Unveiling the Ultimate Debate: Kabuto's Redemption in Naruto

The Naruto series follows a common theme of redemption, as it explores the idea of forgiving antagonists and allowing them to change from their past wrongdoings. Several prominent characters, such as Obito and Nagato, have undergone this controversial process. Another character who experienced a similar redemption arc is Kabuto Yakushi, the main antagonist in the series, known for his atrocious actions.

Despite Kabuto's undeniable misdeeds and heinous crimes, he ultimately finds redemption. Following the war and the establishment of peace, Kabuto is absorbed into the Hidden Leaf Village, where he takes on the role of a caretaker in an orphanage. This decision has left fans questioning the justification behind redeeming such a controversial character, especially as it appears to make his actions appear insignificant.

Kabuto’s Past Crimes

It is nearly impossible to compile a comprehensive list of Kabuto's criminal acts, as this renegade ninja has committed an unfathomable number of offenses. While many associate Kabuto's true villainous nature with his role as the ultimate antagonist in the series, his actual crimes extend far back to when he was taken under Orochimaru's tutelage. Ranging from heinous acts of murder to unlawful experimentation, Kabuto's extensive history of wrongdoing establishes him as one of the most merciless villains in anime history.

Merely being linked to Orochimaru, a rogue ninja, is sufficient to brand Kabuto as a menacing and nefarious force. However, Kabuto surpasses even Orochimaru in his terrifying exploits and transgressions against innocent individuals. In Naruto's first installment, Kabuto served as nothing more than a minion for Orochimaru, faithfully aiding him in his villainous pursuits. However, following Orochimaru's presumed demise, Kabuto emerged as one of the most despicable villains in the entire Naruto universe.

Kabuto’s Attempt at Redemption

After absorbing all of Orochimnaru’s chakra and mastering Sage Mode, Kabuto transforms into an indomitable monster driven by a thirst for vengeance against the entire shinobi world. Profaning the resting places of the deceased and using innocent shinobi as vessels for his Reanimation Jutsu are just a few of his most nefarious transgressions. However, nothing surpasses his wicked crimes during the Fourth Great Ninja War, where Kabuto's army of reanimated shinobi caused widespread casualties and unspeakable terror. He alone holds responsibility for resurrecting Madara Uchiha, and his actions nearly brought about the annihilation of all five Kage.

Redemption can only be achieved by either revealing the moral complexities driving the antagonist's deeds, or through a selfless act demonstrating a genuine change of heart. Surprisingly, neither of these explanations seem to apply to Kabuto. Although his troubled past might have contributed to his descent into delinquency, it in no way justifies his horrifying acts of murder, terrorism, and abduction.

Kabuto's only redemption came from healing Sasuke after Madara stabbed him. By appearing at the right time and swiftly healing Sasuke, Kabuto enabled him to continue fighting and eventually defeat the final villains. Without Kabuto's assistance, Sasuke would have died long ago. However, one act of kindness is not sufficient to redeem a character with a history of questionable actions spanning decades.

Some might argue that renouncing villainous goals is a worthy act of redemption. However, in Kabuto's case, this is the minimum requirement, considering the immense damage he caused through his atrocities and violations. Merely retracting his villainous goals comes across as shallow and superficial, particularly because he only did so after being trapped indefinitely by Itachi's Izanagi. Without this powerful technique stopping him, it is unlikely that Kabuto would have reformed and returned to a normal path.

Final Verdict

Kabuto's redemption, unlike antagonists Nagato and Obito, feels shallow and rushed. Even now, fans of the series strongly disagree with the decision to let Kabuto go unpunished. His reasons for becoming a war criminal lack depth and humanity. While the show attempts to sway viewers with a tragic backstory, it falls far short of justifying his past misdeeds.

Though Kabuto saves Sasuke's life and plays a crucial role in winning the war, it cannot overshadow his countless crimes. In the end, Kabuto does not deserve redemption, and allowing such a despicable character to be redeemed tarnishes the legacy of the Naruto series and suggests that any villain can escape consequences for their atrocious actions. Kabuto's absolution is yet another example of rushed writing and a glaring mistake on the part of the author.

Naruto is available to stream on Crunchyroll.