of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with great aspirations and even greater superpowers. He's best known for one of his coolest skills, the Shadow Clone Jutsu, a technique that allows him to make perfect duplicates of himself in combat. Here's the catch—this famous move is completely banned in the ninja underworld. So why is Naruto blasting it everywhere? Why on earth is it banned for all but the most advanced ninjas? So here's the really good news—here's why it's awesome. What is the shadow clone jutsu in Naruto? In the universe of Naruto, the Shadow Clone Jutsu is a badass technique that allows a player to produce corporeal doubles. Each one of these clones is able to fight, strategize, and move independently as though they were the original ninja. Unlike the earlier basic clones (which are mere chakra illusions), shadow clones are physically tangible, and they even share the user's chakra— or life energy. In either case, it's a game-changing offensive play on the field of war. With great power comes a greater cost. Deadly chakra loss makes it too risky for most ninjas The Shadow Clone Jutsu is forbidden due to the enormous chakra expenditure. When a ninja creates a clone, their chakra is evenly divided between the original and the clone. Create additional replicas? Your chakra purviews divides once more, choosing two different harbingers of doom. Do this long enough, and you're eventually running on empty—or six feet under. In the world of Naruto, chakra is a ninja's energy source. Losing it all means you not only pooch your experiment but you actually fall apart or perish in some irreversible way. That's why even elite ninjas like Kakashi guide you to not use it too much. Even the Third Hokage, arguably the strongest ninja in the history of the Hidden Leaf Village, could only summon two shadow clones during a fight. For most of us, that's just not enough time to ninja. Push past that, and you're playing roulette with your life. Due to these hazards, the method is banned and cataloged in the Forbidden Jutsu Scroll stored by the Hokage. It's taught only in the rarest of circumstances—or pilfered, as Naruto did in the very first episode. Who invented the shadow clone jutsu? The Hiraishin, as the technique is called, was developed by Tobirama Senju, the Hidden Leaf's Second Hokage. Tobirama hailing from the noble and mighty Senju Clan, he was reputedly a master of chakra control. Though he developed the technique it's most famous for today, the technique's dangers were evident from the beginning. So dangerous was the potential of this jutsu that even Tobirama recognized this jutsu as being too dangerous for everyday use. So that's why he restricted it to just the most elite shinobi in the village. Why Naruto can use the shadow clone jutsu without getting hurt Where most ninjas shun the Shadow Clone Jutsu, Naruto Uzumaki wields it as if he's been doing it his whole life. He creates hundreds—or even thousands—of clones and does it all with no effort. Here's one way he gets away with it. He's from the Uzumaki Clan Naruto's clan is known for having massive chakra reserves and strong life energy. Similar to the Senju, Uzumakis are well known for being able to withstand even the most deadly jutsu that would otherwise kill most ninjas. He's the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki Inside Naruto lives Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox, a powerful beast made of chakra. This provides Naruto with near boundless chakra, permitting him to utilize advanced forms of the technique such as the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu . These two advantages combined, Naruto can afford to spam the Shadow Clone Jutsu in fight after fight without risking his life. The multi shadow clone jutsu: Naruto's signature move This more advanced version of the original jutsu allows Naruto to summon entire armies of clones. It's one of the most celebrated, most iconic powers in history of the entire Naruto saga and it helps him become the hero he's destined to be. The Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu is almost twice as forbidden as the original. The chakra drain is extreme, and no average ninja would ever be able to sustain it. Naruto's special skills allow him to 'transform' it into his most powerful combat ability. A dangerous jutsu with legendary impact The Shadow Clone Jutsu might be banned, but it's one of the key, most popular moves from Naruto history. Few ninjas are able to utilize it without severely damaging themselves. Naruto's unique chakra abilities allow him to make it his signature technique. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anime stories and characters that speak to today's youth
Credits: Medium Anime's surge in India is unmistakable. Once a niche interest, anime is now mainstream among Gen Z: Crunchyroll recently named India its second-largest market. Fans even joke that playgrounds echo with 'Kamehameha' and 'Super Saiyan' moves. Iconic shows like Naruto and Dragon Ball Z created a loyal fanbase early on, and today younger hits like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen are just as popular. What draws these fans isn't just vibrant art, but deep, emotional storytelling . Many Indian viewers say anime heroes face struggles of identity, acceptance and loss – problems Gen Z can relate to. As one fan put it during the lockdown: 'Anime is not something I watch just to pass time. The stories… are very relatable, and they teach you… fighting your battles, dealing with things with patience'. In short, tales of friendship, found family, and perseverance (common in anime) resonate with young Indians. Icons and role models from every genre