Latest news with #Sasuke
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why final battle in Anime Is almost never about the fight
Credits: SlashFilm In many beloved anime, the ending is far more about heart and story than about who throws the hardest punch. In fact, anime endings often serve as 'the crescendo of emotion, the culmination of journeys, and the punctuation mark on storytelling'. Creators frequently design final battles as a collision of feelings and beliefs. Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto , deliberately made Naruto's last duel with Sasuke 'about emotion, not flashy ninja powers'. He rejected bigger explosions in favor of a raw fistfight where two friends finally settle their complicated feelings. The final result is an emotional climax, rather than any other eye-catching fight scene. Beyond the physical fight: Emotions and ideals Final confrontations often reflect characters' innermost struggles and values. For example, in Avatar: The Last Airbender the ultimate fight between Aang and Fire Lord Ozai isn't just about bending elements—it's a moral test. Aang must 'confront his own inner demons and find a path to victory that doesn't compromise his values'. He faces a choice: avenge or forgive? The tension comes from his beliefs, not just his bending skills. Similarly, My Hero Academia treats its final war as 'not just a battle — it's the emotional conclusion of everything My Hero Academia has built'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Deku's final attack in that climax is described as 'as much an emotional release' as it is destructive force. It's the weight of all Deku's growth and sacrifices that makes the scene powerful. Even when heroes face villains toe-to-toe, the stakes are often symbolic. In Cowboy Bebop , Spike Spiegel's last duel with his nemesis Vicious isn't scored by punches landed but by the confrontation with his own past. One analysis notes Spike's 'final confrontation with his past brings closure to his enigmatic character'. The fight isn't just physical; it's Spike finally coming to terms with old losses and regrets. In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood , the Elric brothers' final battle ties up years of sacrifice and truth. They confront horrible secrets and learn that 'the bonds of brotherhood can overcome even the greatest of trials'. The winning moment is as much about understanding and unity as it is about defeating the villain. Iconic Showdowns that Tell a Story Credits: Sportskeeda Across anime history, many finales are remembered for their heart. In Naruto Shippuden , after years of fighting and friendship, Naruto and Sasuke end with both losing an arm – a symbolic choice by Kishimoto to highlight emotion over spectacle. The visual shock of the injury underlines the personal cost of their reconciliation. In Attack on Titan 's final season, the epic battle against the Rumbling gives way to a private moment between Armin and Eren. Their last conversation – two old friends finally explaining themselves – is deeply moving. It's even noted that this 'was the last conversation that both friends were going to have,' providing a painful but necessary closure. This scene isn't about any giant Titan blows; it's about understanding and forgiveness. Even in worlds of superpowers and magic, the true victory often lies in what is resolved. These finales 'transcend mere storytelling, offering profound insights into love, loss, and the human condition'. Whether it's a hero choosing peace over vengeance, friends reconciling, or the defeat of hatred itself, the final encounter amplifies the series' themes. Fans may remember the visual flashes of a battle, but they keep long in their hearts the tears, smiles, and revelations that come at the end. Ultimately, anime's last fights resonate because they conclude characters' journeys – not just by settling scores, but by settling souls. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Japan Times
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Japan Times
2028 Olympic hopeful giving modern pentathlon some time in the sun in Japan
'What's modern pentathlon?' That's a question Japanese Olympic hopeful Ayumu Saito gets asked way too often. She gets it. It's one of those Olympic sports that has to be explained to people every four years. Even Saito, who has been a modern pentathlete since she was a fourth grader, thinks the multidiscipline event takes too long and can be stressful to watch. But the 28-year-old is hoping that will change between now and the next Summer Games in 2028, when modern pentathlon undergoes a dramatic transformation in an attempt to make the relatively obscure sport a hit with spectators and TV viewers, while also addressing concerns about the treatment of horses. Saito is also hoping another strong Olympic showing by a Japanese modern pentathlete — after Taishu Sato won silver in the men's event at the Paris Games for Japan's first-ever Olympic medal in the sport — will draw more eyeballs to her sport. Modern pentathlon went from being a five-day event from 1912-1980 to a four-day event in Paris, where the semifinals and finals were condensed into a 90-minute TV-friendly format. Until now, it consisted of five disciplines in four events: fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping and a combined event of laser