Naruto is one of the first manga I started reading in elementary school.

I never got all the volume, but at some point I switched to watching it on TV.

I absolutely loved it, and it improved my life. I was a bit of a weird kid and a loner, but not only I found some comfort in how I could relate to Naruto and other characters, but it also helped me get actual friends, bonding over our mutual love of Naruto.

Rock Lee wasn't immediately my favorite character, but he might've been the one who stuck with me the most. He is a symbol of hard work and dedication, and a shining example to follow.

Also, when drawing Ningame (the turtle)'s face, I may or may not have also used some influence from Morla, from the Neverending Story. That turtle probably had a negative influence on my life.