I’m a big anime fan and have watched several series like Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Death Note, etc.
But, if you ask me my favorite one, I’d choose Naruto in a heartbeat. There isn’t a single thing about this series that I would like to change, as everything about it is already so perfect. But recently, I’ve been contemplating a few possibilities, or you may call them “what-ifs”. Below, I’ll share them and analyze how Naruto would turn out in those hypothetical scenarios.
However, before discussing them, let me start by telling you where you can rewatch Naruto, as it may no longer be available on TV.
Where to Rewatch Naruto?
Naruto is available on Netflix and Crunchyroll.
I’m taking full advantage of Spectrum Deals, which offers internet and TV bundled into one package. I use its high-speed internet to download Naruto episodes on Netflix, allowing me to watch them anywhere and at any time.
Additionally, I can also access the on-demand Anime Network on Spectrum TV to watch more anime on TV.
Major What-Ifs in Naruto
Now, let’s dive into some of the biggest what-ifs in Naruto.
What If The Third Hokage Stopped Orochimaru?
No one can deny that Lord Third had a soft spot for Orochimaru.
Otherwise, he could’ve easily defeated Orochimaru when he caught him performing forbidden Jutsus in the laboratory. Honestly, Lord Third made a grave mistake back then, and eventually, it also caused his demise at the hands of his favorite pupil, Orochimaru.
But what if Lord Third foiled Orochimaru’s plans or defeated him when he had the chance? Well, saying that this would change Naruto’s plot entirely is an understatement because everything changes with it.
For instance, Sasuke would’ve never left the village and fought alongside Naruto and the rest of his friends against major threats like the Akatsuki and Pain. Plus, Orochimaru would not influence Kabuto, who, I believe, played a destructive role by summoning Madara in the 4th Great Ninja War.
What if Itachi Destroyed the Akatsuki From the Inside?
Itachi was a double agent who played on both sides.
He left the Hidden Leaf Village after the Uchiha clan massacre and joined the Akatsuki. But, did Itachi plot against the Leaf Village? Never. On the contrary, he always ensured the safety of his little brother, Sasuke.
Having said that, Itachi also never tried to leave the Akatsuki and completed most of his assigned tasks with Kisame. So, to say that Itachi remained loyal to the Hidden Leaf Village, and at the same time, fulfilled his responsibilities with the Akatsuki wouldn’t be wrong.
But, what if Itachi plotted against the Akatsuki from within? Wouldn’t it make things so much easier for Naruto and his friends?
After Pain, Itachi was the strongest ninja in Akatsuki. And with him destroying the organization from within, it’s hard to believe that Akatsuki would’ve successfully captured any of the tailed beasts.
Additionally, it’s also possible that Itachi might’ve joined Naruto and Sasuke right before the 4th Great Ninja War, which would’ve made a lot of difference for the Hidden Leaf Village.
What if Naruto Went Rogue With Sasuke?
We all know how fixated Naruto was on finding and bringing Sasuke back to the Hidden Leaf Village. On the other hand, Sasuke only focused on becoming stronger with Orochimaru’s help to defeat his brother, Itachi.
But, what if instead of bringing Sasuke back, Naruto joined him and went rogue against the Hidden Leaf Village? Well, Leaf Shinobi had no chance to stand against such mighty opponents, for sure.
Additionally, Naruto and Sasuke would surely be assisted by Orochimaru in such a case. Even with the combined force of exceptional Leaf ninjas like Kakashi, Shikamaru, Tsunade, Neji, and Jiraya wouldn’t be sufficient to stop them.
Also, I believe there would’ve been no 4th Great Ninja War. Instead, it’s possible that Naruto and Sasuke would attack village after village to get rid of tailed beasts to remove the hatred once and for all.
What if Sakura Had a Better Storyline?
It’s a fact that Team 7 would’ve been incomplete without Sakura. After Tsunade, Sakura mastered the healing Jutsus, which I believe was quite an achievement. However, it’s also a fact that her character was largely undermined due to Naruto and Sasuke, and to some extent, Kakashi as well.
However, have you ever thought what would happen if Sakura was just as strong as Naruto and Sasuke were? Or, if she had been equally instrumental throughout the anime?
Well, Sakura spent more time with Naruto than Sasuke, and he could’ve easily used her skills in major fights, like when he fought against the Pain. Or, finding Sasuke would’ve been much easier for Naruto with Sakura on her side.
And, not to mention that she wouldn’t be a liability for Naruto and Kakashi when they always saved her in most fights.
What if Sasuke Never Joined Naruto in the 4th Great Ninja War?
Sasuke was right on time when he joined Naruto, Kakashi, and others in the 4th Great Ninja War. It’s fair to say that his contributions to the Great War were as important as Naruto’s, considering he played a major role in sealing Kaguya. In fact, it would’ve never been possible without him.
But, what if Sasuke never joined the war and helped the ninja world? What if Naruto had to fight Madara and Kaguya alone? In that case, losing the war would be an apparent result. Simply because the sealing Jutsu wouldn’t work without him.
Additionally, even with all the tailed beasts, Naruto wouldn’t be able to compensate for Sasuke’s Sharingan. So, without him, Naruto and co. were bound to fail, and it wouldn’t be so great for Sasuke as well.
Simply because without Naruto, Sasuke couldn’t seal Kaguya and ultimately become a victim of Kaguya’s Jutsu.
To wind up, these are some “what-ifs” that would’ve dramatically changed Naruto’s plot. But before I wind up, I’ll share a few more of them for you to ponder on:
- What if the Uchiha clan took over the Hidden Leaf Village?
- What if Orochimaru was a good guy?
- What if Kakashi had no Sharingan?
- What if Konan defeated Obito?
- What if Shikamaru had a tailed beast inside him?
