Within Naruto's vast character ensemble, fans struggle to resonate with certain ninjas in the story.
Naruto is a masterpiece filled with captivating and intricate characters. It's intriguing to discover that the author, Masashi Kishimoto, also has characters he hopes the public would love more.
Surprisingly, these characters end up becoming some of the most criticized names in the series. The peculiar cases include Kimimaro, Sai, and Sakura.
Kimimaro: Possessing spine-chilling abilities
Kimimaro is crafted with a touching storyline and unique skills. However, his use of bone as a weapon seems to have raised concerns among many fans.
Author Kishimoto suggests that the character's bone-controlling technique might be 'too intense' for female audiences. Perhaps this darkness hinders his popularity, considering the complexity of his background.
Sai: Misunderstood
Sai joins Team 7, replacing Sasuke after his departure from the Leaf Village. While Kishimoto doesn't explicitly explain why fans dislike Sai, it's quite evident.
Sai has a somewhat aloof and mechanical personality, traits not easily appreciated in a story full of intense emotions and brotherly bonds. His somewhat pallid appearance may also contribute to the audience's dislike. However, Sai is a much more profound character than he's given credit for.
Sakura: Eternal Controversy
Sakura is perhaps the most perplexing case. From the start, she was portrayed as the main female character, but unfortunately, she falls behind the robust development of the other two members of Team 7, Naruto and Sasuke.
Kishimoto believed that by portraying the 'inner Sakura,' he would create a relatable portrait of a young woman, appealing to female fans. However, the outcome had a significant backlash. Sakura's initial lack of substantial contribution to battles, coupled with her obsession with Sasuke, turned her into a 'hindrance' in the eyes of the audience.