For many decades, characters like Kakashi and Itachi have been praised byNarutofans for being true geniuses and prodigies. While it is true that these powerful ninjas are among the most skilled warriors ever seen in the series, the major focus put on them often took away the chance to shine off other characters.
Case in point,Sasori, who was introduced as one of the best ninjas ever born in the Hidden Sand Village. His abilities with puppet techniques, as well as his brilliant strategic mind, made him a fearsome opponent. He alone defeated the Third Kazekage, hailed asone of the strongest Kage of all time. Despite this, Sasori has often been disregarded by fans as a minor antagonist, which is a complete disservice to his character.
Sasori Is Naruto’s Most Talented Prodigy
Sunagakure Feared His Genius
Sasori,a member of the terrifying terrorist organization Akatsuki, was once considered among the most dangerous criminals in the world. As a child, he lost both of his parents during a war between Sunagakure and Konoha, leaving him in the care of his grandmother, Chiyo. The death of his parents caused him to become a loner, focusing on the creation of his powerful ninja puppets. Even though most villagers feared him for his odd behavior and obsession with creating strong tools, they recognized him as a prodigy with more talent than most regular shinobi.
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The puppet master was a cunning man, consideredone of the most intelligent villains in the series. He created a poison powerful enough to kill someone in a matter of hours, which he then added to his several puppets, creating a deadly army. He was also capable of making tools out of the corpses of powerful ninjas, with the added benefit that these reanimated warriors retained their unique techniques. Along with Itachi, Sasori was among the few true prodigies who joined Akatsuki, being far more intelligent, deadly, and heartless than his peers.
The Third Kazekage Became His Most Powerful Puppet
The intellect and fighting skills demonstrated by Sasori since he was young were enough to consider him one ofNartuo’s several geniuses. Still, his most impressive feat is one that no other young prodigy in the series has achieved to this day:kill a Kage. Included in his precious collection of invaluable and dangerous puppets, Sasori had one created using the corpse of the Third Kazekage, considered by most as Sunagakure’s most powerful leader. While the battle between these two powerhouses was never depicted, the series does strongly hint at Sasori beating the man alone.
When their death battle occurred, most citizens of the Hidden Sand believed that their leader had mysteriously disappeared, as there were no signs that could point to his whereabouts. This implies that Sasori, still a young ninja, managed to either quickly incapacitate and kill the Kazekage, or took him to a secluded location to fight him without interference. Most impressive of all is the fact that he won the battle, claiming the Kazekage as his new prize. Neither Kakashi nor Itachi had been able to claim such a monumental achievement.
Sasori’s Death Only Happened Because He Wanted To
His Final Fate Is Significant but Tragic
For Sakura and Chiyo, Sasori was an opponent who appeared almost invincible. During their fight, which took place between episodes #19 to #27 of theShippudenanime, the puppet master showcased an ability and strength that easily overpowered his opponents. His army of ninja tools and their unique abilities were enough to counter everything the kunoichi threw at him, even with Chiyo having been his teacher as a child. Even then, while he still held the advantage during the battle,Sasori decided to let himself die, a decision that still baffles fans to this day.
When confronted by the puppets of his parents, the man understood that everything he had ever wanted was to be with his family and feel their warmth again. He felt guilty for all the pain he had caused the world and chose to put an end to his story. He allowed Chiyo’s puppets to destroy his artificial heart, dying with a smile as his parents hugged him one last time. If not for his desire to redeem himself before death, it is hard to say if Sakura and Chiyo would have ever defeated him.
Sasoriwill continue to be one of the most fascinating and memorable characters theNarutoseries has to offer. He is by far one of the most talented prodigies the ninja world has ever seen, and his story deserves to be recognized by characters and fans alike.
