Naruto stands out as one of the most beloved anime series of all time, noted for its intriguing characters and captivating narrative. It successfully spans over several hundred episodes, with only a few filler episodes that feel out of place. Each arc is packed with adrenaline-fueled action, complex relationships, and some of the most unforgettable battles seen in a shōnen anime.
The series culminates with the Fourth Great Ninja War, a monumental climax that seemed poised for greatness. However, the conclusion did not fully deliver on the high expectations set by the build-up. Madara Uchiha, a villain of remarkable depth and power, was a highlight throughout the series—but one specific character’s actions detracted from the finale. Had it not been for this character, the ending could have ranked among the best of all anime series.
The Near-Perfect Conclusion of Naruto
The Fourth Great Ninja War Reaches Its Climax
The Fourth Great Ninja War arc showcased an ambitious narrative, bringing together numerous beloved characters from all corners of the Naruto universe. The conflict created a unique opportunity for collaboration as warriors from Konoha, various Kage, and other pivotal figures united against a common threat.
At the heart of this conflict was Madara Uchiha, one of the most powerful adversaries the series has ever introduced. Initially shrouded in mystery, his character added a layer of suspense, emphasizing the long-standing reputation associated with the Uchiha clan. Madara’s presence shifted the narrative, inciting fear and respect among both characters and fans alike.
Madara Uchiha: The Ultimate Villain
The Anticipation Surrounding Madara
Madara Uchiha is undoubtedly one of anime’s most formidable antagonists. As the reincarnation of Indra, he embodies both strength and complexity, with a legacy that defined many key elements of the Naruto universe. He faced only one worthy opponent during his original life: Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage.
After being resurrected via Reanimation Jutsu, Madara exhibited unmatched power, decimating the Shinobi Alliance within mere moments of his return. His overwhelming might illustrated that not even death could diminish his capabilities.
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Having watched over 200 anime series, I’ve encountered numerous attempts to introduce daunting final villains, most of which fall short of expectations. However, Madara subverts this pattern; his terrifying nature surpassed all descriptions provided by the main characters. His initial introduction, culminating in the annihilation of an entire battalion, set the stage for an unforgettable character arc.
The confrontation of Madara with the Shinobi Alliance is heralded as one of the pinnacle moments in the anime genre—it is rare for a villain to not only meet but exceed the intense anticipation surrounding him. He posed an existential threat to the Allied Forces, showcasing an unmatched resolve and capability to deliver on the chaos he promised.
What made Madara so captivating was his charisma. Despite being the antagonist, I found myself rooting for him, akin to how fans engage with characters such as Toji Fushiguro from Jujutsu Kaisen. His cool demeanor made him an irresistible villain, cementing his status as the quintessential final villain for Naruto. However, the introduction of Black Zetsu dampened his impact significantly.
The Downfall: Black Zetsu’s Intervention
A Frustrating Deus Ex Machina
Black Zetsu stands out as a frustrating character, originally intended as an embodiment of Madara’s will, guiding him during his lifetime. However, the story’s climax revealed that he was, in fact, an incarnation of Kaguya Otsutsuki. While Madara drove the narrative and added complexity, Black Zetsu’s betrayal felt unearned and poorly executed.
Madara achieved monumental heights in power, yet his ignoble death at the hands of Black Zetsu diminished the character’s significance. Despite unleashing the Infinite Tsukuyomi, Madara’s unforeseen demise felt cheap and undermined his extensive journey. Consequently, Black Zetsu’s appearance to resurrect Kaguya tarnished Madara’s legacy and the stakes built throughout the series.
Envisioning a Different Outcome
Madara Uchiha: The Missed Opportunity
Madara Uchiha remains one of my all-time favorite anime villains. He brought a complex and engaging narrative that could have resolved Naruto’s story with profound impact if not for the involvement of Black Zetsu and Kaguya Otsutsuki. Upon reflection, Madara embodied a culmination of every ninja’s aspiration for a more harmonious world, representing both their hopes and their fears.
Desiring ultimate control, Madara diverged sharply from the noble aspirations of other shinobi, creating a striking tension between opposing ideologies. Black Zetsu’s sudden and ungracious termination of Madara undermined the entire series’ thematic developments. He exemplified everything the narrative depicted, and the manner in which his story concluded was a grave injustice to his character’s journey. Although few anime endings achieve perfection, Naruto’s finale was tantalizingly close, largely due to the impact of Black Zetsu.