In the Naruto world, few figures stand as tall or influential as Hagoromo Otsutsuki, also known as the Sage of the Six Paths.
His role in the Fourth Great Ninja War was pivotal, and without his intervention, the outcome of the war might have been drastically different.
Hagoromo was instrumental in helping Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha, offering them his chakra and guiding them in their final battle against Kaguya Otsutsuki.
His presence was seen as an immense force of good, helping humanity in its most desperate time.
However, an interesting question arises: What if Hagoromo had been the final antagonist instead of his mother, Kaguya?
Kaguya Otsutsuki From Naruto Shippuden (Studio Pierrot)
While Kaguya’s introduction as the ultimate enemy was surprising and lacked the depth many fans expected, Hagoromo, with his vast history and intricate lore, could have been a more formidable and engaging villain.
In fact, he might have been an even worse threat than Kaguya, with the potential to bring the shinobi world to its knees in ways that Kaguya couldn’t.
The Role of Hagoromo in Ending the War
Before jumping into the hypothetical scenario of Hagoromo as the final villain, it’s essential to acknowledge his role in the original timeline.
During the Fourth Great Ninja War, the world was on the brink of destruction. Madara Uchiha had succeeded in activating the Infinite Tsukuyomi, trapping nearly everyone in a dream-like state.
Kaguya Otsutsuki, who had been revived, became the final antagonist, aiming to consume the chakra of all living beings. In this critical moment, Hagoromo appeared as an ally to Naruto and Sasuke.
By sharing his power with them, Hagoromo enabled the two young shinobi to defeat Kaguya.
His decision to trust in the new generation and empower them with his chakra was a defining moment in the war, ultimately leading to the salvation of the world. His wisdom, guidance, and strength were the keys to victory.
Hagoromo Otsutsuki From Naruto Shippuden (Studio Pierrot)
However, while Hagoromo’s actions as an ally were crucial, it’s worth considering how things might have unfolded if he had chosen a different path.
What if Hagoromo had been the one standing against Naruto and Sasuke, rather than supporting them?
Hagoromo’s Potential as the Final Antagonist
Hagoromo Otsutsuki, the legendary Sage of the Six Paths, was not only the son of Princess Kaguya Otsutsuki but also the father of the shinobi world.
He was the first person to possess chakra and was the original jinchuriki of the Ten-Tails. This alone made him an immensely powerful figure, far surpassing most other characters in the series.
His mastery over chakra, combined with his understanding of the spiritual and physical aspects of the world, placed him in a league of his own.
Unlike Kaguya, who was introduced abruptly near the end of the series, Hagoromo had been part of Naruto’s lore from early on.
His legend was well-established, and fans were familiar with his contributions to the creation of the shinobi world.
This deep-rooted history made him a figure of immense intrigue and potential.
Hagoromo Otsutsuki From Naruto Shippuden (Studio Pierrot)
If he had been the final antagonist, the emotional and narrative weight behind his character would have been far greater than Kaguya’s sudden appearance.
Kaguya’s introduction was met with mixed reactions from fans. While she was undoubtedly a powerful and terrifying figure, her character felt underdeveloped.
She lacked the depth and backstory that many of the series’ other villains, like Madara Uchiha, had.
Her sudden rise as the final antagonist left many fans feeling that her character was rushed and that her motivations weren’t as fleshed out as they could have been.
In contrast, Hagoromo had a rich history that spanned centuries. His story was intertwined with the very foundations of the ninja world, making him a far more compelling character.
As the creator of ninjutsu and the father of Ashura and Indra the ancestors of the Senju and Uchiha clans his influence was felt throughout the entire series.
This deep connection to the world of Naruto would have made him a much more impactful final antagonist.
A Conflict of Ideals
One of the most compelling aspects of having Hagoromo as the final villain would have been the ideological conflict between him and Naruto.
Throughout the series, Naruto’s journey was one of breaking free from the cycles of hatred and violence that had plagued the shinobi world for generations.
