One Piece and Naruto are two of the biggest anime of all time, and together with Bleach, they are considered the Big 3. The two are the biggest representatives of the medium, helping it become global and taking it to incredible heights.

Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto, and One Piece, created by Eichiro Oda, started serializing around the same time, with Naruto beginning in 1999 and One Piece two years earlier. They went on to become the biggest manga during their run, and although many incredible series such as Hunter X Hunter and Gintama were able to compete, it was these two series that were at the top consistently.

The two series are as different as night and day; from the art style, plot type and themes, there were many differences, but the one thing that led to their incredible friendly rivalry was the length. Few series went on as long as they did, and that, coupled with their popularity, made them the subject of comparisons. However, the creators adore each other’s series and are very close friends, helping and supporting each other whenever possible.

One Piece & Naruto Often Reference Each Other

The Creators Are Big Fans Of Each Other’s Manga

There are many hidden and not so subtle references within each series that pay homage to the other. A good example is Naruto‘s last chapter, with the Naruto’s Hokage face statue having graffiti of Luffy’s pirate mark. Similarly, episode #769 of One Piece saw Luffy’s crew looking for Raizo on Zou, with the gang being excited about meeting a ninja and describing a character that could clone themselves and summon a toad, a very clear reference to Naruto.

There are other instances where the creators are inspired by the other’s manga, incorporating some of its stuff into their own story. In an interview between the two, Eichiro Oda revealed that he was infatuated with Choji’s ability to expand his body, and he used that as the basis for Luffy’s Gear 3. Absalom’s invisibility powers were also inspired by a minor Naruto character.

Oda & Kishimoto Are More Than Just Rivals

Through Their Creative Journies, the Pair Have Become Fierce Friends

With how popular and long-running both series were, a friendly rivalry was inevitable. However, the two are very close friends. When Eichiro Oda was hospitalized, he mentioned that Kishimoto visited him and helped him. The two are huge fans of each other’s work, and it is not a stretch to say that Naruto and One Piece running at the same time elevated both to a status that is almost possible to achieve.