The ongoing Naruto worldwide character popularity poll recently released its midterm results, revealing the top 50 rankings based on fan votes so far.
While fan-favorites Minato Namikaze and Itachi Uchiha held onto the number one and two spots respectively, Sakura Haruno surprisingly overtook both Naruto and Sasuke to reach number three.
In addition to the overall rankings, the polls also show each character’s popularity by region around the world. This allows fans to see which characters resonate more in different parts of the globe as voting continues.
With voting open until January 31st, there is still time for rankings to shift in the final results.
#NARUTOP99 Midterm Report!!!
Announcing the characters currently in the top 50!
Did your favorite make the list?Voting is open until 1/31 (JST)!
Your votes can still change the outcome!↓https://t.co/zhrOU0xaCF pic.twitter.com/yBGLyfizqn— NARUTO OFFICIAL (@NARUTO_info_en) January 13, 2023
However, there have been concerning reports that Sakura’s abrupt jump to number three may have been influenced by fans of another major anime franchise, One Piece.
Allegations claim members of the One Piece fandom coordinated efforts to manipulate the Naruto poll results in Sakura’s favor. Though details remain unclear, some believe this was done intentionally to create controversy and call into question the integrity of the poll.
Authenticity Behind Sakura Haruno’s Surprising Naruto Popularity Poll Ranking
The One Piece fans interfered, and they just might have significantly influenced Sakura Haruno’s high 3rd-place ranking in the Naruto poll. I actively participate in One Piece fan communities.
While some don’t believe they care enough about another series’ contest to coordinate manipulation, there are also One Piece meme communities, and one such community has contributed to this; although not massive it has a significant impact.
As stated earlier, a couple of One Piece meme communities voted sporadically, which sparked overblown accusations. But overall, One Piece readers probably aren’t invested enough to make a consistent impact.
Sakura secured 3rd place decisively, over 210,000 votes beyond the 4th place character. With nearly half a million votes herself, it seems aside from One Piece fans, Naruto fans have also genuinely supported Sakura.
Sakura was likely placed based on the passion of real Naruto devotees rather than any external anime fandom plotting.
The fanbase is split; some say One Piece fans helped, other don’t think so.
Sakura legitimately earned her 3rd place spot with a little bit of help from One Piece fans. She had over double the votes of 5th place and almost double 4th place – much more than any interference could realistically achieve.
What people on Reddit are saying:
While possessing a considerable following, Sakura likely benefited from her fans’ consistency and organization alongside manga readers less familiar with the anime casting nominal votes her way.
One Piece supporters may have played a mid-role, but likely not a substantial one given the dedication involved.
Why Some Fans Hate Sakura?
Many fans take issue with various insensitive or shallow behaviors Sakura exhibited early on. She ended her meaningful friendship with Ino over a boy, despite Ino’s willingness to step aside.
This seemed callous, given Ino had protected Sakura from bullies. Sasuke was also the reason she regularly belittled and physically struck Naruto, someone with no family bonds of his own.
Though mothers may show tough affection, Sakura lacked that maternal tie yet still fawn over Sasuke after attacking Naruto.
Additional moments paint Sakura as ungrateful, oblivious, or self-centered. When Naruto saved her life, she thanked Sasuke instead due to stubborn assumptions.
She made crass remarks about Naruto’s orphan status despite Sasuke facing the same hardship. Sakura also complained about her comparatively trivial family issues around a parentless Naruto and then expected more sympathy from an equally orphaned Sasuke.
Critics also reference Sakura’s shallowness regarding others’ looks and feelings. She scorned Lee’s appearance and confession despite his later heroism. Her singular obsession with Sasuke persisted without deeper reasoning or awareness of his defects.
This included a willingness to abandon all for him, absent a wider perspective.