He sought peace through understanding, compassion, and cooperation. Hagoromo, as the father of the shinobi world, could have represented the old ways the belief that power and control were necessary to maintain order.
Hagoromo’s belief in the balance of power and his decision to divide the Ten-Tails into nine separate tailed beasts were actions that shaped the world in profound ways.
But what if, as the final villain, he had believed that the only way to achieve true peace was to reclaim the power of the Ten-Tails and impose his will on the world?
Hagoromo and Hamura From Naruto Shippuden (Studio Pierrot)
This would have set up a fascinating ideological battle between Naruto’s belief in individual freedom and Hagoromo’s desire for control.
Naruto’s greatest strength as a character is his ability to connect with others and inspire them to change.
Throughout the series, he convinced countless enemies to see the error of their ways and embrace a better path.
If Hagoromo had been the final antagonist, this ability would have been tested to its limits. Convincing the very creator of the shinobi world to change his ways would have been Naruto’s greatest challenge.
The Lore Behind Hagoromo
As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest issues with Kaguya as the final villain was the lack of development around her character.
She was introduced late in the story, and while there were hints of her existence throughout the series, her motivations and backstory were not explored in great detail until the final arc.
In contrast, Hagoromo’s story had been told in fragments throughout Naruto . From the Five Kage Summit arc to the revelations about the origin of chakra, Hagoromo’s presence loomed large over the entire narrative.
His story was deeply intertwined with the history of the shinobi world, and his influence could be felt in almost every major event.
During the Five Kage Summit, Tobi (later revealed to be Obito Uchiha) infiltrated the gathering of the five village leaders and dropped a bombshell.
The Five Kage Summit From Naruto Shippuden (Studio Pierrot)
He revealed the origins of the Sage of the Six Paths and the existence of the Ten-Tails, shocking everyone present.
This moment was a turning point in the series, as it set the stage for the final arc and the ultimate battle against Kaguya.
If Hagoromo had been the final villain, this lore would have taken on even greater significance.
The revelations about the Sage of the Six Paths and the Ten-Tails would have been building toward a confrontation with Hagoromo himself, rather than his mother.
This would have given the final battle a much deeper connection to the series’ final narrative.
A More Powerful Adversary
Another reason Hagoromo could have been a more formidable villain than Kaguya is his sheer power. As the original jinchuriki of the Ten-Tails, Hagoromo possessed an almost god-like level of strength.
He was able to defeat the Ten-Tails and seal it within himself, a feat that no other character in the series could accomplish.
If Hagoromo had been the final villain, he would have posed an even greater threat to Naruto and Sasuke than Kaguya did.
Kaguya was undoubtedly powerful, but much of her strength came from her ability to manipulate dimensions and chakra in ways that her opponents couldn’t.
Hagoromo and Hamura From Naruto Shippuden (Studio Pierrot)
Hagoromo, on the other hand, had a more direct connection to the very essence of chakra itself. His mastery over the spiritual and physical aspects of the world would have made him a nearly unstoppable force.
Additionally, if Hagoromo had been the final antagonist, Naruto and Sasuke would not have received the Six Paths chakra from him.
This would have drastically changed the dynamics of the final battle. Without the power of the Six Paths, Naruto and Sasuke would have been forced to rely on their own abilities and teamwork to defeat him.
This would have made the final battle even more intense and challenging.
A Shorter but More Intense War
If Hagoromo had been the final villain, the Fourth Great Ninja War might have played out very differently. As the Sage of the Six Paths, Hagoromo had the knowledge and power to end the war quickly if he so desired.
Unlike Kaguya, who was somewhat disconnected from the events of the shinobi world, Hagoromo had a deep understanding of the conflicts and power struggles that had plagued the world for centuries.
If Hagoromo had decided to take control of the world himself, he could have used the Ten-Tails and the Infinite Tsukuyomi to bring an end to the war in a matter of moments.
