Narutois widely recognized for its action-packed storytelling and the emotional depth of its ninja world. However, the series isn’t limited to just ninjas—it has also introduced skilled swordsmen who deserve more recognition. While fans primarily associateNarutowith shinobi, the expansive character roster includes a samurai whose brief but impactful presence continues to hold significance to this day. Even inBoruto: Naruto Next Generation, his connection to the story remains intact.
Despite the focus on ninjas,Narutoincludes other warrior traditions that add depth to the story. Mifune, a skilled samurai, may not have had much screen time, but his role still holds importance. His influence remains even after many years, showing thatNarutois more than just a tale about ninjas. He is one of the characters that had the potential to offer more to the story, but was never fully realized.
Mifune Proved His Strength Against Powerful Ninjas
A Powerful Warrior Who Deserved More Screen Time
Despite being a samurai in a world dominated by ninjas, Mifune demonstrated his strength against formidable opponents. InNaruto: Shippudenepisode #272, he faced Hanzo twice; however, both battles ended differently. When Mifune was younger, as shown in the flashback, he lost to Hanzo’s poison, but he was given another chance during theFourth Great Ninja War when Hanzo was reanimated.This time, Mifune emerged victorious by countering Hanzo’s poison with his swift sword techniques, proving that his skills had significantly evolved.
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His incredible leadership was also shown inNaruto: Shippudenepisode #319 when he and his troops worked alongside Kankuro to seal the reanimated Lady Chiyo and Kimimaro. Although thesebattles did not stand out among the many that the series featured, this does not mean Mifune was weaker than the others. His character and status in the world ofNarutohad so much potential that was never fully unlocked. Unlike many characters who relied on chakra-based techniques, Mifune’s raw skill and mastery of the sword set him apart, proving that strength isn’t limited to ninjas alone.
He Was Introduced Too Late in the Series
Mifune and the Land of Iron Should Have Been Explored More, Even in Filler Episodes
Narutohas always faced criticism, especially for its large number of filler episodes. Some fans either skipped them or watched them out of dedication to the series. However, one thing the series could have done, even through fillers, was explore the Land of Iron and Mifune’s character further. This would have allowed more fans toremember and appreciate him beyond his brief appearances.
Mifune made his first major appearance inNaruto: Shippudenepisode #199 during the Five Kage Summit, a point where mostkey players had already been established. While his presence added a fresh perspective on samurai in the ninja world, it also limited his development. His late introduction meant he had little time to showcase his full potential, and his battle against Hanzo was only shown in a flashback rather than in real-time. If he had been introduced earlier, he could have played a more active role in the series’ major conflicts, making his impact even greater.
Boruto Did Something Right by Introducing Mifune’s Disciple
Tsubaki Proves That Samurai Still Belong in the Ninja World
Boruto: Naruto Next Generationhas received numerous criticisms, whether it be for pacing, storyline, or character development. However, one of the series’ refreshing steps was finally introducing a character from the Land of Iron, doing something the original franchise never fully explored. Mifune, who lacked screen time in Naruto and was never part of the main characters' inner circle, remained a distant figure. However, his disciple, Tsubaki, is more involved as an exchange student, making her a stronger representation of samurai traditions in the ninja world.
Borutoshowed through Tsubaki that samurai still had a place in the evolving shinobi society.
Tsubaki Kurogane was introduced in Boruto Episode #137 as a transfer student from the Land of Iron, bringing samurai traditions into the modern ninja world. Her character allowed the series to delve deeper into the role of samurai, a subject barely touched upon in Naruto. Through Tsubaki, Boruto acknowledged Mifune’s influence and showed that samurai still had a place in the evolving shinobi society. Unlike Mifune, who remained on the outskirts of Naruto, Tsubaki actively engaged with her peers, showcasing her swordsmanship and traditional values.
Tsubaki’s journey was a way for Mifune’s philosophy of discipline, honor, and swordsmanship to live on, strengthening the bond between the samurai of the Land of Iron and the Hidden Leaf Village. While Mifune may not have had much time to shine inNaruto, his legacy will live on through Tsubaki, who embodies his teachings. In this way,Borutodid justice to Mifune’s character in a way thatNarutonever fully explored, making Mifune one of the coolest yet most overlooked warriors in the series. His impact was subtle but lasting, showing that even without much screen time, a character’s influence can be represented through their disciples.
