Naruto Uzumaki's Relationships

"Naruto Uzumaki"

- Quit it with your stupid reasoning! I meant to say that I'll stand any pain for my friends!! I'm not gonna give up on them!! It might just be me being selfish, but… not having my friends here… is the most painful thing for me!! Period!!!!

Due to his friendly nature and his unique charisma, Naruto Uzumaki has built many relationships over the course of the series that have defined him and others, even tailed beasts and other jinchūriki. Many of these relationships started off antagonistic, but through his tenacity and empathy, they developed into deep and lasting friendships.

Kurama
"Naruto… If you really want to do something for us… then do what you've always done… Prove it to us with your actions! That's who you are!"

A relationship that shaped Naruto's character, albeit unintentionally, was with the tailed beast that was sealed within him since the day he was born, Kurama — the Nine-Tails. Because he was the fox's jinchūriki, though never learning why, Naruto was hated and shunned by most of the villagers and his peers. Even after learning the truth, the isolation only convinced Naruto to desire their acknowledgement prior to meeting Kurama and consciously accessing its chakra. However, having intense hatred and distrust against humans, Kurama plotted to use Naruto's dependence on its power to gain control over him and eventually break free from the seal. When Naruto resolved to use his own power after accidentally hurting Sakura, Kurama became very antagonistic and made several attempts to influence Naruto, before it was bested in combat and stripped of most of its chakra.

However, their relationship soon began to change during the Fourth Shinobi World War, when the young shinobi promised to someday resolve its hatred. Despite Kurama reproaching him for making such a claim, the fox nevertheless had developed a level of respect for Naruto and his determination, even noting that he was different from the humans it had previously encountered, eventually allowing Naruto to utilise the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode without consequence. Kurama then intentionally aided Naruto when the reincarnated Madara was fighting against one of Naruto's shadow clones and the Fourth Division.

Afterwards, Naruto told Son Gokū of his desire to save the tailed beasts and admitted that he was jealous of Killer B's dynamic relationship with Gyūki and wanted the same with Kurama. Kurama — having witnessed all of the challenges and endeavours Naruto had in his life — stood by to see if Naruto could truly aid its brethren through his actions. When Naruto successfully freed Son Gokū from Obito's control, Kurama finally became convinced of Naruto's word and offered to meld its chakra with his as a coalition, to which Naruto then removed the seal that restrained it and happily acknowledged the fox as his team-mate from Konoha.

Their relationship has greatly improved by this action, as shown when Kurama pulled Naruto into the other tailed beasts' subconscious, and teased Naruto about his first and only kiss with Sasuke. Within that short space of time, the two instantly gained utmost trust in one another, even to the point where Naruto would allow Kurama to momentarily take control of his body without worry. Later on, when Obito tried to instil doubt into Naruto as an attempt to weaken his resolve, Kurama asked Naruto to switch once again long enough to reveal that it was sealed within Naruto to give the boy the strength to stop him while proclaiming itself as Naruto's friend, along with the confidence in its jinchūriki's ability to live up to the legacy Minato and Jiraiya left him. When Naruto fell into despair over Neji's death, Kurama, with Hinata's aid, managed to break him out of it by reminding him over how his parents died for him as Neji did without a second thought over how his life has an unshakable bond.

Parents
"Minato Namikaze"

- You will find the answer… I believe in you.

Throughout most of the series, Naruto never knew his parents due to Hiruzen's attempt to keep his lineage a secret as a way to protect the boy. However, despite not knowing that the Fourth Hokage was his father, Naruto had expressed the utmost respect for his father Minato Namikaze. Though angry at Minato's chakra imprint at first once learning of their relation and that it was his own father who sealed Kurama inside of him, Naruto quickly got over his anger and expressed pride in being the Fourth Hokage's son.

