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If underutilizing characters and wasted potential were a game,Narutowould win it. That is not to say the series is a failure. But mostly, it has to do with the mangaka’s disservice to major characters.
As an iconic ninja story, the series triumphs over other shonen manga in its diversity. But most importantly, it has an enthralling storyline. Sadly, though, the mangaka let go of several pivotal characters including Kurama.
From being feared to being mocked, Kurama got the short end of the stick. But what’s even more saddening is the character getting nerfed. This also applies to his formidability as a Kyuubi.
While his strength was wasted for shock value, this isn’t the first time characters were underutilized. The series has a long history of sacrificing some of its rich stories and characters for the sake of pure shock factor.
Nine Tails’ wasted potential inNaruto
Kurama is one of the most powerful beasts in theNarutouniverse. Since the beginning of the series, we witness the sheer horror and fear in Konohagakure’s residents. He is established as one of the strongest and most formidable among the other tailed-beasts.
As a beast created by Hagoromo Otsutsuki, Kurama harbored hatred for humans over time. This was also reflected in his destructive nature. But the reality had more to do with the history of the jinchuriki.
For centuries, ninjas misused tailed beasts for political purposes. TheNine-Tailsis no exception to this considering his unparalleled power. Like most jinchuriki, Kurama was reduced to a weapon.
His strength and power was unmatched in most aspects. This also led Konohagakure citizens to ostracize his jinchuriki. But what truly vexes the viewers is the characters’ nerf in the series.
A Cool Detail in Shippuden Shows How Terrified Madara Uchiha Was of Naruto’s Most Powerful Jutsu
Redditorspointed toKurama’s badass ability that eventually disappeared from the limelight.
Needless to say, this is one of the most iconic moments in the series. It truly showcased the extent of Kurama’s power. And while the character is nerfed down in the sequel, he isn’t the only one.
This applies to most characters that were sacrificed for the shock value factor in Kishimoto’s series. From nerfing to character deaths, the series has unjustly sidelined some of its most important characters.
The shock value factor
From Kurama to Kushina,Masashi Kishimotohas an array of characters that were sacrificed for shock value. This also ties in well with the series’ failure to encompass some of the rich lore present in the manga.
Undoubtedly, Kishimoto’s series exemplifies some of the well-written characters. But for the most part, the series manages to fail its characters. Be it character deaths or nerfs, the side characters got the short end of the stick.
Of all the deaths in the series, Jiraiya andNeji’s demisewas the most devastating. But what angered fans was the latter’s sacrifice, which seemed unnecessary. This also applies to Kurama’s pivotal role inBoruto.
The character’s “almost death” seemed more of a mockery to the character. Additionally, Might Guy being crippled as a result of the Eighth Gate transformation was equally saddening.
“She most certainly would have been a threat”: Masashi Kishimoto Has No Answers for His Biggest Fumble in Naruto Involving Kushina
All in all, Kishimoto left no stone unturned in stripping the characters from their glorious fate. Kurama truly deserved his well-deserved spotlight as a formidable tailed beast. This, however, doesn’t negate the mangaka’s brilliance in giving us one of the most iconic and badass characters of all time.
Naruto:Shippudenis available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Viz Media.
Himanshi Jeswani
Anime Writer
Articles Published :993
Himanshi Jeswani is an anime writer at Fandomwire, with her work spanning over 900 articles. Her articles cover shojo, shonen, seinen, and all things beyond. Her interests, however, aren’t limited to simply anime. She has a penchant for exploring different genres of manga, be it horror, yanki, music, and food. She brings out her specialization and expertise in the performing arts through her articles. As a writer, she strives to bridge the gap between the viewers and the medium itself. To her, anime is a revolutionary medium that is capable of creating communities and stories after all.
