Few stories have captured the hearts of millions like Naruto’s epic journey from a low-ranking genin to the esteemed Hokage. The franchise’s enduring success is a testament to how emotionally resonant Naruto’s triumphs and struggles were. Yet, as iconic as the Nine Tails Jinchuriki was, Naruto wasn’t the only standout in the series. Throughout the original series and Shippuden, several characters emerged with the potential to steal Naruto’s spotlight as the protagonist.

One common criticism of the Naruto franchise is that its titular hero eventually strayed from the series’ core themes as he grew in power. While this can be a subjective viewpoint, it’s undeniable that Naruto's themes of hard work and perseverance were embodied by several other characters. On the other hand, some characters may not have had similar journeys, but their arcs provided unique insights into the ninja world. For fans of anime merchandise, whether you're hunting for Naruto merchandise, anime figures, or an anime hoodie to express your fandom, these characters would have made just as compelling leads.

1. Mei Terumi

Whether due to Masashi Kishimoto’s struggles in writing female characters or an in-universe patriarchy, many kunoichi in the ninja world didn’t seem set up for success. Powerhouses like Temari, Tsunade, and Sakura were outliers, making the Fifth Mizukage’s treatment even more disappointing. Mei Terumi, a character brimming with potential, could have been a powerful and influential woman in the Naruto franchise. However, she was never developed beyond serving as the punchline for tired jokes and tropes the series had already overused.

Mei, the Mizukage of the Mist, led a village with a bloodthirsty past and a ruthless reputation. Her era marked a shift towards diplomacy, discarding many archaic traditions. A story centered on her efforts to modernize her infamous village while honoring past leaders would have been rich with potential. Unfortunately, her latent potential was left unexplored, even in sequels. For fans looking for Naruto merchandise or anime merch in India that celebrates the iconic Kages, Mei's story could have brought a fresh perspective.

2. Minato Namikaze

Minato Namikaze was another casualty of the Naruto franchise’s tendency to underdevelop supporting characters. As a character primarily featured in flashbacks, Minato was never expected to receive extensive development. However, Kishimoto’s reluctance to reveal more about him left Minato’s story with significant gaps. For instance, there’s never any mention of the Namikaze clan, Naruto’s relatives on his father’s side. Fans mostly know Minato as a powerful shinobi, yet even his abilities are given less focus than other Hokage.

Minato had the potential to embody the underdog trope that defines most shōnen protagonists, with the added twist of being incredibly powerful and unrecognized. His story, whether focused on his mysterious clan or his time training Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, would have added depth to the Naruto universe. For those searching for anime merchandise that dives deep into Naruto’s lore, Minato’s story would have been a treasure trove of content.

3. Neji Hyuga

Neji Hyuga possessed almost all the traits of a traditional shōnen protagonist. He had a tragic backstory, exceptional mastery over his jutsu, and an unwavering drive to improve. Despite his stoic personality in the original Naruto series, Neji became a more pleasant character by the time Shippuden rolled around.

The time skip between Naruto and Shippuden would have been the perfect setting for a story focused on Neji’s growth and the traditions of the Hyuga clan. Currently, despite Neji’s claim to have trained continuously since youth, there’s little difference between his abilities in the Fourth Great Ninja War and the Chunin Exams. Neji would have been an intriguing protagonist who worked to improve his world, providing a more grounded narrative than Naruto’s. For fans of anime merchandise looking for anime clothes or an anime hoodie that represents hard work, Neji's story would resonate deeply.

4. Itachi Uchiha

Itachi Uchiha, despite his relatively short screen time, achieved more in his youth than most shinobi did in their entire lives. Like Kakashi, Itachi was a prodigy who joined the Anbu Corps at a young age. His extraordinary abilities made him a prime target for the factions involved in the Hidden Leaf’s Cold War. However, Itachi’s desire to avoid war forced him to make the most brutal decision available.

While Shippuden explored Itachi’s youth and his friendship with Shisui, these stories were relegated to filler episodes, causing many fans to disregard them. A proper, canon backstory would humanize Itachi while legitimizing his strength with specific feats beyond his battle with Sasuke. Given the legion of Itachi fans, there’s no doubt a series focused on him would be a hit. If you’re a fan of anime merchandise or on the lookout for an anime store near me with Naruto merchandise, an Itachi-centric story would provide even more reasons to dive into the world of anime figures and collectibles.

5. Rock Lee

Rock Lee is often cited as a more fitting protagonist than Naruto due to his embodiment of the series’ core theme of hard work. His relentless drive to improve, even in the face of impossible odds, justifies the belief that he could have been a great lead character.

However, the reality is that Rock Lee’s potential was always limited by the series’ power system, which revolved around chakra. While the Eight Gates granted him immense power, they also posed a severe risk, as seen during the Fourth Great Ninja War. A story led by Rock Lee would likely have ended in tragedy, making for a bittersweet narrative. Still, for fans seeking anime merchandise that champions perseverance, Rock Lee’s journey would have made for an inspiring tale.

6. Nagato Uzumaki

Nagato Uzumaki, as a wielder of the Rinnegan, was always destined for greatness, even if he didn’t realize it. His genius was evident early on, recognized by Jiraiya, who trained him in hopes that Nagato would fulfill his prophecy. Unfortunately, Nagato was manipulated by Madara and Obito, who twisted his altruistic nature to further their plans.

Despite his misguided actions, Nagato’s missions as “Pain” were part of a larger campaign to end all wars. His story is tragic because he never had the control he believed he did. As a protagonist, Nagato could have pursued the true vision the Akatsuki was meant to uphold—an elite group of ninja focused on protecting the disenfranchised and solving conflicts. For those interested in Naruto merchandise or One Piece merchandise that delves into the complexities of characters like Nagato, his story would provide a compelling alternative narrative.

These characters, with their unique journeys and struggles, could have offered fresh perspectives on the Naruto universe. Click here for the coolest and craziest anime merch in india! If you’re a fan looking for anime merchandise or an anime merch store that caters to your love for these characters, these alternative storylines would certainly make for some captivating additions to your collection.

[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Anime Devta, they are just for entertainment purposes]

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