What is Naruto: The Whorl Within the Spiral?

The Naruto manga has various spin-off chapters that focus on cast members apart from the main protagonist. Among these, The Whorl Within the Spiral, also known as Whirlwind in the Vortex, is one of the most beloved. It is a unique one-shot that was created by Masashi Kishimoto in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Naruto anime.

The origin of this one-shot manga is unique, as the character who would rank highest in a popularity poll called the NARUTOP99 would have their own story. The protagonist’s father, Minato Namikaze, ended up winning, after which Masashi Kishimoto released the manga on Shonen Jump in July 2023.

Another reason why Naruto: The Whorl Within the Spiral is distinctive from the other spin-offs is because it is considered canon by the fandom. While those such as Sasuke Retsuden were made by other creators, Minato’s tale was made by the mangaka of the original Naruto universe.

Naruto: The Whorl Within the Spiral serves as a prequel to the main story and revolves around the creation of the Rasengan. The manga starts by featuring Minato and his allies taking part in the Third Great Ninja War and facing the terrifying Tailed-Beasts from Roshi and Han. Thankfully, in the nick of time, Minato warped out Konoha’s ninja.

The scene then shifted to Kushina, who kept growing more anxious about her own Tailed Beast, Kurama. Despite facing a restrictive lifestyle, however, this fiery redhead found excitement in training with Minato on a daily basis. Unfortunately, once the ninja returned from war, he distanced himself from Kushina to learn a different jutsu.

While Kushina was left behind within the confines of the Uzumaki Clan barrier, Minato practiced his new jutsu along with Jiraiya. This involved kneading the chakra in his hand to create a destructive ball. Though struggling initially, he gained inspiration and whorled chakra in opposing directions, allowing him to succeed. Elated with his new creation, Minato named it the Ice Pop-Inspired Nimbus Jiraiya Twin Whorl Sphere.

Soon after, Kushina, who snuck out of her barrier, joined him. Upon questioning Minato about his jutsu, he revealed how he wanted to make a technique that would help Kushina if she were drafted to war. He had created this based on the Tailed Beast Bomb, and it would allow Kushina to face the other jinchuriki safely.

While expressing how he didn’t wish to lose her, Kurama intervened and tried taking over Kushina’s body. He delivered a powerful blow to Minato and tried forcing Kushina to undo his seals. Nevertheless, Minato, driven by the power of love, recovered and entered Kushina’s mind.

As the jinchuriki resisted Kurama's control, Minato delivered a devastating blow to the Tailed Beast using his newly formed jutsu. Following this, Minato woke up in the hospital and was hugged by the worried Kushina. Together, they went to a location that Mito had shown Kushina earlier.

There, Kushina, having refused Minato’s absurdly long jutsu name, declared that it would be called the Rasengan. The manga ends with Minato’s face lining up with the other Hokage on the Hokage Rock, foreshadowing his appointment as the Fourth Hokage.

Will Naruto: The Whorl Within the Spiral get an anime?

Naruto: The Whorl Within the Spiral has managed to gain a dedicated following among fans. In addition to featuring the history of the Rasengan, it is a tale of wholesome love between Naruto and Kushina. Due to this, readers understandably want an anime adaptation of this one-shot manga.

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Spin-offs such as Sasuke: Retsuden have been included within episodes of Boruto, and it is possible that the same may happen for this. While the Boruto anime is currently on break, it will return and cover the events of the Omnipotence Arc and the Two Blue Vortex.

Two Blue Vortex, in particular, has reimagined the Rasengan and introduced new elements to the spiral. Hence, while there is no confirmation yet, it would be a fitting way to pay homage to the original Rasengan by animating Minato and Kushina’s story at this point.

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