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Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Naruto: Did Obito Uchiha truly deserve a redemption arc?
The legacy of one of Naruto's most controversial characters continues to divide fans even today. In reality, was Obito Uchiha truly deserving of such a golden redemption or was it poor storytelling at best? Forgiveness and redemption may be the most potent themes present in the world of Naruto. The anime has resurrected a number of baddies from the brink of evil's abyss, restoring them to life — and glory. From Sasuke Uchiha to even Orochimaru, most characters stride the precarious tightrope between hero and villain. Of all of them, though, none deserved to surprise fans with how black his heart had gone as Obito Uchiha. Once a dreamy, lovesick ninja, his turn as a villain saw Obito become one of the most formidable antagonists in the whole Naruto saga. His crimes alienated him from the ninja community, as he became Nico's only nemesis, with his awful deeds sending ripples across the ninja world. Yet, in the dying minutes of Naruto: In Shippuden, the series provided him with a real redemption arc — leaving viewers to argue on whether or not Obito's turnaround was deserved or if it was too sudden. The dark legacy of Obito Uchiha Obito wasn't simply a cruel villain — he orchestrated many of Naruto's most devastating tragedies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Вот что поза во сне говорит о вашем характере! Удивительные Новости Undo After opening the series as Tobi, he manipulated the strongest ninjas ever, puppeteered entire nations, and sparked the world-destroying Fourth Great Ninja War. Here are just some of his many unpardonable sins. Activating the Akatsuki's Reign of Terror: Traumatic events in Obito's life completely twisted his perspective. He transformed Nagato and the Akatsuki into weapons of mass destruction, and by utilizing pain and trauma he was able to control others. To allow him more leeway, he psychologically manipulated the Fourth Mizukage into submitting, reducing the village to a culture of violence through fear and death. Catalyzing the Uchiha Massacre As mentioned with Itachi, Obito was instrumental in ordering the Uchiha Clan's extermination. Upon the city of Konoha, he set loose the Nine-Tails which resulted in the death of Naruto's parents and thousands of others. Cultural Heritage and War Crimes He pretty much unilaterally launched the Fourth Great Ninja War, killing thousands in the process, enslaving the tailed beasts, and attempting to cast an infinite illusion over the entire world. These aren't minor errors — they're monumental blunders that reshaped the world we live in today. Unlike typical villains, Obito's crimes were mass and calculated. Obito's final redemption: Too late or just in time? Yet in spite of all the turmoil he unleashed, Obito's end gives him a vastly different interpretation. Though he is initially consumed by hopelessness, after fighting Naruto and coming to recognize a younger version of himself in him, Obito starts to have doubts about his decisions. In Union military affairs, when he defects to the other side, his actions tip the balance of war: Sacrificing Himself literally, as Obito dies saving Naruto and the rest of the ninja alliance from Kaguya's lethal assaults. He extracts the tailed beasts' chakra from Madara, rescuing Naruto when he was about to die. Forming an Alliance to Destroy the Rinnegan Obito, realizing everything, told Sakura to destroy his last Rinnegan to prevent Madara from using them, showing that he had truly redeemed himself. As far as fans are concerned, his redemption arc is too little, too late. Was Obito controlled by Madara? The truth behind the curse tag Yet somehow the biggest detail overlooked in Obito's story is the cursed tag that Madara farcically made sure to stick to Obito. This seal made it so Obito had no choice but to follow specific orders, so what he did wasn't necessarily done of free will. Though he did indeed operate with free choice for the majority of his offenses, the curse of Midas indicates there was ever the sense that he was being forced — and forever monitored. Is Trauma a valid excuse for Obito's actions? Obito's transformation into an agent of evil started when he had to watch the dying breath of Rin, the young woman he loved. Crushed by grief and then later on manipulated by Madara, he lost faith in the world. Can the personal experience of trauma really justify this type of state-orchestrated mass murder and global epic war? Naruto sometimes largely addresses the questions of how pain brings people into the darkness, the narrative argues that individuals need to be held accountable for their choices even if they have been harmed. Obito's posthumous effort to make amends is admirable. It never atones for the tragic destruction and trauma he inflicted during his lifetime. Does Obito Uchiha deserve forgiveness? Obito's story is among the most tragic and complicated tales in the whole of Naruto. He was a beloved hometown hero, became a supervillain, then unsuccessfully attempted to return to heroism. His redemption arc may have seemed premature to many, his ultimate sacrifices weren't without purpose. Does that make all that enough to forgive the blood on his hands? Whether or not they get moved to action by it, that's really a question only each viewer can answer.