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NarutoandOne Pieceare the two heavyweights in the anime realm that have captivated millions of fans worldwide. WithNaruto‘s deep exploration on the shinobi world and the powerful Jutsu contrastingOne Piece‘s vast world-building; each series brings something unique to the table. However, there is one aspect where Eiichiro Oda’sOne Piecetotally outshines Masashi Kishimoto’sNaruto, which is in the development of its minor characters.
This disparity becomes even more visible when comparing Kishimoto’s treatment of some of the overhyped yet less developed characters to Oda’s masterful attention to detail. InOne Piece, even some of the minor characters are given richly detailed backstories that not only enhance their depth but also have an essential impact on the plot.
The Underdeveloped Trope inNaruto
Recently,u/Mr_crazy_Mfshared a post on Reddit sarcastically expressing the frustration for three underrated horsemen of theNarutoseries. According to the user, these characters deserved way more stories dedicated to them, as they are connected to some of the most vital events of the series.
Among them, perhaps the disappointing case is Shisui Uchiha. Introduced as a legendary figure within the Uchiha clan, Shisui was regarded as one of the Prodigy of his time, known for his mastery of the Mangekyo Sharingan and the ability to use the near-unbeatable genjutsu technique,Kotoamatsukami.
Fans were captivated by his mere presence in the story since he was presented as a crucial character in Itachi Uchiha’s backstory. However, despite the buildup, Shisui’s role in the series was limited to a few flashbacks and scattered mentions. Although his death had a significant influence on Itachi’s motivations, it was never fully explored. Instead of a fully fleshed-out character, Shisui became more of a plot device for the narrative.
Similarly, another character who fell victim to Kishimoto’s tendency to underdevelop key figures was Kakashi’s father, Sakumo Hatake. Known as the “White Fang of Konoha“, Sakumo was revered as one of Konoha’s greatest shinobi, but his decision to end his own life due to the humiliation from the villagers became a defining moment in Kakashi’s life. But apart from his death, his character in the story was barely tapped into.
In addition to these two characters, another character that needs special mention is the Third Hokage of Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Although his impact onNarutois shown throughout the series, his own backstory is riddled with missed opportunities.
“Finally people are realizing how f—ked Itachi’s idea was”: Naruto Fans are Now Seeing the Real Truth of the Uchiha Genius That Wrecked Sasuke Right When Kakashi Almost Had a Breakthrough
Hiruzen’s legendary status as the “Professor” of all jutsu and his influence on the shinobi world is often mentioned but rarely explored. His final battle with Orochimaru during the Konoha Crush arc was impressive, but it left fans yearning for more of Hiruzen’s prime and how his philosophies shape the village beyond what was revealed.
What Eiichiro Oda Does Better Than Masashi Kishimoto
Compared to Masashi Kishimoto’s tendency to leave certain characters underdeveloped,Eiichiro Odahas an amazing ability to give even the smallest characters inOne Piecefully explored backstories. Among the most prominent examples is Señor Pink, a seemingly minor Donquixote Pirate.
In a different series, he might have been a one-off villain with little to no backstory. But Oda still crafted a deeply emotional story for Señor Pink, showcasing his tragic love story and the lengths he went to to honor the memory of his dead wife.
Bon ClayAKA Bon Chan is another antagonist who evolved into one of the most beloved characters in the series. Similarly, the princess of Dressrosa, Viola, received a detailed backstory that explained her motivations, her ties to the Donquixote Pirates, and her eventual role in the rebellion against Doflamingo, despite not being a major character.
Oda’s focus on giving each character a spotlight moment regardless of their importance sets him apart from Kishimoto. Whether it’s a tragic backstory or a heroic sacrifice, Oda’s minor characters feel fully realized and essential to the story. He makes sure that no character is ever wasted, and this attention to detail enhances the depth ofOne Piece‘s overall story.
Naruto Fans Mourn Loss of Konan Voice Actor Atsuko Tanaka: Here’s 5 Other Iconic Roles You Never Knew She Played
On the other hand, interesting characters with a lot of potential are frequently introduced inMasashi Kishimoto‘sNaruto, but they are never fully fleshed out. Fans of characters such as Sakumo Hatake, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Shisui Uchiha are left wondering what would have happened if Kishimoto had decided to give these characters more in-depth backstories.
NarutoandOne Pieceis currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :930
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
