10 Most Tragic Moments in Naruto That Still Make Fans Cry

Although Naruto isn’t classified as a tragedy anime, it still managed to leave many viewers emotionally drained years after its end. This is because, despite being known for one of the most optimistic characters in all of anime, Naruto’s past is filled with sorrow and pain. These reminders that the world of ninjas isn’t just a playground of fun and color are found throughout the series. Moreover, while Naruto has an uncanny ability to make viewers laugh and cry alongside him, he’s not the only character who has left fans in tears.

In the rich tapestry of characters that makes up “Naruto”, a variety of narratives unfold, many of which involve loss and chaos, given the series’ focus on a world dominated by conflict. The human-like depth of Masashi Kishimoto’s character development only serves to amplify the show’s emotional weight. Moreover, his skillful storytelling technique makes viewers feel deeply connected to the narrative, making the heart-wrenching moments even more unbearable.

Spoiler Warning: Given the Nature of This List, Major Naruto Spoilers Ahead for Each Entry!

Rin’s Death

For Kakashi and Obito, Rin’s death stands as one of the most heart-wrenching events in the series. What makes this tragedy even more agonizing is that it was meticulously orchestrated by Madara as part of his elaborate scheme. Knowing that Obito would have to endure the same suffering as Madara to align with him, the older Uchiha abducted the girl whom Obito adored. He then entrapped Rin within the Three-Tails and set a countdown in motion, essentially making her a living time bomb.

Recognizing the situation, Rin decided to put her life on the line to shield her village, hurling herself in the path of Kakashi’s Chidori. This tragic event left an indelible scar on Kakashi, as he found himself being the one to take the life of a comrade he had vowed to safeguard. The emotional toll this incident took on Kakashi was immense and profound. Upon witnessing Kakashi’s act, Obito experienced a deep, heart-wrenching pain that ignited his Mangekyo Sharingan. This transformative moment turned the once hopeful dreamer into one of Naruto’s main antagonists.

Uchiha Massacre

The approval of Konoha for the annihilation of a clan to prevent a coup was already appalling, but what made it even more disturbing is that they tasked a 13-year-old from that very same clan to carry out the deed. In an attempt to save his younger brother’s life, Itachi reluctantly executed his own people. However, when he came to kill his parents, their understanding of his mission and unwavering love for him in their last moments caused the usually composed character to weep uncontrollably.

In this poignant scene, Itachi’s grief deepens as he is compelled to deceive Sasuke, his brother, throughout Naruto’s storyline, maintaining Sasuke’s allegiance to the village that had taken the lives of his beloved family. When Sasuke remains skeptical of Itachi’s actions, Itachi forces him to witness the massacre personally using his Mangekyo Sharingan. In doing so, he inflicts severe psychological trauma on the person he cherishes most, accepting blame for a calamity orchestrated by those in authority.

Asuma’s Death

In Naruto Shippuden, Asuma’s death marked a turning point, shifting the mood from lighthearted to somber. This grim event underscored that even the show’s principal characters weren’t invulnerable to the war’s violence. What made his demise particularly poignant was that he sacrificed himself for his students, just as he was on the verge of becoming a father, adding an extra layer of sadness to the moment.

Despite his untimely departure, Asuma’s demise played a crucial role in the storyline, offering a profound look into his students’ lives and fostering their growth. Shikamaru, in particular, was deeply affected by Asuma’s request to care for his unborn child. However, the usually lethargic ninja rose to the occasion, embracing responsibility and undergoing a transformation that led to his maturation.

Zabuza and Haku

In the world of Naruto, an unyielding assassin named Zabuza had a young, kind-hearted companion, Haku. This unusual duo marked Naruto’s initial significant villains. Although Haku played the role of an antagonist, his actions often mirrored those of a hero, such as when he selflessly placed himself in front of Zabuza to shield him from Kakashi’s Chidori attack. However, Haku’s demise was already heart-wrenching; what followed made this moment etched deeply into the memories of Naruto fans forever.

Upon the arrival of the unscrupulous Gato and his crew, Gato began brutally manhandling the lifeless body of Haku. At first, Zabuza, wounded, seemed unfazed. But when Naruto labeled him heartless, he concealed his feelings no longer. Grasping Naruto’s shuriken in his teeth, Zabuza retaliated against Gato, sacrificing himself in the process. In his final breaths, with deep emotion, Zabuza requested to be positioned beside Haku so he could catch one last glimpse of his face.

Neji’s Death

During the Fourth Great Ninja War, it was Neji who tragically became the only Konoha 11 member to give up his life. In his final moments, he selflessly sacrificed himself to safeguard Naruto and Hinata, a testament to the profound transformation of his character. Originally harboring resentment towards Hinata for being a weak Hyuuga heir, Neji eventually grew to accept his role as a member of her clan.

