Naruto fans start doubting if Sakura's iconic moment was even necessary

Modified Oct 27, 2024 06:18 GMT

Naruto fans start doubting if Sakura's iconic moment was even necessary (Image via Pierrot)

In recent days, a major debate has unfolded in the Naruto fandom regarding none other than Sakura Haruno, whose many feats are once again in the community’s spotlight. Unsurprisingly, the character is as divisive as ever, causing strife and sparking debate wherever her name is mentioned in the fandom.

However, this latest debate concerns one Naruto moment that even detractors of Sakura’s character had traditionally praised and lauded her for. Yet this sudden change of opinion on her most iconic moment begs the question: is her iconic moment as necessary and integral to her character as some argue it to be?

Naruto’s most iconic Sakura moment has its pros and cons

Fans are now questioning exactly how integral Sakura's presence was in this scene (Image via X/@Kuraphobic)

The iconic moment in question comes during the Fourth Shinobi World War Arc and specifically sees Sakura using her hand to keep Naruto’s heart beating. Traditionally, fans have viewed this as a great moment for her as a character and shinobi, especially considering her certified medical ninja status by this point.

However, some fans have recently questioned how useful Sakura was in this scene, and whether or not its inclusion was necessary. Practically speaking, there is an argument to be made that Jinchuriki have survived harsher conditions of their own accord for comparable timeframes. Kushina Uzumaki serves as a good example of this, specifically via the events of the night of her death and the titular ninja’s birth.

Similarly, the Uzumaki ninja in particular are known for having especially strong and vital life forces. Kushina’s survival despite the injuries she suffered and the exhaustion she felt from giving birth highlights this specifically. Given that Naruto is her son and has her genetics, he almost certainly possesses a similar lifespan, further suggesting that he may not have been in as much danger as she thought.

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There’s also the fact that Sakura doesn’t seem to do anything in this scene that would be particularly exclusive to her skills and hers alone. While she is the most talented medical ninja in the series next to Tsunade herself, the first-aid she gives here seems to be fairly run-of-the-mill in terms of skills needed. In turn, it may not only be Sakura’s actions, but her presence itself that was unnecessary from a practical standpoint.

However, there is significant narrative merit to having her be the one to try and save the series’ main character. Firstly, it shows the development of their relationship to the point that they truly value each other and will go to any lengths to ensure the other’s safety. The moment is also significant for Sakura’s growth in terms of actively involving herself rather than relying on her closest friend for everything.

Gaara’s presence for and reaction to Sakura’s actions also help to further drive home her dedication and skill as a medical ninja. Given that the Shippuden section of the series drives home her role as a medical ninja, this is a fairly necessary and rewarding moment. Overall, Sakura’s character benefits significantly from this scene in ways that are both obvious but also more subtle.

Final thoughts

The necessity of this iconic Sakura moment depends on the exact context being discussed (Image via Pierrot)

While the ongoing debate in the Naruto fandom over this Sakura moment is an intense one, it’s difficult to assess whether or not the scene’s inclusion was necessary as a whole. Practically speaking, there’s an argument to be made that Sakura’s impact here was minimal as it relates to the protagonist’s survival. However, from a narrative standpoint, this is undoubtedly a necessary moment as it relates to Sakura’s character arc and role in the series.