The series is based on two one-shot manga by Kishimoto: Karakuri (1995), which earned Kishimoto an honorable mention in Shueisha's monthly Hop Step Award the following year, and Naruto (1997). The story is told in two parts – the first set in Naruto's pre-teen years, and the second in his teens.

It tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who seeks recognition from his peers and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. Naruto ( Japanese: NARUTO （ ナルト ）) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto.