Narutothrives on its roster of powerful ninjas, but the series introduced so many characters to build hype that some, like Anko Mitarashi, were left on the sidelines. Orochimaru’s talent for recognizing potential is evident with Sasuke Uchiha, and it was often emphasized that Anko had the skills and abilities to be a standout character—or even a suitable vessel for Orochimaru himself. Despite this, her potential was never fully realized.
Instead of showcasing her abilities, the series merely told fans about her capabilities without ever delivering on that promise. Anko could have been a complex and dynamic addition toNaruto’s story, buther role was reduced to a shadowof what it could have been. It’s a missed opportunity that left fans wondering what might have been for this underutilized ninja.
How Naruto Neglected Anko’s Promising Potential
The First Receiver of Orochimaru’s Curse Mark
Anko isn’t one of the main side characters who played a massive role in the protagonists’ lives. However,she was a character who intrigued fansin the original series when Naruto Uzumaki and his friends were still training and molding their skills to fulfill their own ninja way. Anko was first introduced during the Chunin Exam arc as the proctor of the second stage of the exam. Unlike the warm-hearted Kurenai, Anko was bold and strong, instilling unease in the students about what lay ahead.
Her ominous yet playful warnings to the genins, including Naruto, heightened the tension of the exam, hinting that Anko wasn’t all talk but had abilities that matched her commanding presence. Anko shouldn’t have been limited to the role of a proctor.Kakashi, Asuma, Guy, and even Kurenaihad their moments to prove their strength, and Anko might have got some but deserved more chance.Narutois known for its deeply dramatic and tragic backstories, and Anko’s story is no exception.
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Before becoming a chunin, she faced immense struggles, having been adopted by Orochimaru, who trained her as part of his plan to make her his vessel. At one point, she may have sided with Orochimaru, but only because she longed for a parental figure and found it in him despite his dark intentions. Yet, despite her rich backstory and strong personality,Anko’s potential was wasted. She had the traits of a character who could have become a memorable force in the story, but her limited exposure left fans yearning for more.
Why Anko Mitarashi’s Story Deserved More in Naruto
Naruto’soriginal Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru, were renowned for their exceptional talent and the legacy they left in the shinobi world. Even though Orochimaru strayed to the dark side, this didn’t diminish his prowess as a ninja. To ensure their legacy continued, each of the Sannin took on students of their own. While Sasuke Uchiha is undoubtedly the most recognized of Orochimaru’s students,Anko Mitarashi doesn’t deserve to be overlookedor forgotten.
Anko had her own emotional arc in the series, but it was never given much depth despite its potential. Orochimaru betrayed her, and when she refused to follow his ways, he altered her memories, leaving her with the guilt that she had somehow contributed to his descent into darkness. This sense of responsibility wasn’t unique to Anko—Jiraiya, too, harbored guilt over Orochimaru’s choices. Despite being abandoned, Anko rose above her struggles, establishing her name and becoming a Tokubetsu Jonin. Rather than excelling as an all-around ninja, she mastered specific techniques, earning her reputation as one of Konoha’s strongest kunoichi.
Anko could have been a symbol of overcoming darkness.
HerHidden Shadow Snake Handswas one of her most remarkable abilities, showcasing her connection to Orochimaru’s influence while proving her skill as a formidable fighter. Though her appearances were limited, her abilities and survival as the first recipient of Orochimaru’s Cursed Seal of Heaven underscored her strength and resilience.
Anko’s potential to shine in the spotlight was clear. Her connection to one of the series’ most complex villains, her tragic past, andher determination to move forward despite it all made her a character worthy of more development. If her story had been fully explored, Anko could have been a symbol of overcoming darkness—a true testament to the strength of Konoha’s kunoichi.
Anko Could Have Been a Great Teacher, But Boruto Missed the Mark
Anko’s Underwhelming Presence inBoruto
Borutodidn’t treat Anko’s character any better. It turns out that Naruto andKonohamaru aren’t the only characters who experienced a downgradeinBoruto, as several others have suffered from inconsistency, including Anko, whose light dimmed even further in the sequel. The legendary kunoichi deserved more spotlight to inspire the next generation of ninjas. Despite the younger ninjas presumably knowing her story and contributions, Anko was reduced to little more than a basic academy instructor. Her strong, bold personality was watered down significantly, andshe was turned into someone whose defining trait seemed to be an obsession with sweets.
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While Anko may not rank among the most powerful adults inBoruto, the sequel could have used her to add depth to the plot. Anko’s story, like Sasuke Uchiha’s, could have been a great motivation for future ninjas to resist their dark sides. By overlooking her,Borutomissed the chance to show how a seasoned kunoichi like Anko could mentor young ninjas through her experiences.With little to no exposure, her character became an afterthought, leaving fans disappointed by her diminished presence.
Naruto
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.
