Ultimate Ranking: Naruto's Unbreakable Bonds with His Best Friends

Starting with a difficult childhood and a lack of love and friendship, Naruto transformed into someone who was able to form strong connections with others. Despite the challenges he faced, it was the friendships he developed along the way that shaped him into the embodiment of peace in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.

It is important to note that characters like Jiraiya and Iruka, who had more paternal relationships with Naruto, as well as Hinata, whose affection for him was always romantic, are not included in this list. However, this does not diminish their significance in Naruto's personal growth or the bonds they share. Instead, they are considered more like family to Naruto.

There are spoilers for both Naruto and Boruto ahead, so readers should proceed with caution.

11 Rock Lee

During the Chunin Exam arc in Naruto, Rock Lee encounters Naruto for the first time. Their initial encounter does not go smoothly, much like many others on this list. Naruto is caught off guard by Rock Lee's explosive taijutsu, leaving him unconscious while Rock Lee confronts Sasuke.

However, upon their acquaintance, they discover a striking resemblance in their values and develop a deep admiration for each other. An unforgettable moment transpires when, despite being freshly discharged from the hospital, Rock is compelled to aid Naruto in his battle against Kimimaro during the Sasuke Retrieval arc. While their bond may not rival that of his closest companions, Rock Lee and Naruto share an inherent connection, and Naruto gains invaluable insights from Rock's unwavering work ethic.

10 Sai

Upon Sai's initial inclusion in team seven, Naruto holds strong animosity towards him. Naruto struggles to accept Sai as a substitute for Sasuke, and frequently succumbs to the impact of Sai's peculiar demeanor. However, as Sai undergoes a transformation in his behavior and opts to protect team seven during an unexpected assault by Kabuto, Naruto begins to view Sai as a trusted ally.

9 Teuchi

Eventually, the duo develops a strong bond and Sai becomes a devoted companion to Naruto throughout his intensive training phase in Naruto Shippuden. Naruto imparts valuable lessons about the significance of friendship, and in return, Sai proves to be a reliable and supportive friend as they journey into adulthood together.

8

Ichiraku Ramen, owned by Teuchi, serves as Naruto's beloved eatery, a cherished spot he has frequented since childhood. Although Teuchi may not hold a prominent status within the franchise or participate in significant plot developments, he consistently provides solace and sustenance to Naruto whenever the young ninja requires respite from intensive training or returns from arduous missions.

Starting off as one of the scant sources of solace during Naruto's childhood, Teuchi went above and beyond by nourishing Naruto and treating him with genuine respect, setting him apart from the majority in Konoha during that period. Fast forward to Naruto's adulthood, and he is granted a lifetime supply of complimentary ramen, thanks to Teuchi's unwavering support.

7 Killer Bee

Naruto's encounter with Killer Bee marks the first time he connects with a jinchuriki who shares a positive bond with their tailed beast. This proves to be immensely beneficial for Naruto, considering the challenges he has faced with his own tailed beast since childhood. Training alongside Killer Bee, Naruto gains valuable insights about himself and discovers an untapped well of power, unlike anything he has ever experienced before.

6 Gaara

Naruto and Killer Bee form a formidable team, their bond forged through shared adventures, rigorous training, and profound understanding of each other's struggles. Despite the significant age gap, they recognize that being jinchuriki connects them beyond mere years, fostering a deep and enduring friendship.

In a state of profound darkness, Naruto encounters Gaara. Gaara carries the weight of the One Tail's power, burdened by the curse of a jinchuriki unlike any other. Throughout the Chunin Exams arc and Orochimaru's assault on the Hidden Leaf, Naruto demonstrates to Gaara that he is not alone in his struggle. This sparks a deep connection between the two, leading to an unexpected friendship.

Gaara is among the initial individuals profoundly influenced by Naruto's unwavering determination and love. As a result, they consistently support and assist each other throughout the series. Beyond being friends and allies, they possess a profound mutual respect that propels them forward in both combat and life.

5 Sasuke

Despite being considered Naruto's closest companion, Sasuke's recurring role as the story's adversary makes it difficult to label him as the foremost. As Naruto himself affirms, Sasuke is the sole individual who truly perceives and validates his existence, prompting Naruto's unwavering commitment to rescuing Sasuke from his vengeful aspirations and the ominous path he treads.

4 Konohamaru

To be truthful, Sasuke proves himself to be a detrimental friend to Naruto, inflicting both physical and emotional harm on countless occasions. Nevertheless, upon returning to the Leaf village, Sasuke displays unwavering loyalty towards Naruto, joining forces to safeguard the village from future threats. In the course of Naruto Shippuden and Boruto, Sasuke actively seeks redemption for his previous treachery, thereby deserving a higher accolade.

Konohamaru, shown below, is introduced as one of Naruto's earliest admirers. Their encounter takes place in the second episode of Naruto, where they quickly form a strong bond. Konohamaru greatly looks up to Naruto, who in turn instructs him on various jutsus throughout the series. Despite their initial dynamic resembling that of siblings, their relationship evolves into a profound friendship rooted in unwavering loyalty.

By the time they are adults, Konohamaru is Boruto's sensei and a close family friend to the Uzumaki's.

3 Shikamaru

Initially, Shikamaru viewed Naruto as a troublemaker. However, his perception transformed as he witnessed Naruto's growth after their graduation from the ninja academy. During the Chunin Exams arc, Shikamaru recognized something special in Naruto that others couldn't yet comprehend. In the Sasuke Retrieval arc, Shikamaru trusted Naruto to confront their most formidable adversary. Yet, their true friendship blossomed towards the end of Naruto Shippuden and at the beginning of Boruto.

2 Sakura

In Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Shikamaru assumes the important role of being Naruto's trusted confidant and chief strategist, while Sasuke undertakes missions outside of Konoha. As the Hokage, Naruto heavily relies on Shikamaru not only for professional assistance but also for emotional support, strengthening their bond like never before.

Naruto and Sakura's relationship wasn't always just platonic for Naruto, as he harbored strong feelings for her throughout the series. However, Naruto was aware of Sakura's feelings for Sasuke and respected them, eventually moving on and falling in love with Hinata. Sakura was aware of Naruto's crush but rarely manipulated the situation, maintaining a friendly dynamic between them.

1 Kurama

Around the halfway mark of Naruto Shippuden, Sakura's role shifted from being merely a teammate and comrade to becoming a truly exceptional friend for Naruto. They bonded over the heartache caused by Sasuke's betrayal, with Sakura providing unwavering support for Naruto during his training and standing up for him against those who still doubted his worth.

In good times and bad, Kurama stood by Naruto as his most loyal companion. Their connection was unique, known only to fellow jinchuriki and their tailed beasts who were fortunate enough to form a deep bond, much like Killer Bee and his own tailed beast, as well as Naruto and Kurama. They were comrades in arms, true friends, and each other's trusted confidants.

When Kurama initially opposes Naruto, their relationship takes a significant turn as they forge an unbreakable alliance. Their connection becomes remarkably profound, with Naruto engaging in internal dialogues with Kurama. The presence of Naruto greatly enhances Kurama's physical and emotional strength, while Kurama's presence similarly fortifies Naruto. As a united force, they become invincible.