During his training to control Kurama's power, Naruto tearfully embraced his mother Kushina Uzumaki when her chakra imprint came to his aid. After learning how his parents met and how they died in what actually occurred during Kurama's attack on Konoha, Naruto told his mother that he could finally understand what a parent's love felt like and that he didn't blame her or Minato, instead he felt glad to be their son.

On his way to the Fourth Shinobi World War, Naruto defended his parents with vigour when the Raikage A insulted Minato on how he failed as the "Child of the Prophecy" upon his death. Naruto also explained to A that despite the fact his parents died shortly after he was born, their love and faith in him made him strong.

Mentors
Naruto has had several mentors over the course of the series. Through their guidance Naruto honed his skills and became one of Konoha's most powerful ninja. Many of their teachings have had a profound influence on Naruto's own life philosophy, shaping him into a better person.

Iruka Umino
"Yeah… the monster fox would do that… but Naruto is different. I've acknowledged him as… one of my excellent students. He may not be the hardest worker… and he is clumsy and no one accepts him… but he already knows what it is to feel pain inside your heart. He isn't the monster fox. He is a member of the Konohagakure. He's Naruto Uzumaki!"

As it was because of his parents' death by Kurama's attack that he suffered a miserable childhood, Iruka Umino initially found it awkward to become a teacher to Naruto, before eventually deciding to be strict with the boy so he could work harder and reach his potential. In time, learning from Hiruzen Sarutobi that the boy acted out with his antics to be acknowledged as he had in his youth, Iruka understood Naruto's loneliness and went out of his way to connect with the boy outside the classroom — treating Naruto like a younger brother. As a result, after Naruto learned of his nature as a jinchūriki and Kurama's role in the deaths of his teacher's parents, Iruka confidently believed in Naruto as a ninja of their village and nothing else. Ultimately, Naruto began looking to Iruka as a father-figure, as he noted to Sasuke at the Valley of the End.

Even after Naruto graduated, Iruka still treats his former student at the Ramen Ichiraku whenever he returns from a mission. Though times like that allow him an opportunity to see how Naruto is developing as a ninja, Iruka still tends to worry about him. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, Iruka was among the ninja assigned to keep an unaware Naruto safe from the army Obito amassed to take him and Killer B by force. But once Naruto learned of the war, Iruka attempted to talk Naruto out participating in the fight until the youth reminded him of the confidence he had in him years ago. Staging an apparent capture of him while secretly giving his former student a message to come back alive, Iruka was assured by Killer B that he and his teachings are with Naruto in his heart.

Kakashi Hatake
"Naruto has a mysterious ability… even without saying much, he can become friends with anyone."

Kakashi Hatake is the leader of Team 7, the squad Naruto was assigned to after becoming a genin, and one of his first mentors after becoming an official ninja. Initially seeing Naruto as a slacker, Kakashi soon came to understand that Naruto's unpredictability was his greatest asset and also came to believe in the young man he styled as Konoha's "number one most unpredictable ninja". In turn, Naruto would cherish the lessons he learned from Kakashi about friendship and teamwork. After he came back from training with Jiraiya, Kakashi would train Naruto in nature transformation and acknowledged that he was the only one who could surpass his sensei the Fourth Hokage. With Kakashi's help, Naruto was able to create and master the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken which would become one of the most powerful techniques in his arsenal. When learning of Kakashi's death at the hands of Pain who he had come to fight, Naruto was angered and even named him as one of his reasons for hating him when he claims he wants peace. Kakashi sees much of his beloved friend Obito inside Naruto and has noted that his ideal and even personality are much like the Uchiha's when he was a child. Naruto's firm resolution in his beliefs has many a time helped Kakashi find the resolve to fight on most recently during the tumultuous Fourth Shinobi World War.

Ebisu
"Naruto is a citizen of Konoha! I have no intention of telling you Akatsuki people anything!"

