Anime fans all around the world are aware of the impact the beloved Naruto series has had on the industry. For many decades, Masashi Kishimoto’s epic ninja adventure has been seen as one of the pillars of pop culture, and with good reason. The story of the titular protagonist is nothing less than a masterpiece, one that has moved the hearts of millions of fans for more than 20 years.

Nonetheless, like with any other work, the series is by no means perfect, as it has several issues that have been addressed several times by fans. Among these topics, some that are not universally agreed on cannot be denied. Many small but significant details can make watching Naruto a memorable but frustrating experience at times.

10 Kaguya’s Introduction Is Still Unsatisfying

An Amazing Villain With an Unjustifiable Entry

Near the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War arc, the Naruto series shocked fans by introducing a new and mighty opponent for the heroes to fight: Kaguya Otsutsuki. A member of a powerful clan of planet-conquering aliens, the woman was a legend among shinobi, as it was she who gave humans the ability to use Chakra. Kaguya came back to life after Black Setsu betrayed Madara, using his body as a vessel for his master.

The Otsutsuki woman was an amazing final villain, with techniques and abilities that forced Team 7 to work together and stop her plans to destroy humanity. Still, as exciting as the battle against her was, many fans have made their displeasure with her introduction known throughout the years. Kaguya seemed to come from nowhere, as the series had almost no foreshadowing about her sudden appearance. Furthermore, the fact that she was used as a plot device to defeat Madara, who was far too powerful, does not sit right with fans at all.

9 Naruto’s Obsession With Sasuke Can Be Frustrating

The Hero Risked Everything for a Known Terrorist

After Sasuke’s hatred for Itachi made him betray Konoha and Orochimaru’s ranks, Naruto’s main goal in life was saving his friend from his darkness. Most of the Shippuden series was spent on the protagonist trying and failing to get the Uchiha back home. While Naruto’s intentions are beyond irable, his insistence on forgiving Sasuke can get tiresome.

The hero not only wanted to find and make his former friend come to reason, but he was also actively working against the Ninja World to prevent Sasuke from suffering any consequences. The biggest example of this trend occurred during the Kage Summit arc, during which Naruto risked his life to try and save Sasuke, despite the Uchiha having become a known terrorist.

8 Sakura Is Nowhere Near as Bad as Fans Think

She Is Far From Useless

Ever since her introduction in chapter #1 of the manga, Sakura has been a controversial figure among the Naruto cast. Despite being among the main characters, with her contributions to the series being comparable to those of the protagonist, several fans did not enjoy her inclusion. Most of these feelings come from the belief that Sakura is not as useful as other characters.

These suppositions could not be more wrong, as Sakura is by far one of the best ninjas in the series. Not only is she among the most talented medical assets Konoha possesses, but she is also one of the only two disciples of Tsunade, a Legendary Sanin. Sakura might not have been on the same level as Naruto or Sasuke, but she is far from being the incompetent kunoichi many fans believe.

7 Madara Is a Henious Villain, but He Had a Point

​​​​​​​The Shinobi World Is a Bad Place

Considered by many as one of the greatest anime villains of all time, Madara Uchiha was a cruel and conniving individual willing to do anything to achieve his goals. He was the main antagonist of the Fourth Great Ninja War arc, acting as the ultimate opponent for the Shinobi Alliance. While the crimes committed by Madara throughout the centuries cannot be forgiven, an argument can be made that his ideas were not that outlandish.

He was born during an era of bloodshed and chaos, forced to watch his family die in front of his eyes in an endless war. Madara knew that the world of Naruto would never truly know peace if greed and fear were humanity’s motivators. Nonetheless, while his idea of creating a utopia could be enticing, his methods cannot be justified.

6 Itachi Is Great, but He Is Not a Hero

​​​​​​​He Should Not Be Praised for His Actions

Itachi Uchiha, one of the most powerful of the terrorist organization Akatsuki, is undoubtedly one of the most popular characters in Naruto. There are many reasons why fans love this stoic and skillful fighter, as he is a truly fascinating individual. Nonetheless, despite how incredibly well-written Sasuke’s brother was, many of his choices were questionable at best.

