Naruto is often jokingly referred to as “the anime about the power of friendship”, and although said in jest, this is not too far off. It follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja born in the Village Hidden in the Leaves, who dreams of becoming Hokage.

Throughout his journey, he discovers power in those around him, including mentors like Kakashi, Jiraiya, and even Might Guy, as well as former rivals like Gaara and Rock Lee. Despite being in Team 7 with Sakura, it's Naruto's friendship with Sasuke that drives much of the series, even though Sasuke often fails to reciprocate, making him a questionable friend.

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The Evolution of Sasuke and Naruto’s Friendship

From their early days at the academy to their journeys as members of Team 7 and beyond, their relationship undergoes significant transformations throughout the Naruto series.

At the Academy

Sasuke and Naruto start their journey at the academy, where Naruto desires acceptance, especially from Sakura, and sees Sasuke as competition for her attention. While Naruto faces ostracism as the host of the Nine-Tailed Beast, Sasuke, being a survivor of the Uchiha clan, is respected among his peers. Naruto's yearning for acceptance drives his rivalry with Sasuke, whereas Sasuke, burdened by his clan's tragedy, seeks strength and vengeance.

Team 7

After graduation, Sasuke and Naruto, alongside Sakura, join Team 7, led by Kakashi Hatake, embarking on missions together. During this time, Naruto and Sasuke form a tight bond, despite Sasuke initially outmatching Naruto in skills. However, Naruto's determination enables him to catch up, fostering mutual growth. Their friendship becomes strained due to their contrasting goals: Naruto's aspiration to become Hokage and protect others clashes with Sasuke's desire for vengeance against his brother, Itachi, the perpetrator of his clan's massacre.

Sasuke’s Departure

After Sasuke leaves the Village Hidden in the Leaves, Naruto trains tirelessly to bring him back, facing numerous challenges along the way, including encounters with the Akatsuki. Meanwhile, Sasuke delves deeper into darkness, aligning himself with Orochimaru and later, the Akatsuki, in his pursuit of power and vengeance against his brother. Their paths ultimately lead to a final confrontation during the Fourth Ninja War.

The Fourth Ninja War, Boruto and Beyond

Naruto and Sasuke face each other in a final showdown at the Final Valley, marking the conclusion of the Fourth Great Ninja War. After a fierce battle that nearly resulted in their deaths, they reconcile, and Sasuke returns to the village to undertake missions as a form of atonement. In Boruto, Sasuke is married to Sakura, while Naruto is married to Hinata. Sasuke mentors Naruto's son, Boruto, while Naruto mentors Sasuke's daughter, Sarada.

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Sasuke's Terrible Friendship: Betrayal, Violence, and Manipulation

Sasuke's relentless pursuit of power and vengeance led him down a path marked by betrayal, manipulation, and violence, tarnishing his role as a friend. From his ruthless quest for strength to his dangerous actions against Naruto and Sakura, Sasuke's descent into darkness ultimately defined him as a terrible friend.

Chasing Power and Betrayal

Sasuke's relentless pursuit of power led him down a dark path of betrayal, severing the bonds of trust with his closest friends. When Sasuke joined forces with Orochimaru to get revenge on his brother, Itachi, he abandoned Team 7 without warning, disregarding the deep camaraderie they had developed. His decision to leave the village shattered Naruto and Sakura's trust, leaving them feeling betrayed and abandoned. Sasuke's actions not only shocked his teammates, but also left Sakura physically incapacitated when he knocked her out to prevent her from interfering with his departure. This betrayal deepened the rift between Sasuke and his former teammates, highlighting his determination to pursue his own path at the expense of his friendships.

Attacking Naruto and Endangering Sakura

Sasuke's descent into darkness culminated in shocking acts of violence against his own friends. Sasuke's determination to sever ties with Naruto drove him to unleash lethal force. His attempt to kill Naruto not only endangered his friend's life but also shattered the trust between them. Additionally, Sasuke's disregard for Sakura's safety was evident when he directed his Chidori towards her during their confrontation, putting her life at risk. These actions underscored the depths of Sasuke's descent into darkness and the extent to which he was willing to go to achieve his goals.

Ignoring Naruto's Warnings and Rejecting Friendship

Despite Naruto's heartfelt efforts to reach out to him, Sasuke callously ignored his friend's warnings and pleas for reconciliation. Multiple times, Naruto implored Sasuke to end their feud and return home.However, Sasuke remained resolute in his pursuit of vengeance, rejecting Naruto's friendship and isolating himself further. His refusal to heed Naruto's words deepened the divide between them.

Manipulating Others and Prioritizing Revenge

Sasuke's relentless pursuit of revenge against Itachi led him to manipulate those around him, even his friends, to serve his own agenda. During a confrontation with Danzo, Sasuke exploited Sakura's emotions, further highlighting his disregard for her well-being and the depths of his manipulation. Despite Sakura being saved by Kakashi and Naruto, Sasuke's actions underscored his willingness to prioritize his vendetta over his relationships, regardless of the harm inflicted on those closest to him.

The Takeaway

Despite the challenges they faced, Naruto Uzamaki and Sasuke Uchiha ultimately remained friends. While Sasuke's absence from the village due to his missions creates physical distance, their connection endures through their involvement in each other's lives and families. Despite Sasuke's actions, including attempts on the lives of Naruto and Sakura and his pursuit of revenge and power, he finds redemption in the eyes of those who care for him.

While he may have faltered as a friend, his capacity for love and his willingness to make amends demonstrate his complex character. Despite his flaws, Sasuke's enduring affection for Naruto and his family underscores the depth of their connection, transcending past mistakes and paving the way for a brighter future.

Naruto is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Naruto

A popular shonen anime based on Masashi Kishimoto's manga, Naruto follows its eponymous shinobi's journey as he goes from his town's outsider to its hero.

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