/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25680683/Kindle_Colorsoft.jpg)
Key Takeaways
- Madara Uchiha’s true power was legendary, uniting all Shinobi nations against him in the Fourth Great Ninja War.
- Madara displayed overwhelming power against the Allied Shinobi Forces, effortlessly defeating them in combat.
- The introduction of Madara was brilliantly executed, showcasing his dominance and solidifying his status as an iconic anime villain.
The world of Naruto is rich with history and legends. Tales of extraordinary warriors that once ruled the battlefield of the ninja world. From the early stages of the series, one name kept showing up in tales of the old wars: Madara Uchiha. A man so overwhelmingly powerful that he commanded the battlefield at every turn. He was someone truly beyond any other Shinobi except for Hashirama Senju, the first Hokage. It was said that he was able to control the nine-tailed fox while also fighting Hashirama at the same time. That he could fight for several days and nights continuously.
When the man known as Tobi claims to be the late Madara, the entire Ninja world takes up arms to fend against him. But during the fourth Great Ninja War, Kabuto Yakushi performed the resurrection Jutsu and brought from the dead the real Madara Uchiha. His battle with the Allied Shinobi Forces in Naruto Shippuden remains one of the greatest moments in anime history.
Related
Naruto: Why the Original Series Is Superior to Shippuden
Despite being a success, Shippuden pales in comparison to the original series. Here’s a look at where the sequel fell short.
Madara Uchiha, Power in a Name
Greater Than Legend
Before this, the name of Madara Uchiha was merely a legend. His true power was merely the stuff of folk tales, something current ninjas can’t understand. Only a few remnants of that era truly knew how far the power of Madara really went. Simply mentioning his name and taking it for himself, Tobi became the number one public enemy of the entire ninja world. Single-handedly starting a new great war against the five nations. For the first time, all of these Shinobi nations were united as one against a single foe.
The monument in the Valley of the End serves as a constant reminder of how great and powerful Hashirama and Madara truly were. One can only wonder how great these two men really were to gain a memorial like that. And then, during the fourth great ninja war, the mystery of Tobi deepened as the real Madara Uchiha rose from the grave. The Allied Shinobi Forces tremble in fear at the sight of the legendary Uchiha.
Related
Boruto: How Naruto Uzumaki Could Become The Next Sage of Six Paths
Naruto is currently absent in the Boruto story. He could return as the new Sage of Six Paths.
The scene starts with Madara looking down upon the Shinobi army, embarrassed by what the ninja has become in his absence. Naruto and the others prepare terrified to face such a tremendous enemy. Madara jumps down the cliff to meet the Allied forces on even ground. As he looks up at them with his Sharingan, the tension rises. He starts to slowly walk towards the army, while the regular ninjas that are far below his level get progressively more scared and agitated. Some are staring down at the monster while others pray for their safety. Madara picks up the pace, completely shattering the ninjas’ serenity. A couple of brave warriors run at him to meet him halfway, but as soon as the massive group of ninjas meets Madara, his colossal power is instantly apparent.
Bodies are flung in the air as Madara strikes them down. Everyone attacks him at once, completely unable to even scratch him. He begins fighting them only with martial arts and Taijutsu, but as soon as they start using weapons and special items, he deflects them back at them. He catches the flying Kunai without even looking, only to grab the explosive seal and attach it to a nearby ninja, flinging him at others to make them explode.
Simply by using close-quarters combat, Madara demonstrates his otherworldly skill and power against the Allied Shinobi forces. Easily fights hundreds of warriors at once without ever being touched. But once the more powerful ninja like Temari, Gaara, and Ohnoki join the battle, Madara starts using his more powerful techniques like Susano’o. As soon as Naruto attacks him with a Rasen Shuriken, Madara quickly activates his Rinnegan. Proving to everyone’s dismay that this technique is not unique to Pain. And that this foe can use it to its full potential.
Related
Naruto: The Evolution of Sasuke’s Chidori Techniques Over Time, Explained
Chidori reflected Sasuke’s complex journey—starting as a tool of defense, then evolving into an instrument of both destruction and redemption.
Madara then attacks the army with something this story has never seen before. By using his powerful eyes, Madara brings down a gigantic meteor onto the battlefield. Gaara and Ohnoki are miraculously able to stop it. However, Madara brings a second one to finish the job.
Well done Ohnoki…but what will you do about the second one?
Madara’s debut is an amazing example of how to introduce a main villain. Having hundreds of chapters as build up to his eventual reveal and then has the perfect pay-off by showing his absolute dominance over the good guys. Madara simply squashes the Allied Shinobi Forces like ants under a massive boot. He perfectly lives up to the legend the audience has been hearing about for a large portion of the series. Madara remains one of the most iconic villains in anime in large part thanks to this extraordinary first outing.
Author Masashi Kishimoto demonstrates the true power of a real shinobi legend that excels at every single aspect of combat. Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, and even Dojutsu, Madara is an expert in warfare and the true meaning of power. This is a massive inspiration for future creators on how to properly deliver on a legendary villain.
A popular shonen anime based on Masashi Kishimoto’s manga, Naruto follows its eponymous shinobi’s journey as he goes from his town’s outsider to its hero.
