When Does Naruto Find Out the 4th Hokage Was His Father?
For many Naruto fans, the revelation that Minato Namikaze was actually Naruto's father was a significant plot twist in the series. This discovery occurred at different times and through various means, especially in the anime. Let's delve into when this revelation happened and the signs that pointed to Minato being Naruto's father.
The Multiple Reveal Sequences
There are two primary moments in the Naruto anime when Naruto learns that Minato was his father:
1. Episode 168: Minato Saves Kurama
In this episode, we see the first explicit confirmation that Minato is Naruto's father. During a critical moment when Kurama's seal is being manipulated, Minato appears to save the seal. This event also marks a significant confrontation between Naruto and Kurama, which is crucial in the story's progression. It's a pivotal moment where the audience and Naruto himself begin to piece together the possibility of a deeper connection to the 4th Hokage.
2. Episode 366: Orochimaru's Reanimation
The latter reveal happens in the Pain arc when Minato is brought back by Orochimaru. This reanimation scene reveals more about Minato and the team 7 members, confirming the hokage's identity before Naruto's eyes. This moment solidifies the revelation, making it clear that Minato is, in fact, Naruto's father.
Other Clues and Hints
Before these explicit revelations, there were other indicators that pointed towards Minato as Naruto's father. Here are some of the most notable hints:
The Similarity to the 4th Hokage
In chapter 144, Jiraiya, a close mentor to Naruto, tells him that he somewhat resembles the Fourth Hokage. This is the first indirect clue that potentially connects Naruto to Minato. Additionally, Jiraiya taught Naruto the Rasengan, a technique that was originally wielded by the 4th Hokage. This further reinforces the genetic and cultural link between the two.
Kakashi and the Hokage Cloak
While Kakashi is not Minato's son, the fact that Minato wears the Fourth Hokage's cloak is a strong visual indicator of his identity. During the Pain fight, Minato's wearing of the cloak makes the connection to the Fourth Hokage very clear, implying his true identity to Naruto. This visual confirmation combined with the Rasengan’s heritage makes it difficult for Naruto to ignore the possibility.
Other Potential Clues
Other individuals, such as Itachi, also recognized Minato as the Fourth Hokage. Itachi's knowledge of Minato's identity further supports the validity of the revelation. Additionally, the physical appearance of Minato mirrors that of the Fourth Hokage so closely that it could be argued that they are nearly identical, with the only difference being Minato's sideburn-like hair, which was a distinguishing feature of the Fourth Hokage.
Conclusion
The revelation that Minato Namikaze was Naruto's father is a significant moment in the series, cementing a deep and formative connection between these two characters. The multiple hints and explicit reveals aim to establish a strong family bond, which further enriches the complex narrative of the Naruto universe.