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Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why the original Naruto series still outshines Shippuden: 8 Reasons fans prefer part I
From improved character development to enhanced storytelling, here's all the reasons why most fans still believe the original Naruto anime was the best. The Naruto anime franchise is one of the most popular shonen anime franchises of all time. It's about Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who aspires to be the leader of his village, the Hokage. This epic tale is divided into two parts. Naruto (Part I) and Naruto Shippuden (Part II). Though Shippuden delivers on grander battles and more intricate stories, a lot of older fans feel there's plenty the original Naruto anime handled far better. So whether you're curious about anime for the first time or you've been a viewer for decades, these fundamental differences help shed some light on why the first dozen episodes of Naruto remain so beloved among fans. Here are 8 reasons why the first Naruto anime is still widely regarded as being superior to Naruto Shippuden by most fans. 1. Stronger storytelling and simpler plot The original Naruto anime balanced a more focused and emotional narrative. It begins with Naruto as a rejected outcast, and continues on as he bit by bit wins acceptance from not only his village but fellow ninjas. The pacing is brisk, and the plot never bogs down under the weight of convoluted backstory. It runs the gamut but it's all very accessible, and each mission feels like it has high stakes — whether it's protecting a bridge builder, or the entirety of the Chunin Exams arc. While Shippuden would go on to explore more political themes, gods and ancient history, Part I was more down-to-earth and focused on connecting with its teenage audience. 2. Less filler, more canon Shippuden in particular is notorious for its filler, with more than two-fifths of the entire anime consisting of non-canon material. It turned off a lot of fans due to these extended gaps in the main plot line. So in comparison, the original Naruto anime has a helluva lot less fillers, and even when it does, they tend to be more entertaining and don't stop epic fights in the making. On an aesthetic level, this presents audiences with a more integrated and dynamic visual experience. 3. Better use of side characters In part. Me, characters such as Rock Lee , Neji, Shikamaru, and Hinata were treated to serious character development. To be clear, this isn't just some superficial change for Tokenism's sake — as some of you might assume when you hear the word 'pansexual.' They had character development, backstories, and their own significant arcs. Shippuden sidelined a lot of these fan-favorites to solely focus on Naruto and Sasuke . This change shrunk the world of Naruto and deprived many fans of watching their favorite background characters show off their skills in battle. 4. Consistent quality in story and animation For every Shippuden epic high (Pain arc anyone?!) there were major dips in animation and pacing—in particular during drawn-out flashbacks or filler arcs. The original Naruto series was far more stable with its animation style and current story. Even in a world where unicorns and ninjas can co-exist, the emotional gravitas of scenes such as Haku and Zabuza's farewell or the Sasuke Retrieval Arc have yet to be replicated. 5. A perfect ending that sets up the future The original series concludes with Naruto departing the village to train with Jiraiya, following his emotionally charged fight with Sasuke. It was a bittersweet yet triumphant finale that laid the proper groundwork for even bigger things to come while capping off his childhood odyssey. Shippuden's final scenes take place during Naruto's wedding. Though heartwarming, it unfortunately glosses over him finally achieving his goal of becoming Hokage — his lifelong dream — something that was only depicted subsequently in a dedicated special in 2015 and sequel series Boruto. 6. Fewer plot loles and retcons Often, Shippuden would pull the rug out from underneath viewers with surprising plot twists and retcons that left fans scratching their heads. The more it delved into the origins of chakra, the Ōtsutsuki clan, and Madara's plan, the more questions it raised. This usually violated rules set up in earlier arcs. Part I took a minimalist approach and it paid off, focusing on connecting the audience to what was happening right now without requiring them to go back and catch up on earlier seasons to understand where new developments fit in. 7. Naruto and Sasuke's bond felt more real The development of the friendship/rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke was well executed and emotional. Though each other's politics and presentations were very different, they felt each other's pain and began to really connect and become friends, slowly breaking through the stereotypes. Even by Shippuden, their relationship had become a lot more toxic, with Sasuke running away all the time and Naruto in pursuit. The heart and warmth from their early days were largely replaced by revenge and edgier story telling. 8. Fights were better balanced and more creative Sure, Shippuden had some all time classic fights — I mean who could forget Naruto vs Pain or Madara vs the Shinobi Alliance — but many of them were heavily influenced by ridiculous god-like powers and convoluted jutsu. The battles in the first series of Naruto were things like Rock Lee versus Gaara or Naruto versus Neji and those fights were a lot more focused on strategy, emotional impact and technique. The power levels were less lopsided, so no fight ever felt like a foregone conclusion. Nostalgia or just better? This isn't simply the bias of nostalgia — countless fans will tell you that the original Naruto anime simply excelled in character development, story cohesion, and emotional impact delivery. If you're new to anime, or considering a rewatch of the series, starting with Part I makes for a more down-to-earth, touching experience. The full Naruto anime is available for streaming in English and Japanese on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sakura Haruno vs. Usefulness: Still Loading…
