Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the Naruto manga, invested a lot of work into developing the main character, Naruto Uzumaki. He equipped Naruto with many powerful skills to help him defeat his opponents. Beyond his abilities, Naruto’s personality and beliefs were key to making him so popular with fans.
Naruto is a great main character, but he’s not perfect, and that allows other characters to really stand out. Honestly, some of them would actually make more compelling leads than Naruto himself.
This post contains spoilers for Naruto.
6. Itachi Uchiha
Mature Beyond The Years
- Kekkei Genkai: Mangekyou Sharingan
Itachi, a skilled ninja from the Uchiha Clan, had a difficult childhood filled with loss. These experiences led him to believe the world was a cruel place and shaped his desire for peace. He became someone who avoided conflict whenever possible, and this belief was a key reason why he chose to remain loyal to the Hidden Leaf Village rather than his own clan.
If Itachi had been the main character, he likely would have survived and avoided the need to fight and sacrifice himself for Sasuke. Without his illness, he wouldn’t have been limited in his abilities, allowing him to defeat any threats to himself or his loved ones. Plus, having Itachi as the central figure would have offered a fresh viewpoint, different from Naruto’s.
5. Minato Namikaze
A Genius Who Scared Entire Armies
Minato Namikaze was the Fourth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village. He earned this position after becoming a legend during the Third Great Ninja War, where he was so powerful that enemy ninjas were ordered to run away immediately if they saw him.
Minato would make a fantastic main character for many reasons. He was deeply empathetic and understood feelings from a young age, and he was a natural genius who excelled at the Ninja Academy. Plus, unlike most powerful ninjas, he didn’t come from a famous or important family. Considering Kishimoto recently released a one-shot story focusing on Minato, it’s very possible he’ll choose the Yellow Flash as the lead in a Naruto prequel.
4. Neji Hyuuga
A Genius Born In The Wrong Family
Neji truly stood out during the Chunin Exams. His incredible skill and determination made him a force to be reckoned with, and he easily defeated most of his opponents, even Naruto. Naruto only managed to win because of the power of the Nine Tails. Despite showing so much promise, Neji’s role diminished later in the series – a different outcome might have occurred if he had been the main character.
Honestly, I always thought a Naruto series focusing on Neji would have been incredible! Imagine seeing the ninja world through his eyes – really diving into what it meant to be born into the Hyuuga Branch Family and essentially living a life predetermined by fate. It would have been so compelling to watch him fight against that system, to break free from the expectations placed on him. And the best part? Kishimoto could have brilliantly connected Neji’s struggles to the whole Otsutsuki Clan storyline, adding even more depth! It just feels like a story ripe with potential that never got explored, and I really think it would have offered a totally different, fascinating perspective on the Naruto universe.
3. Hashirama Senju
Born With One Of The Rarest Powers
Hashirama Senju was the first leader of the Hidden Leaf Village and is considered one of the most powerful ninjas ever. At his peak, he was unbeatable in battle. Even the famous Madara Uchiha repeatedly tried and failed to defeat him. Hashirama’s incredible power came from his unique ability, Wood Release, which was strong enough to even restrain powerful tailed beasts.
If the story had focused on Hashirama, viewers would have seen much more of him and learned more about his life. We would have especially seen more of his childhood, before the Hidden Leaf Village was founded. Focusing on Hashirama would have also made for a faster-paced and more thrilling story.
2. Nagato Uzumaki
Had A More Realistic Approach
Nagato Uzumaki ranks among the most compelling villains ever created. He dramatically reshaped the Akatsuki organization, leading them to unprecedented power and success. While he was known for his philosophical discussions, Nagato possessed immense strength that easily matched his words.
Nagato believed people only truly changed after experiencing pain, a somewhat extreme view supported by the lack of empathy shown throughout the Naruto series. Many characters, even towards a child like Naruto, demonstrated a shocking lack of compassion, often treating him badly despite his innocence. Considering his beliefs and power, Nagato had the potential to be a compelling main character.
1. Jiraiya
Much More Adventurous Than Naruto
Jiraiya was a mentor to numerous skilled ninjas, guiding their development both as fighters and as individuals. Famous as the Toad Sage, he journeyed the world, completing assignments and meeting all kinds of people. These experiences not only broadened his understanding of different cultures but also deepened his knowledge of the world.
Honestly, if Kishimoto had made Jiraiya the main character instead of Naruto, I think the story would’ve been amazing! It wouldn’t have been so focused on one place, and we’d have gotten to really explore the different villages and cultures throughout the ninja world – both the major ones and the smaller, hidden spots. It would’ve opened up the whole universe so much more!
Read More
- Jujutsu Zero Codes
- Top 8 UFC 5 Perks Every Fighter Should Use
- All Exploration Challenges & Rewards in Battlefield 6 Redsec
- Discover the Top Isekai Anime Where Heroes Become Adventurers in Thrilling New Worlds!
- Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 16 Preview: Mahoraga’s Adaptation Vs Dabura Begins
- Where to Find Prescription in Where Winds Meet (Raw Leaf Porridge Quest)
- Arise Ragnarok Codes (December 2025)
- Upload Labs: Beginner Tips & Tricks
- Jujutsu: Zero Codes (December 2025)
- Gold Rate Forecast
2025-12-29 23:38