As Much As I Love Sakura, Naruto Did the Ninja Dirty Despite Its Best Efforts

Sakura Haruno, an important member of Naruto’s Team 7, has caused division among fans for several decades. Many fans adore her and feel like she is a great addition to the story, serving as the protagonist's most loyal friend during Sasuke’s exile. The other half feels like her inclusion was not needed, and her character can be quite unpleasant.

No matter what side of the argument one is part of, it is clear that the series did not give Sakura the spotlight and importance she deserved as one of the main characters. Her development was almost non-existent, as proven by the series turning her into a new Tsunade. Worse of all, the series had many ideas that could have made Sakura much more interesting, and all of them were discarded.

Sakura Should Have Been Developed Properly

The Series Forgot All Her Progress Without Explanation

When she was first introduced to the Naruto series, Sakura was seen as a regular, if somewhat distracted, aspiring kunoichi. She was one of the best students of the Ninja Academy but lacked the drive and skill to be considered a proper prodigy. Due to her massive crush on Sasuke, who would go on to become her teammate, she would disregard her growth as a ninja to focus on gaining the affection of the Uchiha. The first few episodes of the series gave fans the idea that Sakura would be a hindrance to her teammates.

While the series tried to make the pink-haired girl more likable, by making her one of the best ninjas in the series, her popularity was already suffering from the early days of the show. This issue became even worse once Naruto and Sasuke began demonstrating their true potential, leaving Sakura behind by a long margin. Her training with Tsunade was supposed to help her catch up with them and give her a proper identity. Fans expected to see Sakura grow into her person after the timeskip at the beginning of Shippuden, but this never occurred.

Sakura's appearance in Boruto while looking fierce with Naruto and Sasuke fighting in the background.

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In the end, Sakura’s progress was abandoned in favor of transforming her into a new Tsunade. Their fighting styles were not only similar, but Naruto’s friend did not add any original techniques to her arsenal. Their personalities were also almost identical, both being caring but hot-headed women who would resort to violence when angered. The version of Sakura who would use reason and persuasion was long gone, leaving behind a carbon copy of her teacher, an issue that did not occur with her teammates.

Traits Unique to Sakura Were Never Developed or Forgotten

Her Genjutsu Skills and Unique Weapons Were Never Developed

Sakura carrying her axe in an alternative universe cover of the manga.

One of the aspects of the Naruto franchise that has enchanted fans for more than 20 years is how unique and memorable most of its characters are. While not all of them have received the same attention, with some desperately needing more screen time, it is easy for fans to recall the special abilities and techniques that only they could use. Naruto is famous for using his Rasengan, Shadow Clones, and Kurama’s power. Similarly, Sasuke has access to his Sharingan, Susanoo, and Sharingan. Sakura, woefully, was not allowed to develop a unique trait.

When she was younger, the series tried to imply that her outstanding chakra control meant she could become a skilled Genjutsu user. Kakashi himself revealed that she had a natural affinity for the technique in chapter #116 of the manga. Sakura would then go on to dispel several illusions during the story, but she was never trained to use them. Making Sakura a skilled Genjutsu user would have helped her stand out from other ninjas, but this storyline got dropped shortly after and never developed.

Naruto eating ramen with his right arm broken while Sakura is looking at him

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Another aspect that could have helped her character feel more unique would be the inclusion of her signature weapon. This idea has already been extensively explored in the side content of the franchise, with Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the original manga, depicting her with one or two battle axes. This implies that, at some point during production, the idea of giving her a weapon to differentiate her came up, but it was never implemented. It is a shame that something as memorable as a battleaxe was never given to Sakura, despite how well it would go with her superhuman strength.

The Anime Hurt Sakura's Character Far More Than the Manga

The Animated Adaptation Made Her Far Less Likeable

Sakura claims that she will be the one to protect Naruto and Sasuke.

Even though the manga version of Sakura was already divisive among fans, the anime series did her a major disservice. In the original story, Naruto’s teammate is still temperamental and idolizes Sasuke, but she is far more reasonable than in the show. Her violent outbursts against the protagonist were few and far between, with her often trying to talk with the blonde before attacking him. Her attitude towards Naruto is also far less critical and judgmental. The anime made it seem like Sakura was mean and rude to the protagonist without any real reason, always supporting Sasuke over the blonde.

Yet, the manga clearly shows that, despite her crush, she cares deeply for both, and sees them as amazing ninjas to admire. Her blossoming relationship with Sasuke was also gravely mishandled by the anime. Several changes, such as making the Uchiha appear disgusted hen near Sakura, made the relationship far more controversial than needed. The manga did imply that Sasuke felt something for the girl, and was a genuinely good friend to her, which is why she was so desperate to help him. The anime made it seem like a simple teenage obsession.

Boruto Helped Save Sakura’s Character

Her Adult Version Is Far More Interesting

Sarada is embarrassed while Sakura is excited in Boruto

Despite how controversial and heavily scrutinized by critics the Boruto franchise might be, its story did give Sakura a chance to redeem herself. The adult version of the pink-haired woman is not only one of Konoha’s most important ninjas, being the head of the medicinal branch, but she is also a fulfilled and happy family woman. She raised Sarada practically alone, seeing as Sasuke was busy keeping the world safe from dangers under Naruto’s orders. Even with her limited time, Sakura became a vital part of Konoha’s structure, becoming a respected and admired kunoichi.

Sakura might not have received the best character development in the Naruto franchise, but she is still an important part of the series. Without her, the titular protagonist, Sasuke, and even Kakashi would have been in serious trouble on more than one occasion. Not all fans like Sakura, which is completely fine, but she is not deserving of hatred or criticism, as she is by far one of the most underrated characters in the series.