Sakura Haruno may be the most 'powerful' character who got outshined by literally everyone else. From yelling 'Sasuke-kun!' to cutting her hair mid-fight like it was a makeover show, her early usefulness was.. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now .well, pending. Sure, she trained under Tsunade and can now punch mountains and heal like a champ, but let's be honest—most fans still remember her for crying and standing in the background while Naruto and Sasuke rewrote ninja history. Is she really that bad? Maybe not. But fandom jokes? Oh, they're eternal. Sakura: Team 7's Punching Bag Credits: Narutopedia Sakura Haruno has long been Naruto fandom's favorite punching bag. Memes and message boards have dubbed her 'one of the most useless characters' in the anime, and even Kotaku quips she's the 'punching bag of the fandom' . In Part I, Sakura didn't have a nine-tailed monster or laser eyes – Naruto literally had a demon fox, Sasuke had fancy eye jutsu, and their sensei Kakashi was the laid-back veteran. Meanwhile, Sakura's big moves were mostly screaming for help and flexing her forehead strength. As one Sportskeeda article notes, even after she trained with Tsunade, 'she was still far from [Naruto and Sasuke's] level' . So when Sakura brags she's caught up to those guys, fans know exactly what meme to make. Image: When Sakura declares 'I've finally caught up with these two,' Naruto and Sasuke's reactions in this meme say it all. Even that war scene is meme gold. Sakura's deadpan line 'I've caught up to you guys' in the Fourth Shinobi War had fans rolling their eyes because the show itself made clear she was 'far from [Naruto and Sasuke's] level' . In other words, Naruto and Sasuke immediately gave her the side-eye pictured above. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Chunin Exam Fiasco: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow One of Sakura's most infamous blunders is from the Chunin Exams. She gets grabbed by a huge enemy ninja, and what does she do? She panics and snips off her own ponytail instead of attacking! Fans still laugh about it: as Sportskeeda puts it, the meme 'aptly highlights all the vulnerable areas that she could have struck but chose to just cut her hair.' . In other words, Sakura literally solved her problem by going from ponytail to bald. It's a running joke now that Sakura's battle strategy is to style her way out of trouble. Help! Sakura's Go-To Jutsu Credits: Instagram Another frequent complaint: Sakura's default move was to yell for backup. Whenever Team 7 was in trouble, her big contribution seemed to be shouting, 'Help me, Naruto! Sasuke!' . One fan commentary wryly notes that at one point 'all she did was call out for help when the going got tough, and she never really did much in terms of helping her teammates.' . In short, early Naruto had Sakura spending far more time needing her teammates than actually saving anyone. It's almost like she invented a 'whine jutsu' – wave your arms and hope the big guns show up. Not exactly shinobi discipline, but hey, it became her signature move. Sakura vs. the Kunoichi Guild Fans don't just compare her to the boys; they size her up against every other girl in Naruto – and she usually comes up short. Even minor kunoichi like Tenten or Hinata got more props. As Sportskeeda notes, Sakura 'hardly brings much to the table' in battle compared to the other ladies – 'almost every female character was considered more reliable' than Sakura in the early episodes. Remember Hinata bravely stepping in against Pain, or Temari single-handedly destroying Gaara's sand-golem? Sakura's biggest early win was… a math test. In fan debates, that usually gets the biggest laugh of all. Even the Anime Joins the Roast The running joke got so big that even the show seems to wink at Sakura's helpless image. Just watch the opening animations: almost every intro shows Sakura clasping her hands and looking desperate or panicked. As one write-up notes, 'almost every opening shows Sakura in a sort of helpless state… as if the animators were well aware of just how useless [she] had been.' . Those stills of Sakura praying or wide-eyed have themselves become meme material – as if even Naruto's creators are in on the running joke. Image: Sakura wears many looks – confusion, frustration, shock – perfectly capturing a fan's reaction to each 'Sakura is useless' joke. By the time you've seen her pleading or frozen in panic across four different openings, you can't help but feel the series is grinning along with every meme. Is Sakura Really Useless… or Just Unlucky? Credits: Instagram To be fair, Sakura does eventually grow into a real powerhouse. By Shippuden she can one-shot villains (Sasori's puppet, anyone?) and by Boruto she's the Hokage's right-hand medic. Even Kishimoto gave her moments to shine. But for many fans, the damage was done early: Sakura's first impression was 'annoying useless girl,' and that stuck (even some Sakura fans admit it). That's why the jokes linger: Kotaku even reported that in a recent Naruto poll Sakura shockingly got more than twice the votes of Naruto and Sasuke combined. (Take that, haters!) Finally, maybe the fandom will admit she's not totally worthless – but let's be honest, some memes never die.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why are Naruto and Sasuke still Genin even though they are the most powerful shinobi in existence?
