Masashi Kishimoto wrote some of the finest and iconic fight scenes in the Chunin Exams arc. No wonder it is hailed as one of the best arcs in the series. It was theatrical to a T, considering the introduction of villains and offbeat jutsus.
For viewers, it was a complete visual treat in terms of intense battles and stakes. The arc had shocking revelations and plot twists that made it all the more gripping. But there is a question that seems to bother most fans to this date.
Most specifically, it has to do with Naruto and Neji’s fight and why the knucklehead wasn’t promoted to Chunin level. There are several fan speculations to that as well. But in the end, Kishimoto laid down a rubric for both leadership and heroism in a unique manner.
Why isn’t Naruto a Chunin after his fight with Neji?
Naruto is not a bog-standard shonen ninja story but a gripping tale of the hero’s journey. From pain and loneliness to acceptance and acknowledgement, he grew up as a familiar character. There is one thing that stands as a common thread between the viewers and the hero, and that is relatability.
As kids, we related to the main character in different aspects. The need to fit in, be seen, heard, or even accepted. It also outlined growth and strength through the use of empathy. There is indeed something so compelling about the emotional buildup, but that is not all.
To be precise, it was his resolve and determination that made him stand out. The act of never giving up is what made him more likable. This is true for most fights, but his duel with Neji was something else altogether. His efforts to knock sense into the Hyuga prodigy were satisfactory.
Call it humbling down, but we also witnessed Neji’s traumatic past. The Hyuga clan’s discrepancies cannot be overlooked. It was put to an end for a large part after this fight. There is, however, a question that has fans hot and bothered for the most part.
By the end of it all, Naruto won the fight, but why is it that he wasn’t promoted to Chunin? This is something most fans on Reddit were puzzled about, but it had to do with the plot armor. He defeated the prodigy in terms of his sheer strength but that isn’t enough.
Of all the ninjas who participated in the exam, only Shikamaru bagged the title of Chunin. His intelligence and strategic combat are precisely why he deserved that, but also his leadership qualities. This also points to Kishimoto’s rubric of heroism as well as captaincy in the series.
Masashi Kishimoto’s rubric of leadership and heroism
Anyone can become a ruler, but not everyone can be a great leader, and this is something Masashi Kishimoto lived by in the series. It isn’t about the worth but also the inherent quality of being able to lead. This is something that the hero lacked at that particular time because of his head-on approach.
That isn’t to say he is a bad leader, but he lacked maturity and tact, which was required of a chunin. Yes, he becomes a Hokage and surpasses these ranks, but he fumbles on several occasions. At most, he is a true hero and the shadow who protects the Leaf Village.
As for the ninja rank, he’s technically a genin despite being promoted as a Hokage. In terms of strength, experience, and power, however, he lives up to his title as the Hokage. It is important to know that genins aren’t to be looked down upon, and here’s why.
Be it Might Duy or the Seventh Hokage, Kishimoto gave a certain edge to these characters. Their bravery, heroism, and strength don’t align with the stereotypical notions of power. They might not be Hokage, but they carved their niche.
Naruto is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app.
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