Credits: CBR Gen Z fans point to characters who feel like role models . For example, Naruto Uzumaki (from Naruto ) starts alone and unpopular, yet he never gives up. His perseverance and belief in friends become a powerful example of 'never giving up' – a message many youngsters admire. Similarly, Monkey D. Luffy (from One Piece ) lives for freedom and adventure, inspiring young fans to chase big dreams. Darker heroes matter too: Levi Ackerman (from Attack on Titan ) fights relentlessly to protect his team, teaching duty and sacrifice. In newer series, characters like Yuji Itadori and Satoru Gojo (from Jujutsu Kaisen ) or Tanjiro Kamado (from Demon Slayer ) show courage, kindness and loyalty even when the odds are stacked against them. Many Indian fans say they see their own journeys reflected in these heroes' ups and downs. As one fan explained, watching these characters 'overcome their challenges gives us hope and sometimes even a roadmap for our own lives'. (Anime's universal themes of friendship, family and overcoming adversity have long attracted Indian audiences. ) Streaming, social media and local voices Part of anime's success is sheer accessibility . Major streaming services have made anime easy to find in India. Crunchyroll launched a dedicated India service in early 2024, and giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime now pack their libraries with hits – even offering Hindi, Tamil and Telugu dubs for top shows. As Crunchyroll's India boss Akshat Sahu notes, 'anime's popularity in India has skyrocketed… particularly among Gen Z and young millennials'. Even kids' TV channels are embracing anime; shows like Pokémon and Shin Chan have become household names, and about half of Disney India's kids programming now features anime. Social media plays its part too. Fans share clips and memes on TikTok and Instagram, often set to catchy anime audios or fan art. For many young Indians, scrolling through Reels might introduce them to Your Name , A Silent Voice or other anime titles. Influencers on YouTube and Instagram proudly discuss anime: Delhi cosplayer Tulip Hazarika remembers discovering it 'with Animax and the show Naruto ' as a child. She and others say that seeing creators show off their passion makes more people curious. In fact, cosplayer Samarth Thakral points out that YouTube channels and anime-loving influencers 'have helped get more people hooked on anime'. Fan communities, fashion and cosplay Credits: Shutterstock Fans aren't just watching – they're living anime. Across India, clubs and conventions have sprung up. For instance, the Bangalore Anime Club (which began as an Orkut page in 2006) now organizes screenings, meetups and contests on WhatsApp and Discord. Even large events like Japan Habba in Bengaluru feature anime cosplay, music, and fan art booths. Individual fans pour creativity into cosplay (dressing up as anime characters). As Tulip Hazarika describes, cosplayers 'use their body as the canvas' for characters they love. Delhi-based Akanksha Solanki (pictured above as Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia ) notes that a full costume can take months of work on fabrics, wigs and props. The payoff is a real community: cosplayer Samannay says 'getting into the character… it's very fascinating — a lot of people flock to take pictures' at conventions. Anime's influence shows up in fashion too. Some fans embrace Japanese-inspired styles like Lolita dresses or Gothic streetwear. Brick-and-mortar stores have caught on: a comic shop owner in Bengaluru notes many retailers that once focused on Marvel/DC are now stocking anime hoodies, figurines and posters. Online, fan art and DIY accessories multiply. India's growing anime merch market even includes custom-printed tees and keychains when official goods aren't available. Emotions, values and identity At its heart, anime provides a language of emotions that many Gen Z find comforting. These shows don't shy away from pain, loneliness or conflict — themes that often match young people's lives. Characters learn to cope with grief, fight injustice, or accept themselves. Seeing heroes grow through hardship gives fans courage. As one teen fan said, 'Anime characters often struggle with their identities… watching them overcome their challenges gives us hope'. Parents and teachers have noticed that anime can start conversations about empathy, diversity and persistence. Importantly, Gen Z fans talk about found family : many favorite anime heroes form close bonds with friends who become like siblings or mentors. This resonates with young adults finding their place away from home. When a fan feels 'alone' or pressured by society, seeing that journey on screen can be therapeutic. In India's recent lockdowns, fans like Ananya Sharma found anime gave 'moral support amid the pandemic'. As she says, anime became 'a getaway' with stories that taught patience and fighting your battles. From its inspiring heroes to its lively fan culture, anime has truly become a new cultural vocabulary for Indian Gen Z. Streaming platforms, social media, and enthusiastic communities have turned what was once 'just cartoons' into something much bigger. For many young Indians, anime is not only a way to pass the time, but a mirror of their hopes, struggles and dreams. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why the original Naruto series still outshines Shippuden: 8 Reasons fans prefer part I
