In a surprising revelation that has sent shockwaves through the anime and manga community, it has been unveiled that three of the most iconic and beloved series in the genre—Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece—were all inspired by the same epic story. These franchises have captivated audiences around the world for decades, and now fans have a deeper understanding of the common thread that binds them together.

The revelation came to light during a recent interview with Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, and Akira Toriyama, the mastermind behind Dragon Ball. Both manga legends discussed their creative processes and the influences that shaped their work. They revealed that the inspiration for their respective series can be traced back to the same source: the classic Chinese novel, “Journey to the West” (also known as “Monkey” or “Monkey King”).

“Journey to the West,” written by Wu Cheng’en during the Ming Dynasty, is a tale that follows the adventures of a Buddhist monk named Xuanzang and his three disciples: Sun Wukong, the Monkey King; Zhu Bajie, the Pig; and Sha Wujing, the Monk. This epic journey to retrieve sacred Buddhist texts is filled with mythical creatures, martial arts battles, and moral lessons.

Masashi Kishimoto revealed that the character of Naruto Uzumaki, the young ninja with dreams of becoming Hokage, was heavily influenced by the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. The mischievous yet powerful nature of both characters, along with their journey to become heroes, drew clear parallels.

Similarly, Akira Toriyama admitted that elements of “Journey to the West” significantly influenced Dragon Ball, particularly the character Goku, who is inspired by Sun Wukong. Goku’s incredible strength, his cloud-riding Nimbus, and his adventures across the world were all nods to the Monkey King’s exploits.

But the revelation didn’t stop there. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, joined the conversation and disclosed that his series also had its roots in “Journey to the West.” While not as overt as Dragon Ball or Naruto, the influence of the epic tale can be seen in the diverse and colorful cast of characters, the grand adventure across the seas, and the quest for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece.

Fans of all three series were quick to react to this revelation on social media, expressing their amazement at the common source of inspiration. It is a testament to the enduring power of “Journey to the West” that it continues to inspire and shape the world of anime and manga, even today.

As fans of Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece celebrate this newfound connection between their favorite series, it serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of storytelling and cultural influences that make these franchises so beloved worldwide. The legacy of “Journey to the West” lives on in the adventures of these iconic characters, and it will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of creators and fans alike.