10 saddest deaths in the Naruto series, ranked

Naruto is a shonen series by Kishimoto, and it is considered to be one of the Big 3 anime series of all time. While the length of the series is undeniably long, the creator has built a realistic world where not everything is sunshine and roses.

The creator has ensured to make fans go on a journey where some characters who had a good part in the story passed away. Many characters lost their life in the series, but in this article, we will focus on 10 characters who had the saddest deaths in all of the series.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

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List of 10 saddest deaths in the Naruto series

10) Madara Uchiha

Madara’s name in Naruto is legendary. He was one of the strongest characters, and just his name was enough to scare an opponent. In this series, his death is one of the saddest because of how he behaved during his final moments.

After he was revived during the Fourth Great Ninja War and was ultimately defeated, he lay dying. He shared a brief exchange with Hashirama; it was a bittersweet moment as it was between two men who once dreamed of peace, ending up on opposite sides for most of their lives, only to speak honestly again at the very end.

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9) Shikaku Nara & Inoichi Yamanaka

The Fourth Great Ninja War in Naruto brought out countless acts of bravery, but few were as selfless as those of Shikaku Nara and Inoichi Yamanaka. As the chief strategist and head of communications for the Allied Shinobi Forces, they were essential in coordinating the massive army against the Ten-Tails.

When the Ten-Tails prepared a devastating attack that neither they nor their allies could escape, both men understood their fate instantly. In their final moments, Shikaku calmly relayed a battle plan to Shikamaru, while Inoichi made sure vital messages reached their allies. They went out as leaders, thinking only of protecting others until their very last breath.

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8) Obito Uchiha

Obito Uchiha’s life was marked by tragedy, manipulation, and regret. Once a cheerful, optimistic boy, his world collapsed after Rin’s death.

During the final battle against Kaguya, he sacrificed himself to save Naruto and the others. His death was made more poignant by his reunion with Rin in the afterlife, the one person he had loved and lost so long ago.

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7) Neji Hyuga

When Neji was first introduced in Naruto, his character challenged the philosophy of the protagonist. As the story progressed, Neji had one of the best character growth arcs and was beloved by fans. During his final moments, he reached out to Naruto and told him that he chose to dive in.

This action was proof of a direct rejection of the “destiny” he once believed in. That is why his untimely death during the Fourth Great Ninja War shook everyone. His loss devastated both his comrades and the audience.

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6) Asuma Sarutobi

Asuma Sarutobi’s death at the hands of Hidan in Naruto was devastating for Team 10, but the true emotional blow came later. Shikamaru, normally composed and logical, was left shattered by the loss of his mentor and friend.

In a quiet scene, Shikamaru sat playing shogi, a game he often enjoyed with Asuma. Realizing his teacher was truly gone, he swept the board aside and broke down in tears.

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5) Hiruzen Sarutobi

Hiruzen was the Third Hokage, and the fanbase of this series has mixed feelings towards him. He was given the responsibility to take care of Minato and Kushina’s firstborn child. But it is undeniable that he was a good leader who stood up and looked after Konoha.

The fandom felt sad when he sacrificed himself by using the Reaper Death Seal to permanently cripple his apprentice, sealing away his arms and causing him excruciating pain. Though this act cost him his life, it ensured Konoha’s survival in that moment.

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4) Zabuza Momochi & Haku

Zabuza and Haku were the first major antagonists who fought against Team 7. Viewers never expected that their death was going to make them as emotional as it did.

When Haku sacrificed himself to save Zabuza, it triggered a chain of events that ended with Zabuza, mortally wounded, taking down Gato’s men in a final act of vengeance. As he lay dying, Zabuza admitted his bond with Haku was real, asking to be reunited with him in the afterlife.

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3) Itachi Uchiha

In Naruto, Itachi was Sasuke’s older brother and, for most of the story, a villain. He has the saddest character arc, as throughout his lifetime, Itachi had to make some really tough choices for the greater good. He loved his family, and even after being branded as a villain, he wanted the best for his brother.

That is why Itachi’s death in Naruto was layered with tragedy: A man who lived and died in the shadows, sacrificing his happiness and reputation for the greater good, and never seeking recognition for it.

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2) Minato Namikaze & Kushina Uzumaki

Minato and Kushina were Naruto's biological parents. But their active role in the current narrative was unfortunately cut short. For most of the series, their identity was kept under wraps, but when their story was revealed, it not only made the protagonist emotional, but its weight also touched the viewers.

On the night Naruto was born, Obito unleashed the Nine-Tails on Konoha. Minato, the Fourth Hokage, and his wife, Kushina, fought desperately to protect their newborn son and the village. But in the end, they lost their life.

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1) Jiraiya

Jiraiya began as an old pervert who was supposed to mentor the protagonist. Although he became much more than just that. The reason his death haunts fans to this date is that he not only became a father figure to Naruto, but Jiraiya also taught fans lessons on life.

Finally, to add to the emotional aspect of his demise is the main character's reaction after hearing the news. He has already lost many people who had an important part in his heart, and to know that his closest father figure passed away was too much to handle.