If underutilizing characters and wasted potential were a game, Naruto would 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 in Naruto
Kurama is one of the most powerful beasts in the Naruto universe. 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. The Nine-Tails is 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.
Redditors pointed to Kurama’s badass ability that eventually disappeared from the limelight.
What is y’all’s opinions on this scene specifically
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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 Kishimoto has 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 and Neji’s demise was the most devastating. But what angered fans was the latter’s sacrifice, which seemed unnecessary. This also applies to Kurama’s pivotal role in Boruto.
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.
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: Shippuden is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Viz Media.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
