Highlights
- Naruto’s worldbuilding immersed fans in a detailed universe alongside epic narratives and memorable characters throughout the series.
- Villains like Mizuki, Team Dosu, and The Sound Four added depth and challenges for Naruto and his comrades to overcome.
- Characters like Kimimaro and Hanzo provided tragic and impactful storylines, showcasing the complexity of Naruto’s villains.
Naruto is one of the most epic shonen anime of all time. It’s easy to see why this series was considered to be a part of the Big Three along with One Piece and Bleach. Kishimoto’s worldbuilding was truly incredible and let people get immersed in one of the most fleshed-out universes anyone can see in anime. Sure, people may have their qualms about the Fourth Shinobi World War arc, but in the grand scheme of things, Naruto reached the highest of highs and remained interesting even when things weren’t at their peak.
Given the epic scope of this narrative that kept things interesting in the long haul, it’s easy to see why Naruto has such a soft spot in the hearts of most fans. The villains were just as important for the flow of Naruto as the heroes, but some dastardly antagonists have been conveniently forgotten about in the grand scheme of things.
6 Mizuki
Indirectly Taught Naruto The Shadow Clone Jutsu
- First Appearance: Enter: Naruto Uzumaki! (Episode 1 of Naruto)
Without Mizuki, Naruto would’ve never learned the Shadow Clone Jutsu, a patented technique that he relied on till the very end of the series. This jealous shinobi coaxed the Jinchuriki to steal a forbidden scroll, hiding his nefarious intentions by exploiting the Naruto’s desire to be liked and acknowledged by the masses.
After openly declaring his plans to Iruka, an incensed Naruto unveils his new technique and pummels Mizuki for even daring to harm his beloved sensei. It’s a cathartic moment that sets the stage for the many epic narratives that Naruto unveils to the masses.
5 Team Dosu
Orochimaru’s Agents Sent To Infiltrate The Chunin Exams
- First Appearance: Identify Yourself: Powerful New Rivals (Episode 21 of Naruto)
The Chunin Exams is an arc where a bunch of beloved characters are introduced, letting viewers get to know a wealth of shinobi who’d worm their way into the hearts of many. However, there were also many heinous students who didn’t exactly endear themselves to the masses.
One such group features three of Orochimaru’s lackeys sent with the sole purpose of testing Sasuke’s might. These characters weren’t noble or virtuous in the slightest, making sure to beat down the characters viewers loved best. This made it easier to cheer and bellow when they eventually got their comeuppance, even if the manner of their retribution was a bit too disturbing at times.
4 The Sound Four
Blessed With Orochimaru’s Curse Mark And Instructed To Escort Sasuke
- First Appearance: Zero Hour! The Konoha Crush Begins! (Episode 68 of Naruto)
After Sasuke makes the bold decision to train under Orochimaru after seeing Naruto eclipse him in strength and technique, the group tasked with escorting him is the infamous Sound Four. In what feels like a repeat of the Chunin Exams’ ending, Sasuke is escorted by the group to commence his training under Orochimaru.
Each member of the Sound Four whips out the powers of the Curse Mark to take out anyone who pursues them, trying to stop them from saving Sasuke. Thankfully, the Sand Shinobi provide some much-needed backup to take out these dastardly lackeys once and for all.
3 Kimimaro
Supposed To Be Orochimaru’s Host, Only For A Disease To Halt These Plans
- First Appearance: The Vessel Arrives Too Late (Episode 118 of Naruto)
During the final hurdle that the Leaf Shinobi face to retrieve Sasuke, they have to face off against the dreaded Kimimaro. This unique shinobi has a Kekkei Genkai that lets him use his own bones as weapons, which impressed Orochimaru so much that he chose him to be his next vessel before a disease changes things for good.
Despite being replaced by Sasuke, Kimimaro is as loyal as can be and actively tries to stop the Leaf Shinobi from taking Sasuke. His story is a tragic one, making him a powerful villain who requires Gaara’s efforts to be taken out once and for all.
2 Hanzo
The Entire Reason For Akatsuki’s Villainous Actions
- First Appearance: Tales of a Gutsy Ninja ~Jiraiya Ninja Scroll~ Part 2 (Episode 128 of Naruto Shippuden)
For how important Hanzo was when it came to dictating the trajectory of Naruto Shippuden‘s biggest group of villains, it’s odd that this heinous figure wasn’t shown until quite a few episodes into the series’ run. The leader of the Amegakure took notice of the Akatsuki’s actions back when they just wanted peace, identifying them as a threat to his authority.
After kidnapping Konan, he orders Yahiko’s threat to take out the charismatic figure and nip this threat in the bud before he can blossom. Trying to save Konan’s life, Yahiko willingly walks into Nagato’s outstretched kunai and gives his life, leading to a chain of events that leads to Hanzo getting his eventual comeuppance from Nagato, who wishes to inflict pain as a way to impart some valuable lessons on anyone standing in his way.
1 Toneri Otsutsuki
Tried To Obtain The Byakugan’s Powers By Any Means Necessary
- First Appearance: The Last: Naruto The Movie
The introduction of the Otsutsuki’s garnered a mixed reception from fans who realized this was just a way to set up the next big bad group that would stretch past Naruto‘s runtime. Kaguya’s inclusion had a very mixed reception, and The Last: Naruto the Movie decided to give some screen time to another villain from this family.
Toneri is obsessed with the powers of the Tenseigan, seeking to marry Hinata no matter what stands in his way. Unfortunately for him, the man who wants to stop him is Naruto, who saves the girl he loves and takes out Toneri with authority.
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