Note: This article includes spoilers from the Naruto series.
Overview
- Kishimoto’s storytelling often overshadowed side characters, particularly Sakura Haruno.
- Sakura showed significant character growth but was not fully developed and underutilized.
- Kishimoto has expressed regret for not giving more attention to Sakura’s character arc.
Table of Contents
- Kishimoto’s Emphasis on Naruto and Sasuke
- The Neglect of Sakura Haruno
- Could Sakura Be a Stronger Main Character?
Kishimoto’s Emphasis on Naruto and Sasuke
Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto remains a cultural phenomenon, celebrated by fans across generations. Central to the series’ success are its protagonists, Naruto and Sasuke, whose dynamic relationship intrigued audiences. Although Kishimoto did not introduce revolutionary character dynamics, his deep development of these two main figures set an impressive standard in storytelling.
Nevertheless, focusing on Naruto and Sasuke meant that other characters, especially Sakura Haruno, suffered significant neglect. This imbalance is something Kishimoto himself acknowledges with regret.
The Neglect of Sakura Haruno
Sakura as a Challenge for Kishimoto
From the series’ outset, Kishimoto faced challenges portraying Sakura Haruno effectively. Despite her potential as a ninja, Sakura began her journey with limitations that often placed her in the shadows of her male counterparts. While she displayed impressive development through training under Tsunade, highlighting her growth, her narrative was still often sidelined.
During the pivotal arcs of Part 2, particularly when rescuing Gaara, fans witnessed Sakura’s remarkable abilities. She stood out not just as a healer but also proved her mettle by defeating an Akatsuki member. Unfortunately, following this arc, opportunities for Sakura to shine became scarce.
Kishimoto himself has reflected on his shortcomings with the character, stating:
Is there a character or a scene in Naruto that you wish you had explored further?
Kishimoto: “I would have liked to delve deeper into the character of Sakura Haruno. She’s the only one whose parents weren’t actually drawn. I should’ve talked about them earlier in the story, but I missed the chance. And it became too complicated to do so in the middle and at the end of the story. In the movie version, I showed her parents a little. But in the main story, I would’ve liked to develop a scene centered around Sakura’s family.”
This admission underscores the truth: Sakura was largely underutilized and did not receive the depth she warranted. Her potential as a character could have flourished had Kishimoto chosen to include her family dynamics and further elaborate on her journey alongside her peers.
Could Sakura Be a Stronger Main Character?
Sakura: An Exceptional Character in Naruto
Despite the lack of development, Sakura remains a beloved character capturing fans’ admiration through various pivotal moments. Her journey, particularly in her earlier arcs, resonates with the audience, revealing her latent strength and determination. Kishimoto had the opportunity to sculpt Sakura into an iconic female character but chose not to devote significant narrative focus, which constrained her growth within the storyline.
There remains hope for character redemption. With ongoing publications related to Naruto, the creator confirmed that one-shots could provide future opportunities for character exploration. A dedicated one-shot centered on Sakura could significantly enhance her narrative and fulfill fans’ desire for more depth in her story arc. Anticipation builds for 2025, as it may deliver further engaging storytelling featuring characters like Sakura Haruno.
For those eager to revisit the series, Naruto can be enjoyed on the MangaPlus and the Shonen Jump app, where fans can support the author by accessing the official material.
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