Sailor Moon, one of the most iconic anime series of the 1990s, is beloved not only for its fantastical cosmic adventures and fierce battles, but also for its exploration of female friendships and the strength of chosen family. The series follows Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy schoolgirl who is thrust into the role of Sailor Moon, a cosmic warrior tasked with protecting the world. While she learns to juggle her superhero responsibilities and her everyday life, Usagi finds unwavering support from her friends—one of the most significant being Naru Osaka.
In the original Sailor Moon manga, Naru is little more than a background character, with her involvement limited to the early battle with the Dark Kingdom. However, the anime adaptation of the 1990s expanded her role considerably, even giving her a complicated and significant relationship with one of the Dark Kingdom’s henchmen, Nephrite. This storyline introduced new dimensions to her character, but despite these developments, Naru’s role gradually diminished, leaving fans wondering what might have been had she continued to play a more prominent part.
Naru’s Early Role in Sailor Moon
From the first episode of the Sailor Moon anime, Naru is established as Usagi’s best friend. The two have known each other since childhood, and their bond is evident as they support one another through the ups and downs of school life. While Usagi struggles with tardiness and academic failures, Naru remains a steady, caring presence. She offers encouragement when Usagi’s self-confidence falters, even if she occasionally nags her friend about her lack of focus.
Their friendship is tested when Naru’s mother is replaced by a Youma from the Dark Kingdom, a major turning point in the series. Naru is nearly killed by this creature, Morga, before Sailor Moon makes her debut and saves her. While Naru never fully uncovers Sailor Moon’s secret identity, it is implied in later episodes that she may have deduced the truth.
The Impact of Nephrite’s Arc
Naru’s most significant development occurs during the Dark Kingdom arc, where she becomes entangled in a romantic subplot with Nephrite, one of the Dark Kingdom’s Four Heavenly Kings. Under the guise of Masato Sanjouin, Nephrite begins manipulating Naru to siphon life energy. Over time, however, he starts to develop genuine feelings for her, complicating his role as a villain. This relationship, though controversial due to the significant age gap between Naru (14) and Nephrite (over 18), adds a tragic dimension to his character as he ultimately dies while attempting to save her.
The romantic tension between Naru and Nephrite, while problematic by today’s standards, served as a powerful narrative point. It highlighted Naru’s vulnerability and the stakes of the ongoing conflict with the Dark Kingdom. Yet, this relationship—and Naru’s development—was largely forgotten after Nephrite’s death.
Naru’s Gradual Fade into the Background
After the conclusion of the Nephrite arc, Naru’s role in the series takes a dramatic turn. While she continues to appear in later seasons, her presence is relegated to the background. Her once-prominent friendship with Usagi fades as the focus shifts to the other Sailor Guardians, leaving Naru with little opportunity for further character growth. Even her relationship with Umino, which became central in the later seasons, receives little attention.
Despite her involvement in several storylines, including a brief encounter with the villain Tiger’s Eye in Sailor Moon SuperS, Naru’s character arc is never revisited, and she is reduced to the role of a mere supporting character. This lack of follow-through with her storyline is a missed opportunity, especially considering the impact her early interactions had on the plot.
What Could Have Been: Naru’s Unfulfilled Potential
In the early episodes of Sailor Moon, Naru stood out as one of the few characters who could potentially learn Usagi’s secret identity—something even Usagi’s family remained unaware of for most of the series. With her personal connection to both Usagi and the Dark Kingdom, Naru could have played a pivotal role as an ally outside of the Sailor Guardians and Tuxedo Mask. Her knowledge of Usagi’s double life could have been a game-changer, offering the team a new source of support.
Had the series delved deeper into Naru’s understanding of the greater cosmic conflict, she could have provided valuable assistance in later seasons, or even played a crucial role in revealing Usagi’s secret to her family. While this narrative direction would have required careful execution to maintain the integrity of the original plot, it could have enriched Naru’s character and given her the spotlight she deserved.
A What-If Scenario
Naru’s absence from the later seasons of Sailor Moon remains a point of speculation for many fans. What if her character had been given more time to develop? Could she have become a more active participant in the battles against evil, or perhaps served as a confidant to Usagi? The series hinted at these possibilities but ultimately left them unexplored.
While Naru’s legacy as a background character is solidified, it’s clear that she was capable of much more. She had the potential to be a key figure in Usagi’s life—an ally outside of the core Sailor Guardians who could offer both emotional and practical support. The tragic end of her arc, marked by her loss of Nephrite and the fading of her role in the series, left fans wondering about the true extent of her potential. In the end, Naru Osaka remains one of Sailor Moon’s greatest untapped characters—an opportunity missed for the series to explore deeper themes of friendship, loyalty, and growth.
Naru Osaka’s journey is a testament to the untold potential in Sailor Moon, a character who could have had a much bigger impact had her arc been given the attention it deserved.
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