For quite some time, the Naruto fandom has been captivated by the remarkable contributions of the Seventh Hokage, contributing to an era of peace and prosperity across the Elemental Nations. While Naruto stands out as a heroic figure and savior of humanity, he is far from the only compelling leader within the series.
Among these intriguing figures is Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage. With a captivating background and a distinctive skill set, Mei’s character merits far greater exploration than it has received. Unfortunately, after her introduction, many fans felt her storyline was largely neglected, which many consider a missed opportunity.
Mei Terumi’s Story Is Exceptionally Engaging
A Survivor of Kirigakure’s Darkest Chapter
Mei, who would eventually succeed Yagura, possesses remarkable abilities but spent much of her early life under the radar. Amongst the dark traditions of Kirigakure, she endured the horrific ritual of slaying her classmates to graduate as a ninja. Her backstory, filled with tragedy and intrigue, stands as one of the most compelling narratives in the series, albeit underexplored. The first time viewers encounter Mei, she is already established as the Mizukage.
During her leadership, she implemented vital changes to dismantle the cruel traditions stunting her village’s growth. She abolished the persecution of citizens with Kekkei Genkai and reformed the graduation process, echoing Naruto’s own endeavors for progress in Konoha and its neighboring districts. Tragically, the series did not delve deeper into her leadership, often relegating her character to inconsequential battles.
Mei’s Abilities Establish Her as a True Force
Possessing Two Kekkei Genkai
In addition to her gripping backstory, Mei proves herself as an extraordinarily capable ninja, capable of outperforming a vast majority of characters in the series. In conjunction with her enhanced strength, speed, and durability—qualities typical of village leaders—she wields two extraordinary techniques that set her apart. Her first ability, Lava Release, allows her to convert chakra into molten magma that she can exhale, which can be utilized for both defensive and offensive maneuvers as it solidifies into rock.
Mei’s second Kekkei Genkai, known as Boil Release, is arguably her most formidable. By concentrating energy in her lungs, she can release a highly corrosive mist that is capable of eradicating a target in mere seconds. Although opponents can see the mist, avoiding it becomes incredibly challenging due to the speed with which Mei can discharge it. Not only does she remain unharmed by her own Jutsu, but this ability also provides strategic cover in battle.
Mei is amongst a select few characters who naturally possess two distinct Kekkei Genkai. Unlike many other ninjas who acquire multiple bloodline techniques through experimentation or plot points, such as Sasuke obtaining the Rinnegan, Mei’s mastery of dual abilities is purely innate. Irrevocably, her character was often overshadowed and reduced to brief participation in filler fights, and her defeat by Madara served merely to highlight his dominance.
Mei Deserved Better Treatment
Devaluing Her Character
Consensus among the fandom reflects a significant concern: the Naruto franchise often underutilizes its most beloved characters. While Mei’s appearances in pivotal moments during the final war cannot be understated, her character development suffered deeply. Following her defeat by Madara, Mei transforms—from a competent leader of the Hidden Mist into a caricature expressing a desperate wish to find a spouse.
This shift reduces her character to a mere joke, neglecting her role as an effective village leader and one of the most robust characters in the series. Despite her significance as the most capable Mizukage to lead the Hidden Mist, her character arc was treated with disregard. The subsequent Boruto series only exacerbates this, stripping her of her title despite her not being as aged as some other former Kages.
Mei’s Journey Deserves Exploration
Potential for a Dedicated Narrative
Over the years, the Naruto franchise has made strides in highlighting beloved side characters through special storytelling. Short narratives, such as those about Minato or the Itachi Shinden, have proven to be successful and well-received by fans. Given this precedent, it’s not far-fetched to envision Mei’s backstory being developed as a captivating side chapter. Her tumultuous experiences during Yagura’s reign, her survival as an academy student, and her journey to the pinnacle of leadership would undoubtedly resonate with audiences.
The Naruto universe is rich with unique characters whose stories remain untold. Focusing on Mei’s tragic yet inspiring past could yield an impactful and popular narrative that fans would eagerly support.