Here’s how Orochimaru became a less threatening antagonist in Naruto.
Orochimaru, a very powerful character in the Naruto world was quite impressive. Orochimaru, a villain was introduced very early in the series during the Chunin exam arc. To be a Shinobi with greater strength, he participated in the exams.
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Orochimaru, at the time of his introduction, was the most powerful villain in the series. His presence was intimidating and even the Hokage was wary. Orochimaru at his best would have been unstoppable in the Naruto Series. As the story moved on, however, things changed and Orochimaru became an irrelevant character.
Orochimaru Rises To Power
Orochimaru was born a genius. at six years old, he was already a Chunin in Konohagakure. He had also learned several jutsu. His parents died young and his only goal in life was to understand the meaning of life. This led him eventually to seek immortality. Orochimaru, the most skilled ninja in his village, was highly respected and won the respect of Hiruzen Srutobi, who considers him his favorite student. Orochimaru became an immortal and a Jonin with time.
He was also a man with a bent mind and would do whatever it took to realize his dream. Orochimaru was a Legendary Sannin in his village and fought in Second Great Ninja War. Orochimaru, who was given legendary praise, quickly became a candidate for the position of Hokage. At this point, Orochimaru’s evil ways had escalated significantly. He would even kidnap people to experiment on them to attain immortality. He reached his peak as an acrobat and eventually fled the village.

Orochimaru Prime
Orochimaru was an extremely powerful Shinobi. Kakashi Haitake, a Shinobi capable of becoming the Hokage was paralyzed in fear by his presence. Orochimaru could master all five Nature Transformations from a young age. Orochimaru also learned many jutsu. Some of these are unique to him. Orochimaru, like Hiruzen Srutobi, knew most Jutsu in Konoha. His fighting prowess was so great that he could even kill Hiruzen Sarutobi’s Fourth Kazekage. He even clashed with Hiruzen Sarutobi evenly during Konoha Crush. Orochimaru’s illness meant that he could not fight as well as he wanted. Because of his sickening condition, he couldn’t use Sage Jutsu.
Orochimaru, having discovered Ryuchi cave, had also been able to learn Senjutsu. He didn’t get the body to do this. Instead, he founded the Cursed Seals. In his prime, he was a powerful fighter who could defeat the likes of Jiraiya and Kage-level Shinobi. Unfortunately, his body did not allow him to reach his greatest potential as a fighter.

Orochimaru’s Villain Fall
Orochimaru was one of the most captivating villains created by Kishimoto in early Naruto. His threatening aura was perhaps the most fascinating thing about him. Orochimaru, from the first Naruto until the time skip was one of the most villainous characters in the entire story. Orochimaru became less relevant as the story began to focus on the Uchiha clan’s tale of Indra, Ashura, and Indra. Orochimaru died very early in the second part of this story. This was a bit anticlimactic. Kabuto then took Orochimaru’s remains, and he became one of those who started the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Sasuke was the man who killed Orochimaru. Even though Orochimaru returned, it became clear that Sasuke had, with many other Shinobi, already outperformed him. His character was no more menacing, and he never received a proper arc after Konoha Crush to showcase his true talents. Worse, Orochimaru, despite his many wrongdoings was forgiven and allowed to form relationships with the Leaf Village. Much like other villains in this story, Orochimaru was made to be “good at hearts” and all of his potential as a great villain was destroyed.