Naruto first met Ebisu who was Konohamaru's tutor and would later defeat him using the Harem Technique. Initially, he believed that Naruto was nothing but a worthless nuisance and mocked his dream of becoming Hokage as he believed that only people of high lineage could amount to anything. He said all this about Naruto however, out of the ignorance of not knowing who his father was. Ebisu was asked by Kakashi to train Naruto for the main match of the Chūnin Exams, even though both he and Naruto were reluctant at first. Ebisu would train Naruto in improving his chakra control by having him do the water walking technique, which proved difficult due to the seal he got from Orochimaru. Naruto's training would later be taken over by Jiraiya. At the time of Pain's invasion of Konoha, it was revealed that Ebisu's perspective of Naruto had changed drastically upon seeing what he had done for the village.

Jiraiya
"Never go back on your word… and never give up. That's your ninja way… and as your mentor… I have no business whining! Because… the student's ninja way should be the master's too! Isn't that so, Naruto?!"

Even before Naruto met him, Jiraiya indirectly played a role in his life as he was mentor to both Minato Namikaze and to Nagato due to being foretold that a student under him would be destined for greatness. He was also the one who gave Naruto his name, with the boy named after the protagonist in his "The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi" novel, thus making him Naruto's godfather. Because of Orochimaru's defection, and learning of the Akatsuki's existence, Jiraiya was forced to leave the village to spy on the organisation and was unable to take care of his godson during the first twelve years of his life. Jiraiya would only meet Naruto years later during the boy's first Chūnin Exam, being labelled.

While more perverted than Naruto, Jiraiya has some similarities to his godson from a desire to bring peace to an unrequited affection for his former team-mate Tsunade. Since their meeting, Jiraiya and Naruto became close with the latter holding him in high regard as he took news of his mentor's death by Pain hard. After being moved to tears from reading "The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi", Naruto confronts Jiraiya's killer and the true identity of Pain, his fellow pupil Nagato. Meeting Nagato face to face, Naruto declared that what he inherited from Jiraiya will help him bring peace in this world, and that if Jiraiya was willing to place his faith in him, then Naruto was willing to believe in himself and stated that he would find peace for the world. Naruto also made a memorial grave in honour of Jiraiya. In the Fourth Shinobi World War, when Tobi and Naruto argued about dreams, Naruto answered back that he thought of Jiraiya as a hero.

Fukasaku
Naruto first met Fukasaku when the elderly toad sage arrived in Konoha to bring news of Jiraiya's death. Despite Naruto's lack of formality toward Fukasaku upon their first meeting, the toad sage apparently took a liking to the young man as his personality reminded him of his late pupil and found Naruto's nickname for Jiraiya ("Perverted Hermit") to be both very fitting and amusing. Knowing that Naruto wanted revenge, and that he was ill-prepared for a battle with Pain, Fukasaku took him to Mount Myōboku to teach him senjutsu. In light of Naruto's rapid progress in his intense training, Fukasaku believed that the young man would surpass Jiraiya in power, even willing to consider that Naruto was the "Child of the Prophecy" after he saw how much Naruto loved Jiraiya when he took news of his mentor's death pretty hard.

Friends and Allies
Throughout the series, Naruto has gained a vast network of friends and allies that even goes beyond the borders of Konoha with the members of the Konoha 11 being the closest to him. Recently during the Fourth Shinobi World War, his desire to protect his comrades and those dear to him has become so strong that his chakra responded to his subconscious will by going to their aid on its own.

In addition, the villagers of Konoha as a whole had a drastic change in the manner that they view Naruto: moving from what they viewed as a menace and looming threat because of Kurama sealed within him, to a citizen/hero of Konoha whom they genuinely care about and would even go as far as to risk their own lives to ensure that he was safe.

