The Way of the Ninja: Everyone's Nindō in Naruto

 A Year of Gaming and the Joy of Naruto Online

This year, I’ve explored a wide range of online MMORPGs, but my favorite by far is Naruto Online. The game stays remarkably faithful to the Naruto anime, featuring classic ninja characters and their signature ultimate skills. For any anime-based game, staying true to the original source material is essential. Otherwise, what's the point of playing?

One of the core themes that Naruto emphasizes time and again is "Nindō," the personal philosophy or "way of the ninja" that each character lives by. Among all the characters, the Nindō of Naruto, Shikamaru, and Jiraiya are my favorites. Naruto's is full of passion, Shikamaru’s is laid-back, and Jiraiya’s carries profound wisdom.

Naruto’s Nindō: “I never go back on my word. That’s my Nindō, my ninja way!”

This phrase is practically Naruto's catchphrase. He repeats it during pivotal moments—while learning to climb trees using chakra, during the Chūnin Exams, and while persuading Tsunade to return to Konoha. It’s a simple yet fiery declaration that embodies Naruto’s determination and optimism. Though it may sound straightforward, staying true to your word, no matter the challenges, is far from easy. Naruto’s Nindō is all about resilience, hope, and forging ahead no matter what.

Jiraiya’s Nindō: “A ninja is someone who can endure anything.”

Jiraiya uttered these words during his first confrontation with Orochimaru. At that time, Orochimaru firmly believed that a true ninja was one who mastered every jutsu. Their differing interpretations of what it means to be a ninja ultimately set them on separate paths. Personally, I align more with Jiraiya's view: a ninja is someone who can accept, endure, and adapt to any hardship that comes their way. His philosophy reflects compassion and an understanding of life's struggles.

Shikamaru’s Nindō: “I just want to live an ordinary life.”

Shikamaru's Nindō stands out for its simplicity and relatability:

“I just want to be a ninja, make some money, and marry an average girl—not too pretty, not too plain. We'll have two kids: a daughter first, then a son. When my daughter gets married and my son becomes independent, I’ll retire from being a ninja and spend my days playing shogi or go. Then, I’ll die before my wife. That’s the kind of life I want to live. But here I am, standing out again. All I want is to live a normal, peaceful life.”

This laid-back dream reflects Shikamaru's desire for simplicity, free from unnecessary complications. Yet, as a natural strategist, he often ends up in leadership roles. Shikamaru’s Nindō is unique because it’s not driven by ambition or glory but by a desire for balance and tranquility in life—a sentiment that’s refreshingly honest and relatable.

The Spirit of Naruto: Living Your Nindō

In Naruto, every character’s Nindō serves as a guiding principle, shaping their actions and choices. These philosophies make the story deeply inspiring, as they remind us to stay true to our own values. Whether fiery, contemplative, or calm, each Nindō reflects a unique way of approaching life’s challenges.