This would have made for a much shorter but far more intense final arc. The stakes would have been higher, and the pressure on Naruto and Sasuke to stop him would have been immense.
Obito Uchiha From Naruto Shippuden (Studio Pierrot)
While Kaguya Otsutsuki served as the final antagonist of Naruto, her character lacked the depth and development that many fans expected.
Hagoromo Otsutsuki, on the other hand, had the potential to be a much more compelling and dangerous villain.
With his vast history, immense power, and deep connection to the lore of the shinobi world, Hagoromo could have been the perfect final adversary for Naruto and Sasuke.
His ideological conflict with Naruto, combined with his mastery of chakra, would have made for a much more engaging and emotionally resonant final battle.
In the end, while Kaguya’s sudden introduction may have surprised fans, the idea of Hagoromo as the final villain presents an intriguing “what if” scenario.
With his vast powers and deep-rooted influence on the shinobi world, Hagoromo could have been a villain unlike any other one that challenged not just the physical abilities of Naruto and Sasuke, but their very ideals and beliefs.
The world of anime and manga fandoms is a passionate one, where fans express their love and admiration for their favorite characters through various means, including participating in popularity polls.
One such poll recently took place for the immensely popular series My Hero Academia , where fans from around the globe cast their votes to decide their favorite characters.
The result of this poll saw Katsuki Bakugo , one of the series’ deuteragonists, maintain his spot as the No. 1 character, sparking a mix of emotions within the fanbase.
While Bakugo’s immense popularity has been evident for much of the series, the results of the poll stirred up quite a bit of controversy among some sections of the fandom.
For fans of My Hero Academia, Katsuki Bakugo is a character who has made an indelible mark on the series.
Since the early days of the story, Bakugo has been a powerful and dynamic figure, often stealing the spotlight with his intense personality and explosive abilities.
His journey from an arrogant, selfish teenager to a more self-aware and compassionate hero has attracted many fans, leading to his consistent ranking as one of the most popular characters in the series.
Katsuki Bakugo Using Explosion (Crunchyroll)
Despite his popularity, however, Bakugo has always been a polarizing figure.
While he has a fiercely loyal fanbase, there is also a vocal segment of the fandom that has been critical of his character, often citing his aggressive and brash behavior, particularly in the earlier parts of the series, as reasons for their dislike.
This division within the fandom has led to heated debates over Bakugo’s character development, with some fans praising his growth and others arguing that the writing for his arc has been inconsistent.
Nonetheless, this recent popularity poll once again confirmed Bakugo’s status as a fan favorite, leaving his supporters jubilant and his detractors, as some would say, “about to get real silent.”
Bakugo Maintains No. 1 Rank in Global Popularity Poll
The latest My Hero Academia poll saw fans from all corners of the world vote for their favorite characters.
When the results were announced, Katsuki Bakugo emerged as the top choice, securing the No. 1 spot in the poll.
While this result might have come as no surprise to those familiar with the series, it did leave some fans scratching their heads, wondering how Bakugo managed to maintain his position at the top, especially with other beloved characters in the running.
Bakugo’s victory in this poll is particularly significant because he managed to surpass two other fan favorites: the series’ main protagonist, Izuku “Deku” Midoriya, who took second place, and Shoto Todoroki, who came in third.
Both Deku and Todoroki have large followings within the fandom, and their characters have been central to the story’s development.
Yet, despite their popularity and prominence, Bakugo’s fanbase proved to be even more formidable, ensuring his continued reign as the No. 1 character.
There are several reasons why Bakugo has remained so popular over the years. For one, his character design is striking and memorable.
With his spiky blonde hair, sharp eyes, and signature combat gear, Bakugo stands out visually from the rest of the cast.
Bakugo haters about to get realll silent after they see he’s still no.1 even after all the botted votes were removed lol 🤭 pic.twitter.com/P0VZmp8HXE — Ama (@YapperAtDawn) September 5, 2024
His explosive Quirk, which allows him to generate powerful blasts from the sweat on his palms, has also made him a fan favorite when it comes to action scenes.
