Best Naruto Characters Who Were Ruined In Shippuden

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The Naruto anime is generally split into two sections. The first part shows events before a significant jump forward in time, and the second begins when Naruto starts training with Jiraiya. This second section is known as Naruto Shippuden, and it follows Naruto’s adventures from that point until the conclusion of the Fourth Great Ninja War.

The early seasons of Naruto showed a lot of potential in several characters, but unfortunately, many of them weren’t developed enough in the later Shippuden series. This hurt their popularity, and as a result, most fans eventually lost interest in them. Here’s a look at some characters who didn’t live up to their initial promise in Naruto Shippuden.

This post contains spoilers for Naruto.

6. Neji Hyuuga

A Prodigy Of His Clan

Neji Hyuuga was a standout participant in the Chunin Exams, easily defeating his opponents and almost winning against Naruto Uzumaki. He skillfully used his Byakugan and Gentle Fist techniques to block Naruto’s chakra points, disrupting his chakra flow.

Naruto likely would have lost his fight if not for the Nine-Tails, allowing Neji to move forward. Fortunately, Neji got another chance to demonstrate his skills against Kidomaru. He cleverly developed a technique to overcome a limitation of his Byakugan. Given how impressive he was in the early part of the series, it was shocking when Neji died, seemingly just to advance the story. While it was good that he achieved the rank of Jonin in Naruto Shippuden, it’s disappointing that the author didn’t give him any more compelling battles or meaningful moments, especially considering how much potential he had.

5. Rock Lee

An Expert At Using Taijutsu

Many fans consider Rock Lee the star of the best story arc in the first part of the series. Trained by the energetic Guy-sensei, Lee was unique because he became a skilled ninja without learning any traditional ninja techniques. Instead, he focused entirely on hand-to-hand combat, pushing his physical strength and abilities to the limit through incredibly tough training.

I remember watching Rock Lee during the Chunin Exams – he almost defeated Gaara, who everyone thought would win! Later, he and Gaara even teamed up against Kimimaro, and he finished the first part of Naruto incredibly strong. That made me really excited to see what he’d do in Shippuden. Sadly, I felt like the author didn’t really utilize him well. He hardly appeared, and we didn’t get to see much of what he’d been working on during the time skip. It was a bit disappointing.

4. Orochimaru

A Villain Disgraced By The Author

Orochimaru was the main villain in the first part of the series, and for good reason. He did terrible things, including harming the Third Hokage and attacking the Hidden Leaf Village. He seemed completely heartless and would do anything to become more powerful. He even used dangerous, forbidden techniques in his quest for immortality and ultimate strength.

Though the Konoha Crush wasn’t a complete success, Orochimaru was relieved he could attempt his plans again. However, he was killed by Sasuke Uchiha early in Naruto Shippuden. While he did help during the Fourth Great Ninja War, that was his only significant contribution. He quickly lost relevance and his once-feared reputation was tarnished. If the author wanted to end Orochimaru’s story, it would have been more fitting to have him die in the war. Bringing back such a dangerous criminal just to continue his experiments doesn’t really make sense.

3. Madara Uchiha

A Legend Wasted In Favor Of The Otsutsuki

Madara Uchiha was a famous leader of the Uchiha clan and helped establish peace alongside Hashirama Senju. Though he had passed away long ago, he was revived by Kabuto Yakushi. During the Fourth Great Ninja War, Madara proved to be a brilliant strategist and became the host of the Ten-Tails.

Everything seemed to be unfolding exactly as Madara intended. However, the author, Kishimoto, unexpectedly killed him off to set up the revival of Kaguya. This was a surprising turn of events, especially since Madara had been built up as the primary villain for many story arcs. Ultimately, the way he was defeated felt unsatisfying and diminished his impact on the story.

2. Shino Aburame

Had Access To A Unique Power

Shino Aburame isn’t known for showy moves, but he’s incredibly powerful. He comes from the Aburame clan, who are experts in using unique insects that consume chakra. These insects allow Shino to defeat even the strongest opponents.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to fulfill his potential. Though important early in the series, he became largely absent in Naruto Shippuden. A character with his strengths and background deserved a more substantial role than the brief appearances he received.

1. Kurenai

Was The Best At Genjutsu

Kurenai is a skilled Jonin ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village, famous for her mastery of Genjutsu. Many ninjas consider her the most talented Genjutsu user in the village.

Initially, Kurenai put up a fight and demonstrated her skills. However, she became increasingly unimportant as Naruto Shippuden progressed.

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2026-01-30 20:36