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The following article contains spoilers forNarutoandBoruto.
Narutois one of the most popular shonen manga, and main characters like Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha undergo significant character development and growth as they become stronger. Their great backstories also add a lot to the series.
However, not all characters have arcs as good as those inNaruto. While it’s expected that secondary characters won’t have the same development as main characters,Narutocould have done better with a few major characters across its 72 volumes. Many fans complain about Sakura Haruno, a main character who could have been developed better, but there’s another major character who could have shown much more in the series: Hinata Hyuga.
At the beginning of the story, there is an interesting plotline involving Hinata: as the eldest daughter of Hiashi Hyuga, Hinata is the heiress to the Hyuga clan. HHowever, despite the high expectations, Hiashi soon began to believe that she was not suited for the role. He then decided to disinherit her — in the anime, she lost a fight to her younger sister, Hanabi (Hinata actually didn’t want to fight).
Nonetheless, Neji Hyuga, a member of a “secondary branch” of the clan, resented her and all the members of the main branch. He is angry that members of secondary branches will never receive the same level of respect or be appointed as leaders of the clan, even if they are stronger than members of the main branch. Neji even states that Hinata is not suited to becoming a ninja and that she is a failure, words that really hurt her.
This, in addition to Hinata being at thecenter of the Hyuga Affairyears before the main story begins, could be great starting points for her character arc. Hinata proving her value as a shinobi is a main theme of her character as the story progresses. Still, she could have been much more than what we saw in the story.
There Were Many Routes to Develop Hinata Properly
In addition toNeji being quite difficult, Hinata’s father was abusive towards her. He put her on a strict training routine when she was only a child, and simply left her aside once he realized her younger sister was more promising. Hiashi was a proud man, and he actually believed that Hizashi should be the leader after seeing Neji’s potential. The anime portrayed him as being a bit softer on his daughters. But, either way, itwould be nice to see Hinata stand up for herself, even though she is shy and soft-spoken. She wouldn’t need to become aggressive, just show them that they can’t walk all over her.
I will never go back on my word… Because that too is my nindo, my ninja way!
— Hinata Hyuga
The story could also have used Hinata to explore the Byakugan more — while it does get some spotlight,Narutofocuses so much more on the Sharingan that the Byakugan feels under-explored in the series. She wouldn’t need to become the strongest female shinobi, but Kishimoto could have developed her character more. Many people feel thatHinata’s character revolves around Naruto Uzumaki— it’s not exactly like that, but it is somewhat understandable why the audience feels this way, especially considering how they end up together. She feels overshadowed by other characters. While it makes sense for Hinata not to become the leader of the Hyuga clan,she could have been more cunning. Hinata isn’t the type of character to try complex political ploys, but she could have been more active, showing her inner strength, because she is strong.
Can Hinata Still Get Some Spotlight in Boruto?
At the end ofBoruto: Naruto Next Generations, Kawaki seals Hinata and Naruto, and they remain sealed inBoruto: Two Blue Vortex. Because Eida used Omnipotence to rewrite people’s memories, almost everyone believes that Hinata and Naruto were killed by Boruto Uzumaki.
When she and Naruto return, she could show some of her powers, but, honestly, that seems unlikely. Not impossible, but unlikely considering how things have happened so far. It is more probable thather daughter Himawari will have a character arcsimilar to what Hinata could have had — the series could use Himawari being the Jinchuriki of the Nine Tails to reveal more about the Hyuga lineage and the Byakugan. However, Hinata is probably angry and worried about Kawaki, so she may play a more active role in the series once she returns.
What’s Next in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex?
Boruto: Two Blue Vortexis currently in an amazing arc, showing what the Shinju Clones are made of. Currently, Boruto and Jura, the leader of the Shinju Clones, are facing each other in one of the most anticipated battles in the series. Fans expect this arc to end in a few chapters, after which the series will likely shift its focus to Kawaki and the Otsutsuki.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortexisavailable on MANGA Plusin English and many other languages.