Bakugo’s battle sequences are often some of the most intense and visually spectacular in the series, further solidifying his appeal.
But beyond his physical appearance and abilities, it’s Bakugo’s personality and character development that have truly endeared him to fans.
From the outset, Bakugo is portrayed as a highly confident, even arrogant, character who believes himself to be superior to others.
His harsh treatment of Deku, whom he views as weak and inferior, makes him difficult to root for initially.
However, as the story progresses, Bakugo’s character begins to evolve. He starts to realize the value of teamwork, humility, and caring for others.
His relationship with Deku, which begins as one of rivalry and disdain, gradually transforms into one of mutual respect and understanding.
Kohei Horikoshi, the creator of My Hero Academia , has done an impressive job of developing Bakugo’s character over the course of the series.
What began as a character driven by pride and anger has slowly but surely turned into a more nuanced portrayal of a young man learning to overcome his inner demons and become a true hero.
While Bakugo still retains his fiery personality, his growth as a character has resonated with fans, leading to his consistent popularity in polls like this one.
The Division in the Fandom
However, not everyone in the My Hero Academia fandom is thrilled with Bakugo’s popularity.
For as long as Bakugo has been a beloved character, there have been fans who simply don’t see the appeal.
Some argue that Bakugo’s earlier behavior, particularly his bullying of Deku, was unforgivable and that his later character development doesn’t fully make up for it.
Katsuki Bakugo And All Might (Crunchyroll)
Others feel that Horikoshi’s handling of Bakugo’s growth was rushed or inconsistent, with certain moments in the story not delivering the depth they had hoped for.
These criticisms have led to a section of the fandom actively rooting against Bakugo in popularity polls, often voicing their displeasure whenever he ranks highly.
This tension between Bakugo’s fans and his critics has been a recurring theme in the My Hero Academia fandom, and this latest poll only served to reignite those debates.
One of the more contentious aspects of Bakugo’s victory in this poll is the accusation of botting.
Several fans took to social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their belief that Bakugo’s win was not entirely legitimate.
According to these fans, some members of Bakugo’s fanbase allegedly used bots to cast multiple votes in his favor, thereby skewing the results.
Reactions Online
The claims of botting have sparked a heated debate within the fandom, with some fans vehemently defending Bakugo’s win and others calling for a more transparent voting process in future polls.
On social media, fans expressed their frustration with the situation:
“Bro would HATEEE winning from bots just vote truthfully yall,” one fan said, criticizing the alleged use of bots to secure Bakugo’s victory. “You do realize it was the bakugo fans who were botting. Right?” another user chimed in, accusing Bakugo’s supporters of unfairly manipulating the results. “You mean the popularity that drove his fans to buy bot votes and admit botting the polls,” someone else commented, further fueling the controversy.
The accusations of botting have cast a shadow over what should have been a celebration of the series and its characters.
AFTER ALL THE DISCOURSE, B*TTING ACCUSATIONS, DOUBTS, BAKUGO KATSUKI MR WORLD WIDE WON pic.twitter.com/EZkuWnSyDb — Scar (@katsmuki) September 5, 2024
Many fans were hoping for the poll to be a fun and lighthearted way to honor My Hero Academia as the manga neared its ending, but the allegations of vote manipulation have soured the experience for some.
Despite the controversy, however, Bakugo’s fanbase remains fiercely loyal.
His supporters argue that his popularity is well-deserved and that the accusations of botting are simply the result of salty fans who are upset that their favorite characters didn’t win.
In their eyes, Bakugo’s victory in the poll is a testament to the impact he has had on the series and the fandom as a whole.
Bakugo’s Growth and Popularity
One of the most interesting aspects of Bakugo’s character is the way his personality and abilities mirror his Quirk.
His explosive powers are a direct reflection of his fiery temper and strong will, and this parallel has been a key part of his appeal.
