Overview
- Kimimaro meets his demise just before executing a potentially lethal strike.
- Gaara may have had a chance to survive, enhancing the drama of the scene.
- Sasori’s self-sabotage denies Sakura a pivotal victory.
Naruto remains a beloved series, captivating fans with the thrilling journeys of its main character and his companions. The exhilarating combat scenes, where heroes often risk it all for victory, keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Even when victories are achieved through unconventional or seemingly absurd means, the battles in Naruto remain engaging thanks to their intricate choreography and thoughtful execution. While certain moments may frustrate viewers, the entertainment value usually compensates for the unorthodox methods employed by the heroes.
1. Kimimaro Dies Just Before Unleashing a Fatal Attack
Gaara’s Potential Survival Adds to the Drama
- Episode: Vengeful Strike! The Bracken Dance! (Episode 127 of Naruto)
Kimimaro, a formidable adversary wielding bone-manipulating abilities, poses a significant challenge even to seasoned fighters like Rock Lee and Gaara. Although Gaara’s timely intervention aids Lee, he finds himself cornered by Kimimaro’s relentless power. Ultimately, just as Kimimaro is about to deliver a devastating blow, his debilitating illness claims his life, raising eyebrows among viewers who find the timing a tad convenient.
2. Sasori’s Sacrifice Robs Sakura of a Victory
An Epic Battle Ends on a Deflating Note
- Episode: Impossible Dream (Episode 27 of Naruto: Shippuden)
Viewers rejoiced as Sakura shined during her showdown with Sasori, collaborating with Lady Chiyo to inflict substantial damage. While the revelation of Sasori’s backstory adds emotional depth, it also leads to a moment where he stands still, motivated by a longing for parental affection. This act results in his defeat, yet it raises questions about the fairness of the battle, as it strips Sakura of a well-deserved victory.
3. Inner Sakura Kicks Ino Out of Her Mind
A Draw Marred by a Ridiculous Moment
- Episode: The Ultimate Battle: Cha! (Episode 42 of Naruto)
While the confrontation between Sakura and Ino concluded as a draw, fans celebrated it as a significant step toward rekindling their friendship. A highlight occurs when Ino successfully captures Sakura with the Mind Transfer jutsu, only for Sakura’s exaggerated inner persona to intervene and eject Ino dramatically. Although this creative twist is entertaining, it seems implausible that Sakura could effortlessly break free from a technique that has ensnared many competent shinobi.
4. Naruto Uses Harem Jutsu on Ebisu
The Unlikely Downfall of a Jonin
- Episode: My Name is Konohamaru! (Episode 2 of Naruto)
Ebisu, a jonin, displays a lack of competence when he underestimates Naruto, the young ninja with a notorious background. Under pressure, Naruto combines his Sexy Jutsu with Shadow Clones, creating a spectacle that ultimately incapacitates Ebisu, resulting in one of the most embarrassing defeats for a shinobi of his rank.
5. Itachi Uses Izanami Against Kabuto
A Convenient Strategy Leads to Kabuto’s Redemption
- Episode: The Izanami Activated (Episode 337 of Naruto: Shippuden)
The Mangekyo Sharingan wields extraordinary abilities, but occasionally, their use feels overly convenient. In the climactic encounter during the Fourth Shinobi World War, Itachi resorts to Izanami on Kabuto, placing him in an unbreakable loop that compels a change of heart. This seemingly miraculous resolution results in Kabuto choosing to join the side of good, dispelling the Edo Tensei technique.
6. Naruto’s Unconventional Victory Over Kiba
Kiba’s Sense of Smell Becomes His Downfall
- Episode: Surprise Attack! Naruto’s Secret Weapon! (Episode 45 of Naruto)
The thrilling duel between Naruto and Kiba showcases Naruto’s growth, albeit in a humorous way. After enduring Kiba’s assault, Naruto unexpectedly turns the tide by accidentally farting in Kiba’s face. Blinded by the unexpected odor, Kiba falters, allowing Naruto to seize the opportunity for a counterattack, highlighting the unpredictable nature that defines him as the No. 1 Most Unpredictable Ninja.
7. Team Guy’s Unexplained Victory Over Their Clones
An Anti-Climactic Showdown
- Episode: Beasts! Alive Again! (Episode 28 of Naruto: Shippuden)
Team Guy faces one of the most lackluster battles in Naruto history when they trigger a countermeasure that creates clones of themselves. Their lengthy saga of fighting these replicas ultimately leads them to a rather underwhelming resolution: they somehow emerge stronger than their clones, despite continuous losses throughout the fight. This ending raises eyebrows among fans and delivers one of the most forgettable victories portrayed in the series.