Biography: Kobayashi Naoki (小林直樹) is a Japanese animator and director. Naoki joined Khara after graduating from NEEC vocational school, following this, he was recruited into Studio Pierrot by Hiroyuki Yamashita working primarily for 'Naruto Shippuden' as an in-between artist before making a high profile key animation debut for the show in 2013. He became known for his sharp illustration skills and ability as an action animator, conveying swift motion and utilizing heavy smears with a great understanding of fight choreography. He now works as a freelance animator almost exclusively for anime films.