The world of Naruto is home to many distinct and gifted ninjas who have well-crafted storylines and character arcs. That being said, the number of characters in Naruto is so enormous that many were left by the wayside or not as expanded upon as they could have been. This might be because of time constraints or even an unawareness of the possibilities involved, especially as the story picked up the pace into Naruto Shippuden.
This has led to many viewers bemoaning the fact that such characters felt short-changed, not receiving the growth and attention they deserved. Adding growth to certain characters could, theoretically, have added more interesting things to the overarching narrative, such as character texture and compelling plots.
10 Sakura Should Have Had More Focus And Development For Herself
As a Team 7 member, Sakura Haruno had a lot of potential as the only female character and member without special powers. She is also left behind once Sasuke leaves Konoha and Naruto trains with Jiraiya, making it a wasted opportunity that her perspective is never consistently explored.
Sakura receives a shining moment at Naruto Shippuden's start after she grows stronger from Tsunade's mentorship and defeats Sasori. Afterward, however, she rarely contributes to the story in a meaningful manner. To worsen matters, much of her personality revolves around her feelings for Sasuke, leaving questions about who Sakura is and who she would grow to be outside that.
9 Rock Lee Fades In Importance After The Chunin Exams
As the hyperactive student of the equally energetic Might Guy, Rock Lee is a unique figure for his sole focus on taijutsu. His determination and optimism despite the odds make him stand out and allow him to progress impressively far against Gaara during the Chunin Exams.
When he is injured from the fight and advised to quit the shinobi lifestyle by Tsunade, his choice to continue his vocation is inspirational. However, due to the narrative's increasing emphasis on the Uchiha clan and Naruto's heroic role, Rock Lee's part shrinks during Shippuden and he is not given further growth.
8 Tenten Doesn't Even Have A Last Name Or Backstory
Tenten is a particularly notable example of wasted shinobi potential. While the other members of Team Guy receive basic background information, Tenten doesn't receive that much. Viewers can learn from Guy's test and the Chunin Exams that Tenten is just as stubborn as Neji and Rock.
She is also kind and supportive, and she possesses impressive skills with a variety of weapons. However, nothing else is shared about Tenten's character and history, other than her stating that she aspires to be like Tsunade. Information about Tenten's family or even her last name is never revealed.
7 Kiba Could Have Been Naruto's Competition For The Hokage Role
A shinobi of the Inuzuka Clan who is known for his animal-related ninjutsu, Kiba is introduced as another shinobi with ambitions of becoming Hokage. With his canine affinity and similarities to the protagonist, this could have led to a healthy rivalry with Naruto as they both compete for their ideal professional role and showcase why they are the better person to become Hokage.
However, Kiba never keeps up with Naruto's progression. His aspirations to be Hokage are brushed aside, only to be occasionally referenced as a joking commentary that's not intended to be taken seriously.
6 Anko's Connection To Orochimaru Never Pans Out
Introduced as a daredevil proctor for the Chunin Exams who loves a dramatic entrance, Anko Mitarashi has a lot of potential as a character. This is especially true when her past with Orochimaru as his test subject for the Curse Seal is shown, meaning she once played a similar role to him as Sasuke.
However, the impact the information has is minimal. Anko's feelings about her connection with Orochimaru are not explored much and she doesn't play a significant or active role in defying him. It also seems like a lost opportunity to diversify the story's female characters, especially since Anko is a bold and extroverted kunoichi with a snake motif and an interesting past.
5 Shino's Cool Ability Is A Lost Opportunity
Team 8 member Shino Aburame's special clan ability involves a symbiotic relationship where he serves as the host to insects that feed on chakra. The bugs obey his command in battle, make attacks and counterstrikes, and even gather information. Shino also demonstrates an experimental angle with his technique, being able to breed more toxic specimens.
His intimidating countenance also adds to his presence, giving him great possibilities for becoming a respectable and distinctively powerful shinobi. Unfortunately, Shino is absent from many significant events where his powers would have been valuable, making him incredibly underutilized.
4 Kurenai Only Gets The Spotlight In Filler
As the only Konoha female Jonin instructor who receives any screentime, Kurenai Yuhi's lack of shining moments is noticeable. Besides filler, her connection with Hinata is touched upon, she is referenced as a Genjutsu specialist, and she gets a brief fight scene opposite Itachi and Kisame. However, these instances become rarer as Naruto progresses.
Eventually, after Asuma's death, Kurenai gives birth to his child and retires to raise her. While the viewer is given glimpses of Kurenai's shinobi contributions and her life post-career, they are not given the same magnitude as what is seen of Kakashi, Asuma, or Guy.
3 Hidan Dies Too Soon
Easily the most violent Akatsuki member, Hidan experiences savage joy in ruthlessly slaughtering people for the cult religion Jashin, as well as for pleasure. Hidan has a foul, over-the-top personality and is remembered for killing Asuma Saratobi, an event that established his character as a standing threat.
His bloodlust is so intense that he willingly takes part in an elaborate ritual every time he kills someone. Despite his evil and entertaining personality and his long-term potential, Hidan is killed off early in Shippuden. This reflects his treatment in the manga, which was caused by creator Kishimoto being urged to rush the arc by his editors.
2 Shizune Is An Enigma
Introduced as Tsunade's apprentice and assistant, Shizune is the Jonin niece of Tsunade's lost love, Dan. Viewers witness her medical combat capabilities and her pivotal role in keeping on track of whichever Hokage is currently in power. With all of this in mind, it can be easy to forget that nothing is shown of Shizune's backstory or how she came to travel with Tsunade at all.
While one could interpret that her relation to Dan had something to do with it, nothing is confirmed. Additionally, throughout Naruto, Shizune's feelings about her uncle and her relationship with or memories of him are never examined.
1 Choji Is A Fan-Favorite But Some Felt His Non-Death Cheapened The Effect
Choji Akimichi is one-third of the iconic Ino-Shika-Cho trio and a food lover whose special clan jutsu utilizes calories for power. The beginnings of a compelling arc are planted in Part I when attention is paid to the fact that he prioritizes food over improving his shinobi abilities.
However, some viewers feel that the potential of Choji's character was wasted because he didn't perish during the Sasuke Retrieval Arc. While it is a relief that a loved character lives, Choji's death would have made the consequences of the shinobi lifestyle sharply apparent and deepened the drama, as well as completing his arc and setting the stage for the transition into Part II.