Narutohas quite a diverse cast of characters to help tell the titular character’s remarkable tale of becoming the Hokage. Alongside Naruto are the likes of Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, as well as teammates, mentors, rivals, and even antagonists that helped him reshape the Ninja World as they knew it.
Related:Naruto: Every Team Kakashi Has Been Part Of
Unfortunately, the sheer number of characters inNarutomeant certain figures had to take a backseat in favor of others. Some minor members of theNarutorostermay have had more things to share if they were allowed to shine a bit more frequently. Just which of these characters are the most underrated in theNarutofranchise?
Edited on August 02, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam:With the currentBorutostory bringing both antagonists Code and Eida right in the heart of Konoha, fans of the monthly series might wonder just how Naruto and the gang step up to protect youngsters Boruto and Kawaki from these threats. And those familiar enough with theNarutoseries may want to see just how some of the franchise’s more popular shinobi step up to face the challenge. Or better yet, perhaps other underrated shinobi such as the resident “chubby” guy, a mind-controlling spy, a former meek apprentice, or even an unimposing Jonin have what it takes to stand up to these new threats?
15Choji Akimichi
Known as the “chubby character who loves to eat” throughout the series,Choji Akimichiis mostly known to provide comic relief alongside the likes of Kiba Inuzuka, as well as an example of family heritage in Konoha, particularly with his grouping alongside Shikamaru Nara and Ino Yamanaka as the series’ notable Ino-Shika-Cho trio. And even then, Choji doesn’t get a lot of development throughout the series except perhaps when raging when someone mistakenlycalls him “chubby,”or simply when they need him to turn giant and step on unsavory powers.
Sadly, there’s a lot of potential where Choji was currently standing throughout the series. In the Sasuke Retrieval Arc, he’s seen risking his life activating a butterfly mode that transforms his body mass into chakra, empowering him against one of Orochimaru’s students among the Sound Four. However, aside from this, Choji remained rather untapped throughout the series - which is a shame, considering Choji could’ve helped represent children on the larger scale and helped them become more confident about themselves.
14Ino Yamanaka
Introduced initially as Sakura’s rival in terms of beauty, one can’t fault them for thinkingIno Yamanakais simply a purple palette-swap of Sakura Haruno. Aside from being the Yamanaka element of the Ino-Shika-Cho family grouping in Konoha, there’s nothing particularly special going on for Ino throughout the series. Her only meaningful arc actually involved Sakura, when the latter finally stepped out of the shadows of the “always-pretty” and “always smart” Ino.
Her lack of character development was a shame considering the extent of Ino’s abilities and potential. Ino possesses the unique Yamanaka ability of mind-body transference, allowing her to switch minds with someone within the vicinity toassume controlover their bodies. Such is her skill with this psionic-esque ninjutsu that Ino has become a valuable asset in the Fourth Great Ninja War and even become assigned as part of Konoha’s Intelligence Unit when Naruto became Hokage.
13Darui
When fans metDarui, he simply served as the right-hand man of the Fourth Raikage, and one of the closest confidants of rapper-jinchuriki Killer Bee of the Eight-Tails. As such, it’s become such a surprise howthis meek figurebecame the Fifth Raikage by the events ofBoruto, seeing as he seems a rather straightforward fighter. However, behind Darui’s rather quiet self is a deadly fighter that the series hasn’t been able to properly capitalize on.
At its core, being the right-hand man of the Fourth Raikage - one of the fastest shinobi in existence - means Darui isn’t just a skilled swordsman but a fighter in general. He can actually simultaneously use his Lightning Nature and Water Natures to generate various effects, providing effective defense for the already fast Fourth Raikage. Even Darui is extremely fast, being able to use his swords to outpace his opponent. When used with his exclusive Black Lightning, Darui becomes an even more powerful shinobi to rival the likes of Hokage Kakashi.
12Hanabi Hyuga
Despite Hinata and Neji being the more prominent Hyugas in the series,Hanabi Hyugais actually no pushover. Hanabi,now the current heiressof the Hyuga Clan, doesn’t exist simply by proxy. Serving as the younger sibling of Hinata Hyuga, Hanabi immediately earned the respect of the clan’s elders for being on par with her older sister in terms of both ability and prowess. And considering how Hanabi is a more confident figure than the meek Hinata, Hanabi became heiress material.
It’s such a shame that Hanabi’s story arc and personality haven’t been expanded in the manga as much. Aside from being an admirer of her sister, Hanabi is quiet but supportive of her sister’s journeys. Not only that, she has a fondness for Boruto and is willing to guide and train him - something that served Boruto greatly, given that Hanabi has quite the excellent prowess in chakra control, Taijutsu, and usage of the Byakugan.
11Aoba Yamashiro
Sometimes, it’s the people on the sidelines that end up being some of the most surprising figures inNarutoandBorutohistory, with one of them in particular beingAoba Yamashiro. Introduced as a tokubetsu or all-rounder Jonin in Konoha, Aoba isn’t just a Jonin that typically has a focus but rather can keep up with the likes of Guy and Kakashi in terms of prowess.
