This article contains spoilers from the Naruto series.

Summary

Kishimoto didn't want to draw the Chunin Exam arc due to his original idea for Naruto's story.
Kishimoto's editors suggested the introduction of Orochimaru during the Chunin Exams arc.
Orochimaru became a major villain due to the interruption in the Chunin Exams, impacting the series greatly.

Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto series is quite easily one of the most iconic ones, and much of that is down to his incredible writing of his main characters, creating tremendous story arcs with some of the most compelling plot points, and of course, some terrific villains as well.

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As far as the villains of the Naruto world go, one of the most fascinating ones, and quite easily one who is beloved by the fans is Orochimaru. Fans know Orochimaru to be one of the biggest threats in early Naruto and one who moved the plot in incredible ways. This creation of Kishimoto was one of the biggest reasons why the story was as exciting as it was in early Naruto, but not all fans know the reason behind the creation of Orochimaru.

Kishimoto's Creation Of The Chunin Exams Arc

Kishimoto Didn't Want To Draw The Chunin Exams Arc
Kishimoto's Own Idea Of Naruto Was Very Different

In the world of Shonen Jump, mangaka often have support in the form of their editors, as well as the Jump editors themselves. While they can be a blessing in many ways, such as helping with drawing complex scenes, doing background, and even giving big ideas to the writer, they can also be problematic for the mangaka. Sometimes, mangaka, especially the new ones, can be forced to draw certain plotlines that they aren't particularly interested in drawing. Something similar happened to Kishimoto in the early parts of Naruto.

You will draw it even if you die! — Kishimoto's Editors on drawing Chunin Exams

Once Kishimoto finished the Land of Waves arc, his idea of the story was far from what ended up taking place, that is, the Chunin Exams arc. Kishimoto had no intention of drawing the Chunin Exams. Instead, he wanted Naruto and his team to travel across the ninja world and come across many Shinobi teams. These teams would ideally have Kakashi's rivals, and of course, Naruto's very own rivals as well.

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Unfortunately, as great as this idea was, it was not accepted by the Jump editors. Kishimoto's editor simply told him to draw a tournament arc instead. The author was fairly certain that he couldn't do such a thing because all the planning for it, and then implementing a large-scale tournament arc would kill him. However, the editors showed little to no concern and forced him to draw a tournament-style arc, which is where the Chunin Exams arc comes from. Kishimoto reminisces on this, openly stating that he loved drawing the Chunin Exams arc, but if it were up to him, he'd still go with his own version of the story.

Since Orochimaru was introduced first in the Chunin Exams arc, this is where he was created as well. Naturally, fans might assume that Kishimoto had a big hand in the creation of Orochimaru. However, the truth is something very different.

How Kishimoto's Editors Helped Create Orochimaru

Kishimoto's Editors Suggested A Villain Named Orochimaru

When the Chunin Exams arc was going on, Kishimoto was thoroughly enjoying the process of drawing this tournament, even though he was against it at first. However, just as he was getting ready to finish the tournament, declaring a winner of his own, Kishimoto's Editors suggested a plot twist. According to them, this was the perfect opportunity to introduce the likes of Orochimaru in the story.

What is this feeling? Is it fear? I can't move! — Kakashi

Essentially, Kishimoto's Editors told him to have the Chunin Exams interrupted and introduce a villain named Orochimaru. This is precisely what happened, and as fans know, Konoha Crush began. Orochimaru orchestrated this big attack against Konoha and it led to large-scale destruction. Even the Third Hokage of the Village, Hiruzen Sarutobi, ended up losing his life here, while the likes of Naruto Uzumaki got to shine in this battle.

Orochimaru, meanwhile, was established as a major villain in the story. Even though his plan failed, he persisted and set his eyes on Sasuke. From there onwards, fans know that Orochimaru became extremely important in the overarching plot of the series. In fact, the vast majority of Naruto Part 1 revolved around Orochimaru as the main villain, and it goes without saying that he was a fascinating villain.

Unfortunately, Orochimaru was not treated well in the future of Naruto, and the years of setup behind his character arc was unfulfilled. Instead, focus shifted more towards the likes of Madara Uchiha and the other Akatsuki members in the second part of Naruto. That said, Orochimaru’s impact remains memorable to this day.