Naruto: Shippuden is one of the most impactful Shonen series in the past two decades. The characters in this franchise range from memorable supporting figures to those on the same level as gods.
The mangaka of the series, Masashi Kishimoto, has created many powerful characters, most of whom met a terrible end. At the same time, each of them risked their lives at every step as the plot progressed. That said, this article looks at some of the most tragic deaths that shook the characters as well as the fandom.
Nagato Uzumaki
Nagato Uzumaki was a hopeful figure in the world of Naruto: Shippuden, accompanied by his friends Yahiko and Konan. However, misery struck upon the trio when Yahiko died. This resulted in Nagato becoming cynical and treading on the path of darkness. Eventually, he used Yahiko’s body, along with some others, to create the Six Paths of Pain.
However, his intentions changed after a significant conversation with Naruto during the Pain Assault Arc. Ultimately, Nagato sacrificed his life to undo the damage wrecked on Konohagakure. Several people lost their lives when Pain demolished the village, yet he restored their lives. Despite choosing a path filled with thorns and agony, he died a hero.
Itachi Uchiha
The man responsible for one of the most heinous crimes in Naruto: Shippuden, Itachi Uchiha, was an integral member of the Akatsuki. After the Uchiha Clan Massacre, he left behind his brother Sasuke and joined the group to look over his village from the shadows.
Sasuke wanted to seek revenge for the death of his entire bloodline. Later in the series, he learns about Itachi’s circumstances. His death was tragic as he could never express how much he loved and cared for his little brother.
Jiraiya
One of the Legendary Sannin from Konohagakure, Jiraiya was a prominent character in Naruto: Shippuden. He mentored the protagonist and was responsible for introducing him to Sage Mode. Not only did he train Naruto as a shinobi, but he also taught him valuable life lessons.
He lost his life while fighting the Six Paths of Pain. Jiraiya fought them without any prior knowledge and was still able to take three of them down. This shows how powerful and intelligent Jiraiya the Gallant was. He sacrificed his life and believed that Naruto would become a great shinobi, perhaps surpassing even his father, Minato.
Minato Namikaze
The Fourth Hokage of Konohagakure, Minato Namikaze, was feared by all five nations. He loved his wife, Kushina Uzumaki, and would have become a father if the Nine-Tailed Fox had not attacked the village. He was one of the few people who treated Kushina well, which led to their falling for each other.
Minato did everything he could to save Kushina and his unborn son from the threat that almost destroyed the village. However, he lost his life along with Kushina in an attempt to save Naruto. Although he never met his parents in his childhood, Naruto was able to come across Minato in one of the most surprising moments in the series.
Rin Nohara
Kakashi’s biggest regret was the death of Rin Nohara. She died at his hands accidentally, which traumatized him immensely. She was a prominent character, and her impact on Obito Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake was significant. She was a delightful girl whom Obito liked a lot.
She promised to watch over Obito until he became strong. However, his fate was sealed way before their promise could be fulfilled. When he sees her again, Obito ends up seeing Rin die at the hands of his best friend. Without any context of the situation, he starts harboring hatred for Kakashi. Later, in Naruto: Shippuden, it was revealed that Rin was forced to become the Three-Tails Jinchuriki and decided to jump in front of Kakashi’s Chidori.