Naruto is one of the most famous shows in the shonen genre, even though some shonen tropes have become a bit boring to viewers.
But this anime has fans all over the world because of its fight scenes, animation, characters, and secrets.
Naruto: Shippuden kept people interested for 500 episodes by using both canon stories from the book and filler stories made by the studio. The most interesting story may be the one that has been going on the longest.
In the anime, Kakashi Hatake, one of the main characters, who is also on Team 7 wears a headband and a mask.
The mask covers more than half of his face. This made a lot of people wonder: In Naruto: Shippuden, did Kakashi ever take off his mask? Yes and no are both the right answers.
Does Kakashi Ever Show His Face?
Previously, Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto was asked in an interview with Shonen Jump (via Saiyan Island): “Will he show everyone the real face behind Kakashi's mask?” “I really want to do that,” Kishimoto stated flatly. I'm at a loss for what to do. This should happen in the next manga or anime episode, but I don't have any preparations for it yet.”
With all of Naruto's world-building, Kakashi's unveiling happened in a filler episode of Naruto Shippuden after over 500 episodes of Naruto and Naruto spinoffs.
During the years of the Naruto series, the genuine face of Kakashi has perhaps been the most fiercely debated topic.
The number of times Kakashi-sensei revealed his face was incredibly infrequent throughout the series, leaving the audience extremely intrigued and anxious to know what was behind that mask.
The only time we see Kakashi's face is in Naruto Shippuden episode 469, which is based on a side story produced by artist Kishimoto Masashi for the light novel edition rather than the original manga.
Kakashi's face was revealed later when Naruto's adventure came to a conclusion in a “filler” episode. And, guess what, there's a mole on Kakashi's chin.
So, after many times thinking he had uncovered Kakashi-sensei's face through several trickery of his students, he eventually failed. When he saw his autistic face in front of the mirror, the author's followers burst into tears.
As can be seen, Kakashi didn't hide anything unusual beneath the mask, but rather his true attractiveness.
Inside the mask, Kakashi sensei has a lovely face with a mole on his left chin.
Why Kakashi Was Disappointed Without His Mask?
The reveal was a touch underwhelming in comparison to what Naruto's core cast of ninjas had been expecting because Kakashi's mask disguised only a small mole on his chin.
It's unclear whether Kakashi's hesitation to reveal his complete face is due to the mole or if it has nothing to do with it.
However, from the standpoint of the public, the first appearance of Kakashi's face was arguably an excellent use of filler episodes.
The Sukea narrative was another fun, entertaining adventure, but the Naruto anime's finale was marred by an endless stream of inconsequential non-canon information.
However, the reveal of Kakashi's face provided some intrigue for long-time Naruto anime viewers.
However, there are times when there is no satisfying way to end a long-running TV joke. Some would argue that the episode deserved greater attention and that Kakashi's identity reveal should have been part of a larger plot line.
Others, on the other hand, may argue that the reveal should never have happened and that Naruto should have kept Team 7 and the public guessing about what Kakashi really looked like until his death.
Why Did Naruto Take So Long to Reveal Kakashi's Face Without His Mask?
Throughout Naruto, the question of “what does Kakashi look like under his mask” was possibly more intriguing than the resolution.
This declaration was likely delayed until near the end of Naruto because it was unrelated to the plot of the series and instead served as a fun running joke for fans.
Because Kakashi's true face is not shocking nor unusual, the mystery would have been solved if Kakashi's identity had been revealed earlier in the story.
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This, however, would not have contributed any additional suspense. Naruto made the most of the mystery by delaying it for nearly 500 episodes, which is why it was bound to be disappointing.
