Happy endings often come at a cost, especially in the world of Naruto. The shinobi world maintained its peace and history through the strength and sacrifices of countless shinobi, with Naruto and Sasuke leading the battle against formidable antagonists. Many gave their lives to ensure the survival and future of their world, but some deaths have led fans to question the author's decision.

Naruto, in particular, deserved his happy ending—finding love and peace after a lifetime of struggle. Yet, even his joy came with sacrifice, as some fans believe that his love story blossomed only after the death of Neji Hyuga. This bittersweet reality led some to wonder whether Naruto would have reciprocated Hinata Hyuga's feelings had Neji’s sacrifice not occurred.

Neji Hyuga Had Greater Potential Than Some Survivors of the War

A Renowned Shinobi Since the Beginning

Neji Hyuga was regarded as a prodigy from a young age, standing equal to or even suring his peers within the Hidden Leaf Village. In Naruto's early years, Neji’s skill with the Byakugan and his mastery of the gentle fist made him a renowned shinobi, both among his generation and within the esteemed Hyuga clan. His natural abilities quickly made him a genius, a title rarely given to anyone, especially within a clan as traditional as the Hyuga.

Despite his talents, Neji's role in the Hyuga clan was limited by the strict hierarchy between the branch and the main families, which fueled his belief in a predetermined fate. As a branch family member, he was bound to protect and serve the main family, particularly his cousin Hinata, reinforcing his belief as a fact even more. These circumstances made Neji feel confined and powerless despite having the abilities that let him sur the others.

Neji could have achieved mastery that rivaled the strongest shinobis within his clan and beyond.

However, during his climactic fight with Naruto in the final rounds of the Chunin Exams, Naruto's resolve and optimism challenged Neji's fixed belief in fate. Neji's potential to grow might have sured those who survived the Fourth Great Ninja War. His natural skill with the Byakugan, advanced understanding of Hyuga techniques, and sharp strategic mind were rare among his generation, making him a powerful asset on any battlefield.

The Love Story of Naruto and Hinata Flourished Through Neji's Sacrifice

An Unnecessary Death to Further a Love Story

One of Neji's responsibilities as a member of the branch family of the Hyuga clan was to look after Hinata Hyuga. Despite not having the best relationship with her at the beginning of the series, his views shifted dramatically after his battle with Naruto. Neji's perspective changed through their fight, leading him to see Hinata in a new light. Having observed her since childhood, Neji was entirely aware of her deep iration for Naruto Uzumaki.

Hinata was a shy and soft-spoken girl who rarely expressed her true feelings, often letting her actions speak for her, especially regarding Naruto. Although the Seventh Hokage was largely oblivious to her affections during their youth, Neji was not. As her cousin, he understood Hinata's unreciprocated love for Naruto. He recognized that her motivations stemmed from these feelings, and he also witnessed the pressures she faced growing up in a household that lacked warmth and .

During the Fourth Great Ninja War, in Naruto Shippuden episode #364, Neji dies to save Naruto and Hinata. His sacrifice symbolized his deep iration and respect for them. While some fans viewed Neji's words as guilt-tripping, his intention was far from that; he wanted to ensure that Naruto survived to protect the shinobi world, making Neji's sacrifice not only a catalyst for Hinata and Naruto's love story but also a significant act of selflessness.

However, the true motivation behind that scene, as revealed by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto, made fans question if Neji really needed to die. According to Kishimoto's words in a 2014 interview with Fuji TV, he killed Neji to solidify the future hook-up between Naruto and Hinata. Having decided that Hinata would be Naruto's love interest, he wanted a sequence where Naruto would "consciously realize that she is by his side and thank her for that." Kishimoto even went as far as describing Neji as the couple's "cupid", making his death even more questionable.

Neji's Legacy Inspires the Next Generation of Shinobi

Naruto and Hinata Cherish His Memory Forever

Neji Hyūga was a fan-favorite character, deeply ired for his skill and determination. His ultimate sacrifice during the Fourth Great Ninja War had a lasting impact on his family, friends, and the fans who had followed his journey. Fans surely did not appreciate that Neji had to die only to further one of Naruto's controversial romances. At least, Kishimoto did not forget about Neji later and his memory transcended beyond his death. Neji's presence was honored at Naruto and Hinata’s wedding. Hinata's younger sister carried a picture of him, symbolizing his family's unwavering desire to keep him close, even if only in spirit.

The impact of his life is felt deeply by the next generation, and the names Naruto and Hinata chose for their children both honor Neji's memory. Boruto's name can be translated to mean "bolt", as Neji's name means "screw". The couple's daughter, Himawari, is named after the Japanese word for "sunflower," Neji’s favorite flower. Himawari and Boruto are aware of their uncle’s legacy through stories shared by their parents and extended family, reflecting Neji’s influence woven into their lives.

The Uzumaki children are particularly close to their mother’s side of the family, strengthening their connection to Neji’s memory. A glimpse from Boruto: Naruto Next Generations even shows Hinata and Himawari visiting Neji’s grave, paying their respects and keeping his spirit alive through their remembrance.

Still, Neji’s legacy could have continued to flourish in new ways had he lived to guide the next generation of Hyuga. As a powerful prodigy of the clan and a deeply perceptive individual, Neji could have brought even more to the shinobi world, potentially guiding young shinobi, such as Boruto and Himawari, with his wisdom and strength. Neji could have been a great candidate to succeed Naruto as Hokage after the latter is incapacitated in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.

The decision to kill Neji will always be among the most controversial taken by Naruto's creator, as surely Naruto could have found another way to realize the importance of Hinata in his life. Although Neji didn’t deserve to die, his ing will always remain one of the most emotional scenes in the franchise, as he wanted nothing more than for Hinata to experience a beautiful and peaceful life with Naruto.