pistol shooting and cross-country running. But when it is contested in Los Angeles, there will be no horses. Instead, athletes will compete on an obstacle course based on Japan's hit sports entertainment reality show, 'Sasuke,' known in the U.S. as "American Ninja Warrior." Ayumu Saito competes on an obstacle course during the 2024 nationals for the discipline. Starting with the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, Olympic pentathletes will compete on an obstacle course based on Japan's hit sports entertainment reality show, 'Sasuke.' | Courtesy of Ayumu Saito A rope swing, over-under-through, rings, balance beams and a warped wall were among the obstacles used in the first official test event held in Turkey in 2022. The decision to swap horse riding with Sasuke-type obstacles was prompted in part because of animal welfare concerns after a coach on the German team struck a horse during the Tokyo Olympics. The change in format likely saved the sport's status at the Games. 'I was bummed when I first heard the news because I've been riding for so long and I was quite good at the equine portion,' Saito said. 'But now I'm focusing on the good things. Everyone loves Sasuke and the inclusion of obstacle racing is a chance to introduce our sport to a new generation of young people.' When she's not training, which isn't often, Saito is either resting or modeling. Getting featured in fashion magazines is a way for Saito to promote the sport and get her name out there. She says she's tired of seeing the same faces — family and friends of athletes and officials — at competition venues, and she's eager to attract new fans to modern pentathlon. 'Many people know me as the Sasuke contestant,' said Saito, who was on the program that aired last Christmas. 'Either that, or they've seen me in a magazine. So the word is spreading. When you bump into someone who's not an athlete but knows what modern pentathlon is, that's progress.' Modern pentathlon was created by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, to replicate the experience of a 19th-century cavalry soldier behind enemy lines. It is the only sport made specifically for the Olympic Games. Saito and Sato are two of only around 50 people in Japan who participate in the sport. Taishu Sato celebrates after earning silver in the men's modern pentathlon event at the Paris Olympics, in Versailles, France, in August 2024. Sato's medal was the country's first in the multidiscipline sport. | Reuters Saito's father, Hiroshi Saito, competed in modern pentathlon at the Seoul Olympics and later became a national team coach, which inspired his daughter to dream big. By junior high school, Saito was competing in international events and hoping to one day become an Olympian herself. Saito said many pentathletes in Japan are police officers or SDF members, and they start by specializing in one or two sports through high school or college before eventually adding the other disciplines. But she got a head start as she was running on a track team and swimming in a club in her early teens, when she also rode horses and fenced during long school breaks. At one point she considered focusing on fencing only because she was so good at it, but she decided she didn't want to just choose one sport. 'You have to be pretty skilled in all five disciplines, but I'm best at fencing. It's a great sport for people who are all-around athletes and get bored of doing the same thing,' Saito said. 'The ending is easy for spectators to follow because the highest scorer in the first four events starts the final event (laser run) first, and whoever crosses the finish line first wins.' Because of its relative obscurity, finding training facilities can be a barrier to entry for athletes in Japan. Saito lives in Tokyo with her father, who is also her coach, and travels by train from venue to venue in order to practice, including to Chiba Prefecture for access to an obstacle course. At one point Ayumu Saito considered focusing on fencing only because she was so good at it, but she decided she didn't want to just choose one sport and continued with modern pentathlon. | Courtesy of Ayumu Saito Qualifying for the Olympics as a modern pentathlete is never easy. But this time, competition will be even more fierce. Pentathletes will be competing for fewer spots at the next Olympics, with a reduction in quota places from 72 in Paris to 64 — 32 men and 32 women — in LA. 'It's not going to be easy. But I think I'll have a good chance if I can improve my running and swimming skills,' said Saito, who missed out on Paris Olympics selection in favor of 2022 national champion Misaki Uchida. 'I didn't enter any competitions in Japan last year but I won the nationals in 2023, so if I can do that again I'll be in a strong position to qualify.' In order to stay present in high-stakes moments, Saito listens to music and gets her nails done. 'I admire modern pentathletes who look like they're having fun while competing. Much of the game is mental. The calmer your mind, the better you perform,' Saito said. 'I like to show my non-athlete side on Instagram because I want my followers to see that I play just as hard as I work, and that I have balance in my life. I want people, especially kids, to take interest in modern pentathlon and give it a try. The more participants, the merrier.'
