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Created by Masashi Kishimoto, theNarutoseries is well-known for its multidimensional characters. From the “Good” guys to the “Bad”, each character has displayed such profound aspects of their persona that captivated the fans for over two decades. However, despite the success, Kishimoto’s journey as a creator was not without its disappointments.
In any long-running series, character popularity can be a double-edged sword. While some characters become instant fan favorites, others struggle to find their place in the hearts of the fans. While the unexpected popularity of characters like Kakashi and Jiraiya made Kishimoto surprised, the lackluster reception and outright rejection of characters he had hoped would be well-liked made him devastated and shocked.
The Unfortunate Case of Flopped Characters inNaruto
Masashi Kishimoto shared his honest opinion about every little aspect of theNarutoseries in an interview with Kobayashi years ago. This interview was summarized viaNarutopediahighlighting the important details from the Q&A session. In this session, he revealed the names of certain characters he hoped to be popular among fans but rather became notable failures.
Among the most prominent examples is Sai, a member of Team 7 who debuted inNaruto: Shippuden, the second part of the series. Kishimoto wanted Sai to be a complex character who would provide a fresh perspective for the group. However, his stoic personality along with his initially antagonistic demeanor failed to connect with fans. In spite of his backstory and subsequent growth, Sai failed to reach the level of popularity Kishimoto had expected from him.
Another such failed character was Kimimaro, a member of the Sound Five. He was introduced as a powerful opponent with a seemingly tragic past, making him a potentially interesting character. Despite his moderate level of popularity in the early stage, his appeal started to wear out in the instance he pulled outhis own spinal cordto use as a weapon during a fight. As it was stated,
Kimimaro was actually popular at first, but as soon as he was shown to pull out his spinal cord his popularity disappeared. Kobayashi suggests that maybe it’s because it grossed the fans out, especially female fans.
Although the most painfulcharacter disappointmentfor Kishimoto was perhaps Sakura Haruno. Kishimoto had high hopes for her, intending her to portray a realistic image of a teenage girl with genuine emotions and challenges. However, Sakura ended up becoming one of the most hated characters in the series, much to Kishimoto’s shock and dismay.
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Male and female fans alike frequently expressed their dislike for her, primarily due to her ill-treatment towards Naruto, her early obsession with Sasuke Uchiha, and the belief that she was “useless” in battle. Realizing that Sakura was not as beloved as he had hoped, Kishimoto continued to write Sakura’s character despite this unexpected reception.
The Rise of the Fan-Favorite Characters inNaruto
Aside from the flopped characters, it’s important to acknowledge the surprising success of some of the most beloved characters inNaruto. Among them, the mysterious and laid-back Team 7 sensei Kakashi Hatake quickly won over the fans. Despite his cool demeanor, mysterious background, and powerful abilities,Masashi Kishimotohimself admitted that he had no idea Kakashi would become so popular.
Similarly, the eccentric and perverted sage, Jiraiya has garnered significant fan support. Kishimoto acknowledged Jiraiya’s widespread appeal and pointed out that it was probably influenced by his serious yet playful vibe. Both Kakashi and Jiraiya’s success demonstrated that sometimes, characters who resonate with fans do so in ways that even their creators do not comprehend.
Masashi Kishimoto Introduced an Iconic Naruto Villain Early on Just So He Could Show off How Strong Kakashi is
Kishimoto provided a unique glimpse into the emotional challenges that artists encounter by being willing to talk candidly about disappointments and unexpected reactions. His journey withNarutois evidence of the unpredictable nature of creative work. For every Kakashi and Jiraiya, there is a Sai, Sakura or Kimimaro — reminding us that even the most talented creators cannot always predict how their work will be received.
AsNarutocontinues to grab new generations of audiences, the lessons from these character missteps will surely shape Kishimoto’s future work as well as the work of creators who come after him.
You can watchNarutoon Crunchyroll.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :930
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
