Katanagatari
This anime introduces us to a young man by the name of Shichika Yasuri. He lives in exile with his sister Nanami but also practices a very unique sword-fighting style called Kyotouryuu. This method requires him to use his own body as a blade.
The series picks up with him receiving an unusual task from a strategist named Togame. She wants Schichika to help her collect twelve special swords called Deviant Blades. Schichika accepts but not because he is interested in the mission. He’s far more interested in the fact that Togame is a beautiful and interesting woman. No matter what the motives are, Shichika’s decision means he and his sister have to become a team that is impossible to defeat if they hope to make it to the end of this adventure alive.
Katanagatari doesn’t look like it would have much in common with Naruto at first glance but the two series actually share quite a few similarities, starting with the presence of ninjas with various fighting styles. Many of the techniques used by characters in Katanagatari will remind you of the techniques used in Naruto. Having these various fighting styles on display among a large cast of opponents helps add that nice dynamic touch to the battles that Naruto so often has.
Then there’s also the presence of lengthy speeches during battles that often have to do with the power of friendship or never giving up. This is, of course, a common theme for most shounen anime, but Katanagatari even keeps the same types of messages, themes, and tone as Naruto during these moments.
