Top 10 Naruto Characters That Excel in the Manga

Which characters in the manga were better portrayed compared to the anime when it comes to Naruto's journey towards becoming a Hokage? And what were the noticeable differences according to fans?

10. Hashirama Senju

Sensing Black Zetsu Early On Adds Impact To His Role

Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, the founders of Konoha, put an end to the long-standing feud between their clans. This revelation in the Naruto series served as a crucial element in the plot for the return of Kaguya Otsutsuki. While some fans criticize the rushed nature of Kaguya's "intervention," there is a moment in the manga that may have hinted at it all along.

During what was believed to be Hashirama and Madara's final battle, Hashirama detects a distinct rustling from the cliff above them. In the anime, this is disregarded as Hashirama simply looking up. However, fans speculate that the distinctive sound of "Zaaaa..." may have been caused by Black Zetsu, Kaguya's observer of her grandson's descendants and reincarnations, Indra and Asura. This moment could have further solidified Hashirama's status as the God of Shinobi. His ability to sense Black Zetsu's surveillance, when nobody else in history could, adds to his relevance in the narrative rather than just being a formidable Hokage.

9. Shikamaru Nara

Smoking Cements His Mentor’s Legacy

Despite his preference for a simple life, Shikamaru Nara possesses an exceptional intellect, which led to him being promoted to chunin at an early age. He served as an advisor to Lord Seventh Naruto and eventually became Lord Eighth during his absence. However, the anime portrays him as having less of a soft side due to one significant change: he no longer smokes.

While Shikamaru did not have an affinity for smoking as a teenager, the death of his mentor, Asuma Sarutobi, prompted him to take up smoking as a way to pay tribute to him. Fans view Shikamaru's smoking habit as a means of honoring his mentor's memory. Even in the Boruto manga, he continues this habit, despite frequently being reminded that his chosen smoking areas are designated non-smoking zones.

8. Hinata Hyuga

Only Openly Laughed During Her Wedding

The weakness of side character writing in the Naruto story is evident in Hinata Hyuga's portrayal. In the manga, she is often sidelined compared to her more active role in the anime's filler arcs. However, it can be argued that Hinata's moments in the later arcs gain much-needed momentum due to her depiction as a reserved character.

This portrayal enhances the impact of her genuine emotions in the manga. Her actions, such as saving Naruto from Pain and openly laughing for the first time at their wedding, carry significant weight. Hinata's transformation from being reserved to being more open is a result of Naruto's influence, which is effectively depicted in the manga.

7. Danzo Shimura

Lack Of Public Appearances Added Credence To His Shadowy Role

Danzo Shimura, known as the bandaged shinobi, was the mastermind behind the tragic Uchiha Massacre and a prominent player in the complex world of shinobi politics. In his gripping confrontation with Sasuke, Danzo showcased his skills, solidifying his reputation as one of Konoha's most dangerous figures. Regrettably, the excessive focus on Danzo in the anime failed to capture his enigmatic nature.

Filler episodes featuring ANBU hinted at Danzo's desire to undermine Hiruzen's leadership. In the anime, he even persuaded Amegakure's Hanzo of the Salamander to target the Akatsuki. While the Naruto manga depicted Danzo in the same light as the anime during key plot moments, the manga's portrayal of Danzo as a mysterious and formidable force, more hearsay than an actual presence, effectively conveyed his true power.

6. Orochimaru

A More Cruel Villain

Orochimaru, a notorious Naruto villain, has always been portrayed as a cunning and ruthless rogue shinobi. Compared to the esteemed Sannin of Konoha, Orochimaru's dangerous fascination with Forbidden Jutsu and immortality ultimately led to his banishment. Although Orochimaru's character undergoes a somewhat unexpected change of heart towards the end of the Naruto series, he remains one of Naruto's most formidable adversaries.

While Orochimaru's depiction in both the anime and manga remains consistent, the anime's avoidance of graphic content diminishes the visceral terror associated with his character. For instance, in the manga, the Third Hokage confronts Orochimaru amidst a room filled with bodies, while the anime portrays a barren room instead. This omission of an important detail detracts from Orochimaru's truly horrifying nature, as his casual experiments on human subjects were a defining aspect of his abominable nature.

