Naruto, the beloved anime and manga series, has captivated audiences with its deep characters, intense battles, and complex storylines. However, one of the most debated aspects of the series is its portrayal of romantic relationships. While some connections are well-crafted and resonate with fans, others feel underdeveloped, forced, or even problematic. Much of this inconsistency stems from the creator, Masashi Kishimoto’s, own discomfort with writing about love, as revealed in one of his interviews.
In an interview translated by a redditor, Kishimoto admitted, “When I draw depictions of love, I became embarrassed/shy. Thus, in the original work, I avoided depicting it.” This sentiment explains much of the awkwardness and unevenness seen in Naruto’s romantic relationships. While Kishimoto masterfully explored themes like friendship, perseverance, and sacrifice, his self-consciousness about love affected how romance was portrayed in his work.
The Problem with Naruto’s Romantic Storylines
For many fans, Naruto’s romantic subplots feel rushed or unnatural, especially compared to the series’ more prominent themes. Characters like Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Hinata are all intertwined in relationships that could have been more deeply explored, but often feel neglected or overshadowed by the action and overarching plotlines. This is particularly noticeable in the love triangle between Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.
Naruto’s unrequited love for Sakura spans most of the series, but his feelings are often sidelined or poorly addressed. When Sakura eventually confesses her love for Naruto in an attempt to stop him from pursuing Sasuke, it becomes a moment of confusion rather than genuine emotion. Naruto’s reaction—angry, hurt, and unsure—is one of the few times a romantic relationship in the series is treated with emotional depth, yet it also highlights the lack of resolution for his feelings for Sakura. The confession feels manipulative rather than sincere, further complicating the dynamics between these three main characters.
Similarly, Sasuke’s relationship with Sakura remains problematic throughout the series. Sakura’s unwavering devotion to Sasuke, despite his repeated rejections and sometimes cruel treatment of her, frustrates many viewers. Sasuke’s singular focus on avenging his clan leaves little room for romantic growth, making their eventual union feel forced. The relationship doesn’t seem to develop naturally; rather, it hinges on Sakura’s relentless persistence, which, when paired with Sasuke’s indifference, raises questions about its authenticity.
Kishimoto’s Strengths: When Romance Works
Despite these issues, there are moments when Naruto shines in its portrayal of relationships. One of the most beloved pairings in the series is Shikamaru and Temari. Their relationship evolves organically, starting with mutual respect during the Chunin exams and developing into a balanced partnership. Shikamaru’s laid-back demeanor contrasts well with Temari’s strong, determined personality, creating a dynamic that feels natural and unforced. Unlike some of the other romances in the series, their relationship isn’t built on tragedy or unrequited love, but on a solid foundation of respect and mutual admiration.
Another standout relationship is the bond between Tsunade and Jiraiya. Their connection is one of the most nuanced in the series, steeped in history and mutual understanding. Jiraiya’s unrequited love for Tsunade is handled with care, never becoming overbearing or manipulative. Jiraiya’s decision not to act on his feelings out of respect for Tsunade’s grief and their shared history is a rare example of selflessness in the series. It’s a relationship that speaks to the complexities of love, loss, and friendship, making it one of the most emotionally resonant pairings in Naruto.
The Impact of Tragedy on Naruto’s Romantic Themes
Tragedy is a recurring theme in Naruto, and it extends to its romantic relationships. Whether it’s Hinata’s selfless sacrifice for Naruto during the Pain arc or the many unrequited loves throughout the series, love in Naruto is often portrayed as painful or unattainable. While this aligns with the series’ overarching theme of overcoming adversity, it also perpetuates the idea that love must involve suffering.
Hinata’s love for Naruto, while ultimately rewarded, is another example of this. For most of the series, Hinata remains on the sidelines, watching Naruto from afar and offering support when she can. Her love is portrayed as pure and selfless, but it’s also passive for much of the story. It isn’t until Naruto acknowledges her feelings after Neji’s death that their relationship starts to blossom. While their eventual union is heartwarming, the road to get there feels unnecessarily long and fraught with obstacles.
The Missed Potential of Naruto’s Romance
Naruto had the potential to explore love in a way that felt authentic and nuanced, but Kishimoto’s discomfort with the subject matter prevented it from reaching its full potential. While relationships like Shikamaru and Temari, and Tsunade and Jiraiya, demonstrate Kishimoto’s ability to write compelling love stories, many of the main romantic subplots feel underdeveloped or reliant on tragedy.
Ultimately, Naruto could have benefited from more balanced and mature portrayals of love. By focusing less on unrequited feelings and painful sacrifices, the series might have offered a more hopeful and fulfilling view of romance. Despite its shortcomings, however, the series still manages to tug at the heartstrings with its moments of emotional depth, making it a beloved staple of the anime world.