The Naruto franchise created by Masashi Kishimoto features many beloved and notable characters that fans have come to love. The “father figure” of Naruto also has a distinct preference for certain characters within his story. However, not all of the author’s choices align with the fans’ sentiments.
In a recent interview several years ago, Kishimoto revealed that three of the most disliked characters among fans were actually ones he intended to succeed. He even shared insights into the reasons behind the negative reception of these characters.
Below are the three characters that fans often find unlikable:
Kimimaro
The character Kimimaro from the “Sound Five” is one of Masashi Kishimoto’s favorite characters in Naruto (the creator personally enjoys this character a lot). Kimimaro was initially intended to be a character that would resonate well with Naruto fans, but ultimately, he became one of the most disliked characters.
Regarding the reasons for the audience’s disdain for Kimimaro, the Naruto creator mentioned that it could be due to the fact that this character had withdrawn from the story and was used as a mere weapon. This might have created a shocking image for many people, especially for female viewers.
Sai
Another character that was disliked by fans is Sai. He joined Team 7 after Sasuke left during the beginning of Naruto Shippuden. Although the creator hasn’t elaborated on why this character is so disliked, many believe that both his appearance and personality contributed to the fans’ aversion towards him.
Sakura
Sakura has often been labeled as the most hated character in the Naruto anime/manga. Sakura contributed significantly from the beginning of the story, and her dislike only grew over time. Kishimoto has stated that when creating Sakura, he aimed to illustrate the character’s inner struggles and emotional conflicts, which resonated with many viewers, especially those who watched Naruto.
Despite this, the reality turned out to be quite the opposite of what the creator intended. Kishimoto himself was quite shocked and disappointed to learn that Sakura was the character fans hated the most. Many fans criticized her for being a burden during battles, especially her infatuation with Naruto.
Regarding the unique personality traits, Sakura was often seen as a stereotypical female character, exhibiting qualities such as being self-centered, selfish, and not respecting the feelings of others.
