Creating a captivating and inspiring story can be challenging, but the unexpected and unfortunate events in Naruto keep the audience at the edge of their seats. Naruto’s story has its fair share of impactful deaths that not only move the audience but also alter the direction of the story.
Jinchuriki plays a crucial role in Naruto’s story. Akatsuki relentlessly pursue Jinchuriki to extract the Bijuu in their bodies, sealing their chakra in Gedou Mazou. Unfortunately, once the Bijuu is extracted, the Jinchuriki dies. When all nine chakra of the Bijuu was obtained, they succeeded in reviving the Juubi during the fourth Great Shinobi War.
Inoichi and Shikaku are placed at the headquarters during the fourth Great Shinobi War. Shikaku serves as the Chief Battle Strategist, while Inoichi is responsible for gathering and transmitting information to and from the battlefield using his sensory abilities. During the Juubi’s attack on the base, Shikaku conceptualized a plan to defeat the creature. Inoichi connected all the allied shinobi so that Shikaku could reveal his battle strategy. In their final moments, the duo helped others defeat the Juubi, changing the course of the war.
Asuma Sarutobi, Hokage’s third son, and leader of Team 10 was instrumental in building Shikamaru’s character. Asuma was the only one who realized Shikamaru’s intelligence, which helped them grow closer. When Asuma was dying, he revealed to Shikamaru that he has a son. The revelation made Shikamaru understand the weight of the adult’s responsibility, and it was time for their generation to take on the challenges.
Neji Hyuga hailed from the Hyuga clan and possessed the Byakugan. Learning from Naruto that destiny is not predetermined, and a person has the power to alter their fate, Neji fought to protect Naruto during the fourth Great Shinobi War. He used his body as a shield against Juubi’s attack and died. His death pushed Naruto and Hinata to overcome their challenges and fight their battles.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was the teacher of the three legendary Sannin. When Orochimaru attacked Konoha, Hiruzen went face to face with his former student. Orochimaru separated Hiruzen from his guards and attempted to kill him. Using Edo Tensei, Orochimaru summoned the First and Second Hokage to fight against the Third Hokage. Hiruzen used Shiki Fuujin to capture the First and Second Hokage’s souls and seal Orochimaru’s hands. Hiruzen died, causing discomfort for Orochimaru, who could no longer use his hands to perform the jutsu.
Rin Nohara, a member of Team Minato, was captured and used to kick start the Fourth Shinobi War. Her death caused immense grief to Kakashi and Obito as the events propelled the story forward.
In a well-written story, impactful deaths add tension, create emotional impact, and alter the course of the story. Naruto is a classic example of how effective character deaths enhance a story’s quality.
