While naruto does not focus on the power of friendship as a general theme, but still emphasizes the importance of building relationships and strengthening bonds. With more than 700 episodes, the series introduced countless characters, many of which became beloved by fans. Interestingly, some characters stood out not for their power or individuality, but for the connections they formed with others. These friendships resonated deeply with audiences, showing how bonds can generate emotional and narrative depth.
Although Naruto Uzumaki is the titular protagonist, he hasn't always been the central figure in the series' most impactful friendships. In truth, several other relationships helped move the story forward in unique and positive ways. These bonds not only defined the characters, but also highlighted the series' ability to celebrate the meaning of meaningful friendships.
10
Tsunade Senju and Jiraiya
A deep bond formed beyond regrets, struggles and triumphs
Tsunade, Jiraiya and Orochimaru, naruto The legendary Sannin could have had as beautiful a story as Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke if Orochimaru hadn't gotten too lost in the darkness. Regretting the way the trio ended, Jiraiya and Tsunade maintained 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 that Jiraiya's unrequited feelings for Tsunade tainted their friendship. However, he knew his limits and stood by her when she needed him most, especially when she decided to become Hokage. Jiraiya's quirks and jokes, as well as his comments about Tsunade's chest, hid the deep respect he had for her. Even as adults, they balanced silliness with reliabilityand their final moments together were emotional, showing how their friendship endured despite everything.
9
Naruto Uzumaki and Karuma
The friendship that made peace between shinobi possible
If it weren't for their friendship, the future of the shinobi world would have been uncertain and chaotic. Naruto and Kurama's bond exceeded everyone's expectations. Kurama, who had never shown kindness to any jinchuriki before, carried deep resentment for the way he was treated. Shinobi, like Madara Uchiha, exploited it as a weapon of destruction, causing death and fear in their wake.
Naruto and Kurama did not start out as allies, but as their trust grew, so did Naruto's mastery over Kurama's immense chakra. Their bond became the cornerstone of the peace achieved against Kaguya Otsutsuki during the Fourth Great Ninja War. This duo's bond proved that even the deepest hatred can be transformed through trust and understanding – a legacy of strength and friendship that continues to resonate throughout Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and has even been passed down to the next generation, as Naruto's daughter Himawari is now bonded to Kurama.
8
Killer Bee and Gyuki (Eight-Tails)
The coolest duo of Jinchuriki and Tailed Beast
They may not be among the main characters in the series, but when Killer Bee and Gyūki were introduced, they entertained fans instantly. Unlike Naruto and Kurama, whose relationship was fraught with conflict at first, Killer Bee and Gyūki's bond showed that a Jinchuriki and their Tailed Beast could work in perfect harmony. Bee did not face the same struggles as Naruto to master his tailed beast's power.
His optimistic and positive nature positively influenced Gyūkias Bee never treated him like a tool or burden. Instead, Bee viewed Gyūki as an equal and a friend who eventually became his closest companion. Their shared love of rap 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 is 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 hug her features, creating a close bond. However, their relationship fractured when they both competed for Sasuke's attention, turning friends into rivals. Despite this, their shared history – rooted in their feelings for the same man – suggested a connection deeper than competition.
As they matured, Sakura and Ino reconciled, realizing that their bond was stronger than their rivalry. Their feelings for Sasuke were no longer between themand they both came to 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 a shared history, mutual support, and growth – one of the closest bonds between 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 hadn't fallen victim to the cruelty and vile schemes of other shinobi such as Danzo. They founded the infamous Akatsuki, but not for the purpose it served. As orphans during the Second Shinobi World War, they dreamed of ending the cycle of hatred and violence in the Village Hidden in the Rain. This led them to create Akatsuki, originally a non-violent group dedicated to peace.
Although they were not related by blood, they were family to each other.A. Despite the injustices they experienced, the common goal of a peaceful future strengthened the bond between them. Even after Yahiko's death, Konan and Nagato's friendship endured. Although their methods changed, their hearts remained tied to the peace they imagined as children. Although they may not have been the most powerful members of Akatsuki, 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 initial relationship in the series was far from perfect. They both struggled as children, shaping their contrasting perspectives on life. Although they crossed paths as children, their true connection began when they joined Team 7. They shared moments of fun and camaraderie, showing the potential to grow closer as friends. However, their different goals and ways of achieving them caused their friendship to fall apart.
Despite their toxic history, Naruto and Sasuke's trust never wavered, 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 main plots of the series, leading it to its rewarding ending. Their friendship, despite its toxic elements, reflects real flawed relationships. Naruto and Sasuke's rivalry and bond pushed them to surpass their limits. Now, as the Seventh Hokage and the Shadow Hokage, their relationship couldn't be stronger. Naruto even declared Sasuke as his brother during his interaction with Itachi, emphasizing their deep connection.
4
Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi
The best trio of its generation
Some fans might argue that Team 7 is the best trio, but Ino-Shika-Cho's teamwork says otherwise. Although Team 7 is undoubtedly strong, no team can beat Ino-Shika-Cho when it comes to incredible cooperation. Shikamaru and Choji are each other's best friends. In fact, if there is one type of friendship that proves what true friendship really is, it's theirs. However, their friendship takes on another level when Ino arrives.
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 just their skills 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 Generationstheir friendship remains intact and their children continue another early 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" towards Naruto, some fans dislike their friendship. However, if there is an alternative version of Jiraiya and Tsunade's relationship, it is the bond between Sakura and Naruto. Initially, Sakura disliked Naruto because her attention was focused on Sasuke, while Naruto had unrequited feelings for her. This drove a wedge between them, but as they grew up and spent more time together, especially after Sasuke left, their connection grew stronger. 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 already 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 supporterswith Sakura even helping Naruto and Hinata's relationship grow stronger.
2
Kakashi Hatake and Might Guy
A fun but respectful rivalry
Kakashi never had any intention of interacting with other people, as he was reserved and often isolated himself from other children. However, Might Guy's passionate desire to become a better shinobi made him choose Kakashi as his rival, as Kakashi was known as the best academy student of his generation. These two didn't have an ideal friendship or relationship as children because Kakashi was on a different team with Obito Uchiha, Rin Nohara, and Minato Namikaze as his sensei.
Even after losing his best friend, Obito Uchiha, Kakashi found a new friend in Guy, who saved him from isolating himself again.
It can be said that if Guy had stopped proving his worth to Kakashi, their friendship would have ended or never begun. 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 supportcontrasting Kakashi's cold demeanor with his enthusiastic personality. Their rivalry, while playful, with Guy challenging Kakashi with childish competitions, made their friendship one of the best in the series.
1
Gaara and Naruto Uzumaki
The friendship that shaped his leadership
Naruto and Gaara's friendship is probably one of the most unexpected relationships in the series, considering how it all started. They are both jinchuriki who longed for love and acceptance, but their views on life were very different. Unlike Naruto, Gaara knew how to use his power from a very young age, becoming someone to be feared. However, his complex personality left him far from kind. Fortunately, after the duel, Gaara began to understand that they shared a similar pain.
Because of Naruto, Gaara was able to open up and trust others, which eventually helped him become the trusted leader of his village. If he hadn't accepted Naruto's friendship, Gaara might have followed the same path as Sasuke. This bond prevented Gaara from becoming vengeful or isolated. Today, their friendship goes beyond being a duo—evolved into a strong mutual respect between two trusted leaders of their villages.