The most powerful ninjas in history are still relegated to the lowest rank—and it's no typo. Even in the advanced shinobi world of Boruto, Inari's worries are still very real today. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Five years into the era of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, one question still haunts the minds of anime fans everywhere: Why are Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha—two heroes who stepped up to save the entire world—still genin? Even after taking on literal gods, spearheading the victory in the Fourth Shinobi World War, and becoming individually the strongest ninja to ever exist, Naruto and Sasuke never officially ranked up past the very first shinobi rank. There are honest-to-god reasons for this choice and it actually speaks volumes about the world of Naruto. Naruto and Sasuke lost their opportunity Naruto and Sasuke are both first challengers in the Chunin Exams in Part I of the original Naruto anime. The exams were cut short by Orochimaru's attack on the Hidden Leaf Village and only Shikamaru Nara was allowed to be promoted. Soon after, Naruto departed to train with Jiraiya, and Sasuke defected from the village shades of gray altogether. This would require that neither of them be ever able to retake the exams. By the time Naruto Shippuden rolled around, the ninja world was still in upheaval—now against the Akatsuki, Pain, Madara Uchiha, and eventually Kaguya Otsutsuki. The world didn't need protocol, the world needed fighters. Unlike Naruto, as a direct answer to the above, once Naruto and Sasuke translated the IP into continued fighting, we never went back to the old promotion model. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Still Genin in Boruto—And that's canon Boruto Episode 48 put that to rest by confirming Naruto never retook the Chunin Exams and stayed a genin. Series creator Masashi Kishimoto corroborated this, noting that he intentionally left Naruto at the genin rank because it was 'in character' and provided a funnier angle. Sasuke stayed out of the established shinobi structure. As a rogue ninja turned global peacekeeper, he wasn't in it for the badges or accolades. Now he works from the shadows, known as the 'Shadow Hokage' for his behind-the-scenes that, we should be taking voice input when people are physically in front of us. A look at the shinobi rank system The shinobi world is structured around a tightly hierarchical, rank-based system. Genin: Beginner ninjas, do the most basic of missions. Chunin: Mid-level leaders, squad commanders. Jonin , Heir to the legacy of one of the last elite ninjas, one who teaches the elite skills in combat and strategy. Kage : Village leader, the strongest ninja of them all. Ninja usually progress by test or by referral. Naruto and Sasuke's journeys completely avoided the system. Power that transcends rank Neither of them holds a candle to the Kage both of them surpass, let alone every other Kage before them. Naruto capped the saga in a largely peaceful world by fulfilling his dream of becoming the Seventh Hokage, while his friend and rival Sasuke was recognized as his equal—the only one who could ever hope to tea. In reality, while officially still genin, their strength, experience and leadership duties are well beyond the scope of their ranks. Naruto's increased load as Hokage rendered such exams redundant, while Sasuke's off-the-books mission to keep an eye on new threats to the world's peace gave him neither the time nor the need for a structured promotion. The real meaning behind it At its core, Naruto's story isn't about climbing a ladder—it's about earning respect, protecting loved ones, and changing the world. His rank was never the goal. Becoming Hokage wasn't about titles; it was about being acknowledged. 'I don't care if I stay a genin forever. I'll become Hokage someday!' — Naruto Uzumaki For Sasuke, ranks mean little. He walks his own path, one built on redemption and silent duty. As he once said: 'This is the path I walk. Not you or anyone can change that.' — Sasuke Uchiha Their genin status isn't a flaw—it's a symbol. It reflects how strength and purpose outweigh formal recognition in the world of shinobi. Where to watch Naruto and Boruto Want to see it for yourself? You can stream Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations on: Crunchyroll Netflix Hulu Funimation Final thoughts Naruto and Sasuke may still be genin, but they've long outgrown the title. In a world where rank often defines status, these two remind us that true strength lies in action, not titles. They didn't need a promotion—they became legends anyway.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Naruto's saddest love stories ranked: The most heartbreaking couples in the ninja world
