Naruto: The Most Underrated and Overrated Versions

The character of Naruto Uzumaki, a core figure in the world of emNaruto/em, often receives mixed feedback, with some of his most significant moments being either undervalued or excessively glorified. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind why certain versions of Naruto are either underrated or overrated, focusing on his performance throughout the series.

The Most Underrated Naruto

When discussing the most underrated version of Naruto, many would agree that the Naruto during the Chunin Exams, specifically from the very beginning, should be highlighted. While this period might initially seem somewhat mundane, it showcases Naruto's resilience and potential far beyond what is often recognized.

The Naruto Against Orochimaru

Undoubtedly, Naruto's battle against Orochimaru stands out as an underappreciated moment. Although the majority of his fight against Orochimaru was focused more on survival rather than pure combat prowess, it's crucial to remember that Naruto managed to hold his ground against a powerful tailed beast, the One-Tails, at the end of that arc. This indicates his determination and ferocity in the face of overwhelming odds, a trait often overshadowed by later battles.

The Most Underrated Adult Naruto

For adult Naruto, the underestimation is more pronounced, to the point where many consider him on par with minor characters like Delta or Shin. This is a significant oversight, as Naruto's prowess is far from being mediocre, particularly during his encounters with powerful enemies.

Naruto's Rasenshuriken Feats

A striking example of Naruto's underrated strength is his Rasenshuriken arsenal. In the Delta fight, he managed to unleash a petite Rasenshuriken equivalent to the size of his hand. The destruction caused was enough to sever Delta's legs, but it barely left an impact on the ground. In contrast, a more stable and powerful Rasenshuriken, observed in base Naruto so6p, was twice the size and had enough power to decimate the god tree and nearly cut Madara in half. Facing the same type of Rasenshuriken with KCM and so6p, adult Naruto appeared underwhelming.

The Shin Fight

The Shin fight is another testament to Naruto's underappreciated capabilities. It's understandable to assume that both Naruto and Sasuke were weakened to Shin's level based on their battles. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that Naruto convincingly defeats Shin without any significant pressure. After this battle, Sakura, who was only holding back, one-shots Shin. Even if Shin was depicted as stronger in the anime, Sakura still triumphed, presenting a clear indication of Naruto's strength beyond Shin.

Challenges and Jigen

The confrontation with Jigen, while complex, further highlights the unacknowledged prowess of adult Naruto. Jigen's abilities posed a significant challenge, as he could one-shot Sasuke's Susanoo and boasted a power level akin to Kaguya's. Despite this, Naruto and Sasuke were able to push Jigen to his absolute limit, nearly sealing all of him in the process. Though both ran out of chakra, their performance showed that they were not at a disadvantage but rather operating within a reasonable constraint to ensure the other battles weren't as drawn out as the Kaguya fight.

The Most Overrated Naruto

On the flip side, certain versions of Naruto, like the Seventh Hokage Mode (KCM2) Sage, are often overrated for their apparent strength, particularly in comparison to historical figures like Tadabi and Hashirama.

The KCM2 Sage

The KCM2 Sage mode is often praised for its power, leading to an inflated view of its capabilities. Critics argue that it is not justified to place KCM2 Sage above Tadabi and Hashirama, suggesting that this version of Naruto is hyped beyond reason. This overestimation can be problematic as it fails to provide a fair assessment of historical ninja and their actual strength.

Conclusion

While the most overrated version is less evident, it is clear that both undervaluing and overestimating certain aspects of Naruto's performance can lead to an imbalanced view of the character. By examining these specific moments and feats, it's evident that Naruto, throughout the series, showcases a range of formidable abilities that often go overlooked. These examples highlight the complexity of evaluating a character's true strength and remind us of the importance of fair and nuanced perspectives in analyzing beloved fictional characters.