The titular protagonist of theNarutofranchise is by far one of the best heroes the anime industry has ever produced. Although he was constantly told he would amount to nothing during his childhood, his hard work, determination, and compassion helped him achieve feats that no other shinobi in history could. Naruto is undoubtedly one of the best role models of recent years, and his show is full oflessons fans would be wise to take to heart.
Nonetheless, with time, fans have stopped seeing the hero as a realistic standard and have opted to overlook his mistakes. Despite how iconic and admirable the blonde Uzumaki might have been, he did have his flaws, like any other person. When studying his character carefully,many major defects become apparent, some far more concerning than others.
9He Was Immature and Proud of It
Naruto Acted Like a Child Far Longer Than Most
When fans first met Naruto, he was introduced as a lazy and unmotivated student who liked causing problems more than dedicating himself to his work. No matter how much his teachers wanted him to realize the error of his ways, he refused to listen to anyone but himself. The series quickly explained that this wasdue to the lack of loving and supportive parental figures in his life, as he had been mostly abandoned even by the people who claimed to care for him.
Sorry, Naruto, But Sasuke Is the Hidden Leaf’s Most Knuckleheaded Ninja
Even though Naruto has his moments, Sasuke constantly puts himself in danger throughout the series
Still, even after becoming a ninja and realizing the harsh truths of the world, Naruto refused to grow up, maintaining his childish attitude for most of the story. If he was not battlingone of the strong and dangerous villainswho tried to destroy the Shinobi World, the protagonist would seldom take things seriously and feel pride in his choices, even as an adult.
He Was Not Above Using Violence for Minor Inconveniences
Most fans remember the Seventh Hokage for being one of the friendliest and most understanding characters in theNarutoseries. What they often forget is that Uzumaki was often motivated by anger and spite more than any other emotion. His first encounter with Konohamaru in episode #2 of the series is the perfect example of this trend.
His time as Hokage helped him learn how to mask his emotions, but there are occasions in which he is still unable to control his anger.
After the Fourth’s grandson interrupted his meeting with Sarutobi, Naruto did not try to ignore the child and move on. Instead, he opted to confront the boy, going as far as to physically assault him. As he grew up, his anger began to subside, but it never truly went away, as proven by his explosive reaction when Sai was introduced. His time as Hokage helped him learn how to mask his emotions, but there are occasions in which he is still unable to control his anger.
7The Hero Was Trusting to a Fault
Naruto Could Be Quite Naive
One of Naruto’s best traits is his willingness to give even the most irredeemable of enemies a second chance. His empathy helped him end conflicts by talking rather than using it on several occasions.Thanks to his colloquially called Talk-No-Jutsu, he convinced Pain, one of Akatsuki’s strongest members, to revive the villagers of Konoha. Still, there were times when he took his trusting nature too far, causing problems for himself and his friends.
Boruto’s Time Skip Is Setting Up A Disappointing Finale With Shonen’s Worst Trope
Boruto’s attitude towards Kawaki and the events that triggered Two Blue Vortex’s time skip shows that the series isn’t evolving as it should.
One of the biggest examples of this was his decision to blindly trust Kabuto during the Chunin Exams, facilitating the spy’s mission to gather information for Orochimaru. This behavior did not change as he grew, as proven by his willingness toadopt Kawaki without hesitation. This seemingly innocent decision caused the entire village to believe he had died and his biological son, Boruto, was to blame for his demise.
6His Obsession With Sasuke Was Unhealthy
He Should Have Given Up at Some Point
TheNarutoanime series has many ofthe best friendships anime fans have ever witnessed. The protagonist himself is part of several of them, as he was a truly kind and friendly person whom everyone would be lucky to have by their side. Nevertheless, his loyalty and fate to his comrades would sometimes border to an unhealthy degree. There is no example more fitting of this trend than his toxic obsession with Sasuke.
Several times throughout the series, the hero is told by his closest allies, Sakura included, that he should let the Uchiha go and stop trying to save him. By the timeShippudenbegan, Sasuke was far too dangerous and unstable to still be considered the same man Naruto knew as a child. His efforts proved worthwhile in the end, as his friend returned to the village, but the damage Sasuke caused should never have been ignored.
