6 Naruto Characters Who Don’t Deserve the Hate

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Over the many years Naruto has been around, a wide variety of characters have been introduced. Some are hugely popular with fans, while others aren’t so well-liked. Even the main characters often spark debate among viewers about how they’re written and developed.

Even though some characters make questionable choices in Naruto, the level of negativity they receive from fans is often unfair. Many of them have significantly contributed to the story’s development and added depth to the characters and their backstories. Here are six Naruto characters who are unfairly disliked by many fans.

Hiruzen Sarutobi

The Third Hokage

Image via Pierrot.

  • Appointed Third Hokage by Tobirama
  • Father of Asuma Sarutobi
  • Wanted peaceful solutions

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, made some serious mistakes during his time as leader. He didn’t adequately protect Naruto when the village turned against him, and he allowed Danzo to continue his aggressive actions, ultimately leading to the destruction of the entire Uchiha Clan.

The Third Hokage’s motivations were actually quite complex. Although he couldn’t stop Danzo, he’d originally hoped to resolve things peacefully, but Danzo didn’t listen. Despite his mistakes, he quietly supported Naruto, ensuring he had a place to live and received an education. He often made poor choices, but generally had good intentions, so he doesn’t deserve all the criticism he gets.

Itachi Uchiha

Sasuke’s Misunderstood Older Brother

  • Killed his entire Clan except for his brother, Sasuke
  • Had hidden good intentions
  • Polarizing character in the fandom

Itachi Uchiha, Sasuke’s older brother, is a deeply complex character who doesn’t fit neatly into the roles of ‘hero’ or ‘villain.’ He tragically killed the rest of their family when Sasuke was young, leaving Sasuke as the sole survivor. The reasons behind his actions are revealed after his death, making his character even more nuanced and difficult to categorize.

Even though fans learned he killed his clan because he was pressured by others and wanted to avoid a larger war, many still intensely dislike him for the act. While this reaction is understandable, it’s also important to remember he was manipulated and controlled, making the strong negative feelings he receives perhaps unfair.

Hinata

More Than Naruto’s Love Interest

  • Refused to give up during the Chunin Exams
  • Fought in the Fourth Great Ninja War
  • Serves as more than just Naruto’s girlfriend/wife

Much of the criticism directed at Hinata comes from fans who feel her character isn’t fully developed, and that her defining trait is simply her affection for Naruto. Because she’s also very quiet and reserved, many viewers believe she doesn’t have a substantial impact on the story’s events.

Hinata is a far more capable ninja than people often realize. She not only passed the challenging Chunin Exams but also bravely fought in the Fourth Great Ninja War. She’s also contributed to creating new techniques, like the Twin Lion Fists, and accomplished much more. Her connection with Naruto is also key to understanding her growth – he encouraged her to overcome her shyness and become more assertive, and motivated her to continue training. Hinata is a well-developed character who is much more than just a romantic interest.

Naruto

A Powerful but Immature Shinobi

Image via Pierrot.
  • One of the most powerful shinobi to ever live
  • Eventually marries Hinata and becomes Hokage
  • Often acted immature when he was younger

Even the main character, Naruto, receives criticism. People have varied opinions about his personality, particularly when he was younger. Many fans found him to be immature and boastful, and often annoying. Later, in the series Boruto, some viewers criticized his frequent absences from his family, feeling he focused more on his work than his loved ones.

Despite his imperfections, Naruto is a well-developed character with good intentions. Throughout his journey as a ninja, he matures and leaves his childish behavior behind. Even in Boruto, though he’s often away from his family, it’s because he’s working tirelessly as Hokage to improve the ninja world.

Sasuke

Naruto’s Friend and Rival

Image via Pierrot.
  • Is the reincarnation of Indra Otsutsuki
  • Is troubled by his past
  • Strays from his original path

Sasuke is a controversial character in the Naruto series, largely because of his often-questionable choices, which are driven by his desire for revenge against his brother. Despite initially training and growing up alongside Naruto and Sakura, he eventually leaves their team and even tries to harm them.

Sasuke’s behavior was wrong, but his troubled past helps explain why he acted the way he did. After witnessing his brother kill their family and feeling inadequate compared to Naruto, Sasuke often battled with his emotions. Fortunately, he eventually understood how much his friends valued him, leading him to return to Konoha and show that, despite everything, his heart was in the right place and he didn’t deserve all the negativity he received.

Sakura

An Underrated Powerful Character

  • Often unfairly compared to Naruto and Sasuke
  • Has impressive chakra control and strength
  • Helped to defeat Kaguya

It’s no surprise Sakura often comes up in discussions about Naruto. Many fans criticize her, claiming she’s overly focused on Sasuke, lacks strength, and is annoying. However, as the story progresses, Sakura consistently demonstrates that she’s far more complex than these simple labels suggest.

Sakura often gets criticism, but she develops a lot throughout the series. While she initially focuses on Sasuke, she eventually prioritizes her training and protecting the village. Though she may not reach the same power level as Naruto or Sasuke, she’s a remarkably skilled medical ninja who saved countless lives during the war, and her early immaturity was common for many of the characters. Sakura is a well-developed character who doesn’t deserve the negativity she receives.

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2026-02-14 23:10