The world of Naruto is filled with a large ensemble cast of characters, many of which had extensive arcs or took part in jaw-dropping fights. But while it is nice to think of all the characters who got the development they deserved, it’s also important to take a look at the members of the cast that fall short of their potential.
Despite having their moments, many shinobi simply don’t get their due. Whether it be from a lack of growth as a character, the lack of new abilities, or being set aside for other protagonists, there remains a great number of characters that could have been given so much more. Not everyone can have the screentime of Naruto or Sasuke, but there are no doubt those that deserved better.
Kurenai Yuhi
Of all the jonin put in charge of the young genin trios, Kurenai had, by far, the least development. Typically paired with Asuma Sarutobi, the two had a thrilling fight against Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki, with Kurenai demonstrating her impressive genjutsu.
After jumping to Shippuden, however, Kurenai’s main involvement was being devastated by Asuma’s death and later giving birth to his daughter. It would have felt right for Kurenai to play a part of Shikamaru’s quest for revenge against Asuma’s murderers, but she largely disappears after this development.
Suigetsu Hōzuki
One of Sasuke’s recruits to help him find and defeat Itachi, Suigetsu once dreamed of becoming a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. However, he became a prisoner and experiment of Orochimaru, and never accomplished the feat.
Though he serves a role in the series until its end, hardly any of his interesting backstory comes into play. Even when the Seven Ninja Swordsmen are resurrected, Suigetsu doesn’t get any further exploration. Suigetsu’s brother is among those brought back from the dead, but they never even interact. It would have been interesting to use Suigetsu to further explore his village’s dark history, but nothing ever materializes.
Ino Yamanaka
Ino appears on this list largely because of her unique powerset that is never utilized as much as it could. While Shikamaru and his clan’s shadow techniques are fan favorites, Ino’s mind transferal abilities could have been equally incredible.
While both Shikamaru and Choji provide key support during the team’s revenge on Hidan and Kakuzu, Ino is largely on the sidelines, not showcasing any new abilities she’s learned since the time jump. She later plays a more pivotal role in the Fourth Shinobi World War, but she doesn’t achieve nearly as much development as her teammates.
Rock Lee
Lee was a major character in Part 1, with a remarkable story as a genin who worked to become a shinobi, despite only being able to perform taijutsu. His fights with Gaara and Kimimaro are highlights from the arcs they appear in, and Lee’s recovery from his injuries was great character development.
Once Part II starts, however, Lee is hardly the key player that he once was. Instead, most development and fighting was given to his sensei, Might Guy, who ends up combatting Madara towards the end of the series. It hardly seems like Lee’s journey stopped at his healing from Gaara’s attack, but that’s where the series leaves him.
Jugo
The introduction of Jugo is interesting in that his backstory ties into much of the mysterious mythology that the audience had been introduced to. The first of this was the curse mark, which defines so much of Part 1. The second of this is his relationship with Kimimaro, who was supposed to be the next vessel of Orochimaru.
Despite these interesting connections to Part 1, Jugo’s only role is supporting Sasuke throughout the series. It is revealed that Jugo’s clan was the source of the Curse Mark, but nothing else is done with this. Not even his relationship with Kimimaro ends up mattering, as he does not reunite with the deceased shinobi when he’s resurrected.
Tsunade
While Tsunade is the Fifth Hokage, which is supposed to make her the most powerful shinobi in the Hidden Leaf, the way in which she is portrayed makes her seem far weaker than she should be with the position she holds. Though Tsunade wields massive strength and medical jutsu, compared to her predecessors and successors, she never showcases true power and skill.
After she is appointed Hokage, Tsunade largely stays in Konoha, sticking to duties surrounding paperwork and assigning missions. She doesn’t take part in a major fight until Madara is resurrected, at which point she is defeated, alongside the Kages from the other villages.
Anko Mitarashi
Anko’s biggest involvement in the series was during the Chunin Exam arc, where the audience learns that she is a former student of Orochimaru. The only survivor of the first curse mark branding, Anko’s hatred of her former mentor makes their relationship very compelling.
Despite this, Anko disappears from the spotlight at the conclusion of this arc, never playing a significant role again. Her curse mark is used to bring Orochimaru back to life, but she doesn’t even get a reaction to this event, as she is unconscious. It makes sense to focus on Sasuke’s new relationship with Orochimaru, but further development with Anko would have made sense and been appreciated.
Neji Hyūga
Born into his clan’s branch house, Neji was meant to serve the main house, who were the firstborns of the clan. After Naruto teaches Neji that he could change his destiny and become more than what he thought he was supposed to be, there was an expectation that Neji would go on to reform his clan’s ways.
Instead, Neji is largely absent once the series reaches Part II. Ultimately, Neji dies protecting Naruto and Hinata, ending his story in the process. While it appears reform does happen within the Hyūga clan, Neji’s role in it is never seen.
Hinata Hyūga
Similar to Neji, it was thought that Hinata would play a part in reforming her clan, since she was cast aside, in favor of her sister, due to her apparent weakness. It would have made sense for Hinata to prove herself worthy of the title of heiress, but this never happens.
Rather, Hinata marries Naruto and appears to have removed herself from her clan. Furthermore, Hinata is never shown truly winning a battle in the canon material, usually being defeated, despite her growth. Given how important the Hyuga clan is to the history of the shinobi world, a triumphant fight or pivotal role in the plot would have fit right in.
Sakura Haruno
Sakura is the only member of Team 7 who arguably cannot hold her own against any of the other members. To be fair, she came a long way from where she started, but she could never escape being the one who needs saving and can never find her place in the story.
Her abilities largely stem from that of her mentor Tsunade, rather than having any techniques of her own. Furthermore, her characterization fails to grow beyond loving Sasuke, which unfortunately robs Sakura of the transformation her peers go through. Sakura is an unfairly hated character, but she could have been so much more if she had been treated the same as Naruto, Sasuke, or even Kakashi.
