List of Naruto antagonists

This is a list of antagonists in the "Naruto" anime and manga series.

Creation and conception

When creating the antagonists of the "Naruto", series creator Masashi Kishimoto's primary goal was to create villains that were directly opposed to the lead characters' moral values. He stated that this focus on illustrating the difference in values is central to his creation of villains to the point that, "I don't really think about them in combat". The villains' physical appearances were embellished in order to differentiate them from other characters. Kishimoto commented that " [t] he difference between the heroes and the villains must be obvious" and that the different appearances should make it easier for a reader to follow the story and "recognize that 'this character is a bad guy'", even in heated battle scenes.] In the Japanese anime, his "seiyū" is Toshiyuki Morikawa,] Members are partnered together in teams of two, each team sticking together as they traverse the "Naruto" world. Despite this partnership, members tend to have a strained relationship with their peers, only cooperating enough to complete their assignments and showing little concern when another member is killed.] His "seiyū" in the Japanese anime is Tomoyuki Dan, [] After Hidan uses this ability to kill Asuma Sarutobi, Shikamaru Nara fights him to avenge his teacher. Their battle culminates in Hidan being blown up, and Shikamaru buries his still-speaking remains in a place Akatsuki will never be able to reach. [] Pain uses it to share visual information amongst all six bodies, or "Paths", giving them the ability to coordinate offense and defense as if they were a single entity. Each Path possesses a unique skill. For instance, the Animal Path can summon a wide array of creatures, and the Preta Path is able to devour attacks as a form of defense. [] His talents lead to him being hired to kill a man named Tazuna, a job he is never able to finish due to interference by Tazuna's bodyguard, Kakashi Hatake. Because he takes too long to complete the task, his contract is revoked, and his employer tries to have Zabuza killed. Zabuza kills him first, though is mortally wounded in the process and dies soon afterwards. [] and his English voice actor is Susan Dalian.cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=50148|title=Susan Dalian|publisher=Anime News Network|accessdate=2008-07-23]

Reception

Although a large number of antagonists appear in the series, Mania.com has called Orochimaru the "first real villain", noting that he had no redeeming qualities, versus Zabuza Momochi, the villain of the previous arc.cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/naruto-box-set-03-also-wspecial-edition_article_79215.html/6186.php|title= Disc Reviews >> Naruto Box Set 03 (also w/special edition)|publisher=Mania.com|accessdate=2008-03-11]

References