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While Naruto doesn’t center on the power of friendship as its overall theme, it still emphasizes the importance of building relationships and strengthening bonds. With over 700 episodes, the series introduced countless characters, many of whom became beloved by fans. Interestingly, some characters stood out not because of their power or individuality, but because of the connections they formed with others. These friendships resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing how bonds can drive emotional and narrative depth.
Although Naruto Uzumaki is the titular protagonist, he wasn’t always the central figure in the series’ most impactful friendships. In fact, several other relationships helped carry the story forward in unique and positive ways. These bonds not only defined the characters but also highlighted the series' ability to celebrate the significance of meaningful friendships.
10 Tsunade Senju and Jiraiya
A Deep Bond Formed Beyond Regrets, Struggles, and Triumph
Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru, Naruto's Legendary Sannin, could have had a story as beautiful as Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke if Orochimaru hadn’t strayed too far into darkness. With regrets over how their trio ended, Jiraiya and Tsunade held on to their bond and continued to hope for their friend’s redemption and the future of the shinobi world.\
Their friendship proved that bonds tested by time and loss can still thrive through mutual respect.
Some might say Jiraiya’s unrequited feelings for Tsunade tainted their friendship. However, he knew his boundaries and stood beside her when she needed him most, especially when she decided to become Hokage. Jiraiya’s quirks and jokes, like his comments about Tsunade’s chest, hid the respect he deeply held for her. Even as adults, they balanced silliness with reliability, and their final moments together were heartfelt, showing how their friendship endured despite everything.
9 Naruto Uzumaki and Karuma
The Friendship That Made Peace Among Shinobi Possible
If not for their friendship, the shinobi world’s future would have been uncertain and chaotic. Naruto and Kurama's bond surpassed everyone’s expectations. Kurama, who never showed kindness to any jinchuriki before, carried deep resentment due to how he was treated. Shinobi, like Madara Uchiha, exploited him as a weapon of destruction, causing death and fear to follow in his wake.
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Naruto and Kurama didn’t start as allies, but as their trust grew, so did Naruto’s mastery over Kurama’s immense chakra. Their bond became a cornerstone of the peace achieved against Kaguya Otsutsuki during the Fourth Great Ninja War. This duo’s connection proved that even the deepest hatred could be transformed through trust and understanding—a legacy of strength and friendship that continues to resonate in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and has even been passed on to the next generation as Naruto's daughter Himawari is now bonded with Kurama.
8 Killer Bee and Gyuki (Eight-Tails)
The Coolest Jinchuriki and Tailed-Beast Duo
They may not be among the main characters in the series, but when Killer Bee and Gyūki were introduced, they instantly entertained fans. Unlike Naruto and Kurama, whose relationship was fraught with conflict at the start, Killer Bee and Gyūki’s bond showed that a jinchuriki and their tailed beast could work in perfect harmony. Bee didn’t face the same struggles as Naruto in mastering his tailed beast’s power.
His upbeat and positive nature positively influenced Gyūki, as Bee never treated him as a tool or burden. Instead, Bee viewed Gyūki as an equal and a friend who eventually became his closest companion. Their shared love for rapping and coolness added humor, but it’s the deep trust between them that makes their relationship special. This bond is why Bee is one of the strongest shinobi, and Gyūki one of the most beloved tailed beasts.
7 Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka
The Closest Kunoichis in the Series
Sakura and Ino’s friendship began long before their rivalry over Sasuke Uchiha. When Sakura felt insecure about her forehead, Ino gave her a ribbon that helped her embrace her features, sparking a close bond. However, their relationship fractured when they both vied for Sasuke’s attention, turning friends into rivals. Despite this, their shared history—rooted in their feelings for the same man—hinted at a connection deeper than competition.
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As they matured, Sakura and Ino reconciled, realizing their bond was stronger than their rivalry. Their feelings for Sasuke no longer came between them, and both reached a happy ending on their own, with Sakura ending up with Sasuke and Ino with Sai, each fully supporting the other's happiness. Now, as mothers in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, their connection is deeper than ever, showcasing an inspiring friendship built on shared history, mutual support, and growth—one of the closest bonds among the girls in the series.
6 Nagato Uzumaki, Yahiko and Konan
The Trio Behind the Infamous Akatsuki
Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan could have become a team similar to Team 7 if they had not fallen victim to the cruelty and vile schemes of other shinobi, such as Danzo. They founded the infamous Akatsuki, but not with the purpose it ultimately served. As orphans during the Second Shinobi World War, they dreamed of ending the cycle of hatred and violence in the Hidden Rain Village. This led them to create the Akatsuki, originally a non-violent group dedicated to peace.
Though not related by blood, they were family to one another. Despite the injustices they went through, their shared goal of a peaceful future strengthened their bond. Even after Yahiko’s death, Konan and Nagato’s friendship endured. While their methods changed, their hearts remained tied to the peace they had envisioned as children. Though they might not have been the Akatsuki's most powerful members, their friendship helped them create a dominant force that threatened to destabilize the entire world.
