I think it's a common point of fanon that Naruto's fanservice technique is an actual physical shapeshift, whereas the normal disguise transformation is just some kinda insubstantial illusion layered over the body. But again, that's pretty much fanon.
There's certainly evidence that Naruto actually does change size and shape, and not just with the nekkid girl form. Early in the Wave Country arc, Naruto transforms himself into a freakin' big folding shuriken, and it does seem like Sasuke throws him.
This is in fact a point against Naruto's shapeshift thing being unique; if it were so incredible that Naruto could physically change his body, then presumably Sasuke would have said something...unless Sasuke's really dense.
In truth, it's probably just something Kishimoto didn't really think too much about. He doesn't seem to be a terribly detail-oriented writer. It's mostly story first, facts later.
On another note:
However, Slayers, Dirty Pair, and such have nonetheless been roped into the story, if only by the in-character ramblings of an anime fan. Even though most readers can be expected to catch the references - certainly I did - ... well, personally I still find it horribly distracting.
But again, that kind of thing is almost certainly required if your character's a time-displaced anime fan. So, y'know.
-- Acyl
There's certainly evidence that Naruto actually does change size and shape, and not just with the nekkid girl form. Early in the Wave Country arc, Naruto transforms himself into a freakin' big folding shuriken, and it does seem like Sasuke throws him.
This is in fact a point against Naruto's shapeshift thing being unique; if it were so incredible that Naruto could physically change his body, then presumably Sasuke would have said something...unless Sasuke's really dense.
In truth, it's probably just something Kishimoto didn't really think too much about. He doesn't seem to be a terribly detail-oriented writer. It's mostly story first, facts later.
On another note:
Quote:I'm aware those aren't really "crossovers". I probably used the phrase too loosely. You're right, though, in that the only thing you really explicitly linked to the Narutoverse is Sailor Moon.
There's only one true crossover in the story, and it hasn't shown up yet. Sailor Moon is the distant past (and a slightly non-canon timeline, anyway). Dirty Pair isn't a true crossover -- Konoha just has vague analogues of Kei and Yuri.
As for Slayers... that's nowhere NEAR a crossover. Recca just created a fictitious identity of "Lina Inverse", disguised himself as that, and took his frustrations out on bandits. The series is referenced, sure, but, so far, only in the form of Recca being familiar with it.
However, Slayers, Dirty Pair, and such have nonetheless been roped into the story, if only by the in-character ramblings of an anime fan. Even though most readers can be expected to catch the references - certainly I did - ... well, personally I still find it horribly distracting.
But again, that kind of thing is almost certainly required if your character's a time-displaced anime fan. So, y'know.
-- Acyl