Naruto, Episode 11: The Land Where a Hero Once Lived
Akane’s Role in the Episode
Akane plays the role of a cruel bully and instigator in Inari’s tragic backstory. He is the one responsible for throwing Pochi into the sea and later pushing Inari into the water, forcing him into a life-threatening situation. Akane embodies the selfishness and cruelty of unchecked power, mirroring Gato’s oppressive influence on the town but on a smaller scale. His actions contribute directly to Inari’s traumatic experience, setting the stage for Kaiza’s heroic intervention and later execution at the hands of Gato.
Key Contributions & Actions:
- Initiates Inari’s Trauma
- Akane steals Inari’s dog, Pochi, claiming that it now belongs to him.
- He throws Pochi into the ocean, knowing that Inari is unable to save him.
- Physically Endangers Inari
- When Inari hesitates to act, Akane mocks him and kicks him into the water, putting his life at risk.
- His casual cruelty highlights how much of a powerless victim Inari was before meeting Kaiza.
- Symbolizes the Town’s Corruption & Cowardice
- Akane represents how some people take advantage of others when there is no order or justice.
- His behavior foreshadows Gato’s tyranny, as both characters use force and intimidation to control others.
- Indirectly Leads to Kaiza’s Influence on Inari
- By pushing Inari into the water, Akane creates the situation where Kaiza rescues him, forever changing Inari’s life.
- This moment allows Kaiza to instill his philosophy in Inari, shaping his worldview until Kaiza’s execution.
Impact Rating: 4.0/10
Akane is a minor character with a significant narrative function. While his actions do not directly affect the main story, they set up Inari’s character development and highlight the town’s descent into lawlessness. His cruelty serves as a contrast to both Kaiza’s heroism and Naruto’s ideals, reinforcing the importance of standing up for others.
However, since Akane only appears in a flashback and has no role in the present events, his direct influence on the episode remains limited, making his impact relatively low despite his role in shaping Inari’s trauma.