Konoha 11
Naruto gets along well with the entire Konoha 11, as they are all comrades who fought alongside each other for the love of their village and Will of Fire. He has some sort of rivalry with some of them, such as Kiba and Lee, while being part of a group of Academy dead-lasts, such as Kiba, Shikamaru and Chōji, but they are all good friends regardless. That, along with Naruto's accomplishments in saving the village amongst other deeds, made the rest of Konoha 11 appreciate and admire him. Naruto, in turn, was able to convince them to allow him to handle Sasuke alone, when the rest of them wanted to kill him together.

Sakura Haruno
"Always acting like a fool who only knows one thing… Hokage, Hokage. I'm sorry Naruto… that impossible dream of yours… I don't want to see it crushed!"

Naruto and Sakura Haruno have had a long-standing friendship that arose from shaky beginnings and gradually grew stronger over the course of the series, enforced by a mutual respect and trust that had not been present at first and a shared goal to return their former team-mate Sasuke Uchiha to the village. Their friendship also bears great resemblances to that of their Sannin masters, Jiraiya and Tsunade. Naruto has had feelings for Sakura for a long time, but have been un-reciprocated as she in turn has feelings for Sasuke instead, which Naruto was aware of, despite his reluctance to accept it.

Back in the Academy days, Sakura, like most of their other peers, considered Naruto an annoyance because of his constant antics. She even went as far as to accredit his behaviour to the fact that he was an orphan, a statement which offended Sasuke when she shared this belief with him. Sasuke in turn admonished Sakura for saying that, which led Sakura to realise that she had gone too far and decided to be more pleasant towards Naruto from then on. Shortly after being assigned to Team 7, Sakura eventually began to see Naruto in a new light due to his constant dedication to his friends, and made good on her resolution to be nicer to Naruto, as shown when she explained the mechanism behind the Tree Climbing Practice during their mission in the Land of Waves, and was even willing to forfeit her entry into the Chūnin Exams upon realising that Naruto would not have been able to pass the first test, which would have resulted in him being stuck as a genin thus ending his dream to become Hokage. Later, when she learned from Sasuke that Naruto was the one who saved her from Gaara during the invasion of Konoha, she was surprised, but grateful. By the time Sasuke defected from Konoha, Naruto promised Sakura that he would do everything in his power to bring Sasuke back to her.

When Naruto returned from his training with Jiraiya after two years, he and Sakura almost immediately fell into their old ways, displaying that their friendship had not suffered any during the time apart. Their relationship continued to grow, and Sakura eventually hugged Naruto for the first time after he had ended the Invasion of Pain. Later, Sai bluntly guesses out loud that Naruto likes Sakura, since he always smiles around her, and asked if he would confess, to which Naruto replied he wouldn't until Sasuke returned. Later, when Sai informed Sakura that the strain of making her happy and fulfilling his promise to her have been the source of Naruto's pain, as well as revealing that Naruto clearly had feelings for her, she felt guilty for asking too much from Naruto and decided to stop Sasuke from sinking any lower by herself. Sakura tried to release Naruto from his promise by telling him that she loved him and not Sasuke any more, but Naruto and the others present immediately knew that she was lying. After Naruto saved Sakura from being killed by Sasuke and voiced his resolve that he would shoulder Sasuke's hatred as a friend even if both were to die, she was touched by Naruto's determination, for he had again given her hope that there may still be a happy ending for Team 7, and realised all she could do now was have faith in both him and Sasuke. During to Adventures at Sea Arc, Naruto, in order to encourage her to change her destiny, willingly confesses his feelings for Sakura to Shizuka, relating how he fell in love with her at first sight, will never force her to love him, and will do anything to win her over and/or make her happy.