5 Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha
From Toxic Rivalry to Legendary Brotherhood
Sasuke and Naruto’s early relationship in the series was far from perfect. Both struggled as kids, shaping their contrasting perspectives on life. While they crossed paths as children, their real connection began when they joined Team 7. They shared moments of fun and camaraderie, showing the potential to grow closer as friends. However, their differing goals and ways of achieving them caused their friendship to fall apart.
Despite their toxic history, Naruto and Sasuke’s trust never faltered, making them understand each other’s thoughts like no one else.
Naruto's determination to bring Sasuke back and renew their bond became one of the series' main plots, driving it to its fulfilling ending. Their friendship, despite its toxic elements, reflects real relationships with flaws. Naruto and Sasuke's rivalry and bond pushed them to surpass their limits. Now, as the Seventh Hokage and Shadow Hokage, their relationship couldn’t be stronger. Naruto even declared Sasuke as a brother during his interaction with Itachi, emphasizing their deep connection.
4 Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi
The Best Trio Team of their Generation
Some fans may argue that Team 7 is the best trio, but Ino-Shika-Cho's teamwork says otherwise. While Team 7 is undoubtedly strong, no team can defeat Ino-Shika-Cho when it comes to incredible cooperation. Shikamaru and Choji are each other’s best friends. In fact, if there’s a type of friendship that proves what true friendship really is, it’s theirs. However, their friendship takes on another level when Ino comes in.
Their bond is like their jutsus, passed down from their parents who also shared the same bond. The strong generational bond they have strengthens their friendship. It’s not only their abilities that complement each other, but also their personalities. Shikamaru and Choji protect and care for Ino like a biological sister, and Ino protects them like her brothers. In Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, their friendship remains intact, and their kids get to continue another anticipated version of Ino-Shika-Cho.
3 Sakura Haruno and Naruto Uzumaki
Another Admired Platonic Relationship
Labeled as toxic due to Sakura's occasional "physical abuse" of Naruto, some fans aren’t fond of their friendship. However, if there’s an alternate version of Jiraiya and Tsunade’s relationship, it’s the bond between Sakura and Naruto. Initially, Sakura wasn’t fond of Naruto because her attention was focused on Sasuke, while Naruto had unrequited feelings for her. This created a barrier between them, but as they grew older and spent more time together, especially after Sasuke’s departure, their connection strengthened. The result is that Sakura became one of Naruto's best friends.
Sakura has always supported Naruto, trusting in his potential to save the shinobi world. His dedication to becoming Hokage helped change her perspective, and as she matured, she began to see him in a new light. Naruto and Sakura share an unconditional friendship. Although Naruto once had feelings for her, like his master Jiraiya for Tsunade, he eventually realized that their bond was purely platonic. They became each other’s biggest supporters, with Sakura even helping Naruto and Hinata's relationship grow stronger.
2 Kakashi Hatake and Might Guy
A Playful but Respectful Rivalry
Kakashi never had any intention of forming relationships with others, as he was reserved and often isolated himself from other kids. However, Might Guy's passionate drive to become a better shinobi made him choose Kakashi as his rival, given that Kakashi was known as the best student of their generation's academy. These two didn’t have an ideal friendship or relationship as kids because Kakashi was in a different team with Obito Uchiha, Rin Nohara, and Minato Namikaze as their sensei.
Even after losing his best friend, Obito Uchiha, Kakashi found a new friend in Guy, who saved him from isolating himself again.
One could say that if Guy had stopped proving himself to Kakashi, their friendship would have ended or never even started. After the tragedies involving Rin, Obito, and the loss of his father and master, Kakashi built a wall against others. Guy consistently broke that wall with his support, contrasting Kakashi’s cold demeanor with his enthusiastic personality. Their rivalry, though playful, with Guy challenging Kakashi with childish contests, made their friendship one of the series' best.
1 Gaara and Naruto Uzumaki
The Friendship That Shaped Their Leadership
Naruto and Gaara's friendship is probably one of the most unexpected relationships in the series, considering how it all started. Both are jinchuriki who longed for love and acceptance, but their views on life were vastly different. Unlike Naruto, Gaara knew how to use his power from a young age, becoming someone to be feared. However, his complex personality made him far from kind. Fortunately, after their duel, Gaara began to understand that they shared similar pain.
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Because of Naruto, Gaara was able to open up and trust others, which eventually helped him become his village's trusted leader. Had he not accepted Naruto's friendship, Gaara might have fallen down the same path as Sasuke. This bond kept Gaara from becoming vengeful or isolated. Today, their friendship goes beyond that of a duo—it has evolved into a strong, mutual respect between two reliable leaders of their villages.
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Naruto
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.
First Episode Air Date October 3, 2002
Cast Junko Takeuchi , Maile Flanagan , Noriaki Sugiyama , Chie Nakamura , Kazuhiko Inoue , Nana Mizuki , Hideo Ishikawa , Yûko Sanpei
Character(s) Naruto Uzumaki , Sasuke Uchiha , Sakura Haruno , Kakashi Hatake , Itachi Uchiha , Hinata Hyuga , Gaara , Jiraiya , Tsunade , Orochimaru
English (US) ·