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Naruto: The real-life legend behind Gaara and the one-tailed beast Shukaku
The anime Naruto has plenty to offer when it comes to deep lore, emotional character arcs, and a fascinatingly different approach to mythology itself. One of the most intriguing justifications is the tragic origin of Gaara and the creature sealed within him. Shukaku, the One-Tailed beast. Though their tale might appear entirely made up, it is actually based in Japanese folklore, and that alone makes it all the more fascinating. Whether you've been following Naruto since the beginning, or you just want to learn more about anime, here's the truth behind Gaara, Shukaku, and the unexpected legends that inspired them. Who is Gaara in Naruto? Gaara, a primary character of Naruto, is introduced as a menacing villain before becoming one of the series' most powerful and revered leaders. Much like Naruto himself, Gaara had a monster sealed within him at birth. Shukaku, the One-Tailed Beast. This caused the rest of his village to fear and outcast him. As a child, Gaara had no friends, no paternal love, and had grown up learning that he must only live to kill. His backstory is like Naruto's, but darker. What did change his path was meeting Naruto, who helped him figure out what he really wanted to do with himself. What is Shukaku? Shukaku, the One-Tail, is a beast of pure chakra. In Naruto, Shukaku is unruly, furious, and boastful. What the majority of fans don't realize is that Shukaku has deep roots in actual Japanese folklore. Though its name 'Shukaku' (守鶴) roughly translates to 'guardian crane', the creature definitely does not resemble a crane. Instead, it actually looks like a tanuki—a Japanese raccoon dog famous in folklore for its mischievousness and ability to shapeshift. Shukaku's personality in the anime mirrors this chaotic and mischievous approach too. The japanese myth that inspired Shukaku Shukaku's legend originates from ancient Japanese folklore such as the story of Bunbuku Chagama, the tanuki who transformed into a teapot and delighted a priest. There's a local tale from the temple of Kenchō-ji in the ancient city of Kamakura, in which a tanuki turned itself into a priest. At first glance, these stories seem to share only shape-shifting animals and magical transformations. In Naruto, Shukaku was sealed in a teapot in the deep past. His original host (or Jinchuriki) was a priest named Bunpuku—an explicit nod to the Bunbuku Chagama tale. Unlike other humans, Bunpuku was neither cruel nor greedy, and he gave Shukaku ample respect and freedom. Shukaku and Gaara's relationship Though Gaara inherited Shukaku, like Naruto, from birth, their relationship wasn't based on making each other better, but rather on fear, hate, and isolation. Shukaku's violent, manipulative nature affected Gaara's personality in early childhood, whispering and goading him into murder. Yet during the Fourth Great Ninja War, it had turned into a different animal. Through this connection, Gaara started to get a better sense of Shukaku—and Shukaku him. Because Gaara was a kinder host than others, Shukaku began to care for him, as Gaara became similar to the spirit's first peaceful host, the priest Bunpuku. Later it was Shukaku who, having found peace in Naruto's care, aided Naruto in the climactic end fights against Madara and Kaguya, proving that his heart had turned. Naruto and Gaara: The tanuki and the fox In Japanese mythology, tanuki (raccoon dog) and kitsune (fox) are both shape-shifting trickster spirits. They are reputed to outwit one another and human beings, and they're usually depicted as being competitive with one another. In Naruto, Shukaku (the tanuki) and Kurama (the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside Naruto) share a similar hostile dynamic. Kurama regularly ridiculed Shukaku for being the strongest tailed beast since he only had one tail. Even though neither monster deserved to be examined under a microscope, both end up finding peace, as do Naruto