Masashi Kishimoto
In September 1999, the serialized version of "Naruto" premiered in "Weekly Shōnen Jump 1999 No. 43" and quickly became a hit. "Naruto" ended on November 10, 2014 after more than 15 years of serialization, with a total of 700 chapters collected in 72 volumes. Sales have exceeded 113 million copies in Japan and over 95 million copies in the US, followed by over 93 million copies worldwide (outside Japan and United States) as of volume 36. Making total sales for the series approximately 301 million copies. Kishimoto was also the winner of "Rookie of the Year" for the series in the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It was adapted into two successful anime series, "Naruto" and "Naruto Shippuden". Kishimoto requested that Tetsuya Nishio oversee the character designs of "Naruto" when the manga was adapted into an anime series. The "Naruto" manga series became one of Viz Media's top properties, accounting for nearly 10% of all manga sales in the US in 2006. The seventh volume of Viz's release became the first manga to ever win a Quill Award when it claimed the award for "Best Graphic Novel" in 2006. Responding to "Naruto"'s success, Kishimoto said in "Naruto Collector Winter 2007/2008" that he was "very glad that the American audience has accepted and understood ninja. It shows that the American audience has good taste... because it means they can accept something previously unfamiliar to them." While writing the manga, Kishimoto met Eiichiro Oda, author of "One Piece" who he considered his rival. When "Naruto" ended, Oda left a message in the series' final volume acknowledging him as a rival. According to Kishimoto "That felt so gratifying." Additionally, before the anime adaptation's premiere of "My Hero Academia", he praised Kōhei Horikoshi's work, believing it would be a success overseas. Additionally, Kishimoto referred to Yoshihiro Togashi as one of his favorite artists.
Mitsuki (Naruto)
The anime series of "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations" (2017) shows how Mitsuki enters the ninja academy and befriends Boruto as well as other children training to become ninjas. During the series, Mitsuki helps Boruto find the criminal behind the attacks meant to contaminate people's chakras. In a following arc, Mitsuki goes on a trip to Kirigakure where he joins the Mist ninjas and his allies in trying to stop a rebellion led by seven swordsmen. Following this arc, Mitsuki declares he will become a ninja to keep track of Boruto, feeling his encounter with him has changed his way of seeing life. After this arc, Mitsuki and his friends become ninjas after passing a test, and he, Boruto, and Sarada form the new "Team 7" under the leadership of Konohamaru. In the anime, Mitsuki disappears to from the Leaf Village and his friends go on a mission to prove his innoncence over their superiors. They learn that Mitsuki is catching up with ninjas from the Stone Village who confront Mitsuki's teammembers. Mitsuki interrupts the battle and takes down Boruto. Mitsuki allies with a group of artificial humans known as a Fabrications to perform a coup on the Stone although Mitsuki is later revealed to be an agent. He once again joins his team when defeating their leader, Ku.