There are many heroic characters in Naruto, from the titular protagonist to the many amazing supporting characters. However, due to the size of the cast, not all heroes are given credit where credit is due. Everyone praises fan favorites, such as Team 7 and the rest of the main cast, but many tend to forget the other, more obscure heroes.
As a result, they've become the unsung heroes of Naruto, bravely putting their lives on the line for those they love without getting a single shred of praise or credit. They may not get as much screen time as the rest, but their contributions to the story are just as important.
10 Chiyo Is The Only Reason Gaara Is Still Alive
Granny Chiyo is a character many Naruto fans tend to forget. Despite her brief time in the series, Chiyo plays a vital role in the story, and her heroism still impacts the franchise today. During the Kazekage rescue mission, Gaara is captured and eventually killed by the Akatsuki.
After the final showdown with Sasori, Gaara is miraculously revived, thanks to Chiyo and her great sacrifice. Using the rest of her remaining chakra, Granny Chiyo performs a forbidden technique, allowing Gaara to live again in her place. Without her bravery, Gaara would have been lost forever, and the series would have played out very differently.
9 Konohamaru Fights For His Village Even As A Little Kid
When viewers first meet Konohamaru, he's just a little kid. However, after meeting Naruto, he goes down his own path to becoming a great Shinobi, working hard to become just like his big bro. Considering he's still got a long way to go at first, it's easy to see why most would ignore Konohamaru's growth throughout the series.
Even when Konohamaru's still learning, he's not afraid to put his life on the line and fight to protect his village and loved ones. He may not be on the front lines like the big heroes, but he still does his part in whatever ways he can, and that makes him just as worthy.
8 Tenten Gives It Her All On The Battlefield Alongside Her Comrades
It's no secret among Naruto fans that Tenten isn't exactly the greatest ninja of the bunch. Compared to the impressive styles and techniques of her teammates and comrades, this weapons-based kunoichi is average all-around. However, that doesn't stop her from fighting side-by-side with some of the strongest Shinobi in the world.
Tenten's own ninja abilities may be run-of-the-mill, but she can still hold her own and always gives everything she's got on the battlefield. Tenten always plays a part in every major battle, even if it's just a small one. She may not be a star hero, but she still contributes to the efforts of her comrades and helps save the day.
7 Sai Is A Worthy Addition To Team 7
At the start of Naruto: Shippuden, Sai seems like nothing more than a replacement Sasuke. However, it doesn't take long for him to prove his worth as a member of Team 7. Nevertheless, through most of the series, he's often forgotten in place of Naruto and Sakura's old teammate, despite his abilities, loyalty, and contributions to the team.
Though he often takes a backseat in the story, Sai is just as important as his teammates, playing a major role in some of the biggest battles of the series. He might not ever be able to compete with Sasuke, but he has just as much value, if not even more.
6 Hiruzen Sarutobi Used His Wisdom & Strength To Protect Konoha
As Konoha's Third Hokage, there's no denying that Hiruzen Sarutobi is an impressive ninja and a renowned hero. Nevertheless, he's not exactly one of the most popular characters among fans, and many tend to downplay his achievements and focus more on his mistakes. Though many of his decisions were morally questionable, he definitely did whatever he could to protect his village and people.
With his wisdom, strength, and "Will of Fire," Hiruzen kept Konoha relatively peaceful for most of his time as Hokage. In the end, he made the ultimate sacrifice to protect everyone from Orochimaru's threat, showing what lengths he was willing to go to for his people.
5 Shizune Is A Proficient Healer & Tsunade's Right Hand
Among Konoha's many heroes, Shizune is one who often gets forgotten throughout the series. At first, she doesn't seem like much. Compared to the god-like Shinobi around her, she's nothing short of average. Though Shizune's efforts are easy to downplay, she has a very special role. As Tsunade's loyal right hand, she gets into most of the action in the series, aiding her Lady however she can.
Despite her lack of power and skill, Shizune is always there for the Fifth Hokage, and she doesn't let her misgivings stop her from helping others. Although her healing powers are much weaker than Tsunade's and Sakura's, she's a proficient healer in her own right, and her abilities have helped save many lives throughout the series.
4 Rock Lee's Strong Will & Determination Make Up For What He Lacks
As one of the famed Konoha 11, it's hard to imagine that Rock Lee would be underrated. However, it's no secret that his powers as a ninja don't always match up with his comrades. Without the ability to use ninjutsu or genjutsu, Lee has a lot stacked against him. Nevertheless, he refuses to give up, putting everything he's got into his taijutsu techniques.
As a result of his dedication, Rock Lee has become a taijutsu master, and he uses his incredible skills to fight alongside his much stronger allies. Thanks to his strong will and determination, Rock Lee achieved greatness in his own way and helped save his village on many occasions.
3 Asuma Left An Important Legacy Behind After His Death
Just about every member of the Sarutobi clan is criminally underrated, but Asuma is undoubtedly the least appreciated of the bunch. Because he dies fairly early in Naruto: Shippuden, many fans underestimate him and write him off as a weak character.
However, most forget how frighteningly powerful the Akatsuki members were. The fact that Asuma was able to hold his own against Hidan for so long proves how skilled he truly was. Though his time in the series was cut short, Asuma left a lasting impact on the story through the family he left behind and Shikamaru, who pushed himself to become a man his late sensei could be proud of.
2 Yamato Uses His Unique Powers To Protect The Village
Much like Sai, Yamato is another character introduced to Team 7 that many write off as nothing more than a replacement. Though it's true he's no Kakashi, he's proven his worth as a part of the team and a great Shinobi with his stealth, quick thinking, and keen instincts.
With Hashirama's DNA inside him, Yamato is capable of using the First Hokage's wood style, an ability that comes in handy many times throughout the series. His unique set of powers help save the day many times throughout the series, showing that he's capable of far more than most give him credit for.
1 Iruka Raises Some Of The Most Iconic Heroes Of The Series
Iruka is undoubtedly one of the most underrated Naruto heroes of all time. Though he's far from one of the strongest Shinobi in the series, he proves that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Most don't take him very seriously since he's nothing more than an instructor. However, he's helped raise some of the most powerful heroes Konoha has ever seen.
Thanks to Iruka's patience, love, and guidance, his students start their ninja careers with the best foundation possible, allowing them to blossom into incredible warriors. He plays an especially vital role in Naruto's early days, his fatherly love and support giving him the strength he needs to become a true hero.