10 Naruto Characters Who Expose the Dark Side

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Beneath the entertaining facade of Naruto, there exist numerous complex contradictions that surface through its characters. Initially, the universe portrayed in Naruto might appear to be clearly divided between good and evil. However, while it does not shy away from portraying heartrending stories and tragic pasts that can stir emotions temporarily, the series consistently endorses a rigid ideology supporting the political system of the shinobi world.

Even for an accomplished and thoughtful author like Kishimoto, it’s unavoidable that the complexities of the world they create will eventually outpace their narrative intentions. _Naruto_ serves as a fascinating demonstration of this phenomenon: no matter how diligently a writer tries to guide the story in a specific direction, over time they may unwittingly leave behind too many loose narrative threads that ultimately overshadow the intended plot. Here are ten _Naruto_ characters that fans might find themselves pondering too much.

1) Neji

Born into the Hyuga Branch family, Neji carries a curse seal that gives members of the primary bloodline the power to chastise or eliminate him at their discretion. Essentially, this seal binds the Branch family members as servants to the Main family. Carrying such a burden from childhood would undoubtedly foster disillusionment. However, through encouragement from Naruto, Neji eventually sheds his rigid faith. Despite this shift in perspective, the curse seal remains etched upon him.

Essentially, Neji’s mark symbolizes Naruto’s narrative on issues of discrimination and social order in a way that suggests the presence of the mark is irrelevant if everyone can be persuaded to disregard it. However, only the villains in Naruto question why the mark exists in the first place. Through this, Kishimoto subtly introduces themes of bloodlines and a dance with genetic destiny, simultaneously implying “you’re born with certain abilities” and “the abilities you’re born with are insignificant.

2) Sai

Sai, a character from Naruto Shippuden, is one of its most captivating newcomers. His endearing yet awkward demeanor makes him intriguing to watch as he struggles to adapt to society and forge friendships. Regrettably, these skills were stripped away due to the harsh techniques used by ANBU for brainwashing and reconditioning. Through rigorous programming, Sai transforms into an immaculate robot, with even his recollections of his brother completely wiped out.

Upon comprehending the entire backstory of Sai, he becomes heart-wrenchingly hard to observe. He serves as a stark illustration of how ruthless the shinobi world can be in stripping individuals of their uniqueness and self-identity for the sake of blind obedience. This narrative also raises queries about the correlation between these obvious, coercive means of indoctrination and loyalty enforcement, and the subtler, manipulative tactics employed by ninja society to keep its warriors compliant and loyal on the battlefield. In essence, Sai’s tale challenges the very core of Naruto’s ideology concerning loyalty, even if it is implied subtly.

3) Danzo

Though some fans find Danzo intriguing, most agree he’s essentially a villain. Despite moments of blatant self-interest, Danzo’s actions are primarily driven by a deep loyalty to Konoha. It’s worth noting that the Root organization was created to strengthen Konoha discreetly, as a compromise when Danzo sought Sarutobi’s Hokage position.

In the story of Naruto, Root firmly establishes itself as a powerful enforcer for Konoha, exerting control over the world. It’s no shock that many of its orders had the backing of the village, especially since Danzo, who was already known to be secretive, cunning, and opportunistic, seemed perfectly suited for the role assigned by Konoha. As the old adage goes, “it’s not the player we should despise, but the game itself.

4) Kabuto

Similar to Naruto, Kabuto was among Konoha’s orphaned children. Just like Sai, Kabuto eventually joined the organization known as Root, where he was subjected to a wide range of manipulation. The extent of this deception is astonishing: Danzo went to great lengths to make both Kabuto and Nonou forget each other’s faces so that they, Root’s two most skilled ninja, would inadvertently target one another. Over time, Kabuto was gaslit and had his identity altered so frequently that he lost sight of who he was. After essentially being cast aside, he came under the guidance of Orochimaru.

While Sai and Kabuto both demonstrate the extremes to which shinobi will go with their identities, they represent starkly contrasting paths. Initially reinstated into the shinobi community, Sai has firmly established himself as an ally. Conversely, Kabuto, rejected, eventually lost his identity and sought power, becoming a powerful antagonist during the Fourth Great Ninja War. In essence, he transformed into the most formidable villain within the shinobi world, a role that was essentially created for him by the same society.

5) Konan

Certainly, Konan is among the three orphans from Amegakure who were briefly taken care of by Jiraiya. Later on, she became a significant member of Akatsuki, an organization initially established for self-defense due to Amegakure’s frequent use as a battlefield by proxy forces. Throughout her journey, Konan was deeply connected to Nagato and Yahiko, and she also yearned for tranquility in her homeland.

