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Among the “Big Three” Shonen series:Naruto,One Piece, andBleach, Masashi Kishimoto’sNarutooften dealt with balancing its grand themes of friendship, perseverance, and tragedy with the challenges of character development. One character, in particular, who has long been the subject of heated fan discussions is Sakura Haruno. It’s widespread knowledge that Kishimoto underutilized Sakura’s potential, diminishing her to a secondary role despite being a member of Team 7.
But what if Kishimoto had taken a bold narrative risk? Instead of treating Sakura as a mere backup character within Team 7, what if he had fundamentally reshaped the series with her death? Such a moment could have elevatedNarutointo a darker, more emotionally charged story, rivaling or surpassing its contemporaries in thematic depth.
Sakura’s role inNaruto: A case of missed potential
Sakura Haruno’s role inNarutohas always been a rollercoaster of missed opportunities. Introduced as the intellectual counterpart to Naruto and Sasuke, Sakura initially seemed to grow into a formidable ninja in her own right. However, her characteroften lacked depthcompared to her teammates. Instead of receiving substantial development, Sakura’s role was frequently reduced to that of a healer or emotional anchor; with her obsession over Sasuke often overshadowing her contributions to Team 7.
HadMasashi Kishimotodecided to develop Sakura’s character more thoroughly, she could have served as a pillar of emotional and narrative weight for theNarutoseries. However, an alternative path could also have been an equally compelling choice: her death, which could provide a dramatic turning point for the story.
Naruto: Jiraiya’s ‘Death Stare’ Scene to Kill Tsunade Proved Kishimoto’s Real Genius in Creating How Broken Konoha Truly Was
What if Sakura had died during Episode 107,“The Battle Begins: Naruto vs. Sasuke”in the process of intervening in the fight? Her death wouldn’t just serve as a shock value twist but could act as a catalyst for the central characters: Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi, to confront their inner demons.
The bold narrative choice that could makeNarutothe darkest of the “Big Three”
Imagine if, in an attempt to stop Naruto and Sasuke from tearing each other apart, Sakura had stepped between them, only to be mortally wounded in the process. This decision would have given Sakura a purpose that resonated throughout the series. Her death would anchor the rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke in tragedy. Their rivalry would no longer be just about power and pride; it would become a haunting reminder of their shared loss.
For Naruto, Sakura’s death could have deepened his resolve to bring Sasuke back, not just as a friend but as a way to honor her sacrifice. In an alternative way, he could also have taken the same path as Sasuke. On the other hand, for Sasuke, her death could have added a layer of guilt and self-reflection, potentially altering his descent into darkness.
Moreover, as the mentor who has already lost a dear friend in a similar scenario, Kakashi’s grief over Sakura’s death could have further developed his relationship with Naruto and Sasuke, making him a more central figure in their redemption arcs. Similar to howRin’s deathserved as a catalyst for Obito’s transformation into a villain and deeply affected Kakashi’s psyche, Sakura’s death could also have created a tragic cycle that reinforced the theme of generational trauma; a recurring motif inNaruto.
“At that point, it was just talk”: Scrapped Naruto Reboot Idea Looks Way More Feasible Now When You Realize Masashi Kishimoto’s Single Greatest Failure With Boruto
WhileOne PieceandBleachare celebrated for their unique tones, neither delves as deeply into psychological and emotional darkness asNarutocould have with Sakura’s death. Although giving Sakura proper character development would have been the ideal route, her death could have served as a meaningful alternative as well. Such a decision might have come at the cost of losing a key character but would have solidifiedNaruto‘s place as a darker, more emotionally resonant story among the “Big Three”.
Narutois currently available to read and watch on Viz Media and Crunchyroll, respectively.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
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Masashi KishimotoNarutoSakura Haruno
