"I actually agree with many people in the fandom: the Uzumaki clan is gaining more strength and importance now than it did in the past.But that's not really what I came here to say. I'm frustrated because Naruto was barely given anything from his clan, except for his incredible stamina. Instead, it feels like he inherited more from Minato, even though genetically Minato's genes shouldn't have been dominant.A clear example of strong Uzumaki heritage would be Nagato, whose father had black hair, yet Nagato still inherited the Uzumaki’s signature red hair.Also, there are theories suggesting that Nagato's father might have been a Senju, based on Zetsu's suspicions. Nagato could control the Gedo Statue due to his immense chakra reserves and could wield both Rinnegan without losing his sanity.This frustrates me because many people claim (based only on the Databooks) that the Uchiha have the most powerful chakra, but cases like Nagato show that the Uzumaki had incredible chakra reserves and power too.So, why didn't Naruto inherit more traits or abilities from his mother's clan?I don't really care that back then many manga protagonists were blond, but it frustrates me that Konoha also did nothing to protect or honor the Uzumaki clan, even though they were distant relatives of the Senju.Lastly, what do you think about what's happening in the fandom nowadays? Many artists are pairing Uchiha and Uzumaki characters — do you think it makes sense, or is there another reason behind this trend?"
I am very, very new to the naruto fandom and generally avoid it, but it's nice to know that the fandom in general has taken more of an interest in the Uzumaki Clan. Canon really didn't provide much to work with.
I think Naruto having so few things things from the Uzumaki clan is because Kishimoto never cared to expand on his female characters. The Uzumaki Clan's known members are Mito, Kushina, Karin, Naruto and Nagato. Of them, Nagato is a villain, and excluding Naruto the rest of them are women. The manga does not have a good track record with expanding on any of the women. Nagato doesn't identify himself as an Uzumaki, so he can't be really used to explore things. Kushina, Mito and Karin are the only ones remaining characters to explore. I know the narusasu side of the fandom seems to think.....Kishimoto is somehow not misogynistic? But he blatantly is.
It's the only reason why Naruto doesn't have Uzumaki characteristics. It's also why the Uchiha Clan is explore so thoroughly. How do we explore a clan? Through characters. Itachi, Obito, Madara and Sasuke are the prominent Uchiha Clan members and are also largely main characters. Even if they're villains or antagonists, they're sympathetic characters. We're meant to understand them. Combine Kishimoto's tendency to highly favor male characters, Sasuke's antagonist/deuteragonist status, and Madara being one of the main villains? It's the perfect set-up to explore the Uchiha.
Naruto is the only Uzumaki and he doesn't even know he's from the clan. The ones who know this are dead. Tsunade is half Uzumaki(or quarter), but again, she's a woman, we barely explore her being a Senju.
Konoha didn't protect or preserve the Uzumaki Clan because, and I'll be frank, it seems like they don't respect or care about the clan beyond how useful they are to Konoha. The level of importance and respect Konoha gives to a clan is dependent on how much of a threat they are to the village's norms(Senju and Senju-related supremacy). It's why the Uchiha were isolated- they were a threat to that. The Uzumaki are a foreign clan who were the only ones able to control the Kyuubi.
Konoha is clearly paranoid about consolidating power. The Kyuubi is a weapon for the village. So, you need to control the Uzumaki and keep them firmly under the heel to control the kyuubi.
The reason for Uzushio's destruction are yet unclear but it was very advantageous for Konoha. the Uzumaki clan were nothing but tools to control their prized weapon. It's why they practically kidnapped Kushina and never told Naruto about the Uzumaki Clan. It's to control the kyuubi and keep Konoha at the top of the food chain.
I think it's nice to see fandom exploring the Uzumaki Clan! I hope to see more! I really like the idea of Karin and Naruto reconnecting.
I have no real opinions on fans pairing Uzumaki and Uchiha Clan members, it's fun! It's a ship thing, so as long as everyone is being respectful and discerning, go ahead! I mean I'm pairing an Uchiha and Uzumaki too (NaruSasu lol). I think I saw a bit of Kushina/ Mikoto. May I know who else are the fandom shipping together?
Don't kill me but I'm intrigued by a potential relationship between Mito and Madara(not romantic per se, just them as friends). He recognized Naruto's kyuubi mode and recognized him as being related to Mito through that. I think she would've been able to keep up with him and he respected her a lot.
I would love anything so long as I get more nuanced and fun Mito, Karin and Kushina content!!
