Danzo saved the entire Naruto world in ways no Hokage ever could

Despite being one of the oldest and most beloved anime series of all time, Naruto boasts a wide range of characters. Among them is Danzo Shimura, who was intentionally portrayed as a villain by the series’ creator, Masashi Kishimoto, much to the disdain of fans.

Despite having a brief appearance in the early stages and being eliminated midway through Shippuden, Danzo had a lasting impact on the plot and the future of the Leaf Village. While his intentions were often seen as nefarious or motivated by personal gain, his actions were fueled by a singular, unwavering goal: the prosperity and protection of the Leaf Village.

Danzo’s decisions were both challenging and contentious, as he collaborated with Orochimaru, established a covert team of ninjas, orchestrated the Uchiha clan massacre, and manipulated events that ultimately resulted in tragedy for individuals such as Shisui and Itachi.

Despite the complexity of his actions, Danzo’s unwavering conviction and ninja abilities made him a formidable strategist and fighter in Naruto. He believed that every sacrifice he made was necessary to protect the greater good of the village, which ultimately led to his ultimate downfall.

* Please be aware that this article includes spoilers and represents the author’s personal views.

Naruto: The Enigma of Danzo, a Villain Beyond Morality

Danzo Shimura was the head of Root in the Naruto series. (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite being aware of Danzo’s plans and his ruthless training methods for his Root operatives, Hiruzen chose to allow him to continue. He understood the difficulty of maintaining peace, especially given the village’s history of enduring two Shinobi Wars.

Despite being Hokage, he was a compassionate man who understood the need for tough decisions that he was not capable of making. He recognized the practical and strategic nature of Danzo’s methods, even if they seemed ruthless. In fact, there was a time when Danzo went as far as attempting to convince Kakashi to assassinate Hiruzen.

Despite the revelation of the plan, Hiruzen remained steadfast in his decision to let Danzo continue his actions. He recognized that Danzo’s unscrupulous methods were ultimately beneficial in strengthening the Leaf Village.

Danzo Shimura’s Tough Decisions for the Leaf Village

Danzo’s actions during the Uchiha massacre exemplify his ruthless yet necessary approach. When the village elders agreed that drastic measures were needed to prevent a civil uprising, it was Danzo who made the difficult decision. He directed Itachi to carry out the necessary actions, leading him down a path of great sacrifice.

Danzo taught his group to prefer death over being captured by enemies. (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Danzo’s methods were undeniably ruthless, yet he remained fiercely devoted to the Leaf Village, albeit in a twisted manner. His approach was similar to that of Itachi, who shouldered the burden of the village’s well-being. Although it was a difficult decision, Danzo was prepared to take on the responsibility of making the difficult and brutal choices that others could not.

Overall, Danzo Shimura exemplified the ethical dilemmas that come with being a leader during times of turmoil. Despite being seen as a villain, his conviction that the end justifies the means made him a crucial figure in the behind-the-scenes operations that maintained the safety of the Leaf Village in Naruto. He worked in secrecy, making difficult choices that he believed were necessary for the betterment of the village.

Danzo’s unwavering dedication to the well-being of the Leaf Village solidifies his role as a crucial character in Naruto. While there may be differing opinions on his decisions, his narrative showcases the immense burden that comes with safeguarding one’s homeland and the willingness to sacrifice everything for its protection.