The Naruto anime series has a profound connection to its predecessor, Dragon Ball, and this connection is exemplified through the creation of the Four-Tails, a powerful and revered creature in the Naruto universe. The true name of the Four-Tails, Son Gokū, is a direct inspiration from Son Goku, the iconic hero of Dragon Ball. Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, drew inspiration from Dragon Ball’s design and naming conventions to create a character that is eerily reminiscent of Goku.
The design of Son Gokū is rooted in Goku’s monkey form, specifically the Great Ape form that Saiyans can take on when they see the full moon. This physical similarity is complemented by the Four-Tails’ name, which reflects Goku’s connection to the Four-Star Dragon Ball. The Four-Star Dragon Ball was Goku’s prized possession, believed to contain his grandfather’s soul, and was later passed down to his son, Gohan. In Naruto, the tailed beasts, including the Four-Tails, are sealed within jinchuriki, and Rōshi, the jinchuriki of Son Gokū, is named after Master Roshi, one of Goku’s most important teachers.
Naruto’s Four-Tailed Beast (Photo: Naruto’)
The connection between Naruto and Dragon Ball goes beyond the Four-Tails’ character design and naming conventions. Both series find their roots in the ancient Chinese story, Journey to the West. The story follows Sun Wukong, a mythical monkey king with unparalleled strength, knowledge of mystical techniques, and a confident, and often mischievous, personality. This story has heavily influenced both Dragon Ball and Naruto, as evidenced by the existence of the Great Ape form in Dragon Ball and the character design of Son Gokū.
The Naruto series has solidified its status as a household name in pop culture, and its connection to Dragon Ball is a testament to the lasting legacy of Toriyama’s creation. The series has been able to carve out its own unique identity while still paying homage to its predecessors. As a result, Naruto and Dragon Ball have become intertwined in the imaginations of fans around the world, with both series continuing to inspire new generations of anime enthusiasts.
