One of Naruto's best traits is his ability to change the people around him. Whether it's with his determination and guts, or with his righteous actions, Naruto can win a crowd by just being his earnest self. This wasn't always the case however, as Naruto went years without love or acknowledgment from anyone. It wasn't until Iruka Sensei accepted him that he realized just how strong the power of love is.
Now Naruto uses his powers for good, and he has a long line of people he's helped change or move for the better under his belt. From childhood to adulthood, Naruto has influenced the people around him, in some cases even changing them from villain to hero.
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There are spoilers for Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations below, proceed with caution.
10 Konohamaru: What "Mature" Looks Like
Before meeting Naruto, Konohamaru was a bratty child that would try to surprise attack his grandfather, the third Hokage. He spent his time causing trouble for the adults in his life like Ebisu and Iruka, showing disrespect for everyone, with little care for anything.
In episode two of Naruto, Konohamaru tries to follow Naruto, and Naruto quickly catches on. This earns Konohamaru's respect for Naruto, and the two soon develop an older sibling, younger sibling, relationship. Throughout the show Naruto teaches him his trademark Sexy Jutsus, as well as the Rasengan and the Toad Summoning. This friendly mentorship changes Konohamaru in many ways, at first it simply gives him someone to look up to, but slowly it shapes him into the elite jonin he is in Boruto.
9 Neji: The Perfect Humbling
We are first introduced to Neji during the first chunin exams arc. He is considered one of the strongest genin, but he has an incredible chip on his shoulder about the dynamic of his home life, being from the branch family of the Hyuga Clan. Not knowing the truth of his father's death also contributed to his bad attitude, making him feel sorry for himself, accepting a fate he didn't need to.
When he and Naruto face off during the final round of the Chunin exams, Naruto wins despite Neji's superior technique. Naruto shows Neji that he can change his fate with enough guts and determination, ultimately changing Neji's perspective on life. Neji soon becomes a loyal friend and excellent leader to those around him, even befriending Hinata and training with her.
8 Gaara: Waking Up The Sand Demon
Gaara's character arc is one of the greatest of the entire franchise. He starts off as a cold-blooded killer, with no respect for his elders and a complex about having the hardest childhood. When he meets Naruto he starts changing little by little. At first, he's triggered by Naruto, and his inner demon Shukaku stirs, but as time passes he realizes that he and Naruto are not so different.
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When they eventually go head-to-head during Orochimaru's siege on Konoha, Naruto saves Gaara from Shukaku's control. Naruto shows Gaara that his reason for living and fighting doesn't have to be solely to kill, but that protecting a friend makes you stronger. Naruto's effect on Gaara is incredibly profound, and pushes him to be the next kazekage, a war hero, and someone who is loved by many.
7 Tsunade: Overcoming Trauma
Following the death of the Third Hokage, Naruto and Jiraiya search for the potential Fifth Hokage, Tsunade. When they meet, she is a gambler and a drunk, with a lot of debt and an extreme phobia of blood that makes her incapable of fighting or performing medical ninjutsu. She developed this phobia after watching her brother and her beloved, Dan, die. This trauma changed her for what she thought was life. That is, until she met Naruto.
Naruto, and his goal of becoming Hokage, reminded her of Dan and her brother so much that she started to see a glimmer of hope. It wasn't until Naruto protected her against Kabuto that she overcame her fear, realizing that she needed to protect the younger generation and the future of Konoha.
6 Granny Chiyo: Empathy For A Jinchuriki
Granny Chiyo was an elder for the Village Hidden In The Sand, and a talented puppet user. When Gaara is captured by the Akatsuki she volunteers to aid in the Leaf's attempt to rescue him. She starts off as someone who is cynical towards the Leaf as allies, not believing in their ability to truly help during a time of crisis.
However, Naruto's resolve to save Gaara made granny Chiyo question her long-held beliefs. When Kakashi tells her that Naruto is also a Jinchuriki, she understands that Naruto feels immense empathy for Gaara. This leads her to sacrifice herself in order to save Gaara, and preserve the next generation.
5 Sai: The Bond Of Brothers
When Sai and Naruto first meet, it's not on the best of terms. Sai is a spy for The Foundation, and has ulterior motives on their mission. As they spend more time together, it is revealed that Sai underwent emotion suppression training, which is why he's so cold.
When Sai is captured by the rest of Team 7, Sai tells Naruto not to bother saving Sasuke, and Naruto explains to him that Sasuke is like a brother to him, and that he'll save his comrade even if it takes him to the grave. This moves Sai, who understands what it's like to love someone like a brother. Ultimately Sai slowly starts to feel again, with Naruto's heartfelt passion for saving Sasuke being the catalyst.
4 Pain (Nagato): What Is In A Gutsy Ninja
As one of the founders of the Akatsuki, Nagato is a brutal antagonist in Naruto Shippuden that aids in the capture and death of multiple Jinchuriki, as well as leading a large scale attack on The Leaf. He kills many people, including Jiraiya and Kakashi without showing much remorse.
When Naruto talks to him, Nagato explains the history of the Akatsuki, and that "peace" is just a myth posed by great shinobi nations like The Leaf. Naruto responds by showing him Tales of a Gutsy Ninja, and saying that he will follow the ways of Jiraiya. Moreover, Naruto shows him the back of Jiraiya's book where Jiraiya wrote about Nagato as an inspiring pupil. Naruto's words about Jiraiya's teachings inspire Nagato as "sibling students", and eventually lead him to use the Samsara of Heavenly Life technique (Gedo Rinne Tensei no Jutsu) to bring everyone he killed in his assault of The Leaf back to life.
3 Kurama: He'll Come For Your Hate Too
The process of Naruto changing Kurama is a long one that starts at Naruto's birth. When Naruto first starts using the Kurama's power, or the "red chakra", Kurama gives it to him willingly without any consequences. As Naruto gets older Kurama tries to take full control of Naruto's body, overcoming Naruto with tailed beast power.
In order to pacify Kurama, Naruto and Kushina fight together to put chains on him. But, this isn't enough to change Kurama. Naruto must befriend the tailed beast in order to truly change him. So, through a series of meetings, a common enemy and some help from the 8 Tails and Killer Bee, Naruto eventually becomes friends with Kurama, and Kurama becomes Naruto's greatest power and most loyal friend.
2 Sasuke: Through Thick And Thin
Sasuke and Naruto's friendship is tumultuous at best. Naruto is loyal to his comrade, and Sasuke goes indefinitely dark for a long period of time. Naruto tries to change Sasuke on multiple occasions, and fails miserably every time. This goes on for the majority of Naruto Shippuden, and is as heartbreaking as it sounds.
It is only after their final fight that cost both of them a hand, that Sasuke admits defeat. The two lay, barely able to move, on the wet ground. Their hands are blown off from the power of their jutsus, and Sasuke finally sees the extent of Naruto's love and power. With this he is changed forever.
1 Kawaki: Family Matters
When Kawaki is found in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations he had violent tendencies, was oppositional, and had severe attachment issues. This came from being raised by a drunk that sold him to Kara, as well as the trauma of growing up as a vessel for Isshiki Otsutsuki.
Naruto adopts Kawaki, showing him love and family for the first time. This turns Kawaki into a loyal kid with significant bonds and a good understanding of what it means to be family. He is loyal to The Leaf as well as Naruto, and he's willing to do the impossible in order to keep Konoha and Naruto safe.