Naruto Universe
Based on the Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto tells the story of an adolescent ninja who searches for recognition from his peers and the village. This piece chronologically highlights the most important scenes and stages of Naruto’s development in order from top to bottom. In addition, the piece is divided into two distinct timelines: one following the journey of Naruto to becoming Hokage, and the other of his soul brother Sasuke's revenge and redemption.
Explore the details of Naruto
through behind-the-scenes close-ups:
Multiple timelines
In this piece are two distinct timelines: one following Naruto Uzumaki's journey to becoming Hokage and the other following Sasuke's path of revenge. Naruto's path is categorized by all the new special moves he learns (i.e. Kage Bushin no Jutsu, Rasengan, Tailed Chakra Mode, Wind Rasengan, etc) and Sasuke's is organized by all the new powers he acquires (1-3 eyed Sharingan,Curse Seal, Magekyo, Eternal Mangekyo, Susanoo, Rinnegan, etc.)
FUN FACT: If you look closely you will also find Hinata's timeline starting next to Iruka sensei/Naruto, which outlines her growth to becoming a bolder person. On the opposite end is also Sakura's timeline starting next to Kakashi/Sasuke, which outlines her growth to becoming a more independent person.
Major Arcs
Starting from the very beginning of the story with the Nine Tailed Fox attacking the village and Naruto's parents sealing the demon within him, the piece is sectioned off into the most iconic arcs within the world of Naruto.
FUN FACT: Some arcs are represented through placement and symbolism. For example the Ice Mirrors form a bridge to represent the bridge Tazuna hired them to protect in the Hidden Mist Arc and the Akatsuki are placed above the Heads of Konoha which represent the scene of them invading the village.
legendary sanin → Team 7
Another form of symbolism, the team members of Team 7 are placed directly above their mentors which also represent the passing of the torch to the new generation of leaders.
FUN FACT: if you look closely you can also see the water towers are damaged by Naruto's Rasengan and Sasuke's Chidori.
akatsuki
Like the team itself in the series all of the Akatsuki members in this piece are all dispersed and hidden within the piece. The three most significant pairings are Itachi and Kisame looking for the Nine Tails inside the village, Deidara about to self-destruct with his hatred for the Uchiha brothers, and Hidan's decapitated head buried next to Azuma sensei and Shikamaru.
konoha heads
The words Shippuden are probably the first thing you see, but if you look behind it you can see the iconic Hokage Heads.
konohamaru
The piece wouldn't be complete without a hiding ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village: as an homage to one of the first episodes of Naruto, Konohamaru is hiding (badly) at the front gates of Konoha Village.
bonus
The stamp on the left side of the piece is made to look like a traditional Hanko stamp, but if you look closely the letters actually make up the word KEHASUK.
Scavenger Hunt:
There are so many other little moments and easter eggs in this art piece. If you have time, here are some fun things to look out for:
The ghost of Dan and Nawaki behind Naruto and their shared dream of becoming Hokage
Sasuke's memories of his brother
Naruto's memories of being a failure
Tazuna and the characters inside the ice mirrors
Ebiki sensei being defeated by the Sexy no Jutsu
Rin inside the Kamui of Obito vs Kakashi
The heads of the tailed beasts representing being hunted
Fukasaku the toad with the last message of Jiraiya on his back
Sasori is hidden beneath his broken puppet
5 kages fighting Madara
4 Hokages together during the war
Jiraiya's death and Neji's death
Naruto and Sasuke inside Hagoromo's dimension receiving their new powers
Sasuke inside Kimimaro's basket