7 Naruto Villains You Totally Forgot About!

Summary

Black Zetsu is a manipulative tool lacking depth in Naruto Shippūden’s Akatsuki.
Kakuzo is an unstable antagonist who fails to stand out among the Akatsuki.
Mizuki is memorable as Naruto’s first villain but easily forgotten in the grand scheme.

In the realm of anime and pop culture, Naruto stands tall as one of the most acclaimed series from the 2000s, captivating fans globally with its expansive collection of movies and series. This enduring popularity is largely attributed to the franchise’s unique talent for crafting characters that resonate deeply with audiences, stirring not only empathy but also intense emotions. Among these characters, the Naruto anime has introduced some remarkable villains who play a pivotal role in character development and even undergo their own transformations.

You know, it’s a fact that not every baddie can be as cleverly crafted as Orochimaru or as terrifyingly powerful as Madara Uchiha, which is why some villains in the anime series might fall flat and fail to leave a lasting impact on viewers. Excluding movie characters and filler episodes, there are indeed several underdeveloped villains, forgotten antagonists, and even villains that were disliked so much they seemed pointless within the broader narrative of the story.

1. Black Zetsu

A Manipulative Tool For Villainy With Potential For More

First Appearance: Naruto Episode #134

Black Zetsu plays a significant role in both the Akatsuki group and the entirety of Naruto Shippūden, frequently showing up in the anime series. Although he boasts an impressive look, his character development was relatively shallow compared to many others, often serving as a pawn for other villains rather than a fully-fledged antagonist.

Although Zetsu ultimately betrayed Madara and played a significant role in the series’ plot, his character was more about manipulation than being a strong force like other characters. His main goal was to free Kaguya. Consequently, despite having the opportunity, screen time, power, and potential, Zetsu never fully transformed into a true antagonist.

2. Kakuzo

An Unstable Antagonist That Fails To Stand Out Among The Akatsuki

First appearance: Naruto Shippūden Episode #71

Although Kakuzo’s initial appearance was impressive within the series, he didn’t manage to establish a lasting impact due to his brief tenure, despite occasional reappearances as part of the Akatsuki team. Notably, it’s challenging for any villain to make a significant impression among the Akatsuki’s remarkable roster, given their impressive collection of formidable antagonists.

Despite being part of the team, Kakuzu stands out as one of the rare antagonists who doesn’t fully develop. Primarily, he is an unpredictable figure driven by a desire for increased power, lacking depth in his motives. This shallowness makes it challenging for him to measure up against other villains within and outside the Akatsuki, although his battles are noteworthy.

3. Mizuki

His Most Memorable Attribute Is That He Is The First Villain Of The Anime

First Appearance: Naruto Episode #1

In the anime series, many villains play a role in shaping or growing the protagonists, and none illustrate this more than Mizuki. He was instrumental in assisting Naruto’s development of the Shadow Clone Technique, which became Naruto’s primary move for the rest of the storyline.

1) Apart from assisting Naruto in character growth through his initial bonding with Iruka, it’s worth noting that if Mizuki had featured in any episode other than the first, he likely would have been overlooked by many viewers, even though he reappeared later on in a filler storyline.

4. Jugo

The Most Forgettable Member Of An Uninspiring Team Of Antagonists

First Appearance: Naruto Shippūden Episode #116

The formidable group known as Taka, forged by Sasuke during his mission to overthrow the Hidden Leaf Village, stands almost iconic in comparison to other villainous factions such as Akatsuki or Orochimaru’s crews. However, among all the antagonists within this team, it is Jugo who tends to be most quickly forgotten.

Although he is often considered one of the more sinister secondary characters, it’s not accurate to label him as the main antagonist due to his initial intentions: seeking healing from Orochimaru and following Sasuke’s plans without a clear personal agenda. He frequently exhibits self-control, making him less active in most situations, often serving as a calm presence on Sasuke’s relatively unexceptional team, despite occasional outbursts of strong impulses.

5. Team Dosu

Small-Time Antagonists Introduced Amidst Other Great Characters

First Appearance: Naruto Episode #21

During the Chunin Exams, a group of villains made their entrance. From the start, they were unpleasant and seemed only to obey Orochimaru’s commands. They lacked any admirable traits and their main purpose was to challenge Sasuke’s power, without possessing ambitions beyond bullying others.

During the Chunin Exams, numerous unforgettable characters emerged, yet their individual stories often took a backseat due to minimal personal attention or focus.

6. Hanzo

An Important Role Reduced To An Anticlimactic Ending

First Appearance: Naruto Shippūden Episode #128

Despite playing a crucial part in forming the Akatsuki and the creation of the Legendary Sannin, Hanzo didn’t garner as much recognition as his contributions deserved. Unlike many antagonists, Hanzo initially pursued noble goals, but over time, his objectives were corrupted by him, leading to immense pain and sorrow for others.

Although his strength was frequently lauded, it resulted in an unsuitable end for him, as he clung desperately to self-preservation. In essence, while his abilities were often discussed, they were seldom demonstrated, particularly during the rare instances when he was present.

7. Gold & Silver Brothers

Underrated But Underused Antagonists In A War Filled With Great Villains

First Appearance: Naruto Shippūden Episode #267

Kinkaku and Ginkaku, often referred to as the Gold and Silver siblings, were formidable ninja, direct descendants of the Sage of Six Paths. They were overpowered and consumed by the Nine-Tailed Fox. Remarkably, they lived for two weeks, utilizing their internal strength to devour the beast from within. This extraordinary event not only led to their expulsion but also bestowed them with novel abilities.

Despite their compelling backgrounds and significant ties to the ninja realm, these characters often receive less recognition than they deserve. Regrettably, they appeared sparingly within the anime series, emerging primarily during the final storyline as one of numerous antagonists endangering the universe.

8. Kaguya

No Substance Overshadowed By Madara’s Grandiosity

First Appearance: Naruto Shippūden Episode #458

Although Kaguya holds a significant role as the last antagonist in “Naruto Shippūden” and has an impressively striking appearance, some fans might find her disappointing within the franchise. This could be due to her sudden and seemingly unjustified arrival, which limited her development and impact compared to other villains, particularly given her immense power.

Instead of building up Madara Uchiha as the main antagonist throughout numerous episodes and story arcs only for Kaguya Otsutsuki to fall flat in her role as an antagonist – despite being known as the most powerful adversary in the Naruto: Shippuden series – it seems she was primarily utilized as a plot tool to elicit shock, rather than developing into a memorable, well-rounded villain.

2025-01-27 09:13