Overview
- Minor characters in Naruto have often had profound impacts on pivotal story moments despite limited appearances.
- Underappreciated individuals such as Jugo and Chiyo play crucial roles in shaping the fate of major characters and the plot itself.
- Even seemingly small characters, like Ino and Fukasaku, have proven to be vital assets during significant battles, particularly in the final conflict.
The Naruto anime series boasts immense popularity and is celebrated among fans for its storytelling. However, a prevalent critique revolves around the feeling that many side characters are underutilized. As the narrative shifted its focus toward a select group of powerful characters, numerous minor figures were often sidelined. Nevertheless, several of these characters emerged at critical junctures, altering the course of events in substantial ways.
Occasionally, characters who seemed inconsequential stepped up to save the day, surprising audiences with their unexpected contributions. Despite their limited screen time compared to mainstays like Naruto and Sasuke, it’s clear that the narrative would have diverged significantly without their involvement. Let’s delve into a selection of these impactful characters and examine their contributions to the overarching story.
8 Jugo
Jugo: Sasuke’s Knight in Shining Armor at a Crucial Moment
- First Appearance: Shippuden Episode 116
Jugo, often viewed as an underrated figure, has much more depth than is initially apparent. As a member of Sasuke’s Taka team, he may seem primarily like a powerful ally, but a pivotal moment during his confrontation with Killer Bee reveals his true significance. When Sasuke is critically injured, it is Jugo who steps in, merging his own vitality with Sasuke’s to save him from certain death. This sacrifice not only underscores Jugo’s loyalty but also highlights his unique abilities, making his contribution crucial at that moment.
7 Chiyo
Chiyo: An Elder’s Sacrifice to Save Gaara, The New Kazekage
- First Appearance: Shippuden Episode 9
Initially introduced as a secondary character in Shippuden, Chiyo dramatically shifts her role to a central figure when she sacrifices her life to resurrect Gaara after he is killed. Her decision not only demonstrates her deep regrets about sealing the Shukaku within Gaara but also highlights how a character seemingly relegated to the background can have an immense emotional and narrative impact.
6 Ino Yamanaka
Ino: An Invaluable Asset in The Final War
- First Appearance: Episode 1
Throughout much of the series, Ino Yamanaka often finds herself overshadowed, primarily due to her team leader, Shikamaru, receiving greater narrative focus. Nevertheless, she emerges as a vital player during the final war, leveraging her telepathy to seal away a formidable foe and save her comrades, including Choji and Naruto. Her significant contributions serve as a reminder that every character has the potential to influence the outcome of major events, regardless of their past relevancy.
5 Fukasaku
Fukasaku: Jiraiya’s Loyal Companion in the Battle Against Pain
- First Appearance: Shippuden Episode 127
After Jiraiya’s tragic demise at the hands of Pain, it is Fukasaku who preserves his legacy by unveiling crucial information through a secret code. His assistance leads Naruto to Mount Myoboku, where he trains extensively to gain Sage abilities. Fukasaku’s impact resonates throughout the narrative, proving that even characters with less screen time can wield substantial influence on critical plot developments.
4 Izuna Uchiha
Izuna: His Death Set Madara on a Path of Spite and Resentment
- First Appearance: Shippuden Episode 136
While characters like Madara and Sasuke often dominate discussions about the Uchiha clan, Izuna’s significance lies in his tragic fate. His death at the hands of Tobirama acts as a catalyst for Madara, fueling his resentment toward the Senju clan and solidifying his destiny as a chief antagonist. Izuna’s legacy therefore shapes pivotal historical paths, affecting the relationships and dynamics throughout the series.
3 Kabuto Yakushi
Kabuto: From Orochimaru’s Lackey to a Major Threat
- First Appearance: Episode 23
Initially introduced during the Chunin Exams, Kabuto’s early appearances often left him in the shadow of Orochimaru. However, once he absorbed Orochimaru’s life force, Kabuto evolved into a formidable antagonist capable of wielding the Edo Tensei technique. This transformation allows him to resurrect powerful figures, making him a significant threat during the climactic final war.
2 Rin Nohara
Rin: The Unintentional Catalyst for the Fourth Great Ninja War
- First Appearance: Shippuden Episode 119
Rin, a character who appears briefly yet leaves a lasting impact, finds her death at the hands of Kakashi triggering a spiral of events leading to the Fourth Great Ninja War. Though her intentions were to prevent her possession by the Three Tails, her tragic demise profoundly alters Obito’s perception of the world, pushing him toward the path of vengeance and conflict that reshapes the series’ future.
1 Black Zetsu
Black Zetsu: The Behind-the-Scenes Manipulator
- First Appearance: Episode 134
Although introduced as a minor antagonist, Black Zetsu’s true power is revealed when he is uncovered as the manifestation of Kaguya’s will. His influence extends throughout the narrative as he orchestrates conflicts and maneuvers key players toward his ultimate goal of resurrection, proving that sometimes the least assuming characters can drive the most significant plot developments.