Oftentimes, the Naruto universe's events are summarized by its active characters, whether through the actions of the main protagonist Naruto and deuteragonist Sasuke or their opposition to one another. Their many battles served as the bulk of discussion for the anime's lore.
Though their efforts have undisputedly shaped the shinobi world, there are many minor characters whose contributions have been equally monumental—whether they realize it or not. By highlighting the most underappreciated individuals who have permanently transformed the story, fans better understand how seemingly insignificant actions might have massive ramifications.
10 Butsuma Senju Began As A Long & Arduous Feud
It may come as a surprise that the feud between the Senju and the Uchiha did not start with Hashirama and Madara. Butsuma was the clan's former patron and an active opponent of the rivaling family.
His animosity for them manifested to such a prodigious extent that he attempted to attack Madara regardless of Hashirama's peacemaking. Fortunately, both sons were able to stave off the wrath of their respective fathers - even if their agreed peace and unity would not last long.
9 Rin Exacerbated The Tension Between Obito & Kakashi
Rin was a member of Minato's team and friends with Kakashi and Obito. During these times, Obito was fiercely protective and made him promise to keep her safe before his "death."
After being freed from Zetsu and Madara, he stumbled upon Kakashi right as he drove his Chidori through her heart. Though this would be a misunderstanding of what actually happened (since Rin pushed his fist through her chest), it would crack his mind and compel him to rejoin his former "caretakers."
8 Shisui Attempted To Prevent The Uchiha Genocide
Shisui was Hiruzen Sarutobi's primary agent when attempting to staunch the Uchiha uprising. Danzo's fears had been realized when they began to conspire against Konoha, and he was not satisfied with the solutions the young man provided.
Instead, he attempted to assassinate him and successfully ripped out one of his eyes, assiduously removing any alternatives to his predetermined genocidal agenda. Though Shisui would manage to provide Itachi with his other Sharingan, he could not stave off his demise just as much as he could not prevent his kinsmen from being butchered.
7 Haku Built The Bond Between Sasuke & Naruto
Whenever Naruto recalls his memories of Sasuke (specifically to justify attempting to save him), he is frequently reminded of their efforts in the Land of Waves. During his battle against Haku, the Mist Shinobi almost assassinated him with needles, only for Sasuke to endure the attack's brunt.
This made the mercenary notably more important than his laconic master, as he laid the groundwork for what would become a relationship that shaped the entire world. Were it not for the bond strengthened through battle, the Fourth Shinobi War's events may have taken an unprecedented turn.
6 Kushina Gave Birth To Naruto & The Second Nine Tails Jinchuriki
Kushina Uzumaki was the mother of Naruto and the wife to Minato, the Fourth Hokage. Perhaps most importantly, she was the second Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, creating a target for Obito and what would become a blessing and a curse to her son simultaneously.
By passing Kurama down to him, she defined his future as an outcast and the eventual savior of Konoha. Naruto was able to reunite with her for a heartwarming albeit brief reunion.
5 Izuna Uchiha's Loss Pained Madara & Caused Strain With The Senju
Though the conflict between the Uchiha and Senju would be resolved, it was not without great loss in the former's instance. Tobirama cut down Izuna Uchiha in the heat of battle, thereby creating a wound that peace could not heal.
To exacerbate matters further, Izuna told Madara not to trust the Senju with his dying breath. This compelled his brother to seek Tobirama's life as reconciliation for his losses. Naturally, Hashirama would refuse, providing one of the reasons for his unlikely partnership's evaporation several years later after Madara dominated the Nine-Tails.
4 The Sound Four Initiated Sasuke's Betrayal
While no individual member of the Sound Four is legendary, their combined efforts have caused the Leaf and its champions' monumental agony. They were responsible for creating the barrier that would prevent Hiruzen from receiving assistance against Orochimaru.
Further, the group would infiltrate Konoha a second time to attack Sasuke Uchiha. However, they weren't interested in killing or even capturing him - instead. They only wanted to illustrate his insufficient power. This tactic would ultimately prove successful, as he left the village without his own consent.
3 Rasa Made Gaara Into A Monster
Rasa was the Kazekage of the Sand and the abusive father to Gaara. Fearing what his son's Tailed Beast might do, he attempted to have him assassinated - ironically realizing his own worst fears through his callousness.
It wasn't his only sin. With his village's already uncharitable resources becoming even bleaker, he considered Orochimaru's request to initiate a war of aggression on the Leaf. The fallen Sannin would quietly murder him and proceed with his plans regardless of consent, using his village as a weapon to bludgeon his enemies into submission.
2 Zetsu Rewrote The Uchiha Tablets & Manipulated Madara Since The Beginning
Zetsu was a member of the Akatsuki who was primarily purposed for espionage and scouting missions. Despite his relatively low power, he was responsible for engineering much of the universe's disasters since the beginning.
He was responsible for the revision of the Uchiha tablets and manipulation of Obito after his body was crushed. His actions were intended to reunite Indra and Asura, thereby ushering in his mother, Kaguya. After her defeat, he would be sealed alongside her, liberating the world from his pernicious and manipulative influence.
1 Yahiko's Death Changed Nagato Forever
Yahiko was one of the three founding members of the Akatsuki, a group that once traveled the world and improved others' lives. Sensing the threat that the organization posed to their rule, Hanzo schemed with Danzo to dismantle their adversaries.
Together, they forced Nagato to decide between the lives of Yahiko and Konan. Unwilling to allow his friend to make such a brutal decision, Yahiko willingly thrust himself onto the rinnegan user's kunai. Unfortunately, this would not prevent his mind from becoming irrevocably scarred, as he would adapt the moniker of Pain and dramatically alter the Akatsuki's mission soon after.
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