An anime character's childhood experiences can significantly shape ͏their life journey and͏ resilience. While Naruto Uzumaki's tale of isolation and rejection resonates with many, several characters have endured ͏even harsher childhoods marked ͏by abandonment,͏ trauma, ͏and͏ loss. In contrast, others, like Izuku Midoriya ͏and Mikasa Ackerman, ͏faced comparatively easier ͏upbringings, supported by nurturing families and friendships.
This article ͏delves into five anime͏ characters whose childhoods were more painful than Naruto's and͏ five who couldn't possibly fathom͏ ͏the depths of his suffering, highlighting the diverse͏ experiences that͏ mold these beloved figures in their respective narratives.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinions.
Kuchiki Rukia and 4 other anime characters who had worse childhoods than Uzumaki Naruto
1) Guts (Berserk)
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It would be impossible to make a list of anime characters with traumatizing childhoods and not include Guts in it. He was born from the hanging corpse of his mother amidst a pile of corpses. He was picked up by the wife of a mercenary group's leader and even she died a few years later due to an infectious disease. His adoptive father, Gambino, left him to fend for himself from the age of 6 and even sold him for a measly sum.
Also read: Has Berserk manga ended?
Guts lived most of his youth roaming battlefields and risking his life to earn a living. While he found a brief respite with the Band of the Hawks, he was betrayed by Griffith, who violated Casca. Then his life was a constant spiral of torment and suffering which he had to endure all alone.
2) Kuchiki Rukia (Bleach series)
Kuchiki Rukia's childhood was more dire than Uzumaki Naruto's due to deep abandonment and isolation. Rukia was abandoned by her sister Hisana, growing up alone in Rukongai, while Naruto, though ostracized, had support from figures like Iruka. Rukia later lost Hisana to illness, compounding her trauma, while Naruto never knew his parents.
The anime character struggled for acceptance within the Kuchiki family, feeling out of place due to her humble origins, whereas Naruto's struggles were with societal prejudice. Rukia also faced life-threatening stakes, including a near-execution, further highlighting her harsher life compared to Naruto's.
3) Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Edward Elric's childhood was marked by deeper trauma compared to Naruto Uzumaki's. Edward endured the abandonment of his father, his mother's death, and the catastrophic consequences of attempting forbidden alchemy. He lost his limbs and felt immense guilt for his brother Alphonse's suffering. This burden constantly weighed on the anime character, driving his quest for redemption.
In contrast, Naruto faced loneliness and social ostracism but lacked the same personal loss and guilt. Naruto's journey was about gaining acceptance, while Edward’s was a struggle with the heavy emotional and physical scars from his past, making his trauma more profound.
4) Lucy (Elfen Lied)
Lucy from Elfen Lied faced a far harsher childhood than Naruto Uzumaki. She endured extreme trauma through cruel experimentation and abuse in a facility, fostering deep hatred for humanity. Rejected by both humans and her own kind, the anime character grew up isolated and without love or support, resulting in a split personality to cope with her suffering.
In contrast, Naruto, though orphaned and ostracized, did not face the same physical abuse. He found support from mentors like Iruka and sought recognition through positive growth, eventually becoming a hero. Lucy, however, remained trapped in violence and psychological torment.
5) Touka Kirishima (Tokyo Ghoul)
Touka Kirishima’s childhood was more difficult than Naruto Uzumaki’s due to profound loss and isolation. After losing her mother and then her father, who died seeking vengeance, Touka felt abandoned and burdened by guilt.
Struggling with her ghoul identity, she suppressed her true nature, facing deep self-hatred and insecurity. After a trusted human betrayed her, her isolation grew, making her defensive and fearful of losing loved ones.
In contrast, though orphaned, Naruto faced social ostracism but had supportive figures and ultimately gained acceptance, forming strong friendships and overcoming his struggles with hard work and determination.
Izuku Midoriya and 4 other anime characters who had easier childhoods as compared to Uzumaki Naruto
1) Izuku Midoriya (My Hero Academia)
Izuku Mi͏doriya's childhoo͏d was ͏significantly easier than N͏aru͏to Uzum͏aki's. Raised by ͏a supportive mother, Inko͏, ͏Izuku had emotional stability and͏ a sense of identity from͏ knowing his father cared͏, despite being Qu͏irkles͏s. In contrast, ͏Naruto, an orphan, faced isolation͏ and rejection from the villagers due to the Nine-Tai͏ls sealed within him, ͏resulting in profound loneliness.
While the anime character dealt with bullying, he also formed meaningful ͏friendships that fostered his growth. Na͏ruto's struggle ͏for acceptance was marked by conflict and a deep desire for recognition, making his path to heroism ͏far more challenging than Izuk͏u's.
2) Jonathan Joestar (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure)
Jonathan Joestar and Naruto Uzumaki face distinct childhood challenges, with Jonathan enjoying a more privileged upbringing. Born into a wealthy family in England, the anime character receives love and support from his father, George, fostering resilience against adversities like his rivalry with Dio.
In contrast, Naruto is an orphan shunned by villagers due to the Nine-Tails Fox sealed within him, leading to profound loneliness and a desperate quest for acceptance. While Jonathan navigates life with confidence and positive relationships, Naruto struggles with abandonment and emotional turmoil, highlighting the stark differences in their experiences and societal acceptance.
3) Kagome Higurashi (InuYasha)
Kagome Higurashi had a more comfortable childhood than Naruto Uzumaki, primarily due to her supportive family environment. Surrounded by her mother, grandfather, and brother, the anime character received emotional backing that allowed her to embrace her role as a miko.
In contrast, Naruto faced severe isolation due to the Nine-Tailed fox, leading to deep loneliness. While Kagome formed strong, positive friendships, Naruto struggled for acceptance, often ridiculed by his peers. Ultimately, Kagome’s emotional resilience stemmed from her nurturing environment, while Naruto grappled with identity issues and constant rejection.
4) Gon Freecs (Hunter X Hunter)
Gon Freecss had a relatively easier upbringing compared to Naruto Uzumaki. Raised by his supportive aunt Mito on Whale Island, Gon experienced a nurturing environment, while Naruto grew up as an orphan, ostracized for housing the Nine-Tailed Fox.
The anime character's childhood was marked by innocence and adventure, free from severe trauma, while Naruto faced bullying and emotional scars. Gon's motivations stemmed from curiosity and seeking to find his father, whereas Naruto's drive came from a desperate need for acceptance. Additionally, Gon's natural talent allowed for easier skill development, while Naruto relied on hard work to overcome the challenges posed by his harsh past.
5) Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
Mikasa Ackerman and Naruto Uzumaki have starkly different childhoods that shaped their characters. After losing her parents, Mikasa was adopted by Eren’s family, providing her with a stable home and emotional support. In contrast, Naruto grew up isolated as an orphan and was often shunned by villagers because of the Nine-Tailed fox.
While Mikasa received early combat training and became a skilled warrior, Naruto struggled without formal guidance and faced numerous challenges to gain recognition as a ninja. Overall, Mikasa’s childhood, despite its tragedies, was comparatively easier than Naruto's tumultuous upbringing.
Final thoughts
In comparing the childhoods of these anime characters, it's evident that many faced profound trauma and isolation far exceeding Naruto's struggles. While Naruto's journey was marked by the quest for acceptance amidst rejection, characters like Rukia and Lucy endured much darker experiences, highlighting the diverse spectrum of hardship in anime narratives.
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