It’s evident that the concept of shinobi idealism is hollow, as when Naruto pledged to help establish peace in Amegakure, no assistance was ever forthcoming – not even after the village was attacked by Obito, who was searching for Nagato’s Rinnegan during one of the most impactful episodes in “Naruto Shippuden”. Although Naruto had conveyed optimism and support through friendly expressions, Amegakure’s later portrayal in “Boruto” reveals that the shinobi world operates on the dynamic relationship between prosperous cosmopolitan cities like Konoha and villages left impoverished in their wake.

6) Tsunade

Throughout her tenure as Hokage, Tsunade often found herself in an unjust situation due to external challenges such as Akatsuki or internal conflicts between villages. Furthermore, she inherited a ship that Sarutobi had only partially managed effectively. However, these troubles run even deeper. Most of the hardships faced by Tsunade as Hokage can be traced back to the ruthless political games played by her predecessors in office.

Discussing Tsunade inevitably leads to mention of her luxurious lifestyle, which could be described as indulgent or pleasure-seeking. If the core of a hedonistic life is freedom from suffering and an increase in joy, it’s hard not to recognize that Tsunade has compelling reasons for wanting to avoid pain – reasons such as the loss of her brother and fiancé, which are closely tied to the shinobi order’s ongoing requirement for fresh recruits to fill vacancies, engage in battles deemed necessary, and ultimately generate revenue. It’s ironic that she is called back to lead this very same system, adding insult to injury.

7) Rock Lee

In the ninja realm, one common belief is that discipline leads to success. However, Rock Lee challenges this idea. Through his journey, he uncovers deep-rooted ideologies centered on war and bloodlines. Despite not having much chakra, Rock Lee yearns to be respected and honored as a shinobi. He strives tirelessly, but in the end, similar to his mentor and commander Might Guy, his potential seems limited by his readiness to risk everything, even life itself, in this world.

Regardless of the circumstances, one might label it as a stroke of bad fortune. At the minimum, one cannot criticize Rock Lee’s determination and commitment, nor his strength, as he ultimately becomes incredibly powerful. Many Naruto fans admire Rock Lee for his optimistic outlook and unwavering tenacity. Yet, after his much-admired confrontation with Gaara, it seems that the shinobi world has underestimated him despite his obvious potential.

8) Haku

Fans of Naruto deeply appreciate the character of Haku. Many viewers see Haku as a rare instance in the series where a character is allowed to die with respect and integrity. Additionally, they view him as a symbol of unwavering devotion within the storyline. If you’ve noticed, the term “devotion” might be more relatable than “loyalty.” Haku was an orphan who Zabuzu found and exploited his hidden abilities and Ice Release technique for his own purposes, posing the question if Haku would serve as his weapon.

Through profound dedication, Haku transformed into an instrument of great skill: his strong sense of purpose led him to feel unwavering loyalty and devotion towards Zabuzu. For the remainder of his life, he served as a masterful weapon. In essence, their relationship was mutually beneficial, yet it’s important to note that Haku never tasted freedom; instead, he devoted himself entirely to serving someone else. His life ended tragically while protecting his master, and the series allows Zabuzu to mourn him. However, it never explores the reasons behind why Haku was driven and controlled into adhering to a shinobi lifestyle that society almost dictates.

9) Kakuzu

As a die-hard Naruto fan, I must say that the economic aspect of the series takes a more subtle backseat in the Shippuden arc, particularly when Kakuzu is involved. However, let me emphasize that in the early phases of Naruto, the economy is intricately woven into the fabric of this world, just as it is in our own reality. In essence, money, the most precious commodity, holds immense power and influence over the characters’ lives.

In appearance, Kakuzu appears to be incredibly ruthless; he’s not afraid to commit despicable acts for monetary gain, perfectly embodying Akatsuki’s role as rogue mercenaries at the time. However, if you find Kakuzu cruel, it is important to recognize that the shinobi of the Five Great Nations are equally ruthless in their own ways. In the world of Naruto, money holds significant power, and while Kakuzu may not hide his greed with ideals like honor or loyalty, they are not unique to him.

10) Karin

Karin’s tale is so harrowing it’s difficult not to overlook, but its implications for the wider shinobi community can be easily missed. Taken into Kusagakure as a child alongside her mother in return for healing their wounded, it’s heart-wrenching to observe how Zousui doesn’t even blink when Karin’s mother depletes all her chakra and is instantly required to assume her duties. It’s equally disturbing to witness how, due to her Uzumaki lineage, she’s abducted, nearly sold, and reduced to being nothing more than a useful asset by virtually everyone who aligns with her.

Despite being relatively ordinary in that aspect, what’s most distressing is that she ends up with deep emotional scars from her tumultuous past. Over time, she manages to regain her freedom, but the cruelty and indifference she encountered throughout her life have left an indelible mark on her. Karin serves as a symbol for how shinobi are often treated as mere tools, particularly when they’re not part of a specific village’s inner circle.

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2025-06-02 02:11