The Underrated Ninja in Naruto Revealed (And It's Not Itachi!)

The Naruto series is popularly known as part of the "Big Three" in the shonen genre. With a vast number of episodes and chapters, this anime and manga series boasts impressive world-building and a diverse range of characters with varying powers, combat abilities, and fighting styles.

Notably, characters like Naruto and Sasuke are often regarded as some of the most formidable. Since the series' inception, fans have engaged in countless discussions. However, one recurring question among fans is to identify the most overrated character.

Shisui Uchiha is often considered one of the most overrated characters in the Naruto series. This article aims to explore the reasons for this perception and examine the feats that fans frequently cite as evidence of Shisui's exceptional strength as a shinobi. Please note that this article represents solely the views of the writer and is therefore subjective in nature.

Naruto: Understanding why Shisui is one of the most overrated characters in the series

Shisui as seen in the anime series (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Shisui, an exceptionally skilled member of the Uchiha clan, is most well-known for his powerful Genjutsu technique, the Kotoamatsukami. This technique allows him to subtly enter the target's mind and create false experiences, effectively tricking them into believing that their actions are their own choice. This makes the technique incredibly effective and has contributed to Shisui's popularity.

However, as effective as this technique may be, it comes with a significant tradeoff. Shisui can only use this technique once every 10 years. Despite fan beliefs, he does not actually possess a perfect Susanoo. The only instance of a perfect Susanoo was seen in a video game and is not considered part of the original Naruto manga series.

Shisui's flawless Susanoo in Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution (Image via Bandai Namco)

Furthermore, Shisui's limited appearance in only 5 episodes does not provide sufficient insight into his abilities. In the Itachi light novels, Shisui is depicted struggling against an Anbu Black Ops captain with only one Byakugan. Many other members of the Uchiha clan have showcased greater prowess in both the anime and manga.

Understanding Shisui's role in the anime series is crucial in recognizing why he is considered overrated. His role was primarily to serve as a major plot point in the story and to influence Itachi's character development significantly.

Shisui’s decision to take his own life had a profound impact on Itachi’s perspective, driving the narrative forward. As a result, Shisui Uchiha’s role in the Naruto series was primarily to advance the plot. Despite his exceptional skills, Shisui’s famed ultimate weapon actually has a 10-year cooldown, making him less formidable than many believe. While he is undeniably talented, Shisui is often overrated by a significant portion of the fanbase.

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Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of the Naruto series, I have always been fascinated by the diverse range of characters and their unique abilities. While some characters, like Naruto and Sasuke, have gained immense popularity and recognition, there are others who, in my opinion, have been somewhat overlooked or underrated. One such character is Shisui Uchiha, who, despite his exceptional skills and intriguing backstory, often seems to be overshadowed by other members of the Uchiha clan.

Shisui's reputation as an overrated character stems from several factors. Firstly, his limited appearance in the series, with only a handful of episodes dedicated to his character, leaves fans wanting more and prevents them from fully understanding his abilities and potential. Secondly, while his Kotoamatsukami technique is undoubtedly powerful, its significant cooldown period of 10 years makes it less practical and reliable in combat situations. Additionally, the fact that Shisui's perfect Susanoo was only seen in a video game and not in the original manga series further diminishes his perceived strength.