Naruto thrives on its roster of powerful ninjas, but the series introduced so many characters to build hype that some, like Anko Mitarashi, were left on the sidelines. Orochimaru’s talent for recognizing potential is evident with Sasuke Uchiha, and it was often emphasized that Anko had the skills and abilities to be a standout character—or even a suitable vessel for Orochimaru himself. Despite this, her potential was never fully realized.

Instead of showcasing her abilities, the series merely told fans about her capabilities without ever delivering on that promise. Anko could have been a complex and dynamic addition to Naruto’s story, but her role was reduced to a shadow of what it could have been. It’s a missed opportunity that left fans wondering what might have been for this underutilized ninja.

How Naruto Neglected Anko’s Promising Potential The First Receiver of Orochimaru's Curse Mark

Anko...