Naruto and Naruto Shippuden remain on the top list of most-watched anime ever. The first episode was aired on October 3, 2002, and continues to stream on OTT platforms.
Standing the test of time, Naruto and Naruto Shippuden’s characters stand out in terms of their complexities. Haku from the Yuki Clan, is one such character who was introduced earlier in the series but left a lasting impact on the viewers and readers globally.
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Is Haku a boy or a girl?
Naruto anime is gendered. Throughout the series, viewers get a clear demarcation of how male and female characters are treated in their character development (or lack thereof like Sakura Haruno).
While adolescent male characters are mocked about their skills, female characters are reminded of their gender roles instead of individual flaws and skill gaps.
“I haven’t seen girls fight like that in my village.”
“Looks like the female squad member has the best Chakra control.”
“Delicate little girls don’t belong here. Go home and play with your dolls.”
All of the above before the Chunin exams.
Haku is the only character throughout the seven hundred episodes who breaks this rule and exhibits non-binary characteristics. He is a boy, and he doesn’t struggle with his fluid gender identity.
He is portrayed comfortably in traditional Japanese male and female clothing. His long, feminine hair remains in a bun on the battlefield and is let loose when digging for herbs. He is also the first character to have painted nails, an attribute shared by Akatsuki.
Haku’s character design seamlessly blends traditionally masculine and feminine physical characteristics.
Being innocent and clever simultaneously
In the Land of Waves, on the partially built bridge, later named after Naruto, Haku was leagues ahead of Kakashi’s team and could have easily ended the battle and won.
But Haku’s nature was the opposite of what he was trained to become. A fine shinobi, by all standards, Haku operated to harm but not to kill, sparing Sasuke’s and Naruto’s life.
His childhood portrays him as a curious child who was joyful at the discovery of his Kekki Genkai which also led to morbid deaths in an attempt to save himself. Haku’s life was a paradox.
Before their final battle with Team 7, Zabuza acknowledges Haku’s innocence and cleverness as the reason why he kept him around, and he was glad to know what his master thought of him.
A tool and a companion
Haku’s turbulent past, the loss of his parents, and his childhood rendered him purposeless. Zabuza saved Haku and gave him a purpose—being a tool to Zabuza without expecting warmth, companionship, or friendship. He was to live as a tool and die as one.
Haku was lonely, and although Zabuza denied him his friendship, they shared an emotionally complicated companionship. However, in his final moments, Zabuza finally acknowledges his warm and friendly feelings towards Haku as they depart for the afterlife.
Haku dedicated his life to Zabuza, expecting nothing in return, and stayed as pure as snow till the very end of his life.
Dance of ice and snow
Born in a quaint snowy village in the Land of Water, Haku was unaware of the untapped potential inside him; his Kekki Genkai of Ice Release, a sharp contradiction to his inherent compassion.
It’s noteworthy how we, as viewers and readers, interpret the different meanings of water forms. While soft snowfall is picturesque, ice shards, at their sharpest are untraceable weapons.
Haku’s existence commanded both, his tears as pure as snow, his skills as cold and deadly as ice.
Final Thoughts
The unsolicited adventure and battle with Zabuza Momochi and Haku was a catalyst for growth for Team 7.
While Sasuke unlocked his Sharingan, Naruto unknowingly released Kurama’s Chakra. Sakura, relatively undeveloped compared to the rest of her teammates, questions her skill sets to do better.
Later, in the Fourth Shinobi World War, Kakashi finishes his pending job of resending Zazuka to the afterlife.
It’s fascinating to ponder how the duo would have evolved their skill sets if they had escaped their depths and become Akatsuki members.
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