Fans appreciate how Bakugo’s character has been so deeply intertwined with his Quirk, making his growth as a hero feel even more significant.
At the start of the series, Bakugo’s explosive temper often got the better of him. He was quick to anger, brash in his decisions, and overly confident in his abilities.
His arrogance led him to believe that he didn’t need anyone else’s help, and his disdain for Deku only fueled his sense of superiority.
However, as the series progressed, Bakugo began to realize that being a hero isn’t just about having powerful abilities.
Katsuki Bakugo (Crunchyroll)
It’s about using those abilities to protect others, even at the cost of one’s pride.
One of the key turning points for Bakugo’s character comes during the “Heroes Rising” arc, where he and Deku must work together to defeat a powerful villain.
Throughout this arc, Bakugo is forced to confront his own weaknesses and recognize that he can’t do everything on his own.
This moment of self-reflection is crucial in his character development, as it marks the beginning of his shift from a prideful loner to a more empathetic and self-aware hero.
Bakugo’s relationship with Deku has also played a significant role in his character arc. Initially, Bakugo viewed Deku as weak and beneath him, often bullying him out of frustration and insecurity.
However, as the series progresses, Bakugo comes to understand that Deku’s strength lies not in his Quirk, but in his determination and willingness to protect others.
This realization forces Bakugo to reevaluate his own motivations and ultimately leads to a more respectful and nuanced relationship between the two.
For many fans, this growth has been one of the most compelling aspects of Bakugo’s character.
His journey from an arrogant, self-centered teenager to a more compassionate and selfless hero has resonated with those who appreciate characters with complex arcs.
Bakugo’s development isn’t linear; it’s filled with setbacks and moments of introspection, making him feel more human and relatable.
Controversy in Popularity Polls
Despite the celebration of Bakugo’s growth, the controversy surrounding his popularity poll victory highlights the intense emotions that can arise within fandoms. Popularity polls in the anime and
manga community are often taken very seriously by fans, as they provide a platform for people to express their love for certain characters.
Bakugo (Bones)
However, when accusations of cheating or manipulation arise, it can lead to deep divisions within the fandom.
In the case of this My Hero Academia poll, the accusations of botting have left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans.
While some believe that Bakugo’s win was the result of legitimate fan support, others feel that the alleged use of bots tainted the poll and unfairly skewed the results.
This tension has sparked a larger conversation within the fandom about the integrity of popularity polls and the lengths some fans will go to see their favorite characters come out on top.
Despite the controversy, Bakugo’s supporters remain steadfast in their belief that he deserves his No. 1 ranking.
They argue that his popularity is a testament to the impact his character has had on the series and that his journey from a flawed, arrogant teenager to a more self-aware hero has resonated with a wide range of fans.
As the My Hero Academia manga reaches its ending, it’s clear that Bakugo’s legacy will continue to be a subject of debate among fans.
His character has left an indelible mark on the series, and whether people love him or hate him, there’s no denying that he has been one of the most influential and dynamic characters in the story.
The My Hero Academia fandom is one of the most passionate in the anime and manga world, and this recent popularity poll has only further highlighted the intense emotions that surround certain characters.
Katsuki Bakugo’s victory in the poll has sparked celebration among his fans and frustration among his detractors, with accusations of botting only adding fuel to the fire.
While the controversy may continue to divide the fandom, there’s no denying that Bakugo has had a profound impact on the series and its fans.
Bakugo From My Hero Academia (Bones)
As the dust settles from this latest poll, one thing is certain: Bakugo’s legacy as a beloved (and polarizing) character is here to stay.
His journey from a prideful, explosive teenager to a more selfless and compassionate hero has resonated with fans worldwide, ensuring that his name will continue to be at the forefront of conversations about My Hero Academia for years to come.
Whether you love him or hate him, Katsuki Bakugo is a character who has left an undeniable mark on the world of anime and manga, and his No. 1 ranking in this worldwide poll is a testament to the impact he has had on the fandom.
