Naruto has been praised for really digging deep into some heavy themes, making it stand out from a lot of other Shonen anime. The show tackles some big ideas like the cycle of hatred, the power of friendships, and the whole argument about hard work versus natural talent.
What’s really cool is that at the core of these themes is the idea that your fate isn’t set in stone, a point that totally gets challenged during the Chunin Exam Arc when Naruto goes against Neji’s bleak way of thinking. However, as the series progressed, Naruto diverged from this underdog narrative. However, one character stood as a true testament to self-made success: Sakura Haruno.
Sakura vs. Naruto: The real underdog
Naruto’s journey, while inspiring, was greatly aided by forces beyond his control. His bloodline alone was extraordinary: the son of the Fourth Hokage and an Uzumaki, a clan renowned for their immense reservoirs of chakra. Already possessing the power of the Nine-Tails jinchūriki, his subsequent acquisition of Six Paths Sage Mode simply cemented his fate as a legendary one.
Sakura, however, didn’t enjoy those luxuries. She was of the common people, with no aristocratic family lineage or some sort of destiny to propel her. Her path was all about effort, demonstrating that it is effort, and not destiny, that takes you somewhere. While Naruto had some sort of supernatural force propelling him, Sakura had to struggle her way to the top independently.
Sakura’s story embodies the series’ most important message: that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve greatness through sheer perseverance. While Naruto’s path was shaped by destiny, Sakura’s path to greatness was hers alone. She was never destined to be great, she made herself great.
Sakura’s growth: A testament to perseverance
Sakura’s development in Naruto from a typical genin to one of the most powerful kunoichi of Konoha is incredible. Initially introduced as a book-smart but physically weak character, Sakura’s early struggles made her growth all the more satisfying. Unlike the rest of her team, she did not have the benefit of an inherited power boost, she had to work for every one of her abilities.
Under Tsunade’s guidance, Sakura became one of the most proficient medical ninjas in history. Her capability to cure even the deepest wounds, as she cured Kankuro of Sasori’s poison, showcased her dedication to mastering her craft. She was the head of the Konoha medical department during the Boruto era, proving that her success was all her own.
Moreover, Sakura’s mastery of chakra was truly incredible, enabling her to perform some extremely superhuman feats, even coming close to Tsunade. Her accurate chakra powers enabled her to blast through walls, tear the ground apart, and knock out powerful enemies with a single strike.
Such a level of ability did not stem from some hidden bloodline or ancient prophecy, rather, it was the product of her intense training and devotion. During the Fourth Great Ninja War, Sakura demonstrated her worth as both a frontline fighter and a strategist.
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She played a pivotal role in healing the wounded, dispelling genjutsu, and even aiding in the battle against Kaguya. Her resourcefulness and strategic thinking made her such an indispensable asset in battle.
So, if you still believe Sakura is ‘useless,’ take a good look at her history. She truly illustrates what the show is all about: that fate is not set in stone, and even someone who’s quite average can do incredible things if they just don’t quit.
Naruto is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
