Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-32390199-20150220202604/@comment-1894786-20150221190957

See, originally I wanted Naruto on the show, because I wanted Orochimaru to be after Kurama (the kitsune inside of Naruto), so that he could use its chakra to rule his world, based on the Land Of Fire from Naruto, which would be separate from the Enchanted Forest.

I also wanted Once to introduce the concept of chakra as a sort of rival counterpart to magic. Magic on Once seems to sprout from emotions, which only humans can have, so magic is exclusive to humanity. Chakra in Naruto was established to originate in nature, as it came from a forbidden fruit eaten by Kaguya, the princess from The Tale Of The Bamboo Cutter.

But I guess we can bring in the Sannin from the original tale without any connections to Naruto. I think those small references would give more depth and connection, but as long as Orochimaru brings back the deceased villains with his Kuchiyose: Edo Tensei No Jutsu (Summoning Jutsu: Reincarnation) and Tsunade busts out her monster super strength and healing techniques, I'm good. And they better make Jiraiya a loveable pervert! LOL