5He Was Reckless and Disregarded Authority
Naruto’s Actions Gravely Endangered His Friends
Most of Naruto’s bad traits can be attributed to the loneliness, isolation, and lack of guidance he experienced as a child. The same cannot be said of his stubbornness and disregard for authority, a tendency that has been exhibited by the man since he was a toddler. Even though his distrust was born from the suffering he experienced, this does not excuse endangering his teammates just to spite his superiors.
Naruto: Who Are The 9 Hokages In The Series?
In Naruto’s village of Konohagakure, Hokage is the primary political leader, with all of the power and responsibility that position entails.
During their time in the Land of Waves, Naruto disobeyed Kakashi’s orders on more than one occasion, which almost cost Sasuke his life. Later in life, the Uzumaki continued following his own rules,even when doing so would prove to be a burden for the people closest to him, as was the case during the Five Kage Summit arc, during which he almost caused the Raikage to consider breaking the peace treaty between the Villages because he defended Sasuke.
Naruto’s Speeches Often Disregard His Opponent’s Feelings
Among the amazing lessons taught by theNarutoanime series, the realization that differences help make the world a better place is one of the best. Afterthe Fourth Great Ninja War, the Shinobi World learned to work together, leaving behind the days in which they would try to impose their beliefs onto others. One of the only characters who continued to see his way as superior was Naruto.
During almost all of his important fights, the blonde Uzumaki would try to bond with his opponents, learning about their tragic backstories and motivations. While this was an amazing solution for most,it also highlighted how insensitive Naruto could be to others’ pain. Instead of hearing his opponents and learning from their experiences, the ninja would often try to make them see his pain and empathize with his reasons, almost as if he viewed his ideals as the only solution.
3His Ancestors Contradict the Anime’s Main Theme
Talent Does Not Always Win in the End
The first half of theNarutoanime is often considered by fans as one of the greatest underdog stories of all time. The protagonist was regarded as a failure, someone who would never become Hokage as he was far too inferior to achieve his dreams. Despite this, Naruto’s determination and hard work helped him overcome impossible obstacles, like his fight against Neji.
Naruto’s Secret Bloodline Completely Ruined the Series
Naruto has experienced numerous dramatic twists and turns throughout its run, none are more baffling than the revelation about his ancestors.
This once-inspiring message was completely overlooked during the second half of the anime, when Naruto was revealed to be the son of two of Konoha’s strongest ninjas. Moreover, he was also the reincarnation of Indra,a powerful member of the Otsutsuki clan, almost assuring his success. While an amazing revelation,this undermined the entire message about effort trumping talent.
2Responsibility Made Him Neglectful
Boruto and Himawari Grew up Without an Attentive Father
At the beginning of theBorutoseries, it was revealed that Naruto, as he had dreamed for so long, had become the Hokage after his teacher Kakashi stepped down. This job helped him grow as a person, making him more responsible and mature. Lamentably, the pressure of the position also made him forget the importance of balance. The ones who suffered the most due to this behavior were his children, who grew up with an inattentive father.
Hinata, his wife and one of the best female characters in the series tried to hide the pain she felt by being apart from her husband. Still, during Himawari’s birthday scene, it becomes clear that she was just as afflicted by Naruto’s absence as their kids. It took almost losing his son to an Otsutsuki for the Seventh Hokage to try and find the time to enjoy his life with his family.
1He Refused To Accept Sakura’s Feelings
Naruto’s Insistence Was Beyond Reasonable
Sakura Haruno, Naruto’s teammate andone of the best ninjas in the world,is known for her massive and seemingly immutable crush on Sasuke Uchiha. From the moment she was introduced in episode #1 of the anime, it was made clear that she had eyes only for the black-haired boy. Even when he was aware of this, Naruto would often ignore her feelings and attempt to impress the girl, hoping to win her affection.
Naruto Sequel Reveals How Sasuke Can Finally Prove He Deserves Sakura
Chapter 3 of Sasuke’s Story introduces a way in which Sasuke could try and fix his relationship with Sakura - but will it be enough for Naruto fans?
No matter how many times Sakura would reject him, the protagonist would not stop trying to date her, completely disregarding her feelings. This issue was far more prevalent during the early years of the series before Sasuke escaped to join Orochimaru. Regardless, even when he was older in theShippudenseries, Naruto would try to win Sakura’s love from time to time, making it clear that he cared more about his satisfaction than her desires.
