The way you describe it makes a lot of sense too. I think the people who take them in do have an effect on them to a certain extent, but like you said, at some point the decisions they make are coming from their own personalities. I also think Naruto and Lee wouldn't stay or listen to Orochimaru at some point
Kaizen
2025-08-22 00:45:41 +0000 UTC
The discussion at the end is quite a deep topic. I might be wrong, but I don't think its fully determined by who takes you in. For example, when Naruto was lonely with no family, let's say he first met Orochimaru instead of Iruka and the rest. I think Naruto, even if he does get fooled for a while, he'll quickly reject Orochimaru and rather be alone forever than become like him. Same with Rock Lee, if he's alone, I still don't think he could follow Orochimaru, he would reject him and even risk his life to avoid him etc. Even if they got brainwashed, they'd eventually figure it out, pretty quickly imo. So basically I think it all has to do with the heart. Fine they're lonely/traumatised, but some characters/people are just not willing to go to any means just to feel important/valued. They'd rather just do the right thing even if it means being alone. Something like that anyway, but that's just my opinion!
SaygZero
2025-08-15 19:37:02 +0000 UTC
FYI episodes 128-135 are canon. The second half of episodes 141 and 220 (the last episode) are also canon. Everything else is considered filler.