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rivals that shaped Anime: From Vegeta vs. Goku to Sasuke vs. Naruto
Credits: CBR In shonen anime, rivalry is more than just a personal feud—it's fuel for adventure and character growth. Series from Dragon Ball to Naruto use tension between heroes and rivals to drive their stories. In fact, one analysis notes that rivalry is 'a major narrative device in shōnen manga,' even citing Dragon Ball as a classic example. Fans around the world have followed these intense matchups for decades, debating dream battles and forming dedicated communities. Iconic rivalries like Goku vs. Vegeta and Naruto vs. Sasuke have set the standard for the genre, while newer hits like My Hero Academia and Black Clover evolve the dynamic in fresh ways. The saiyan spark: Goku vs. Vegeta Credits: CBR When Vegeta first invades Earth in Dragon Ball Z , he meets his match in Goku. Their showdown on Namek and later battlefields became 'one of the most iconic anime rivalries in history,' defining the 90s era of shonen. Originally enemies, the Saiyan prince Vegeta and the cheerful Goku forge a competitive friendship. Each defeat inspires the other to train harder, unlocking Super Saiyan and godlike new powers. In effect, every battle pushes both warriors to higher levels. As one analysis notes, their rivalry 'transformed shonen anime by creating numerous rivalries' where characters help each other grow. Vegeta's journey – from ruthless villain to begrudging ally – set a template: even the fiercest rival can become a source of respect and motivation. Bonds & conflicts: Naruto vs. Sasuke Credits: CBR Naruto and Sasuke began as friends and academy rivals in the Hidden Leaf Village, but their ambitions led them down different paths. Their relationship is 'one of the most emotionally charged anime rivalries' . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Naruto is the determined underdog craving acknowledgment, while Sasuke is the brooding prodigy bent on revenge. They clash in dramatic battles – especially at the Valley of the End – where personal feelings and ninja honor collide. Through these fights, Naruto's empathy confronts Sasuke's bitterness, illustrating how complex a hero-vs-rival bond can be. Fans see their story as both a friendship and a conflict: Naruto's growth is tied to saving Sasuke, and Sasuke is challenged by Naruto's ideals. Their final showdown and eventual reconciliation are often cited as one of anime's most fulfilling conclusions. A new era of rivals: Deku vs. Bakugo and Asta vs. Yuno Credits: CBR Modern shonen often frames rivals as childhood friends or equals. In My Hero Academia , Deku (Izuku Midoriya) and Bakugo (Katsuki) grew up together at hero school. Bakugo's natural talent and explosive quirk made him the confident hero-in-waiting Deku admired (and later envied); Deku's humble perseverance earned Bakugo's respect. Their rivalry is loud and abrasive but rooted in mutual respect. Each tries to outdo the other, constantly pushing both toward improvement. Black Clover offers another example. Asta and Yuno were raised together in an orphanage, sharing a dream of becoming Wizard King. Yuno is blessed with powerful magic; Asta has none but wields anti-magic blades. Their competition began in childhood and grew through official exams. Each victory by one drives the other to work harder. In fact, one analysis points out that despite their 'directly opposite abilities, their rivalry pushes them to new heights that they couldn't overcome before'. The two maintain deep respect even while competing, showing that friendship can fuel a rivalry as much as rivalry fuels strength. Modern twists: Ideology and legacy The rival archetype is also being reshaped. Some modern stories turn rivalry into ideological conflict. In Jujutsu Kaisen , for example, one of the series' core pairings is former friends Gojo Satoru and Suguru Geto. They share a history but split over opposing beliefs about how sorcerers should treat the world. Their clash underscores bigger moral questions, extending rivalry beyond personal power struggle. Fans continue to debate which rivalry is the greatest. In one Japanese survey, Vegeta ranked as anime's #1 rival and Sasuke #2 (with MHA's Bakugo also in the top five). Such polls highlight how these characters captivate multiple generations. For instance, early Dragon Ball viewers grew up with Goku and Vegeta, while younger fans bonded with Naruto and Sasuke in the 2000s, and today's audience cheers Deku and Bakugo. These rivalries become a common thread through decades of anime history. Cultural impact: Fans and merchandising Rivalries extend off-screen into real-world fan culture and merchandising. Conventions and social media often feature debates and art imagining 'what if' battles between famous rivals. Official merchandise even sells these rivalries directly: for example, Crunchyroll offers a collectible Dragon Ball figure set titled 'Son Goku vs. Vegeta – ICHIBANSHO,' inviting fans to 'relive the legendary rivalry' between the two Saiyans. In India and worldwide, action figures, posters, and video games frequently spotlight these dynamic duos. The fierce competition between heroes and their counterparts drives not only narrative excitement but also broad cultural trends and collector interest. In the end, shonen rivalries do more than thrill viewers: they test heroes, reveal their values, and deepen long-term storytelling. Characters like Vegeta, Sasuke, Bakugo, and Yuno endure because their relationships with the protagonists are complex, personal, and evolving. As long as those fiery clashes capture our imagination – and even our wallets – rivalries will remain at the heart of anime's enduring appeal. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Naruto: How Itachi Uchiha's illness stopped him from becoming the strongest ninja