As the Fourth Shinobi World War reached its climax, Sakura resolved to aid Naruto in fighting Obito, stating that he didn't need to carry the burden alone and that everyone would be there to help him. Her understanding and care of Naruto was strengthened when he exclaimed how not having any friends was the most painful thing to him, to the point where she raised the morale of the Shinobi Alliance. When the reincarnated Minato arrived to the battlefield, he asked Naruto if Sakura was his girlfriend, though his answer prompted her to strike him for lying and told him to focus on their current situation. After Sakura finally manifested her seal and displayed her increased strength by decimating several dozen miniature Ten-Tails clones with ease, it frightened Naruto enough to not joke around with her ever again. Later, after Yang-Kurama was extracted Naruto's heartbeat became weaker and forced Sakura to use the remaining chakra she had to use her medical ninjutsu (including manually pumping his heart) to heal him, stating she wouldn't let her friend or his dream die.

Hinata Hyūga
"I used to always cry and give up… I made many wrong turns… But you… You helped me find the right path… I always chased after you… I wanted to catch up to you… I wanted to walk beside you all the time… I just wanted to be with you… You changed me! Your smile is what saved me! That is why I'm not afraid to die protecting you! Because… I love you…"

Unlike their peers who ostracised Naruto while growing up in the Academy, Hinata Hyūga instead admired him, for she was inspired by his enthusiasm and unyielding determination to never give up. She was one of the first to identify Naruto's painful childhood and his desire to be acknowledged, and she fiercely believed that he would one day achieve his goal of becoming Hokage. Hinata's long-standing admiration towards Naruto later grew into genuine care and affection, eventually leading her to fall in love with him.

Even though Naruto was oblivious to her feelings, he held Hinata in high regard because of her desire to change herself and be acknowledged, something that he could relate to. Naruto also held high expectations of her, such as during the Chūnin Exams, he declined her offer of copying her test due their risk of being disqualified, disbelieving at first that she would allow him to cheat off her. Later, he defended Hinata from Neji's contempt and even vowed with her own blood to defeat Neji in her place. When Naruto, for the first time, revealed his growing doubts about the match and his own abilities to Hinata, she reassured him that he never gave up because he always had the strength to overcome his own failures. Naruto gratefully thanked Hinata for bringing him out of his depression, and he said to her that even though he had thought of her as a shy and quiet girl, he really liked a person like her.

During the Invasion of Pain, Hinata came to Naruto's aid after he was pinned down by Pain. Though knowing she stood no chance against the stronger opponent, Hinata refused to leave Naruto behind, confessing her love and willingness to protect him, even at the cost of her own life. Left speechless upon hearing her confession, Naruto instantly erupted into a rage after he saw Hinata being struck down by the Akatsuki leader, allowing Kurama to take control and continued the battle with Pain. However, once the fox was suppressed, Naruto was brought to tears of relief upon learning that Hinata was still alive. Naruto would later remind Hinata of this event during the Fourth Shinobi World War reassuring her that she was strong. When the Shinobi Alliance began to mobilise to aid Naruto and B against Tobi, Hinata made the decision to be together with Naruto once the war ended.

After Neji died protecting her and Naruto from the Ten-Tails and almost falling victim to Obito's rhetoric, Hinata reminded Naruto of their shared nindō, to bring him back from the edge. With her and Kurama's aid, Naruto's self-confidence was restored and he took Hinata's hand, thanking her for staying by his side before transferring Kurama's chakra into her. As the battle progressed, the Ten-Tails prepared to attack the injured Naruto directly, Hinata led a group of the Shinobi Alliance to protect him as Sakura healed his wounds. Then later during the war, after taking down one of the Ten-Tails' mini-clones, Hinata continues to motivate herself to keep moving forward so that she could forever be at Naruto's side. Later on, when Hinata discovered Naruto's condition from having Yang-Kurama extracted from him, she became immensely worried and rushed across the battlefield to his aid. However, Hinata succumbed to exhaustion as she lost the remainder of her chakra and stumbled on debris before she could reach him, silently praying for his safety. When Hinata was ensnared by the Shinju's roots after being hit by Infinite Tsukuyomi, Naruto heard her mentally crying out to him and tried to rush to her aid.

Neji Hyūga
"Naruto… sometimes your eyes are even better than mine."