From improved character development to enhanced storytelling, here's all the reasons why most fans still believe the original Naruto anime was the best. The Naruto anime franchise is one of the most popular shonen anime franchises of all time. It's about Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who aspires to be the leader of his village, the Hokage. This epic tale is divided into two parts. Naruto (Part I) and Naruto Shippuden (Part II). Though Shippuden delivers on grander battles and more intricate stories, a lot of older fans feel there's plenty the original Naruto anime handled far better. So whether you're curious about anime for the first time or you've been a viewer for decades, these fundamental differences help shed some light on why the first dozen episodes of Naruto remain so beloved among fans. Here are 8 reasons why the first Naruto anime is still widely regarded as being superior to Naruto Shippuden by most fans. 1. Stronger storytelling and simpler plot The original Naruto anime balanced a more focused and emotional narrative. It begins with Naruto as a rejected outcast, and continues on as he bit by bit wins acceptance from not only his village but fellow ninjas. The pacing is brisk, and the plot never bogs down under the weight of convoluted backstory. It runs the gamut but it's all very accessible, and each mission feels like it has high stakes — whether it's protecting a bridge builder, or the entirety of the Chunin Exams arc. While Shippuden would go on to explore more political themes, gods and ancient history, Part I was more down-to-earth and focused on connecting with its teenage audience. 2. Less filler, more canon Shippuden in particular is notorious for its filler, with more than two-fifths of the entire anime consisting of non-canon material. It turned off a lot of fans due to these extended gaps in the main plot line. So in comparison, the original Naruto anime has a helluva lot less fillers, and even when it does, they tend to be more entertaining and don't stop epic fights in the making. On an aesthetic level, this presents audiences with a more integrated and dynamic visual experience. 3. Better use of side characters In part. Me, characters such as Rock Lee , Neji, Shikamaru, and Hinata were treated to serious character development. To be clear, this isn't just some superficial change for Tokenism's sake — as some of you might assume when you hear the word 'pansexual.' They had character development, backstories, and their own significant arcs. Shippuden sidelined a lot of these fan-favorites to solely focus on Naruto and Sasuke . This change shrunk the world of Naruto and deprived many fans of watching their favorite background characters show off their skills in battle. 4. Consistent quality in story and animation For every Shippuden epic high (Pain arc anyone?!) there were major dips in animation and pacing—in particular during drawn-out flashbacks or filler arcs. The original Naruto series was far more stable with its animation style and current story. Even in a world where unicorns and ninjas can co-exist, the emotional gravitas of scenes such as Haku and Zabuza's farewell or the Sasuke Retrieval Arc have yet to be replicated. 5. A perfect ending that sets up the future The original series concludes with Naruto departing the village to train with Jiraiya, following his emotionally charged fight with Sasuke. It was a bittersweet yet triumphant finale that laid the proper groundwork for even bigger things to come while capping off his childhood odyssey. Shippuden's final scenes take place during Naruto's wedding. Though heartwarming, it unfortunately glosses over him finally achieving his goal of becoming Hokage — his lifelong dream — something that was only depicted subsequently in a dedicated special in 2015 and sequel series Boruto. 6. Fewer plot loles and retcons Often, Shippuden would pull the rug out from underneath viewers with surprising plot twists and retcons that left fans scratching their heads. The more it delved into the origins of chakra, the Ōtsutsuki clan, and Madara's plan, the more questions it raised. This usually violated rules set up in earlier arcs. Part I took a minimalist approach and it paid off, focusing on connecting the audience to what was happening right now without requiring them to go back and catch up on earlier seasons to understand where new developments fit in. 7. Naruto and Sasuke's bond felt more real The development of the friendship/rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke was well executed and emotional. Though each other's politics and presentations were very different, they felt each other's pain and began to really connect and become friends, slowly breaking through the stereotypes. Even by Shippuden, their relationship had become a lot more toxic, with Sasuke running away all the time and Naruto in pursuit. The heart and warmth from their early days were largely replaced by revenge and edgier story telling. 8. Fights were better balanced and more creative Sure, Shippuden had some all time classic fights — I mean who could forget Naruto vs Pain or Madara vs the Shinobi Alliance — but many of them were heavily influenced by ridiculous god-like powers and convoluted jutsu. The battles in the first series of Naruto were things like Rock Lee versus Gaara or Naruto versus Neji and those fights were a lot more focused on strategy, emotional impact and technique. The power levels were less lopsided, so no fight ever felt like a foregone conclusion. Nostalgia or just better? This isn't simply the bias of nostalgia — countless fans will tell you that the original Naruto anime simply excelled in character development, story cohesion, and emotional impact delivery. If you're new to anime, or considering a rewatch of the series, starting with Part I makes for a more down-to-earth, touching experience. The full Naruto anime is available for streaming in English and Japanese on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
