Sorry, but the update will still be tomorrow. I just woke up and saw the news of the passing of Akira Toriyama. He was my childhood. Dragon Ball was my childhood. So, I just wanted to share some words. I may not be some big celebrity; my words are only for you guys; thanks for reading my words.
I want to talk about a little something that Akira Toriyama contributed to manga. Dragon Ball is my favorite manga.
It's not the best, but it's my favorite.
Nowadays, it's a good manga, but there are many things about it that many others have done and maybe have even done better. In fact, so many mangas have borrowed or been inspired by Dragon Ball that Dragon Ball can seem basic at times.
But for a while, Dragon Ball was new and tried different things.
Goku is a weird character. Originally, he was this tiny and cute monkey boy. This was in contrast to characters of the time who were hulking behemoths like those found in JJBA and Fist of the North Star.
Goku was tiny and cute. He was silly as well. Toriyama famously started off as a gag manga artist, so he always loved comedy. He also loved Kung fu movies, so he created Dragon Ball as a sort of mix between Journey to the West, his own blend of comedy and martial arts.
This is reflected a lot in early Dragon Ball.
Another thing Toriyama took a chance on was aging up Goku. This was huge. Back in the day, characters really didn't age. They were perpetually stuck in their ages. (For the most part). Toriyama fought to allow Goku to age. It's how we saw him go from kid, to teen, to young man, and to an adult. This can be seen in other anime that followed, like Naruto, where we see Naruto from the day he's born to when he becomes an adult.
Some people poke fun at how Toriyama is lazy because he forgets characters like Launch. He wasn't. A mangaka can't be lazy. It's a highly demanding job, and once he went 13 years without a vacation. And he got sick when he had time off. He hated that.
But Toriyama did try to reduce his workload and found creative ways to do this alongside his team. He created amazing statues that were going to be annoying to draw every week? He had Goku destroy them.
He was bored of drawing the Nimbus? Well, Goku can fly. It takes too long to color Goku's hair? Well, Super Saiyan is blonde, so now he doesn't have to waste time coloring in the hair.
It saves time and created the most iconic transformation in manga. No other transformation is as iconic.
Also, want to add that Nachi Mikami, Toriyama's wife, created the Kamehameha.
I know I'm just rambling now, but this is my little tribute to Toriyama. I wanted to add something he took a risk on that helped change manga.
And even if Dragon Ball becomes basic or if you stop liking it. Remember that it took risks and paved the way for new mangas in the future.
Bleach. Naruto. One Piece. HxH. One Punch Man. MHA. Zatch Bell.
The creator of MHA lists Superman and Goku as inspiration for All Might.
And references to it pop up on everything. From movies to other manga such as Nagatoro, SpyxFamily, Doctor Stone, JJK, Fire Force, My Bride Is a Mermaid, Yu-Gi-Oh!, To Love Ru, Gintama, Assassination Classroom, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.
I can't list all the manga that have dropped references to Dragon Ball. Its impact is huge.
Just. Remember that Dragon Ball mattered to a lot of people and Akira Toriyama really did change the landscape of manga and anime as we know it.
From the words of some nobody writer on the internet who was inspired by Dragon Ball to share his own story, to better himself, to be stronger.
Thank you, Akira Toriyama.
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As Hiruzen and Dragon entered the council room, they were greeted by a scene that encapsulated the essence of Konoha's leadership.
The spacious room, adorned with symbols of the village and its clans, was filled with the heads and representatives of Konoha's most influential families and departments.
Tsume Inuzuka, the head of the Inuzuka clan, stood with a confidence that matched her wild, spiky dark brown hair and distinctly red feline-like eyes. Dressed in a typical jonin Konoha ninja attire with a green flak jacket and a red armband, her posture was relaxed yet ready for action, a large and fierce canine companion by her side.
Shibi Aburame, head of the Aburame clan, presented a contrast with his stoic and composed demeanor. His dark, spiky hair and large, round sunglasses gave him a reserved appearance. He wore a light-colored, high-collared coat, with a gourd strapped to his back – a nod to his clan's unique insect-based techniques.
Hiashi, the head of the prestigious Hyuga clan, stood with an air of authority. Next to him was Chōza Akimichi, representing the Akimichi clan. His large, sturdy frame and spiky red hair, along with the two red lines extending down from his eyes.
Representing the Yamanaka, Sarutobi, Kurama and Nara clans were old men and women from the council of elders from their respective clans.
The Jonin Council head, Shikaku Nara, and the head of the Department of Information, Inoichi Yamanaka, were also present.
The civilian aspect of Konoha's governance was represented by Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane. Homura, with his spiky grey hair and large white scarf, had a stern expression, while Koharu, dressed in a traditional kimono with a poised demeanor, exuded calmness and composure.
Hiruzen entered the council room, his gaze sweeping across the gathered members. "Good morning, everyone. As many of you know, we are here to discuss a matter of great importance," he began, his voice steady yet carrying an underlying seriousness.
He turned towards Inoichi and gave him a nod. "Inoichi, if you would."
Inoichi stepped forward, placing a small, intricate device on the table. He focused, channeling his chakra into it. The device hummed to life, projecting a series of images and sounds into the air above it. The council members leaned in, their attention captured.