Related:Naruto: Fights Sasuke Should Have Never Won (But Did Anyways)
This is a shame in the context of the story, as there’s not much in terms of material where Aoba actually shines. And when he’sinvolved in combat, Aoba is demonstrably quite competent. Aside from being able to access forbidden techniques that can paralyze his foes, he can actually keep up with the likes of Akatsuki Kisame and Kabuto Yakushi - something that even the likes of Aoba’s fellow Jonin found difficult to face.
10The Konoha Council
Whenever anything too political happened within the Hidden Leaf, it’s theKonoha Councilthat often gave objective advice to the Hokage. In the case of the Third Hokage and his successors, this Konoha Council had always included Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane. And while they seem like two old-timers who give often-disregarded advice, they have a more important role than readers realize.
Interestingly, even Danzo noted that both Homura and Koharu aren’t exactly notable shinobi. In fact, he said the two were still alive simply because of luck and their insights towards allying with the right people. It’s this small tidbit that makes the Konoha Council such an underrated faction in the franchise. After all, Homura and Koharu prove that combat prowess isn’t all that it takes to become a shinobi.
Theoretically, the Konoha Council could represent the hidden politics amongst Konoha’s many shinobi families. And sadly, the lack of stories directly involving them had also meant there’s no way to look into the way internal politics work within Konoha.
9Kurenai Yuhi
Kurenaiis perhaps the only Jonin Team Captain of Naruto’s batch to not have a substantial impact on the franchise’s story. Sadly, her sole association as Asuma’s love interest and her rather unremarkable combat performance in the series had understated her prowess as a kunoichi.
It might surprise fans to learn that Kurenai actually specializes in Genjutsu. In fact, Kurenai is perhaps the best Genjutsu user in all of Konoha. Sadly, Kurenai’s first serious fight had her face Itachi – a Genjutsu prodigy who can far outclass her with his Sharingan. Her inevitable loss proved to cement Itachi’s combat potency but had also resulted in the series shelving Kurenai’s story.
This fact is unfortunate, given Kurenai’s skill as a Jonin. Thanks to her Genjutsu mastery, Kurenai can see through illusions and even simultaneously cast different Genutsu to different enemies. Moreover, she can fight without breaking concentration and is proficient in Fuinjutsu to seal even the kekkei genkai of another shinobi.
8Hiruzen Sarutobi
Hailed as a “God of Shinobi,“Hiruzen’s tutelage under the First and Second Hokage helped him become a powerful shinobi in his own right. However, the lack of backstory to cement this title is frustrating.
After all, it’s only implied that Hiruzen held back in his dying battle with Orochimaru. In turn, readers could only feel the genius of sealing Orochimaru’s arms in the aftermath of the battle. Had Hiruzen received more opportunities to showcase his battle prowess, then his title could’ve been more convincing. For instance, fans should remember that Orochimaru fought Hiruzen when he was past his prime and was already hesitant to go all-out.
Others admire Hiruzen primarily for his wisdom. This is something he consistently shared not just with the Sannin but with others near him. Ultimately,more slice-of-life storieswith Hiruzen would have helped showcase his wisdom as the Hokage.
7Chiyo
Despite her fame as Sunagakure’s famed poison and puppeteer expert,Chiyodidn’t last long enough inNarutoto cement her influence over the likes of Kankuro and Sasori, both puppet masters in their own right. After her introduction as an ordinary old lady, Chiyo showed she was an outright badass as she and Sakura went toe-to-toe against a seemingly unbeatable Sasori of the Akatsuki.
Related:Naruto: Every Team Naruto Has Been Part Of
Chiyo’s final sacrifice to resurrect Gaara is also an unforgettable moment inNaruto. Additionally, Chiyo’sforbidden technique, One’s Own Life Reincarnation, established her remarkable skill as a Medical-nin. However, a deeper look into her puppeteering may have provided a better understanding of Kankuro’s fighting style.
As such, Chiyo could have cemented her proficiency as the famed “Honorable Grandma Chiyo” of the Sand ifNarutogave her more time to elaborate on her puppeteering expertise.
6Shino Aburame
Shinoserves asNaruto’s prime example of a well-exposed character who didn’t get to maximize said exposure. In the series, Shino serves as the Konoha 11’s resident insect expert. Essentially, this mastery established Shino as an espionage expert, capable of gathering information. He’s no pushover either, as his insects can be used offensively as well.
However, where Shino falters is his rather stereotypical foundation and his lack of follow-through. After all, Shino serves as one of many “quiet geniuses” among Konoha 11, including Neji and Sasuke. Sadly, Shino is quite “ordinary” compared to the likes of the Byakugan and the Sharingan.
As the “brains” ofTeam Kurenai alongside Hinata and Kiba, Shino’s received enough screen time to establish his tactical prowess and genius, especially with his craft. However, the series didn’t give Shino enough time to showcase new techniques or even memorable moments of growth.
