Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Sakura Haruno fromNarutohas always been a subject of debate for fans, ever since the series became a massive hit. Masashi Kishimoto has faced a lot of allegations and hatred because of how he portrayed the character of Sakura in the story. Fans believed that considering her importance in the narrative, she should have been given more focus.
However, the one aspect of her character that Kishimoto focused on the most was her strength. Initially, Sakura was just a weak kunoichi who could not stand her ground in front of difficult and strong enemies. But during the time skip, when she trained under Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin, she gained unmeasurable strength that made her one of the most powerfulNarutocharacters.
This was a major shift in Sakura’s character that no one expected, not even Kishimoto. He once revealed his true intentions behind creating Sakura’s character, and they were completely opposite to how he wrote her inNarutoShippuden.
Masashi Kishimoto’s Original Feelings For Sakura
In 2006,Shonen Jump (US)interviewed theNarutomanga creator and talked to him about the different aspects and characters of the series. During the interview, Kishimoto was asked about Rock Lee and Sakura who did not have any special ability but still became fan-favorites. Kishimoto pointed out that their weakness was the reason behind their popularity.
Masashi Kishimoto’s Worst Blunder in Boruto is Tarnishing Naruto’s Legacy, Fans Have Had Enough
Kishimoto stated:
Is Sakura popular in the U.S.? Well, Lee only has Taijutsu. And as a girl, Sakura is physically weaker than the others. So I can see why it’s easy to empathize with them. They represent human weaknesses.
The mangaka explained that the popularity of characters like Lee and Sakura actually emerges from the empathy that fans feel towards them. He originally created Sakura and Lee to represent human weakness and that’s why fans relate to them.
He even pointed out that Sakura was physically weaker than otherNarutocharacters because she was a girl. So, not only she does not possess any special talent, but she also can’t compete with others because of her feeble strength.
Masashi Kishimoto Took A 180 Degree Turn in His Feelings Towards Sakura
WhenMasashi Kishimotogave this contentious statement, he had already written the character development that Sakura went through during the time skip. Thus, many believed that Kishimoto was being sarcastic when he pointed out that Sakura is a weak character, as her portrayal inNarutoShippuden was completely opposite and unexpected.
Despite mentioning her as a representation of human weakness, Kishimoto gave her the strength of the monsters. Sakura trained under Tsunade for two and a half years, and she learned chakra control and concentration which allowed her to wield monstrous strength just like Tsunade. She could literally destroy buildings with just a punch, and this was shocking forNarutofans.
Admit it Masashi Kishimoto: No Naruto Character Has Faced as Much Disrespect as Konohamaru
Sakura not only grew in terms of strength, but she also learned medical ninjutsu and went on to become the most proficient medical ninja in the wholeNarutoworld. She even went past her mentor Tsunade and could heal even the worst of injuries. It can be stated that out of all the major characters inNaruto,she was one of the fewwho experienced the most character development.
Narutois available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Tarun Kohli
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2959
Tarun Kohli is the Senior Anime Writer at FandomWire, with over 2,900 published articles. He currently specializes in critiquing One Piece and other Shonen anime. A passionate fan of the genre, his love for thoughtful analysis reflects his genuine appreciation for the art of anime. His deep understanding of anime culture has earned recognition from industry figures such as Adi Shankar and the creators of Blood of Zeus.
More from Tarun Kohli
One Piece: Why Luffy’s Final Fight Will Break Shonen (& It Won’t Be Against Imu or Blackbeard)
How Many Episodes Are Left in One Piece Egghead Arc? Explained
10 ‘One Piece’ Characters With Major Death Flags
Recommended
17 Years Later, This Iron Man Scene Was the Darkest MCU Moment No One Realized
When Is Absolute Flash #6 Coming Out? Release Date, Plot Prediction & Everything We Know
‘The Serial Killer’s Apprentice’: How Dean Corll Was Murdered by His Own “Friend”
Is Apple TV+’s Carême Renewed for Season 2? Details Inside
Chris Pratt Thriller Dominates Global Streaming Amid Pro-RFK Jr Stance
“Oh I f**king love her”: Margaret Qualley’s Dad Made an Aubrey Plaza Confession That Stunned Her
Masashi KishimotoNarutoSakura Haruno
