Sakura Haruno from Naruto, like her or not, is a well-known character. Not like Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha, her teammates, Sakura is often criticized by fans.
Ever wondered why? Did her chase after Sasuke annoy you? Maybe you thought she was kind of…useless? No matter the cause, Sakura’s path in the original Naruto is not simple and might change your viewpoint if you get it.
This blog post will dig into why Sakura triggers such strong responses and question if the hate is really deserved. We’re just looking at her character in the original Naruto, no Boruto spoilers here!
The World of Naruto and Team 7
The World of Naruto and Team 7
Let’s set the scene before the action starts about Sakura. I don’t know why I’m telling you about Naruto, since you already know about the franchise and that’s why you’re here. BUT I’m gonna tell you regardless because I’m not Shikamaru, who’s gonna think about all the possibilities.
There’s a make-believe world. It’s Naruto’s world filled with ninjas, or shinobi, practicing special moves known as jutsu. These moves control chakra, an energy found in everyone.
The story unfolds in Konahagakure (Hidden Leaf Village). That’s where Naruto Uzumaki, the main guy, dreams of leading the village as Hokage, the top shinobi. Naruto’s not an average boy. He houses the Nine-Tailed Fox, a powerful demon that once threatened Konoha. This makes Naruto a bit of an outsider. His ambition? To show everyone what he’s made of.
No meet Team 7.
Fresh from the academy these young ninjas are set for their first adventures. Kakashi Hatake, experienced and mysterious, is their leader. Team 7 includes:
- Naruto Uzumaki, the lively and sometimes wild character with a demon inside.
- Sasuke Uchiha, a skilled, cool teammate (Huh!)fueled by a troubled history and seeking revenge.
- Sakura Haruno, the smart and determined sidekick, who often goes unnoticed next to her over-achieving teammates.
Sakura Haruno Character Details
Sakura Haruno Character Details
| Name | Sakura Haruno, Sakura Uchiha |
| Height | 148.5 CM (In the original series) |
| Classification | Medical-ninja |
| Rank | Genin, Chunin |
| Voice Actors | Chie Nakamura (Jap), Kate Higgins (Eng) |
Let’s dive into her profile.
- School Years: Sakura always exceled in her studies during school, often topping the class. In contrast to Naruto and Sasuke, she isn’t quite as gifted in terms of raw power and jutsu techniques. Her pink hair and large forehead (😜) set her apart, but they also make her feel self-conscious at first.
- Unseen Resilience: While Sakura might not appear strong initially, she has an underlying strong spirit and isn’t shy about voicing her opinions, especially around boys!
- Voiceover Work: Chie Nakamura lends her voice to Sakura in the original Japanese Naruto series. For English audiences, Kate Higgins takes up the role. She’s also known for voicing characters like Sailor Mercury in Sailor Moon and Tails from Sonic the Hedgehog.
Why Does Sakura Get So Much Hate?
Now, coming back to the topic: Why Does She Get So Much Hate?
Okay, let’s address the big issue. Sakura receives a lot of hate from fans, and here’s why:
Is it because of her forehead? 😅 Just kidding, keep reading:
- She picks on Naruto: In the beginning, Sakura has no problem making fun of Naruto and sometimes is seen as harsh. She views him as an annoying loudmouth who won’t go anywhere. This can turn off some fans.
- Sasuke Fever: Many fans aren’t happy about Sakura’s ever-going chase for Sasuke’s love. This constant pursuit can leave other parts of her character unnoticed. Some fans think her attraction to Sasuke is superficial.
- Princess in Peril: In the story, Sakura occasionally needs help from Naruto or Sasuke. This gives fans the idea that she’s not so strong and can’t really take care of herself, a trait often known as “princess in peril.”
- Seen as Unworthy: The harshest flaw of Sakura is that she’s “unworthy.” Yes, she has shown strength and smarts, especially in school, but her early struggles to match Naruto and Sasuke’s powerful skills can make her seem like she’s holding them back. Plus, the fact she needs saving sometimes can highlight this view. Her constant chase for Sasuke and sometimes selfish behavior can make some fans feel this way more.
These are a few reasons why fans have strong opinions about Sakura. But is the backlash truly deserved? Next, we’re going to look a little closer at Sakura’s character.
Sakura Naruto: Strength of a Hundred Seal
Was the hate justified against Sakura Haruno?
Fans often target Sakura, but it’s key to see the full story. The hate towards her might not be wholly fair.
- Think about the Strength of a Hundred Seal: Sakura showed her resolve and determination by mastering this complex jutsu. It requires top-tier chakra control and lots of practice. This achievement showcases her development from an eager student to a worthy shinobi.
- She’s More than Sasuke-Obsessed: Sure, her early spotlight on Sasuke can not be denied. But Sakura’s personality glows more as the story unfolds. She creates deep relationships with her friends, proving herself a dependable, caring ally. Sadly, her empathy and loyalty usually go unseen.
- Different Roles: Don’t forget, not everyone needs to match Naruto or Sasuke in raw force. Sakura’s powers reside in her smarts, healing talents, and tactical reasoning. They are essential to a balanced team.
- Right Place, Wrong Time: At times, Sakura’s presumed “uselessness” relates to the setting. When raw force is the answer, her distinct abilities may seem less notable. Imagine rushing to heal a broken bone in the middle of a wild fight!
Her shining movements in the series and moving forward
We’ve heard the fans, now let’s see Sakura Haruno’s real capabilities! Some noteworthy moments of her strength and the reasons she deserves recognition:
- The Forest of Death: During the Chunin Exams, Sakura’s brainpower and tactical prowess are on display as she cleverly outsmarts Orochimaru, a dangerous enemy. Her actions save her teammates and showcase her courage and ingenuity.
- Medical Ninjutsu Master: Sakura shines in medical ninjutsu, proving herself as a great healer. These skills are key in rescuing numerous lives throughout the series, underscoring her critical role within the team.
- Inner Sakura & Training with Tsunade: Sakura uncovers her inner strength! Motivated by her mentor, Tsunade, the legendary Sannin, Sakura goes through intense training that shows her extraordinary physical strength. This transformation enables her to compete eye-to-eye with tough enemies, upsetting the view of her as useless. Tsunade acknowledges Sakura’s capabilities and trains her to reach her best.
- A-Pillar of Support: Consistently, Sakura is a strong support for her teammates, notably Naruto. Her unwavering faith in him helps his resolve and evolution, reflecting her loyalty and emotional fortitude.
These moments only scratch the surface of Sakura’s achievements. As the series unfolds, she constantly refines her abilities and proves herself irreplaceable to the team, regardless of how different her growth path may appear compared to Naruto and Sasuke’s.
Sakura Haruno
Moving Forward
It’s interesting diving into Sakura Haruno’s or should I say Sakura Uchiha’s world. Don’t you think it pays to look beyond first impressions? Let’s skip comparisons and appreciate Sakura’s progress, brains, and strength.
Whether you’re a fan or not, Sakura isn’t a basic useless character. Looking into her character gives her depth.
That’s it for the ‘why Sakura gets so much hate’ Reddit-type rant post 😂; it’s clear fans have plenty to say about her. Any views you’d like to add about her? Feel free to voice ideas below in the comments section!
Until next time, fellow otakus, Ciao!! 👋
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