Fell down a weeaboo nostalgia hole and I’m reading Naruto again.

Let’s be real — Shino with his creep ass bug powers has the most versatility while maintaining consistent power levels. Logically, he’d be the best ninja.

Fuck Sasuke and Naruto and their super showy powers that are only workable due to their massive chakra.

Shino can spy on people with bugs, steal shit with bugs, devour enemies’ chakra with bugs, infect and destroy entire CITIES.

Kishimoto made the MOST effective ninja a minor side character with little backstory. Shino doesn’t QUITE fit any of the various stereotypical shonen protagonist roles and what little personality he’s given points more toward “rival” or “villain.” HE COULD HAVE BEEN SO COOL.

Also, Kishimoto is RARELY capable of writing a female character with a personality more complex than “obsessed with boy.” Tsunade is probably the most complex female character in Naruto.

More than 10 years later and the Gaara/Lee fight is still some hype shit.