8 Times Naruto Stirred Major Controversy — Ranked
A story loved by millions, but not without its share of debate.
'Naruto' is one of the most iconic anime series ever created, with a legacy that continues to inspire new generations.
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However, even in a beloved classic, some moments stirred controversy among fans. Whether due to storytelling choices, character decisions, or shocking twists, these moments remain hot topics in the anime community. Let's dive into the eight most controversial moments from Naruto, ranked from the least to the most debated.
8. Naruto's Instant Forgiveness of Sasuke
Despite Sasuke's numerous crimes, including attempting to kill Naruto and others, Naruto forgives him almost immediately.
Many fans felt this was unrealistic and robbed Sasuke's redemption of its weight. Some viewers wanted to see a longer path to forgiveness, filled with more consequence and reflection.
7. The Fate of Neji Hyuga
Neji's sudden death during the Fourth Great Ninja War shocked many. What made it controversial was how rushed and unnecessary his death felt to some fans. As a beloved character with much potential, many thought Neji deserved a better send-off.
6. The Treatment of Female Characters
Throughout the series, many fans noticed that female characters often didn't get the same attention or development as their male counterparts. Characters like Sakura and Tenten were especially criticized for being underused, leading to discussions about gender representation in the show.
5. Itachi's True Motives
When it was revealed that Itachi killed the Uchiha clan under orders from Konoha's leaders, fans were torn. Some admired the complexity of his character, while others felt the retcon cheapened his earlier villainy and muddied the emotional impact of Sasuke's hatred.
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4. The Power of Talk-No-Jutsu
Naruto's ability to 'talk villains into submission' became a running joke among fans. While it showed Naruto's heart and determination, critics argue it was sometimes used as an easy way to resolve conflicts without satisfying storytelling.
3. Kaguya's Introduction
After building up Madara as the ultimate villain, Kaguya Otsutsuki appeared almost out of nowhere as the final boss. This sudden switch confused and disappointed many fans who wanted to see the climax revolve around long-established characters rather than introducing new ones at the last moment.
2. Sakura's Confession to Naruto
In one of the most debated scenes, Sakura falsely confesses her love to Naruto to stop him from chasing Sasuke. Fans criticized this as manipulative and felt it was unfair to both Naruto and Sakura's character arcs.
1. Naruto's Ending Couples
The decision to pair Naruto with Hinata and Sasuke with Sakura created a massive divide among fans. Many had rooted for Naruto and Sakura to end up together, and felt the relationships in the ending were rushed without enough development on screen.
Why These Moments Still Spark Debate Today
Even years after its conclusion, 'Naruto' continues to ignite passionate discussions. These controversial moments remind us that no story is perfect — and it's often the flaws and debates that keep a fandom alive and growing. Whether you loved or hated these moments, they are part of what makes Naruto a timeless conversation in anime history.
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