He was one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful, ninjas in Naruto, but illness prevented him from reaching even greater heights. In the world of Naruto, one of the most popular pieces of Japanese anime that is viewed by millions around the world, some characters are so tragic and complicated that they remain on the mind long after their final scenes. One of them is Itachi Uchiha—a stoic mastermind forced to shoulder unbearable secrets and unbearable burdens. Initially, audiences thought Itachi was truly the monster he seemed to be – a merciless foe who killed his entire clan. Yet as the tale unfolded, we discovered the tragic reality underneath it all: Itachi was not evil. He was a hero who had to make unspeakable decisions. Now, there were several factors along the way. One thing that gets lost in the wave of history and sort of love affair with the man was this silent disease that robbed him of his strength. Itachi wasn't sick, Itachi is one of the all-time strongest ninjas in anime history. Young Itachi was a true ninja prodigy Even as a young child, Itachi was well beyond the maturity of his peers. By the age of 7, he was well on his way to thinking like a Hokage (the leader of the Hidden Leaf Village). At 8, he became the first of his clan ever to unlock the powerful Sharingan, an advanced clan-based ninja ability. At just 11 years of age, he earned the rank of the youngest ANBU Captain, a rank reserved for the most elite ninjas. His abilities just got more honed after training with the legendary Shisui Uchiha, another legendary teacher and master ninja to boot. With the horrific pain of that loss, Itachi opened the Mangekyo Sharingan , allowing him to wield deadly new powers like Amaterasu (black flames that burn endlessly) and Tsukuyomi (a soul-shattering jutsu). With these powers, not even an elite ninja reincarnated from the dead like Orochimaru could perform. Itachi didn't just outplay his opponents—he wrecked them. The illness that held back a legend Behind the scenes, Itachi was gradually succumbing to death. Naruto never goes into specifics about the disease, we can all agree that it was deadly. As Itachi fought throughout his run in the series, he was fighting on more than one front. He was fighting for his life. He could frequently be found spitting up blood, and his bruising energy levels were a constant drain. His physical condition led him to become partially blind as a result of overextending the use of his Mangekyo Sharingan. Even in this compromised condition, Itachi was still effortlessly defeating high-level characters such as Kakashi Hatake. In his climactic fight with his brother Sasuke, Itachi was all but blind and very sickly. He still managed to perform and even retrieve victory. Itachi could've been stronger than Madara and Sasuke It's a question posed by countless Naruto fans over the years: What if Itachi had survived longer? The answer should be obvious—he would have achieved a whole new orbit of power. Characters like Sasuke, Madara and even Naruto per se became strong in their adult years. Itachi died young in his early 20s. Given more time, and improved health, Itachi could have achieved the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, eliminating the risk of blindness and providing him even greater power. He would have had the potential to access the Six Paths power, a unique power to few in the series that could have made him more intimidating. In summary, Itachi's potential was never fully realized. His illness stunted his development long before he died. Itachi's legacy lives on in Naruto Despite dying young, Itachi Uchiha still stands as one of Naruto's most revered and adored characters. Through his actions, he defined the future of the Hidden Leaf Village and set in motion various events that would lead to some of the biggest story arcs in Naruto and Naruto: Naruto Uzumaki—part one & Naruto Shippuden. From child prodigy, to misunderstood villain, to tragic hero — we encourage you to watch as his convoluted journey turns him into one of the most interesting anime characters around. While his terminal illness deprived him of physical strength, he never lost the strength of his heart. Itachi needed more time for this final piece Itachi Uchiha wasn't simply a strong ninja—he was a narrative embodiment of sacrifice, love, and concealed suffering. Had he not been afflicted with a disability we can only describe as a mysterious anime illness, he would have easily turned into one of the most powerful anime characters ever. Fans continue to argue to this day about how far he would've gone, and that's what makes his story so legendary. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
GMA Network
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Myrtle Sarrosa helps D4vd cosplay Uchiha Sasuke from 'Naruto'
Myrtle Sarrosa flexed her cosplaying experience after helping American singer-songwriter D4vd dress up as Uchiha Sasuke from "Naruto!" On Instagram, the Sparkle star shared a clip from D4vd's performance during the "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang" festival. In the video, D4vd was singing one of his songs while dressed as Sasuke. Myrtle eventually joined him on stage while dressed as a female Naruto. "We made it happen! D4VD in his first cosplay as Sasuke for Fanfes! He even invited me to come up on stage as Naruto! Dattebayo," Myrtle wrote. According to the Filipina cosplayer, she met David during his "Withered" tour in Manila on May 16 and said that he would love to cosplay Sasuke. "As a fan, we really wanted to make this happen! We had 18 hours to make his costume before his performance but my team was able to pull this off from scratch!" she said. Myrtle is a famous cosplayer before she entered showbiz. She previously cosplayed a girl version of Naruto, Nami of "One Piece," and female version of Ryomen Sukuna, a character from "Jujutsu Kaisen." Meanwhile, D4vd is known for his hit songs "Here With Me" and "Romantic Homicide" among others. He previously performed in Coachella 2025, where Niana Guerrero served as a special guest. —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News
