The Reasons Behind Toneri’s Interest in Hinata in Naruto Explained

Naruto enthusiasts frequently ponder Toneri’s motivations for wanting Hinata, particularly since it emerged as an unexpected plot twist in The Last movie, lacking prior development. Although Toneri was specifically created for this film, the creators at Studio Pierrot ensured that his fascination with the Hyuga heiress was intricately linked to the series’ lore, primarily focusing on his ambition to rejuvenate his clan through marriage.

Toneri belongs to the Branch of the Otsutsuki clan, introduced towards the conclusion of the original Naruto manga and has since become a significant factor in the Boruto series.

His affection for Hinata is strongly shaped by the tragic events that led to the decline of his clan and his desire to resurrect it. This theme is evident throughout the majority of the movie.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series.

Understanding Toneri’s Pursuit of Hinata

Toneri was captivated by Hinata as he loved her and envisioned reviving his clan with her assistance. This formed the core narrative of The Last, explaining why he ultimately abducted Hinata from the Hidden Leaf Village. These developments also helped in exploring Toneri’s character, including his perspective on humanity and his own life.

Having spent his formative years isolated on the moon, Toneri lacked emotional maturity, leading to a shallow understanding of love—an aspect that is evident throughout the film. This immaturity significantly contributed to his failure in persuading Hinata Hyuga to remain with him during the movie’s events.

Moreover, given that the Hyuga clan traces its lineage to the Branch of the Otsutsuki, Toneri sought to be with Hinata for convenience in restoring his family lineage. He also noted that possessing the Byakugan from Hanabi, Hinata’s younger sister, would enable him to develop the Tenseigan, a transformation dependent on this process for members of the Otsutsuki clan.

Toneri’s Ambitions within the Naruto Universe

Toneri as seen in The Last (Image via Studio Pierrot)

As discussed, Toneri’s intent in pursuing Hinata stemmed from his love for her and his wish to rejuvenate his clan. However, he harbored additional motivations, primarily a deep-seated contempt for humanity due to their perceived negligence of “the gift of chakra,”which he believed warranted punishment.

Toneri even attempted to crash the moon into the Earth with the intention of annihilating it, asserting that this was a decree from Hamura Otsutsuki centuries prior. His objective was to harness Hanabi’s Byakugan to attain the Tenseigan and subsequently destroy the planet to reshape it according to his vision.

In conclusion, despite being one of the most formidable villains in Naruto, Toneri’s downfall was his own immaturity and limited comprehension of humanity, as well as the Otsutsuki legacy. This is underscored in a poignant interaction with Hinata, where she reminds him that Hamura aimed to assist humanity, inciting Toneri’s outrage and ultimately leading to his decline in the film.