The world of Naruto and its sequel, Naruto: Shippuden, is filled with memorable characters, each possessing unique powers and intricate backstories. Over the span of hundreds of episodes, viewers become engrossed in the thrilling adventures of heroes, villains, mentors, and family members who shape the fate of the protagonist and the ninja world. However, not every character received the spotlight they deserved.
While the narrative understandably focuses on Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha due to their central roles, many fascinating characters found themselves relegated to brief appearances or underexplored arcs. Here, we delve into ten characters who possessed the potential for more and could have easily starred in their own spin-off series.
### 1. Kagami Uchiha
Kagami Uchiha made a brief appearance in Naruto: Shippuden, yet he left a lasting impression. As a member of the founding generation of the Hidden Leaf Village, he was contemporaneous with Danzō Shimura and Hiruzen Sarutobi, training under the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. His trustworthiness in the eyes of a Hokage who was historically wary of the Uchiha clan speaks volumes about Kagami’s character.
A deeper exploration of his story could illuminate the political intricacies present during the early days of Konoha, shedding light on the Uchiha’s role in the village’s dynamics and the roots of the tensions that would ultimately lead to the clan’s tragic fate.
### 2. Darui
Darui rose to prominence during the Fourth Great Ninja War, yet his journey beforehand remains shrouded in mystery. With his mastery of the unique Black Lightning technique and swordsmanship, he proved himself to be a worthy successor to the Third Raikage even before he became the Fifth.
A more detailed narrative could explore his development as a ninja, his training under the Raikage, and the unique aspects of the Cloud Village’s shinobi culture, adding depth and diversity to the series’ mythology.
### 3. Yagura Karatachi
Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage and jinchūriki of the Three-Tails, is only referenced later in the storyline, and his character is not thoroughly explored. With significant powers and a direct connection to the Akatsuki organization, he ruled in a tyrannical manner after being manipulated by Tobi.
Understanding how his personality was warped under genjutsu and how he ascended to power could provide valuable insights into the darker aspects of the Mist Village and the effects of external manipulation on its leadership.
### 4. Kushina Uzumaki
Kushina, Naruto’s mother and the former jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, is remembered for her emotional strength and sacrifice. However, her life as a kunoichi from the Uzumaki Clan, trained by Mito Uzumaki, deserves further exploration.
A narrative focusing on her youth, the challenges she faced as a host for Kurama, and her relationship with Minato Namikaze would enhance her character arc and showcase the complexities of her life in a more profound manner.
### 5. Yamato
Yamato, known by his Anbu codename, has a traumatic origin story: he was kidnapped and transformed by Orochimaru into a test subject for Wood Style techniques. Although he played a crucial role in various missions, his personal history remains incomplete.
A deeper dive into his childhood and his journey to becoming an Anbu captain could illuminate the darker undercurrents within the village and reveal the struggles faced by those involved in the more secretive operations of the shinobi world.
### 6. Minato Namikaze
Minato shone during the Third Ninja War and left a lasting legacy as the Fourth Hokage. As the teacher of Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, the creator of the Rasengan, and Naruto’s father, he stands out as one of the most revered characters in the franchise.
Despite his significance, his youth and rise to leadership are only lightly touched upon. A solo spin-off featuring Minato has been announced by Masashi Kishimoto, fulfilling a long-standing desire among fans to explore his character in greater depth.
### 7. Tobirama Senju
Tobirama Senju, brother of Hashirama and his successor as Hokage, was responsible for creating iconic techniques such as Edo Tensei and played a key role in structuring the village’s operations. Nevertheless, his military and political journey is presented in a fragmented manner.
A thorough exploration of his leadership style, the controversial decisions he made, and his involvement in the segregation of the Uchiha could enrich the political context of the series and provide a more nuanced understanding of his character.
### 8. Mito Uzumaki
As Hashirama Senju’s wife and the first person to seal Kurama within herself, Mito is a nearly mythological figure in the Naruto universe. Very little is known about her abilities or battles, but her historical significance is undeniable.
An arc centered around Mito could parallel Naruto’s journey, illustrating how she coped with the burden of being a jinchūriki and helped solidify the power of the Hidden Leaf Village.
### 9. Sakumo Hatake
Kakashi’s father, Sakumo, was renowned for his strength and loyalty, leaving a legacy comparable to that of the Legendary Sannin. Yet, his story has been largely reduced to the tragedy of his suicide and the impact it had on his son.
Exploring his battles, the mission that led to his downfall, and his relationship with the young Kakashi would create a deeply human and dramatic narrative arc, enriching the emotional landscape of the series.
### 10. Shisui Uchiha
Shisui, the possessor of the Mangekyō Sharingan and one of the most promising ninjas of his generation, lived a short but impactful life. He attempted to prevent conflict between the Uchiha clan and Konoha but fell victim to Danzō’s manipulations.
His story is marked by loyalty, pain, and sacrifice, making it an ideal candidate for a tragic political ninja drama that could explore the complexities of his character and the themes of betrayal and loyalty within the shinobi world.
### Conclusion
Naruto Shippuden aired from 2007 to 2017, encompassing the second phase of the anime. In this series, Naruto returns after two years of training, tasked with combating the Akatsuki and rescuing Sasuke from Orochimaru’s clutches. Meanwhile, the Akatsuki embarks on a quest for the Bijuus, leading the ninja world toward an unprecedented crisis.
The anime consists of 500 episodes (including fillers from Naruto Shippuden) and concludes the stories of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi, while also paving the way for the continuation of the narrative. Fans can enjoy the entire Naruto series on Crunchyroll.