Itachi’s loyalty to Konoha and his desire to see Sasuke live a normal life in their home village caused him to betray his family, in one of the franchise’s darkest moments. The man did not consider alternative options, like killing the true enemy, Danzo, or running away with his brother.

5 Death Is Almost Non-Existent

​​​​​​​One of Shōnen’s Longest Issues

For many decades, Naruto has withstood the test of time and remains one of the best Shōnen anime in existence. The series utilized many of the best tropes of this genre in a unique way that has yet to be seen in any other production. Woefully, it also took one of the most criticized aspects of Shonen: the lack of deaths among the cast.

Even though the hero lives in a world where danger lurks around every corner and some of the most powerful villains in anime live, there are only a handful of relevant deaths. Worst of all, there are several instances where characters are either mortally wounded or on the brink of death, only to be miraculously saved in the nick of time, a trend that can irritate many fans.

4 Naruto’s World Still Needs To Change

​​​​​​​Using Child Soldiers Is Horrifying

During the ending of the Naruto series, the Shinobi World came together to rebuild what was destroyed by Madara and the Fourth Great Ninja War. This was the first time in the history of this universe that most of the Elemental Nations had put their differences aside to create a better tomorrow. It was supposed to be a momentous occasion, signifying the end of Naruto’s quest for peace.

While the world of the series has no doubt seen enormous progress during this time, there are still several red flags that need to be addressed. One of the biggest ones is the use of child soldiers in missions and wars, as the rank of Genin is still being given to children as young as 12. The use of kids as warriors made sense in the past, as all nations were at war, but it does not seem as easy to justify during the sequel, Boruto.

3 The Uchiha Clan’s Blood Is On Konoha’s Hands

​​​​​​​Their Coup Could Have Been Prevented

Despite being one of the most powerful and important clans in the Hidden Leaf, the Uchiha family was continuously mistreated by the leaders of their home. They were isolated, forced to serve the Hokage without question, and secretly branded as possible threats to the safety of the village. These extreme measures caused resentment among the clan, culminating in their attempted coup and Itachi’s massacre.

While it is true that the Uchiha clan’s extermination took place to prevent a bloody civil war in Konoha, this measure would have never been needed if not for the irrational fear against them. Had their family been shown the same respect as their peers, none of the atrocities committed against them would have taken place.

2 Obito’s Redemption Was Unearned

​​​​​​​His Action Cannot Be Forgiven

For many Naruto fans, Obito Uchiha has one of the best and most tragic backstories. His life was taken from him during a failed mission, only for him to be tortured and manipulated by Madara to accomplish his goals. Naruto saw the pain in the man’s eyes and decided to give him a second chance, as he tended to do.

However, if there was a character who did not deserve forgiveness, it was Obito. The fallen Uchiha brought misery and death everywhere he went, often intentionally. He was the one who caused Naruto’s parents to die, the Hidden Mist to become a cruel nation, and the one who manipulated Nagato into becoming a villain. His life might have been tragic, but his actions were far too heinous to be forgiven.

1 Naruto’s Story Contradicts Itself

​​​​​​​Fate Does Override Effort

One of the biggest lessons the Naruto series has to offer is a reminder that fate and talent are no match for someone willing to work harder than ever. The titular protagonist was once considered a failure, incapable of using Jutsu, and mocked by everyone for his low intelligence. Yet, by working hard, he managed to sur even the most skilled Genin, like Neji.

This beautiful message was corrupted by the end of the series, as Naruto’s bloodline went completely against it. The hero was not only the son of two of Konoha’s most powerful ninjas, but he was also the reincarnation of an alien with god-like abilities. While his effort did play a role in his success, fate was clearly on Naruto’s side from the beginning.