Even if they are beloved by the audience, the Naruto franchise does not hesitate to murder important characters. Neji Hyuga, for instance, was the most gifted Hyuga of his time and was introduced as a prodigy.
He didn’t contribute much to the plot’s development, but he was nevertheless well-liked by many viewers. Thousands of Shinobi from all the Great Nations had to give their lives to battle in the brutal Fourth Great Shinobi War against a common foe. Neji was one of those Shinobi, and although he didn’t play a large role in the story, his passing was undoubtedly tragic.
Fans also ponder whether his passing was even required because the plot appeared unnecessary. Every character’s death in Naruto, including those of Jiraya, Itachi, Minato, Hiruzen, and others, played a crucial part in the story.
At first sight, Neji’s passing might appear pointless, but author Masashi Kishimoto explains why it was crucial. Neji’s demise, following Kishimoto, was required to forge a bond between Naruto and Hinata. Naruto and Hinata’s relationship was never fully established before Hinata’s passing. Neji lost her life while attempting to shield them both.
When Neji stepped in and protected them, Hinata was about to accept an attack on behalf of Naruto. Then, Naruto understood that he had broken his pledge to prevent any more of his buddies from passing away. The fact that Hinata was prepared to give her life for him also became clear to Naruto as a result of Neji’s final remarks.
Hinata jolted Naruto out of it just in time as he was about to lose it. They were unified and holding hands as they prepared to engage in protracted combat. Neji’s passing, therefore, served as the final impetus Naruto and Hinata needed to formally announce their romance. The scene was incredibly upsetting yet also profound.
In Naruto, Neji’s passing represented his release from the Hyuga clan’s lifetime slavery. He had always detested the curse mark that symbolized his fate to serve as the clan’s shield and connected him to the main house for all time. Neji’s death while defending Hinata, a member of the main household, symbolizes his achieving his purpose.
Even greater significance is attached to his passing, though.
Neji protected Hinata even at the cost of his life out of his own free will rather than out of any type of responsibility. His demise resembled that of his father in certain ways, who had likewise given his life to save others.
The seal was broken as Neji finally exhaled his final breath, and the captive bird took off. He was able to determine his fate without interference from the clan’s main house because of this act of selflessness. Neji was able to somewhat undermine the main goal of the seal.