and Gaara. In fact, there's a classic Japanese proverb that goes like this: 'Kitsune to tanuki no bakashiai' – translates to 'the fox and the raccoon dog fooling each other,' aptly describing Naruto and Gaara's initial competitive nature. Real legends made Naruto even better The tale of Gaara and Shukaku is more than anime angst. It's a deep, rich blend of legend, isolation, and deliverance. Masashi Kishimoto, creator of Naruto, took real Japanese legends and interlaced them into his world to add depth and meaning. From dangerous loner to cherished Kazekage, Gaara's evolution is full of forgiveness, healing and friendship. Behind it all is the mysterious, misunderstood tanuki spirit named Shukaku—one of Naruto's most unforgettable monsters.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Naruto and Hinata's love story: The shy girl who captured a hero's heart
Naruto is famous for its deep, thrilling battles, illuminating emotional narratives, and most of all, its heartwarming protagonists. One of the most beautiful aspects of the series is one of the most understated — the gradual, moving, blossoming romance between Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As thousands of fans showed up each night to catch a glimpse of the magic unfolding in front of their eyes, a much fluffier romance was developing behind the scenes. It sure as hell wasn't quick. It wasn't noisy. It nevertheless was — and it went on to become one of the most iconic pairings in anime history. Here's what you need to understand about Naruto and Hinata's romance, broken down for new and old fans alike. Who is Hinata Hyuga, anyway? Hinata is a member of the elite Hyuga Clan, famous for their bloodline eyes — the Byakugan — and master fighting ability. Hinata wasn't cut from the same cloth as the rest of her family. She was an example of the perfect shinobi – quiet, kind, and extremely shy, particularly when it came to one individual in particular: Naruto Uzumaki. Especially early on, Hinata looked up to Naruto. Even when the whole world – or at least the whole village – was against him, Hinata recognized his courage and fighting spirit. She always believed in him, when he had nothing to his name. Naruto initially didn't notice Hinata As such, in the first half of the series, Naruto was completely unaware that Hinata had a crush on him. He was too focused on pursuing his own aspirations and was infatuated with another girl, Sakura Haruno. Hinata, extremely shy, often couldn't speak to Naruto without passing out or standing behind a tree. Behind the scenes, she was a powerful and consistent supporter of him. She supported him behind the scenes and defended him from the mockery of his peers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Her love was unknown, but unmatched. Hinata put her life on the line to save Naruto Perhaps one of the most heart-wrenching turning points was during the Pain invasion arc, when the villain Pain invaded the Hidden Leaf Village. Hinata had her own reasons, the story became a beloved narrative that Hinata jumped into the fight just as Naruto was losing and potentially dying when she stepped in and protected him. Even when she knew she would not be able to win, Hinata chose to confront Pain. She confessed she loved Naruto for the first time and at least partially because of that, fought for his life. Pain brought her low, and Naruto was driven into a fury. Hinata's courage took root as an ember in Naruto's soul. That was the first time he realized the lengths Hinata would go to for him. The moment Naruto realised he loved Hinata While Naruto didn't love Hinata at first sight, her unquestioning encouragement never left him. As time went on—especially through the events of the Fourth Great Ninja War—he started to perceive her differently. Personal moments like watching Neji Hyuga — Hinata's cousin! Hinata came close to fainting from sadness, and Naruto grabbed her hand. In response, he said, 'Thank you… for what I hear other men don't have — always being right there by my side.' It was only the beginning of the way their emotional connection blossomed into something deeper, more romantic and ultimately into true love. The last: Naruto the movie – Their musical adventure It wasn't until the movie 'The Last: Naruto the Movie,' that Naruto and Hinata's relationship was fully realized. It's a touching moment, and encapsulates the journey of Naruto rediscovering Hinata's feelings from years past as well as his own. There's a scene in which Naruto starts to perceive all the ways that Hinata has been supporting him behind the scenes, and in so doing comes to realize Hinata's love for him. As they battle the mafia together to rescue her sister Hanabi, along the