The Evolution and Potential of Sakura: An Unused Tool or a Purposeful Conundrum?

In the context of the popular manga and anime series Naruto, the character of Sakura Haruno has often been scrutinized and debated. The question arises: was Sakura made 'useless' intentionally by the author Kishimoto, or was she simply given a more complex narrative path that led to her current state? This article aims to explore the evolution of Sakura's character and assess whether her backstage role was deliberate or not.

Was Sakura Made Useless Intentionally?

The narrative thread surrounding Sakura, a member of Team 7 along with Naruto and Sasuke, has often been questioned. Some readers argue that Kishimoto intended for her to be 'useless,' focusing on her emotional journey rather than her physical abilities. On the other hand, the article delves into the possibility that Kishimoto did not necessarily make her 'useless' but followed a narrative path that allowed her growth and development as a character.

One key argument is that Kishimoto showed Sakura's remarkable strength and resilience, especially in her love story with Sasuke. In the Chunin exams, for instance, Ino’s attempts to invade Sakura’s mind were repeatedly thwarted by her internal strength. Sakura's love for Sasuke, despite his rejection, and her unwavering support for him showcase her mental fortitude and emotional depth. This narrative choice highlights her versatile and strong character, not her lack of utility.

Evolution in Boruto and Sakura’s Place in the Story

Another point to consider is Sakura's role in the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations series. She is prominently featured and does not appear 'useless' in that context. This suggests that her 'useless' phase in the original Naruto might have been more about narrative pacing and plot progression rather than a deliberate decision to sideline her.

However, it cannot be ignored that Sakura, like many other characters in the series, fell behind the rapidly advancing power levels in the story. As the power scales grew, her existing skills became less effective. This was often a common issue among characters, not limited to just Sakura. For example, her battle against Sasori was significant, even with the help of Jiraiya. But as the stakes rose and new characters and abilities emerged, her existing skills did not scale adequately.

Limitations and Potential of Character Development

The article suggests that Kishimoto might have pursued certain story concepts that inadvertently made Sakura seem 'useless' at times. The introduction of powerful new characters and abilities pushed the narrative in a direction that sometimes left existing characters feeling redundant. This is evident in the alignment of other characters like Sasuke and Naruto with specific elemental styles (Water and Earth releases for Sakura would have provided a balance), which overshadowed her.

More critically, Kishimoto's admission that he struggled with writing female characters adds a layer of complexity. The original concept for Team 7 may have been based on specific capabilities (Taijutsu for Naruto, Ninjutsu for Sasuke, and Genjutsu for Sakura). Yet, when Sasuke specialized in the Sharingan and Naruto in destructive Rasengans, the initial concept was pushed aside. This might explain why Sakura's role became less defined in the narrative.

Exploring Unexplored Potential

The article concludes with a suggestion for improving Sakura's character: making her a master of Water and Earth Releases. This would not only add balance to the team but also align with her potential as a medical ninja, as Shizune is showcased to be proficient in such elements. Additionally, giving her a strategic role in major battles, as well as training under other mentors like Kurenai, may further develop her character's strengths and contributions to the team.

Overall, while Sakura's evolution might sometimes appear as a shift from 'useful' to 'useless,' the narrative choices by Kishimoto can be interpreted as a mixture of intentional storytelling and the narrative requirements of a rapidly advancing story. As readers and fans, we can appreciate the depth of her character even if her role in certain segments of the story might have been more subdued.