What Do The Deaths In Naruto Signify?

Naruto is part of the Big Three Anime of all time along with One Piece and Bleach.

One of the reasons for Naruto’s popularity is in the fact that it has witnessed deaths of a lot of popular characters.

It is quite Brave of Masashi Kishimoto(creator of Naruto Manga) to kill a lot of its popular characters.

Every death has a meaning, let’s see how?

1. Itachi Uchiha

“You Should Go To “Any” Lengths To Protect Someone You Love”

 

Itachi is Sasuke’s older brother and initially portrayed as a villain. However, it is later revealed that he had complex reasons for his actions.

Itachi dies due to a terminal illness but is killed by Sasuke during their final battle.

Itachi’s death brings closure to his character arc and helps Sasuke find redemption and a new path.

Even if going to such lengths makes you the so called “Bad Guy” or someone who people despise.

When Itachi’s secret was revealed it was the most shocking and unexpected things I have ever seen in any anime. I don’t think anyone saw that coming.

Related:

14 Things That Could Have Happened If Obito Did Manage To Save Rin

2. Jiraiya

“Death Should Never Be In Vain”

Jiraiya is one of the legendary Sannin and a mentor to Naruto. He dies while fighting against the leader of the Akatsuki, Pain (Nagato).

Jiraiya’s death deeply affects Naruto, as he loses a father figure and a source of guidance.

It also serves as a catalyst for Naruto’s growth, motivating him to become stronger and change the world.

Even when Jiraiya was breathing his last breath he still persevered through and sent a clue to Naruto on how to defeat pain. 

3.Minato and Khushina

“Leave A Legacy Behind”

 Naruto’s parents, Minato and Kushina, sacrifice themselves to protect their son from the Nine-Tails (Kurama) during the attack on the Hidden Leaf Village.

Their deaths establish Naruto’s tragic backstory and the burden he carries as the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, shaping his journey and his desire for acknowledgment.

Even when they died they left Naruto with the Nine Tailed Fox spirit sealed inside him to give him strength to protect the village from future threats in their absence.

 

4. Kurama

“You Can Protect The Village That You Once Destroyed”

Kurama sacrifices himself in protecting Naruto who in turn wanted to protect the village.

5.Nagato

“Always Own Your Mistakes”

In the Naruto storyline, Nagato’s death occurs during the Pain Invasion arc. During the battle, Naruto confronts Nagato and attempts to reason with him, believing that there is a chance for peace.

Naruto’s unwavering resolve and determination ultimately move Nagato, who realizes the error of his ways and the impact of his actions. Inspired by Naruto’s words, Nagato decides to sacrifice his life to revive those he had killed during the invasion.

His ultimate sacrifice challenges the notion that one’s fate is predetermined solely by their birth and highlights the importance of individual choice and personal growth. 

Nagato takes his own life to atone for all the sins he had committed.

6. Neji Hyuga

“Always Protect A Comrade”

 Neji’s initial worldview was shaped by a fatalistic belief in the unchangeable nature of one’s destiny, stemming from the rigid caste system of the Hyuga clan.

However, through his interactions with Naruto and his sacrifice, Neji undergoes a transformation and learns the value of choosing one’s own destiny.

His death inspires Naruto to continue fighting for change and drives Hinata to become stronger and assert her own agency.

You should embrace the freedom that you get when you die in order to protect a comrade.

7. Obito

“A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed”

Obito and Kashahi have never been on the same page.

Despite that Obito still tries to protect Kashahi and nearly dies but that doesn’t stop him from saving kashahi’s life one more time instead of his own, like he always said “In the Ninja World Those Who Break The Rules And Laws Are Regarded As Scums, But Those Who Would Abandon Even One Of Their Friends Are Even Worse Than Scums”.

This quote isn’t totally relatable to the above scenario but still I felt like quoting it.

8. Rin

“Put Others Before Yourself”  Rin choses to die by the hands of someone she loved. Rin’s death deeply impacts Kakashi and Obito, and it becomes a defining moment for both characters. Kakashi carries the guilt of not being able to protect Rin, leading him to develop his strict adherence to the rules and to become the “Copy Ninja” known for his cold demeanor. Obito, devastated by Rin’s death, falls into despair and is manipulated by Madara Uchiha, ultimately becoming one of the series’ main antagonists. Rin’s deaths causes Obito to go rogue. Since Rin was killed by Kakashi, he attains the Mangekyou Sharingan. Rin’s death serves as a catalyst for the events that follow in the Naruto storyline, driving the actions and motivations of Kakashi, Obito, and others involved in their tragic past. 9.Zabuza and Haku

“Zabuza And Haku Died Happily Next To Each Other”  Haku and Zabuza are introduced as antagonists but later develop a complex relationship with Naruto and his team. When Zabuza is defeated, Haku sacrifices himself to protect Zabuza and dies in the process. This death humanizes the characters and highlights the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the blurred line between good and evil.

10. Konan

“You Can’t Defaeat Evil Just Beacuse You Have Had A Change Of Heart”

Konan sets up an explosive paper-based trap that activates upon her death, effectively destroying the information she possessed. While Obito survives the explosion, Konan’s sacrifice prevents him from obtaining the knowledge he sought.

Deaths in Naruto explore themes of sacrifice, redemption, the cycle of hatred, and the consequences of one’s actions. They highlight the moral complexity of the ninja world and emphasize the importance of making choices that lead to a better future.

A death of an character can go two ways:

• Either cement his legacy

• Or destroy it.