way, Naruto actually, genuinely falls in love with Hinata. In one of the most gorgeous anime scenes ever, Naruto admits to Sakura, 'I love you, Hinata.' Later, they share their first kiss under the moonlight — a moment years in the making that fans couldn't wait to see. Naruto and Hinata get married and start a family After the events of The Last, Naruto and Hinata get married. Their wedding is shown in Naruto Shippuden episode 500 — a heartfelt goodbye to the series and a new beginning. In Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, we see them as parents. They have two children — Boruto Uzumaki and Himawari Uzumaki. Hinata becomes a strong, loving mother, and Naruto works hard as the Seventh Hokage while doing his best to be there for his family. Naruto and Hinata's Love Story Is a Hidden Gem Naruto and Hinata didn't fall in love overnight. Their story is about patience, quiet strength, and deep respect. Hinata loved Naruto long before he was a hero — and Naruto grew to love her because of her heart. Their relationship is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the strongest love isn't loud — it's steady, loyal, and never gives up. For anime fans and newcomers alike, Naruto and Hinata's romance is one of the most emotional love stories you'll ever see.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
8 Times Naruto Stirred Major Controversy — Ranked
A story loved by millions, but not without its share of debate. 'Naruto' is one of the most iconic anime series ever created, with a legacy that continues to inspire new generations. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, even in a beloved classic, some moments stirred controversy among fans. Whether due to storytelling choices, character decisions, or shocking twists, these moments remain hot topics in the anime community. Let's dive into the eight most controversial moments from Naruto, ranked from the least to the most debated. 8. Naruto's Instant Forgiveness of Sasuke Despite Sasuke's numerous crimes, including attempting to kill Naruto and others, Naruto forgives him almost immediately. Many fans felt this was unrealistic and robbed Sasuke's redemption of its weight. Some viewers wanted to see a longer path to forgiveness, filled with more consequence and reflection. 7. The Fate of Neji Hyuga Neji's sudden death during the Fourth Great Ninja War shocked many. What made it controversial was how rushed and unnecessary his death felt to some fans. As a beloved character with much potential, many thought Neji deserved a better send-off. 6. The Treatment of Female Characters Throughout the series, many fans noticed that female characters often didn't get the same attention or development as their male counterparts. Characters like Sakura and Tenten were especially criticized for being underused, leading to discussions about gender representation in the show. 5. Itachi's True Motives When it was revealed that Itachi killed the Uchiha clan under orders from Konoha's leaders, fans were torn. Some admired the complexity of his character, while others felt the retcon cheapened his earlier villainy and muddied the emotional impact of Sasuke's hatred. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 4. The Power of Talk-No-Jutsu Naruto's ability to 'talk villains into submission' became a running joke among fans. While it showed Naruto's heart and determination, critics argue it was sometimes used as an easy way to resolve conflicts without satisfying storytelling. 3. Kaguya's Introduction After building up Madara as the ultimate villain, Kaguya Otsutsuki appeared almost out of nowhere as the final boss. This sudden switch confused and disappointed many fans who wanted to see the climax revolve around long-established characters rather than introducing new ones at the last moment. 2. Sakura's Confession to Naruto In one of the most debated scenes, Sakura falsely confesses her love to Naruto to stop him from chasing Sasuke. Fans criticized this as manipulative and felt it was unfair to both Naruto and Sakura's character arcs. 1. Naruto's Ending Couples The decision to pair Naruto with Hinata and Sasuke with Sakura created a massive divide among fans. Many had rooted for Naruto and Sakura to end up together, and felt the relationships in the ending were rushed without enough development on screen. Why These Moments Still Spark Debate Today Even years after its conclusion, 'Naruto' continues to ignite passionate discussions. These controversial moments remind us that no story is perfect — and it's often the flaws and debates that keep a fandom alive and growing. Whether you loved or hated these moments, they are part of what makes Naruto a timeless conversation in anime history.
