Naruto is, without any doubt, one of the most significant and beloved anime and manga series of all time. Its influence on pop culture has been felt for many decades, inspiring dozens of similar shows and enchanting audiences of all ages. However, there is one aspect of the series that was not as well received by fans as the rest of the story, and that is the final arc.

Due to its various converging plot points, the sudden introduction of villains who were not hinted at beforehand, and an overall lacking plot, followers of the series have often criticized this portion of the plot. Yet, when studying this controversial arc with care, its various strengths and incredible additions to the series become apparent.

Naruto’s Finale Is Much Better Than Fans Imagine

The Fourth Great Ninja War Has Many Redeeming Qualities

The final arc of the critically acclaimed Naruto series, the Fourth Great Ninja War, was the culmination of all the years of adventure the titular protagonist had gone through as the story progressed. This event took care of developing many of the recurring mysteries and plot points the show had introduced years in advance. Most of the best and most important characters in the series were allowed to forces and fight to save the world for the first time in the series. Lamentably, the plethora of plot threads that converged during this time caused the arc to feel a bit too saturated.

The pacing was far too fast for fans to fully enjoy the resolutions of many of the long-awaited moments, such as the return of the of her powerful clan taking over as the major villains. While these criticisms are more than fair, they fail to acknowledge its many positive aspects.

The Fourth Great Ninja War arc was the first time in the history of the franchise that shinobi from all over the world came together to save their planet. It was the beginning of the period of peace Naruto had been trying to achieve for many years. The fight scenes, emotional scenes, and development that the fighters went through are still being praised and enjoyed by millions of fans, who understand their significance to the story.

Kaguya and Madara Are Not Bad Villains

While Flawed, They Played Their Roles Perfectly

One of the main criticisms fans have raised about the ending of the Naruto series is the unfortunate development of the arc’s biggest villains: Kaguya and Madara. The latter, once known as a legendary ninja who could only be compared to the First Hokage, was a major plot point since the revelation of Tobi’s plans to utilize the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Even though Madara more than delivered in many aspects of being an antagonist, there were many big issues that fans pointed out from the beginning. The most important was the ridiculous gap between his power and other ninjas.

Among the thousands of combatants who ed the fight, only a handful of the most powerful characters could do any damage to the man. Things only got worse once Kaguya was introduced, without any significant warning or foreshadowing. The lack of foresight concerning their roles is undeniable, but it does not make their actions any less epic. Both characters have become pillars of what an anime villain must be like. They are examples of true strength and dominance over the heroes.

Madara was a living legend who could defeat hundreds of opponents without breaking a sweat. His battle against Might Guy is still considered one of the best fights in the entire series, and his other confrontations are nothing if not iconic. Kaguya, while not what many fans expected to see during the finale, ended up being an adversary worthy of Naruto and Sasuke’s skills. She was also the reason why the of Team 7 began reconciling, as they realized how much they needed each other.

The Final Battle Between Naruto and Sasuke Is Legendary

Their Confrontation Could Not Have Happened Without the War

Besides the amazing antagonists introduced during the final arc of the Naruto series, one aspect of this entry that is universally beloved by the fandom is the final battle between rivals. After saving the world from the strongest villains the ninja world had seen in decades, Naruto and Sasuke decided to battle one last time to determine whose vision would shape the world. This fight was unlike any other in the series, with two of the franchise’s powerhouses using every weapon and Jutsu in their arsenal to win.

It is one of the best battles in anime history, allowing fans to see the true extent of the power their favorite characters wield. It was also the perfect way for Masashi Kishimoto, the author of this world-famous manga, to have his two protagonists resolve their ongoing disputes. While Sasuke was adamant about destroying the Shinobi World and creating a new era of peace, Naruto wanted to recover the friend he lost so many years ago to the cycle of hatred. By the time their battle ended, both characters had learned to truly understand the other for the first time.

No Arc in Naruto Is Perfect

The Final Entry Is Judged Too Harshly

Even though it is apparent that the Fourth Great Ninja War arc is by far not the perfect final entry fans of the Naruto series expected, it is still among the best in the franchise. Objectively, the events of this portion of the story accomplished the goals that had been established before its release, bringing the plot to a satisfying conclusion for fans. Its errors should not be forgotten, but its strengths ought to be celebrated far more. When compared with other less popular entries, like many of the filler arcs, it is an incredibly enjoyable experience.