The world of anime is filled with action, profound friendships, and emotional scenes but few shows embrace heartbreak the way Naruto does. While ninjas battle for peace, honor, and survival, most ninjas also undergo love affairs that end in heartbreak. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Such tragic relationships express how it often takes a backseat to become a ninja. The emotional complexity of Naruto will surprise you. These are not the usual romance stories. They have sacrifice, war, and unspoken love that still haunt fans to this day. From shattered dreams to last farewells, these are the saddest love stories in Naruto, from emotional to unforgettable. 7. Itachi and Izumi – Only a love which existed within a dream Itachi and Izumi credit- fandom Itachi Uchiha is typically considered a tragic hero, and his meeting with Izumi is one of the most sorrowful experiences in his life. Izumi's affection for him was taken away, as their relationship never had the opportunity to grow because Itachi was ordered to kill his own clan. On her deathbed, Itachi uses a powerful technique to surround her in a peaceful illusion. They share a whole life together in this dream, including marriage, children, and the passing of years aging before finally passing away peacefully. This is a touching moment because this is the life Itachi wanted but was unable to. 6. Yugao and Hayate – A love lost too soon Yugao and Hayate credit- fandom Hayate and Yugao are supporting characters, but the impact of what they went through is still remembered. Hayate was killed after he uncovered an enemy conspiracy plot during the Chunin Exams. Yugao, his sweetheart and best ninja, finds him dead and is heartbroken. Later, she visits his memorial and vows to take revenge. Their love story, though short-lived, is a testament that even the mightiest warriors have to battle tremendous emotional struggles. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is a resounding reminder that love can actually be real, even when it only seems for a fleeting moment. 5. The Relationship between Konan and Yahiko amidst revolutionary turmoil Konan and Yahiko credit- fandom Konan and Yahiko became war orphans and had a shared aspiration to transform the world. They are more than friends, and there are moments that reveal they cared for each other deeply. Yahiko gives his life to save Konan in a moment of crisis, and she is left shattered. The demise of this character creates a dramatic change in the plot, which eventually culminates with the rise of Pain. Though the two were never romantically involved, the agony of separation changed the course of Naruto's life. 4. Asuma and Kurenai – A family split before It even began Asuma and Kurenai credit- fandom Asuma and Kurenai's relationship was subtle yet significant. As Kurenai was pregnant, fans wished that they would have an outstanding happy ending. However, Asuma is assassinated on a mission and Kurenai left as a widow and their child without a father. This love story invokes pathos because of its harsh realism. It shows the cost that results when a bright future is suddenly cut off by the demands of war and duty. Kurenai's strength in raising their daughter on her own made her one of the most respected characters in the series. 3. Tsunade and Dan – A love crushed by war and trauma Tsunade and Dan credit- fandom Tsunade and Dan were close friends through their mutual experiences of grief following the death of individuals close to them. Dan wished to defend the village, and Tsunade was fully behind his aspiration. Dan, however, passed away in battle despite Tsunade's futile struggles to save him. His death makes her heartbroken and blood-phobic. She holds on to his memory all her life, refusing to let go. Their love life is a witness to the powerful effect love has in leaving emotional scars. 2. Minato and Kushina – Sacrifice for the next generation Minato and Kushina credit- fandom The love story of Minato and Kushina is among the most heart-breaking and beautiful. They were Naruto's parents and were in love, looking forward to having a family. They also had their lives cut short when they were killed by a powerful enemy while giving birth to Naruto. They gave their lives to save their baby and the village. Naruto never knows how much they loved him, but their last words to him speak volumes about how much they loved him. Theirs is a tale of love, bravery, and giving everything for the people you love. 1. Obito and Rin – The love that changed everything Obito and Rin credit- fandom Obito had a crush on Rin since childhood, but he never got to make a confession. He is assumed dead in the middle of a mission. On his eventual return, he gets to witness the death of Rin right before his eyes at the hands of their fellow colleague Kakashi under very tragic circumstances. That instant breaks Obito completely. He is engulfed in darkness and becomes one of the series' main villains all because of a moment of heartbreak. In the end, through death, Obito and Rin are reunited, sealing their tale full circle. Their love is the most heartbreaking because it not only ended tragically but also triggered a ripple effect that involved the entire ninja world. Affection within the ninja realm is seldom uncomplicated. What makes these romance stories so tragic isn't the tragedy itself, it's the realism. Naruto demonstrates that in a world divided by strife and sacrifice, love is a luxury that few can afford. These romances, whether they're cut short or kept silent, leave a psychological impact that lingers long after the wars are over. Whether you're a long-time fan or just getting into Naruto, these emotionally engaging relationships show that even the greatest ninjas have weaknesses when it comes to love.
