Deaths That Could’ve Been Avoided

Summary

• Naruto addresses heartbreaking deaths of key characters, emphasizing the consequences of their actions.
• Some character deaths could have been avoided with simple solutions, leaving fans puzzled.
• Key moments in Naruto’s storyline showcase the importance of backing up decisions with teamwork and strategic planning.

Naruto is one of the most compelling shonen anime that was all the rage during its incredible run. Witnessing the eponymous ninja transform from a village outcast into the Hokage is an inspiring journey that’s full of epic moments.

However, Naruto doesn’t shy away from breaking fans’ hearts with some horrifying deaths, making it all the more satisfying when certain dastardly villains end up paying for their heinous actions. Some of these deaths can be puzzling as well, especially since these deaths could’ve been avoided in some way or another.

8

Jiraiya

A Bit Of Backup Could’ve Helped Him Out A Lot During His Mission

• Death Episode: The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant (Episode 133 of Naruto: Shippuden)

Jiraiya’s demise is one of the most emotional moments in Naruto, with the Pervy Sage trying to make amends for what he felt were his wrongdoings. However, in a bid to try and take on Pain all by his lonesome, he ended up being overwhelmed by his opponent and ends up dying a brutal death,

As important as this moment may be for Naruto’s growth, fans can’t help but question Jiraiya’s willingness to put himself in harm’s way without backup. Squads are assigned to the simplest missions in the Leaf, so it’s hard to justify Jiraiya’s actions when backup would’ve aided him in his recon mission.

7

Danzo Shimura

Even With Multiple Uses Of The Overpowered Izanagi, He Failed To Win Against Sasuke

• Death Episode: Danzo Shimura (Episode 211 of Naruto: Shippuden)

Danzo makes it clear that Izanagi is one of the most powerful Uchiha genjutsu of all time. It essentially lets a user overwrite their demise at the cost of their eyesight.

With the twisted experiments he’d undergone, Danzo had all the time in the world to analyze Sasuke’s weakness and take him out for good. Instead, he wasted all the eyes he’d painstakingly acquired and had to rely on a bluff by taking Konan hostage, only for his last-ditch tactic to fail spectacularly as Sasuke showed just how heartless he was. All of the power Danzo had gained didn’t count for much in the end.

6

Haku

A Tragic Sacrifice That Made Zabuza Finally See The Light

• Death Episode: The Weapons Known as Shinobi (Episode 18 of Naruto)

Haku and Zabuza are two of the best villains that introduce viewers to the high stakes of Naruto. The former is an unwanted orphan who was deeply loyal to Zabuza after this swordsman decided to take him on his travels.

This compels him to stand in the way of Kakashi’s Raikiri, taking a fatal blow and making Zabuza realize just how much he treasures Haku’s presence. If this swordsman could’ve just appreciated Haku beforehand, it’s possible that this ninja would be alive. Also, given how Kakashi has already accidentally killed someone with his Raikiri, it’s puzzling as to why he wasn’t aware enough to realize that another innocent was stepping in the way of this fatal attack.

5

Neji Hyuga

It’s Hard To Believe That An Accomplished Bakugan User Couldn’t Deflect The Ten-Tails’ Wood Projectile

• Death Episode: The Ties That Bind (Episode 364 of Naruto: Shippuden)

After Naruto runs out of chakra and the Byakugan users fail to reset in time before a volley of projectiles is unleashed by the Ten-Tails, Neji makes the ultimate sacrifice and turns into a human shield. While this death is explained to an extent, fans can’t help but feel that this moment was somewhat forced.

Neji had done nothing important in Shippuden up till this point, making his death all the more disappointing. Given how much of a prodigy he was, it’s hard to believe that this gifted member of the Hyuga clan couldn’t use his powers to deflect the projectile or just push both Naruto and Hinata out of the way.

4

Nagato

Things Could’ve Been Different Had He Not Changed After A Traumatic Death

• Death Episode: Hero of the Hidden Leaf (Episode 175 of Naruto: Shippuden)

In many ways, Nagato is just a version of Naruto who ended up succumbing to his darkness instead of standing up for what’s right. Yahiko’s death compelled him to create the Akatsuki and hunt down the jinchuriki.

While Naruto’s speech was certainly powerful, one can’t help but wonder how things would’ve evolved had this gifted Rinnegan user seen the light sooner. The Leaf Village wouldn’t have suffered from his destructive actions, and he wouldn’t have felt the need to sacrifice himself to make up for his misdeeds.

3

Obito Uchiha

A Misunderstanding Caused Him To Travel Down A Dark Path

• Death Episode: You Better… (Episode 472 of Naruto: Shippuden)

Obito is a great antagonist despite how his motivations aren’t all that sound. Even after knowing that Rin’s death was a mistake, he was so obsessed with his childhood crush that he decided to wage war just to live in an illusion.

It’s a horrible plan that Naruto talks him out of, but Obito fails to realize that there was a traitor in his midst all along. The Black Zetsu takes over his body, using him to revive Madara at the cost of his own life. Thankfully, Obito stays alive long enough to bid farewell to his friend and give him the second eye Kakashi needs to whip out a Susanoo of his own.

2

Deidara

Would’ve Survived If He Wasn’t Obsessed With Defeating Sasuke

• Death Episode: Art (Episode 124 of Naruto: Shippuden)

Deidara is one of the more interesting members of the Akatsuki, with his brash attitude placing him in trouble more often than not. However, that should take nothing away from the immense power he wields with his chakra bombs.

During his fight against Sasuke, Deidara can’t help but hate the Sharingan and its piercing gaze as his rage takes over. Instead of prioritizing self-preservation, he decides to blow himself up in a desperate attack to take out Sasuke for good, only for his plan to fail.

1

Sasori

Chose To Die In His Parents’ Embrace

• Death Episode: Impossible Dream (Episode 27 of Naruto: Shippuden)

Sasori is the biggest test Sakura has encountered in Naruto, teaming up with Lady Chiyo to take out the Akatsuki’s puppet master. It’s a riveting battle where Sakura shone, but the final moments of this battle reveal that her victory wasn’t completely earned.

Instead, Lady Chiyo reveals that Sasori willingly let himself be stabbed by the puppets of his mother and father, enjoying their embrace one final time before his death. It’s a touching moment that comes out of nowhere, with Sasori experiencing what is probably the most avoidable death in the entire series.