Among the various characters in Naruto, one stands out as a significant yet controversial figure whose presence shapes the story in unforeseen ways. While the series is often critiqued for its storytelling flaws, one character emerges as a double-edged sword—serving as an “easy way out”for many of the series’ narrative decisions and inconsistencies.
This character is none other than Danzo Shimura. Having previously defended Danzo’s role, I firmly believe that he is a compelling figure. Although I maintain that he should not be categorized strictly as a villain, it is undeniably true that Danzo’s representation in the series corners both him and the overall narrative of Naruto.
Danzo: A Character with Untapped Potential
Danzo’s Untapped Potential
For those unaware, Danzo occupies a unique role within the Naruto universe. A candidate for the Third Hokage title, he rose through the ranks alongside Hiruzen Sarutobi. Ultimately, however, Sarutobi assumed the role, relegating Danzo to leadership of Konoha’s “special operations”unit, known as ANBU. It is from this vantage point that Danzo significantly impacts the narrative, often to its detriment.
Despite his intriguing background, Danzo suffers from a lack of depth. His motivations appear one-dimensional, leading to many of his actions being counterproductive. This limitation creates a stark divide between Danzo’s canonical portrayal and the more layered version found in the filler episodes. Much of his character development seems contingent on his interactions with others, neglecting to flesh him out adequately.
Despite these flaws, Danzo’s storyline isn’t devoid of merit. His combat sequence against Sasuke during the Five Kage Summit arc is a standout moment in the series. However, the paradox lies in how Danzo’s presence can overshadow the agency of more nuanced characters, B interrupting the development of other pivotal figures.
Danzo as a Narrative Crutch
Eviscerating Depth in the Narrative
Danzo’s influence extends to pivotal events of the series, such as his role in the Uchiha clan’s tragedies. He effectively alienated the Uchiha by sidelining them during the Nine-Tails attack, fostering an environment of distrust that worsened their plight. While past biases existed against the Uchiha, Danzo’s actions formalized their status as scapegoats.
The narrative further shifts blame during the Uchiha massacre. Initially, Itachi is painted as a villain, but later revelations place Danzo in the role of antagonist, attempting to clear the names of other key characters. This consistent narrative pivot marks a trend among key players in Naruto, with Danzo orchestrating conflicts and delaying resolutions throughout the series.
Danzo does not merely complicate the plot; he serves as a convenient tool to patch over narrative gaps. His character functions as the go-to scapegoat, allowing for smoother storytelling while bypassing more complex explorations that could enrich the series. As a result, the richness of several key characters suffers significantly due to Danzo’s overwhelming influence.
While many fans find Danzo bewitchingly complex, his role emphasizes his impact on other characters, often at their expense. His intricate connection to pivotal events in the story, particularly with figures like Orochimaru, solidifies this weakness in narrative cohesion. The crux of the issue comes from the fact that the shinobi world is deeply flawed, yet the narrative often shields itself from delving into these uncomfortable truths; Danzo plays a crucial role in perpetuating this façade.
Envisioning a Different Narrative Arc
Reimagining Danzo’s Role
Alternative interpretations of Danzo’s actions could have profoundly reshaped stories involving characters such as Nagato, Itachi, and Sasori, allowing them greater autonomy. Rather than framing Itachi as a tragic pawn, he could have emerged as a character driven by genuine malice or conflicting loyalties. This would present a more complicated narrative about his relationships with Sasuke and Konoha.
Similarly, the relationship between Danzo and Hanzo affects the larger context of political intrigue within the series’ minor villages. By attributing Danzo’s actions as motives, the series weakens its narrative questioning of power dynamics within the shinobi world. Unfortunately, Danzo ultimately serves as a mere temporal cover for deeper questions that Naruto hesitates to address.