5. Sasuke Uchiha

Isn’t Solely A Brooding Loner

Sasuke Uchiha, a main character in the Naruto series, is understandably lonely after his elder brother carried out the Uchiha Massacre. His current goal is to gain enough power to avenge his brother, Itachi. However, despite his rather irritable demeanor in the anime, Sasuke is portrayed as less snobbish in the manga.

Readers who are familiar with the manga may be surprised to discover that Sasuke's emotional range is more complex, even in the first half of the series. There are instances where he is seen smiling, frowning, blushing, and even winking at Sakura during the Chunin Exams. Although he remains irritable, Sasuke also demonstrates a sense of humor, sarcasm, and occasionally makes friendly remarks during the time skip.

4. Konohamaru Sarutobi

Scaled Better Outside Filler

First introduced as the somewhat arrogant and bothersome grandson of the Third Hokage, Konohamaru Sarutobi and Naruto formed a pact to one day become Hokage, eventually becoming amicable competitors. Several years later, Naruto achieved the position first, leaving Konohamaru as the captain of Team 7, which consists of Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki. Regrettably, Konohamaru consistently faces defeat in both the anime and manga when confronted with stronger adversaries like Kashin Koji and Jigen.

This is not to suggest that Konohamaru lacks strength, as he possesses enough power to confront Jugo with Cursed Seal Level 2. Unluckily, the anime exacerbates the perception of incompetence among adult characters by showcasing Boruto and his friends accomplishing absurd feats. On the other hand, the more tightly constructed story in the manga allows Konohamaru to serve as a measuring stick for threats that the youngsters would not be able to handle without pooling their intelligence, thus lending more significance to their achievements.

3. Boruto Uzumaki

Grows Up Early Like Naruto, With The Fate Of Konoha In His Hands

Naruto's son, Boruto, takes on the leading role in the sequel series of Naruto, showcasing the same mischievous nature as his father. However, his life as a genin is far from normal due to the sudden return of the Otsutsuki Clan, which forces him to grow up quickly.

Although the Boruto anime and manga represent Boruto in a similar manner, the exclusive arcs of the supposedly official anime remove a certain level of forced maturity that is present in the manga. In comparison to the anime arcs, which often depict missions that overshadow the urgency of dealing with the Otsutsuki, the Boruto manga portrays a relentless succession of crises, providing Boruto with a harsh coming-of-age story that could potentially be more brutal than his father's.

2. Gaara

More Brutal Beginnings Explain Naruto’s Impact

Naruto's swift response to rescue Gaara, who was taken hostage, was deeply rooted in their shared struggles. To conceal his solitude as a jinchuriki, Naruto became mischievous, while Gaara, on the other hand, grew up as a solitary yet extremely violent child. Through Naruto's persistent efforts to awaken Gaara during their battle in the Chunin Exams, Gaara finally came to realize the love and care others had for him.

However, the impact of Gaara's transformation was more compelling in the manga. Though Gaara's violent nature was depicted in the anime, the manga depicted more graphic portrayals of his ferocity. Before encountering Orochimaru, Gaara was depicted as a genuine threat who would stop at nothing, even killing, to achieve his objectives.

1. Sakura Haruno

Emotions Are More Nuanced With Her Point Of View

Compared to other characters in Naruto, Sakura Haruno often receives criticism for being portrayed as a nagging and helpless character. Unfortunately, this portrayal in the anime focused on Sakura's excessive concern for Sasuke and her perceived inability to contribute to the storyline. However, readers of the manga might find a more intricate depiction of Sakura in the original story.

To begin, Sakura's interactions with Naruto in the manga were not necessarily negative. Additionally, her infatuation with Sasuke was not simply a shallow attraction but rather a deep emotional connection, which became even stronger during the time skip. Furthermore, Sakura's internal struggle to become as capable as Naruto in saving Sasuke is more effectively portrayed through her training with Tsunade.

Editor's P/S

In the Naruto manga, the characters are portrayed in a more nuanced and complex manner compared to the anime. This is especially true for characters like Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, whose motivations and actions are explored in greater depth. Additionally, the manga does a better job of developing the relationships between characters, such as the bond between Naruto and Hinata Hyuga.

Overall, the manga provides a more satisfying and emotionally resonant experience for fans of the Naruto series.