This article contains spoilers from the Naruto series.

Summary

Minato created the Rasengan to protect Kushina, inspired by Tailed Beast Balls.
Minato never completed the Rasengan due to nature transformation requirements.
Had Minato lived longer, he could have surpassed the First Hokage in perfecting the technique.

When it comes to signature techniques in Naruto, few are as iconic as the Rasengan, and there most certainly isn't any jutsu that holds more legacy than this one technique. As fans know, Minato Namikaze was the creator of the Rasengan in Naruto, but he himself knew that this technique was lacking in many ways.

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By Rei Penber

Minato intended to complete the Rasengan, but he never could, which has confused many fans, especially after Naruto himself completed the jutsu. Kishimoto has never addressed this in the manga, but there most certainly is a reason for this.

How Minato Created The Rasengan

A Technique Crested to Protect Kushina
Based on The Tailed Beast Ball

The lore behind the Rasegan is, quite simply, some of the most fascinating stuff in the Naruto series. It was finally revealed to the fans in the Minato One-shot that came out a year or so ago. In it, Kishimoto clearly shows Minato Namikaze observing the Tailed Beast Balls when he was up against two Bijuu at the same time. The technique caught his attention, and he also realized that at some point during the war, Kushina, the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, might be sent to war. Essentially, the Rasegan was a technique that Minato created to protect Kushina.

I will create it to keep Kushina safe! — Minato on creating the Rasengan

The original idea was to create it for her so she could use it herself. However, in the end, Minato created the technique and used it himself to save her from the Nine Tails. Minato's skill was such that he essentially created a miniature version of the Tailed Beast Ball by concentrating chakra and then using its rotation as a weapon. As fans saw in the Minato One-shot, he couldn't even match the Nine-Tails with his power, and he was directly stated to be a ninja of the same caliber as the First Hokage.

Why Minato Couldn't Complete The Rasengan

The Rasengan Required Nature Transformation

Although the Rasengan was a very powerful technique, Minato himself knew that it had the potential to grow even stronger. As such, his goal was to complete the Rasengan. But, unfortunately, he never did. His son, Naruto Uzumaki, managed to complete the Rasengan and he created the Rasenshuriken. Even Konohamaru Sarutobi ended up creating the Wind Release: Rasengan, and Boruto have their own versions of the technique.

Naruto, my message to you is the same as your nagging mother. I love you. — Minato Namikaze

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By Rei Penber

Yet, fans know clearly that Minato is the biggest genius of them all. Still, he couldn't complete the Rasengan despite having three nature transformations. There is no clear reason for this, other than the fact that Minato died way too young and didn't get the chance to perfect the Rasengan. It took him three years to come up with the Rasengan, and by that time, he was already a young adult. Minato had to fight a busy war and even lead the Village as a Hokage. He likely didn't get enough time to practice with the Rasengan and then, one fateful day, he died.

Could Minato Have Perfected The Rasegan?

Clearly, Minato is one of the most talented ninjas to ever live. Had he lived longer, it goes without saying that he would've created his own unique version of the Rasengan and mastered it to a degree where he might even have surpassed the First Hokage. After all, his genius is unmatched and fans know that given the time, Minato would've been able to learn just about anything. He is the same ninja who tamed Kurama moments after his return in the War, and that shows he could do anything, even perfect the Rasengan in multiple ways.