Summary
Narutois a popular anime that needs no introduction. Fans fell in love with the series from the moment the main character mastered the Shadow Clone Jutsu. Since this defining moment, Naruto has only gotten stronger and eventually rose to the rank of Hokage.
As important as the eponymous character’s story may be, his rival’s presence in the show is just as riveting. Sasuke’s descent into hatred sees him clash with his rival numerous times before he eventually acknowledges this stubborn protagonist as his friend.
1Both Characters Push Each Other To Get Stronger
Their Strength Turns Them Into Two Of The Strongest Leaf Shinobi Of All Time
Naruto sawhow gifted Sasuke was in the Ninja Academyand swore to reach the same heights through sheer hard work. When he shows off the fruits of his training against Gaara, Sasuke is left in awe as he becomes jealous of Naruto’s progress.
This moment is what convinces Sasuke to leave the Leaf Village and study under Orochimaru. It’s not the first time that the two have willed each other to be stronger, and it certainly won’t be the last.
2Sasuke Was Able To Overcome His Loneliness Because Of Naruto
Sasuke had lost everything he held dear in life after Itachi’s massacre. He sank into the depths of loneliness and found himself unable to get out of the darkness that had enveloped him.
While most of the Leaf shinobi had given up on him, the one person whoconstantly believed that Sasuke could change was Naruto. His stubbornness was infectious, and Sasuke couldn’t help but acknowledge his closest friend at the end of a battle for the ages.
3The Friends Are Deeply Loyal To Each Other
After They Settle Their Differences, The Bond Between Naruto And Sasuke Runs Thicker Than Ever
After their final battle, Sasuke is brought to tears by Naruto’s unconditional friendship. His belief that every bond could be broken was shattered by Naruto in an emotional scene that moved him to tears as he finally admits defeat.
He wanted to die and not be a burden to anyone, but Naruto stops him and tells him to help him bring peace to the ninja world. This cements their bond even further, with the two friends being deeply loyal to each other ever since.
4Their Teamwork Is In A Class Of Its Own
Even After Being Separated For Years, Their Attacks Combine Perfectly During The War
Sakura saw firsthand what Naruto and Sasuke could achieve when they finally put aside their differences and worked together. Despite being away from each other for years,their attacks merged with ease as they took on both Obito and Madara.
Their teamwork could be seen in the battle against Momoshiki once again, which featured a callback to the first time Naruto and Sasuke combined their powers against Zabuza. It was a tear-inducing moment for fans who’ve been on an epic journey with the two ninja and love to see them working harmoniously against powerful foes time and time again.
5Their Rivalry Leads To Some Of The Best Fights In The Series
The Two Fights In The Valley Of The End Are Legendary For Obvious Reasons
Narutois a battle shonen series first and foremost, and the fights between powerful ninja will always be a major focus of the series. This is why fans love it whenever the two main characters of the series clash in earth-shattering battles, with emotions running at an all-time high during these encounters.
Naruto lost the first battle, but he managed to secure a moral victory at the end of an incredible rematch that saw Sasuke finally acknowledge his friend. Both battles show Naruto at its very best and prove why fans love this rivalry to bits.
6The Leaf Village Became Stronger When They Started Collaborating
Ushered In A New Age Of Peace And Prosperity
After Naruto managed to convince Sasuke to work with him to preserve peace in the village, Konoha reached new heights of prosperity. Naruto ascended to the position of Hokage and was hard at work trying to help the village become stronger than ever, even if he had to put his responsibilities as a father on the back burner.
Meanwhile, Sasuke operated from the shadows and gathered valuable intel for Konoha. The combined efforts of both ninja ensured that Konoha enjoyed major technological advancements during a time of peace, even if the events ofBorutowould shatter all of their hard work to bits.
7Naruto Considered Himself Worthy Of Becoming Hokage After Saving Sasuke
The Protagonist Couldn’t Fulfil His Dreams Until He Saved Sasuke
Naruto was dead set on his plans to become the Hokage. However, after he failed to convince Sasuke to give up his dark path, he refused to delude himself into thinking that he could lead a village when he didn’t have the power to sway the mindset of his best friend.
He focused on getting stronger and never lost faith in Sasuke, eventually convincing him to come back to the Leaf. This was a major moment for his character, since now he could focus on rising through the ranks and becoming the Hokage.
8Their Friendship Broke Into The Mainstream And Became Iconic
A Huge Part Of What Made Naruto So Popular Was This Tumultuous Friendship
Narutois a series that broke into the mainstream and became one of the most iconic anime of all time. A huge part of this was the rivalry between Sasuke and Naruto, which was so popular that it became an integral part of pop culture.
The constant back and forth as the two friends yelled each other’s names before clashing became a meme that further enhances the series' popularity. This is just a small example of the hold Naruto had on the cultural zeitgeist back in the day.
