As editors of Weekly Shōnen Jump, they had their own set of standards for evaluating manga. The storyline could wait—the most important elements were the art style and the character traits.
You didn't need to be a master storyteller. After all, most manga artists weren't exactly gifted at narrative construction. It was just like novel writing: the true gods of the craft packed depth and symbolism into every chapter. Each word was deliberate, the briefest lines often carrying the weight of entire philosophies. But most ordinary authors lacked that skill, often resorting to filler just to bulk up their word count.
Manga artists were no different.
Of course, the manga world had its legends—people whose storytelling was both unique and polished. Take Togashi, for example, the genius behind Yu Yu Hakusho and Hunter x Hunter. His narrative prowess was simply astonishing, the kind that made you believe in raw talent. That's why, even if he went on an indefinite hiatus just to play mahjong, Weekly Shōnen Jump would always reserve him a slot—just waiting for his return.
Maybe that's how he justified his hiatus: to protect the golden reputation he'd already built.
"The art's a little rough, but still above the average for weekly serialization. And you can tell there's huge potential for growth."
Editor-in-chief Kitagawa gave a nod of approval. He hadn't bothered with the plot yet; he skimmed through a few chapters to get a feel for the art and general style.
Because if your draft couldn't meet even the basic visual standards of manga, then no matter how great your story or ideas were, you couldn't call yourself a mangaka.
Once Kitagawa confirmed the baseline quality, he started reading more carefully. The first chapter opened with the protagonist, Uzumaki Naruto, splashing paint all over the Hokage Rock, while a panicked ninja ran to report him to the Hokage. Naruto ended up getting caught.
Just in the first two pages, the main character's personality came across loud and clear. Kitagawa gave another approving nod.
Then the scene shifted to a classroom. Iruka-sensei asked his students to perform the transformation jutsu—transforming into his likeness. It was the first subtle glimpse into the kind of ninjutsu that would later awe readers.
When Naruto's turn came, the prank-loving boy transformed into a completely naked beauty using the Sexy Jutsu, causing Iruka-sensei to spurt blood from his nose and collapse on the spot.
Kitagawa couldn't help but chuckle. No matter the series, the first few chapters were crucial. Whether it was painting the Hokage Rock or teasing a teacher with transformation jutsu, everything highlighted Naruto's chaotic charm. Combined with the title page's magatama symbol and the flashback-heavy dialogue between Iruka and Naruto, it masterfully introduced the entire premise.
Serious yet comedic, nostalgic yet fresh—this was a textbook opening. It might've seemed conventional, but it left little room for error.
Kitagawa flipped back to the first page. Seeing the author's name written there, he muttered:
"Ogata-kun… Is this really a newcomer? The technique is far too seasoned for someone just starting out. Could this be a veteran using a pen name?"
"From the artwork alone, I'd say it's clearly a rookie, sir."
Ogata stood straight, replying with formality.
"Yeah... the linework does give that away. Strange."
Kitagawa murmured and resumed reading.
Naruto, why are you always defacing things like that? You know what the Hokage title means, right?
At the ramen shop, Iruka-sensei earnestly lectured Naruto while treating him to a meal.
Of course I do! The people who hold the Hokage title are the strongest ninja in the whole village!
Young Naruto responded matter-of-factly, arms spread wide.
Especially the Fourth Hokage—he's the hero who saved the village from the Nine-Tails!
Even as a mere panel, one could almost hear the determined tone in Naruto's voice.
Then why—?
Because one day, I'll inherit that name! And I'll surpass every Hokage who came before me!
A prankster, a failure, an outcast... and yet the manga made that moment hit—with a bold font and a powerful backdrop, it carved Naruto's vow deep into the page.
Weekly Shōnen Jump built itself on three pillars: Friendship, Effort, and Victory. Not every series followed this mold, but it was their foundation.
And by the time he reached that panel, Kitagawa was certain—this manga embodied the very spirit of Shōnen Jump.
"Honestly, it makes you wonder if an insider editor made this themselves."
Kitagawa looked stunned. Many renowned mangaka took half a month—or more—just to polish their drafts after constant back-and-forth with editors. But from storyboard to execution, this manga felt like it had been crafted by someone who already knew every correct move. He hadn't spotted a single major flaw.
Of course, he had no idea that in another world, Naruto was already a fully serialized masterpiece.
Kitagawa gently set aside the manuscript. He'd already reviewed most of it. Though impressed, he needed to clarify a few things first.
"The author submitted this in person?"
He turned to Ogata.
"No, sir. It was mailed in."
Ogata answered immediately.
"Definitely a rookie, then. But a confident rookie..."
Kitagawa shook his head with a chuckle.
Most newcomers dreaming of a Jump serialization would come in person—hoping to leave a strong impression on the editors. Shueisha even had a department dedicated to those aspiring artists. Mailing it in? Unless you were already famous, that almost guaranteed rejection.
"Alright then. Ogata—you're in charge of this rookie. Give them a call. Set up a meeting."
Kitagawa gave his final decision after a brief pause.
"Yes, sir!"