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*Naruto,* the original anime series (as in NOT *Shippuden*), is about Sasuke, not Naruto, and Orochimaru is the good guy / A Thread
Oftentimes in literature, especially pop lit, the main character is assigned the “good guy” role, and is, therefore, seen as the narrative’s (1/13)
Oftentimes in literature, especially pop lit, the main character is assigned the “good guy” role, and is, therefore, seen as the narrative’s (1/13)
protagonist, but these labels are assigned out of order. Protagonist equals the main character every time, full stop. Character traits determine whether a character is “good” or “bad.” However, in the case of Naruto, the protagonist is a faction — the Hidden Leaf Village (2/13)
(HLV) — rather than a singular character.
Now, while this may seem antithetical to the name of the series and Naruto’s original goal made evident at the onset of the anime (becoming Hokage), consider the multi-frame approach of the series. There are several storylines the (3/13)
Now, while this may seem antithetical to the name of the series and Naruto’s original goal made evident at the onset of the anime (becoming Hokage), consider the multi-frame approach of the series. There are several storylines the (3/13)
viewer is exposed to — Sakura going into medicine, Rock Lee’s training and debilitation, Neji and Hinata’s family struggles — and these separate storylines do not add to Naruto’s supposed path to Hokage. They do, on the other hand, display each character’s struggles and (4/13)
their commitment to becoming great Shinobi. These facts are more supportive of the true goal of the series, which is “rescuing” Sasuke from his decision to join Orochimaru. Because there are so many people involved in accomplishing the goal, HLV as a whole must be seen as (5/13)
the protagonist, making the Sound Village the antagonist. This is where the divide (and connection) between the given perspective and the decided good guys becomes most important.
As aforementioned, many readers and viewers equate “protagonist” to “good guys,” so when (6/13)
As aforementioned, many readers and viewers equate “protagonist” to “good guys,” so when (6/13)
Sasuke is presented the opportunity to go to Orochimaru, he is expected to make the more “righteous” decision and stay with the HLV. So, is Sasuke just the deviant that Orochimaru once was to the village? Not at all. Imagine the Uchiha Clan as the protagonist, keeping (7/13)
in mind they represented an entire subculture. With the genocide of the Clan, Sasuke becomes a minority in the HLV.
With that being said, viewing the Uchiha as an ethnic minority and the hypothetical protagonist, the HLV is arguably the bad guy while, interestingly, (8/13)
With that being said, viewing the Uchiha as an ethnic minority and the hypothetical protagonist, the HLV is arguably the bad guy while, interestingly, (8/13)
Orochimaru and the Sound Village are the good guys from a social justice standpoint. This argument does not serve to justify the generalized actions of Orochimaru but instead aims to acknowledge the ways he nullifies the HLV’s negligence and to substantiate Sasuke’s (9/13)
decision to leave the village.
First of all, following the slaughter of the Uchiha, HLV does not achieve justice for Sasuke or his clan. The only character that comes close to doing him any justice is Kakashi, and he does this by helping Sasuke sharpen his use of the (10/13)
First of all, following the slaughter of the Uchiha, HLV does not achieve justice for Sasuke or his clan. The only character that comes close to doing him any justice is Kakashi, and he does this by helping Sasuke sharpen his use of the (10/13)
Sharingan. However, ultimately, this means very little because it’s not like there aren’t lots of people who have it and can, therefore, teach him how to use it. Sasuke is effectively abandoned: The Village serves no purpose for him.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru offers (11/13)
Meanwhile, Orochimaru offers (11/13)
vengeance and greater power, which is what Sasuke wants in order to solidify his superiority to Naruto and to Itachi. It all comes with a convoluted process, but it’s more than HLV is offering. Also, and possibly more importantly, Itachi is *with* Orochimaru. Sasuke isn’t (12/13)
shy about his need to find his brother, so basically, Orochimaru puts everything he wants right in front of him. Therefore, Orochimaru is the only viable option, so why does the anime try to force HLV into the righteous role when all they do is actively obstruct justice? (13/13)
