The Naruto franchise has given fans some of the most powerful and iconic ninjas in anime history. Characters like Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi are household names, known for their incredible strength and abilities. However, many of the more intriguing side characters didn’t get the recognition they deserved, and one of the most notable examples is Genma Shiranui.
Despite his limited screen time, Genma stood out as one of the most promising characters in the series. His potential as a powerful ninja was clear, but it is a missed opportunity that he wasn’t allowed to fully shine.
Genma Was One of Konoha’s Strongest Ninjas
His Abilities Were on Par with Some of the Series’ Best
Genma, a former member of Choza Akimichi’s team and a Special Jonin of Konoha, made several appearances throughout the Naruto series. While he may not have been as powerful as characters like Might Guy, who was once his teammate, Genma was far from weak. Little is known about his early ninja life, except that he was a vital asset to the Hidden Leaf Village.
According to the official Naruto guidebook, Genma completed over 900 missions—a rare and impressive feat. He was skilled in both combat and tactics, shown when he fought against formidable opponents like Orochimaru’s guards and the Sound Four. His physical strength also stood out, with the ability to launch a senbon with enough force to deflect a kunai—a feat few other ninjas could manage.
Perhaps his most impressive achievement was his role as one of Minato Namikaze’s elite guards, prepared to protect the Fourth Hokage at a moment’s notice. Genma was one of the few to learn the powerful Flying Thunder God Technique, a skill that solidified his place among Konoha’s most capable fighters. However, despite his skill, Genma’s appearances were brief, and fans never saw him reach his full potential.
Genma Deserved More Attention
A Character Like Him Needed More Screen Time
While Genma might not have had the same level of power as Naruto or Kakashi, his inclusion in Minato’s elite guard suggested that he was one of the village’s strongest. Minato had many enemies before and during the Third Great Ninja War, and after his death, keeping his son’s identity a secret was a matter of security. Genma was likely selected as a guard to protect Minato’s family from these powerful foes, a task that required great skill.
Unfortunately, Genma was underutilized throughout the series. Aside from his brief appearance during the battle against the Sound Four, Genma was largely absent from significant battles, leaving fans to wonder how much more he could have contributed.
Genma’s Role in the Naruto World
A Missed Opportunity, But It Adds Realism
While Genma’s lack of prominence is disappointing, it does add a layer of realism to the Naruto universe. With so many characters in the series, it would have been impossible to give each of them the same level of attention. Genma’s role in the background served as a reminder that Konoha’s world was filled with strong ninjas working behind the scenes to support the main characters.
While Genma might not have received the recognition he deserved, his presence in the series enriched the Naruto world. For many fans, his story remains untold, and there’s hope that one day we might see more of his adventures in a future spin-off.
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