Neji, one of the Konoha 11, was the unfortunate soul who paid the ultimate price during the Fourth Great Ninja War. In his final act, he bravely put himself between Naruto and Hinata to ensure their safety, demonstrating the incredible growth in his character. Initially holding a grudge against Hinata for being the weaker Hyuuga heir, Neji eventually embraced his responsibilities as her clan member.

The poignancy of Neji’s demise is heightened by the sight of Hinata’s sister bearing a photo of Neji at her wedding, evoking memories of the firm yet nurturing figure he could have been to us. Initially, Neji appeared as an unyielding foe who challenged Naruto’s beliefs, but as he developed respect for Konoha’s future Seventh Hokage, spectators’ perceptions of him transformed. The moving acceptance of Naruto by Neji adds a profound sadness to his passing in the climactic moments of the saga.

Naruto’s Childhood

Naruto’s journey begins shrouded in sorrow, stemming from a tragic past. As the villagers harbored hatred towards him, Minato, the Hokage, chose to make a selfless sacrifice to safeguard his village and family. He divided the chakra of the Nine-Tails, imprisoning its Yang half within Naruto. However, during the sealing process, the Nine-Tails attempted to strike Naruto down, forcing Minato and Kushina to protect him by absorbing the blow with their own bodies.

Growing up as an orphan, Naruto spent most of his life facing rejection and not knowing why people disliked him or who his parents were. The Third Hokage was like a grandfather to him, providing some solace. Yet, the support from the Hokage didn’t lessen the hardships Naruto faced, as many villagers either avoided him or harbored subtle resentment towards him throughout much of the series.

Itachi’s Last Goodbye

Itachi’s life was undeniably sorrowful, yet the most heart-rending aspect was that, despite his best attempts, he couldn’t shield Sasuke from the reality of the Uchiha Clan Massacre. His younger sibling discovered the truth about Itachi being tasked to eliminate their kin and developed a loathing for the very village Itachi gave up everything to protect due to this revelation. However, instead of attempting to alter his brother’s perspective, Itachi accepted Sasuke’s animosity.

He guaranteed his sibling that regardless of the decision he took, his love for him remained unchanging. Hearing this from his brother, whom he had slain and yet cherished, was a poignant moment for Sasuke. However, it was a sorrowful turn of events as these words were uttered just before Itachi’s departure to the hereafter.

Gaara’s Childhood

Similar to Naruto, young Gaara was a Jinchuriki who faced rejection from his village. Unlike Naruto, however, he didn’t have the backing of the Third Hokage. Instead, his father, the Fourth Kazekage, abandons him and makes him live separately from his siblings under the care of his maternal uncle, Yashamaru. The Kazekage deemed Gaara a failed experiment when he realized that Gaara couldn’t be used as the weapon he desired. To make matters worse, the Kazekage orders Yashamaru, whom Gaara loved, to assassinate him.

Even more sadly, he pushed the already delicate mind of the six-year-old to breaking point by getting Yashamaru to say that both him and Gaara’s mother disliked him. This was the decisive event that transformed Gaara into the ominous character initially seen in the Chunin Exams and Konoha Crush Arcs of Naruto. Without Naruto’s friendship, he might have become one of the series’ most heartbreaking antagonists.

Jiraiya’s Death

The death of the adored and humorous character, Jiraiya, came unexpectedly and was met with great sorrow by fans. In a fateful encounter against the antagonist Pain, Jiraiya discovered he was once a pupil. However, their battle had already reached an irreconcilable point, leaving only one outcome: either Jiraiya or Pain would survive, the other meeting their end on the battlefield.

Regardless of facing off against the powerful Rinnegan, Jiraiya fought valiantly but eventually succumbed. His final act was sending a message revealing Pain’s true identity to Konoha. As the Pain’s Assault Arc progressed in “Naruto Shippuden” Episode 133, Jiraiya’s thoughts were not on his student Naruto.

Naruto’s Goodbye to Minato

In Naruto Shippuden Episode 474, Minato, who had fought alongside his son in the Fourth Great Ninja War, eventually has to depart for the afterlife. Naruto, who didn’t have much of a relationship with his father, gets a brief chance to bid him farewell. It’s heart-wrenching to see this scene unfold. However, what follows next is an emotionally complex and unexpectedly sorrowful sequence for our young protagonist.

To begin with, Minato expresses his happiness on Naruto’s 17th birthday, which happens to be the sole birthday wish Naruto ever receives from a parent. The dam of emotions bursts, yet Naruto manages to suppress his tears as he comforts his parents, ensuring them that there is no need for concern regarding him. Nevertheless, just like the viewers, Naruto finds it difficult to maintain composure and eventually allows his tears to flow freely.

2025-01-21 20:11