The images showed a fierce battle between the ANBU team, Gurren, and the imposing figure of King but they all recognized as a Kuyubi possessed Naruto.
As the memory display flickered out, a stunned silence filled the room. Hiruzen and Dragon exchanged a look, both struggling to comprehend the sheer magnitude of what they had just witnessed. The strength displayed by Naruto, or rather, the Kyuubi within him, was beyond anything they had ever imagined.
Hiruzen, Dragon, Koharu, and Homura, who had witnessed the creation of ANBU-style Taijutsu by Tobirama, were visibly shaken. The skill they had just seen surpassed even Tobirama's legendary skill.
Shikaku Nara sat deep in thought, his strategic mind racing to analyze the situation. Beside him, Tsume Inuzuka was visibly trembling, fighting her instinctual urge to flee from the overwhelming display of power.
Hiashi Hyuga and Shibi Aburame, usually the epitome of stoicism, were sweating profusely, a clear sign of their internal turmoil. They maintained their composed exterior, but the fear was evident to anyone who looked closely.
Inoichi, meanwhile, couldn't bring himself to meet anyone's gaze, his eyes fixed on the table. Next to him, Chōza Akimichi leaned back in his chair, as if trying to put distance between himself and the terrifying reality they had all been confronted with.
A singular, haunting question filled the minds of every ninja in the room: "If I was against that monster, would I have survived?"
"I didn't know the Kyuubi gave a Kekkei Genkai," remarked the representative of the Nara clan, drawing everyone's attention.
As they realized the Kyuubi's use of Fire and Wind resembled Scorch Release, a murmur spread through the room. Hiruzen quickly clarified, "No, that wasn't Scorch Release. That was pure elemental manipulation that mimicked Scorch Release."
Audible gulps echoed around the room, the gravity of the situation sinking in.
"Why is the Jinchuriki in the ANBU, Hiruzen?" Koharu questioned, her voice laced with concern.
Before Hiruzen could answer, Dragon interjected, raising a hand. "Information about the ANBU is only available to the Hokage, not anyone else," he stated firmly, his gaze then shifting to Hiashi Hyuga. "Isn't that right?"
"Indeed," Hiashi replied, causing a ripple of shock. Even Hiruzen found himself wondering, 'When did the ANBU department gain the political support of the Hyuga Clan?'
Koharu, undeterred, pressed on. "I apologize, I was just curious about what our most precious asset was doing on a battlefield where death is but a step away."
Dragon's response was calm but laced with a veiled threat. "Curiosity killed the Cat, Koharu. Do you really want to know?"
Koharu, sensing the undercurrent of danger in Dragon's tone, chose to sit down, recognizing that she couldn't challenge him.
The discussion took another turn as Shibi Aburame raised a valid concern. "Is it wise to keep the Jinchuriki in the ANBU, especially with the Kyuubi's apparent ability to take over?"
Dragon's reply was reassuring. "Naruto was pushed to death's door. That's when the Kyuubi came out." His words seemed to calm many in the room, alleviating some of their immediate fears.
Chōza Akimichi's voice broke the silence. "Is the seal affected?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.
Hiruzen responded promptly. "I've already contacted Jiraiya. He will be here in two to three weeks." The members nodded in understanding, recognizing the expertise Jiraiya could bring to the situation.
The queries continued, with Homura Mitokado posing a new question. "How is Naruto able to use Chakra Chains?" Everyone's eyes shifted to Dragon and Hiruzen for an answer.
Dragon spoke up, a hint of fabrication in his voice. "He unlocked the Uzumaki clan's Kekkei Genkai during his training." It was a lie, but necessary to protect Naruto's secrets.
Koharu Utatane, not fully satisfied, pressed further. "Those jutsus he used, they aren't from Konoha. Many are from the Uzumaki clan, stolen by other villages. How does he know them?"
Dragon's response was curt. "Koharu, as far as I'm aware, the ANBU isn't obligated to consult the council about our training methods."
Hiruzen and Dragon exchanged a quick glance, silently agreeing they needed to speak with Naruto after the meeting.
How does he know so many things related to the Uzumaki clan?
Inoichi Yamanaka then raised a crucial point. "Considering the extent of Naruto's injuries, including a brain injury, how much has he been psychologically affected?"
He suggested a full psychological evaluation for Naruto to assess any impact from the Kyuubi.
The council members unanimously raised their hands in agreement. Hiruzen, though sighing inwardly, approved the request. "Approved."
Koharu, seizing the opportunity, made her own proposal. "I request for Naruto Uzumaki to be transferred from the ANBU to the normal workforce as it is too dangerous for the Jinchuriki to remain in the ANBU."
Dragon was quick to deny. "Request denied."
"That's not a decision for you to make," Koharu shot back.
Dragon countered, "Then let's have a vote."
As the voting began, it became evident that most clans were wary of opposing Dragon. They refrained from voting, leaving the decision to a few. Koharu and Homura voted in favor of the transfer, while Dragon and Hiruzen voted against it. All eyes turned to Hiashi Hyuga, the deciding vote.
Hiashi weighed the decision carefully. The tension in the room was palpable as each council member awaited his decision. His vote held significant weight, not just for Naruto's fate but also for the delicate balance of power within the council.