Attention: This article contains spoilers for Naruto.
Overview of Key Points
- Orochimaru’s heinous actions were overlooked by the Hidden Leaf due to his invaluable knowledge and unique skills.
- Despite being a former villain, Orochimaru is closely monitored and faces strict consequences for any rule violations.
- Itachi Uchiha endured significant hardship and deserved a more favorable resolution, as he acted out of a desire to protect his brother and the village.
Naruto stands out in the shonen anime genre for its ability to create villains who resonate with audiences as much as the heroes do. This remarkable character development is a testament to Masashi Kishimoto’s skill. However, their moral transgressions cannot be overlooked, as most villains in the series face appropriate repercussions—except for Orochimaru, whose fate remains a contentious topic among fans.
The Unchecked Brutality of Orochimaru
- Orochimaru was responsible for the deaths of numerous children through experimental practices.
- He assassinated two Kage, showcasing his ruthless ambition.
Initially, Orochimaru’s behavior aligned with societal norms; however, his malevolent side quickly escalated. He embarked on a series of inhumane experiments that led to significant suffering and loss of life among children—none of which seemed to trouble him, as his primary focus was on mastering new jutsu.
In his quest for power, Orochimaru also eliminated Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, effectively seizing control of the Hidden Sand’s forces. This act was part of a larger scheme aimed at wreaking havoc on the Hidden Leaf, an event that resulted in devastating casualties and a high-stakes battle against Hiruzen Sarutobi, which left the latter gravely injured.
Obsessed with Hashirama Senju’s cells, Orochimaru’s desire to create a vessel capable of containing their power drove him to continue his dark experiments. After numerous failures, he finally succeeded in obtaining Yamato as a suitable vessel.
Children as Orochimaru’s Primary Victims
Upon discovering the Cursed Seal, Orochimaru hastily implanted it into children, many of whom suffered fatal side effects due to its instability. Furthermore, he targeted Sasuke Uchiha, intending to manipulate him into becoming a powerful vessel. Sensing an opportunity to defeat his older brother, Sasuke was lured by the prospect of increased strength.
Orochimaru’s Survival: A Controversial Decision
Orochimaru was undeniably a figure devoid of ethics, driven solely by a thirst for power and knowledge, regardless of the price paid by innocent lives. This raises a crucial question: why was he spared by the Hidden Leaf after being captured?
The likely rationale is that the Hidden Leaf considered Orochimaru’s extensive expertise and the potential benefits it brought to outweigh the risks of his past actions. His vast knowledge of jutsu, including methods to revive legendary figures like Hashirama, Tobirama, and Minato, proved essential during the Fourth Great Ninja War. His information could have been pivotal in ensuring the victory of the Ninja Alliance against Madara Uchiha.
Although spared from execution, Orochimaru is not granted complete freedom. He remains under vigilant observation, and any violation of rules will likely result in serious consequences. Similarly, his accomplice Kabuto has been assigned to oversee an orphanage, a position tasked with redemption and reform following the war. Time will reveal whether this decision was wise.
Do Any Villains Deserve a Better Conclusion?
One character that stands out as deserving a more sympathetic ending is Itachi Uchiha. Coerced by Danzo, Itachi was forced to commit the horrific act of annihilating his own clan to protect the village’s reputation. He sacrificed his own happiness and became a villain in the eyes of many, including his own brother, Sasuke. Before his death, Itachi revealed essential knowledge about the Mangekyou Sharingan to Sasuke, hoping to empower him for the future.
Itachi’s journey reflects a tragic narrative of sacrifice and misunderstood intentions. While he may never receive a second chance at life, his reconciliation with Sasuke allowed them to mend their fractured relationship, leaving Itachi with the knowledge that his brother no longer harbors any hatred towards him.