However, the initial designs of the characters we have become so accustomed to are quite different from the final concepts. In the draft for Team 7, which includes Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke, they look drastically different from what we know and love.
In “Rin no Sho,” a guidebook about Naruto released in Japan in 2002, many details were provided that most fans had never seen before. From artistic concepts to character details and a plethora of information about the lore, it was a treasure trove for fans.
But what would happen if the designs for Team 7 remained as they were in the initial drafts? Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke, alongside Kakashi, would quickly become iconic representations in the story. However, the initial concepts for the characters left fans astonished, almost not recognizing them. “Rin no Sho” reveals that there was a remarkable “evolution process” to create the iconic images we know.
According to the early draft images, Sakura has a 90s pop star aesthetic, Naruto sports a punk-inspired look, and Sasuke has features reminiscent of another character from the series, Shino Aburame. The designs are all quite appealing, yet they seem disconnected from the established personalities of the characters. Each character has unique traits, making them memorable in their own right.
Imagine if Team 7 still retained their initial designs; the narrative would be vastly different. This artistic direction might have compromised the storyline, turning it into a whimsical adventure rather than a serious journey through time and growth.
