Why Kishimoto Didn't Bring Back Jiraiya During the Fourth Great Ninja War

Information about the Naruto Series

Masashi Kishimoto writes and illustrates the Japanese manga series Naruto. It chronicles the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a teenage ninja who wants to be recognized by his peers and become the Hokage, the village's leader. The story is divided into two parts: the first is set in Naruto's pre-teen years (volumes 1–27), and the second in his teens (volumes 28–72). The series is based on Kishimoto's two one-shot comics, Karakuri (1995), which received an honorable mention in Shueisha's monthly Hop Step Award the following year, and Naruto (1997).

Who is Jiraiya?

Masashi Kishimoto created the fictitious character Jiraiya for the Naruto manga and anime series. He was introduced in the first section of the series as a disciple of Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and one of the three "Legendary Three Ninjas" (Legendary Sanin), with his old companions Orochimaru and Lady Tsunade. Jiraiya appears as a perverted old man who occasionally comes to Konohagakure to report on Orochimaru and the Akatsuki organization's operations. He is known as the "Toad Sage" and "Pervy Sage," he tutors Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze before becoming the godfather and mentor of Minato's son, Naruto Uzumaki.

Why did Naruto writer Kishimoto not bring back Jiraiya in the fourth great ninja war?

Kishimoto didn't want to break Jiraiya's legacy. Jiraiya was Naruto Uzumaki's mentor and more like a father figure, and his passing had a profound impact on the narrative and its characters. Fans are wondering why Masashi Kishimoto, the writer of Naruto, didn't choose to resurrect Jiraiya during the Fourth Great Ninja War when many shinobi were resurrected with the help of Reanimation Jutsu(Edo Tensei).

Kishimoto avoided bringing Jiraiya back to preserve the emotional weight and significance of his death. Jiraiya's death was more than just a story device; it was a watershed moment that pushed Naruto to mature and accept the responsibility of realizing his mentor's aspirations. Resurrecting Jiraiya may have mitigated the gravity of this loss and the significance of his sacrifice.

In interviews, Kishimoto noted that Jiraiya's death was intended to represent a watershed moment in Naruto's path. It was a time that forced the young ninja to face the realities of loss and the responsibility of carrying on his mentor's heritage. Kishimoto guaranteed this growth was genuine and meaningful by omitting Jiraiya's death.