In the beginning, Naruto developed a strong dislike towards Neji Hyūga due to his ideals that no one can ever change their fate. Furthermore, after Neji left his cousin Hinata in critical condition, Naruto vowed to beat him at their match. Their match proved not only a physical battle, but also a conflict of ideals with Neji losing on both accounts after revealing his own fight with his fate as a branch member of the Hyūga clan. When Naruto promised that he would change the fate of the Hyūga clan for him, Neji became a nicer person as he set aside his hatred for the main house, looking after Hinata as he trained with her, and desired to become strong enough to return the favour to Naruto.

Years after, Neji got his chance during the Fourth Shinobi World War when he and Hinata came to Naruto's aid in a plan to defeat the Ten-Tails. However, their defences proved no match for the monster, and Neji took a deathblow from the Ten-Tails meant for Naruto and Hinata. As Naruto pleaded why Neji sacrificed himself, the latter, reminding him of their battle years ago replied that Naruto called him a genius. Neji realised in his final moments that, like his father before him, he made the choice to die for those he holds dear. Upon Neji's death, Naruto's resolve was shattered even further as Obito openly mocked Naruto for failing to protect his comrades. However, Hinata and Kurama managed to remind Naruto of his life not being just his own nor should he give up on Neji's death so easily. As his confidence was restored, Naruto thanked Hinata and admitted to himself how he'd never be able to thank Neji enough for everything he had done. Naruto then told a saddened Lee that he'll keep the real Neji in his heart forever and stated to Obito that Neji's will isn't dead and used his death to increase the morale of the Allied Forces.

Rock Lee
Nicknaming him, Naruto originally saw Rock Lee as a rival and vice-versa. Lee's victory over Naruto before the Chūnin Exams started was used by the latter as motivation to get stronger. After he stopped Naruto from attacking Neji for nearly killing Hinata, Lee admits his resolve to prove his team-mate's ideals of a fixed destiny being wrong. Seeing him sharing that same resolve, Lee was willing to let Naruto handle Neji in his stead prior to his injuries from fighting Gaara. Wanting to help Lee make a full recovery, Naruto brought Tsunade to Konoha in hopes that she could heal him. Naruto would work with Lee on missions from time to time, some anime-exclusive missions being comedic misadventures. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, mourning over Neji's death, Naruto helped give Lee the strength needed to continue fighting and, with his assistance, helped sever Madara's and Obito's connections to the Ten-Tails.

Shikamaru Nara
"My master entrusted me with a lot, from big things to little things. It's the same for you, an unlimited number of things, don't you think it's about time for us, to be the ones who entrust, not the entrusted, it's a pain in the ass but I can't say that; Someday you'll be the one to treat others to ramen and you'll be called Master Naruto… we can't stay kids forever, like Asuma and Jiraiya, I wanna be as cool as them."

Shikamaru Nara was a "dead last" student like Naruto during their Academy days. Having noticed the way the other villagers ostracised Naruto, Shikamaru seemed to be one of the first of their peers to see him as more than as a jinchūriki. Furthermore, Shikamaru himself stated that something about Naruto compels him to follow him. Because of this, outside of the missions that may include them working together, Shikamaru would sometimes hang out with Naruto. Having lost his mentor Asuma Sarutobi prior, Shikamaru played a role in helping Naruto cope with Jiraiya's death. In the anime, during the Fourth Shinobi World War, Shikamaru asserted that he wishes to protect Naruto and also fight alongside him during the war.

When he was weakened by the Shinju, aware that Naruto was always alone, Shikamaru believed Naruto needed an intelligent brother figure, like Tobirama was to Hashirama, by his side, and resolved to be Naruto's adviser when he becomes Hokage so he would never have to be alone again.

Chōji Akimichi
Originally one of Naruto's fellow "dead lasts" during their Academy days, Chōji Akimichi, like his friend Shikamaru, mostly hangs out with Naruto when not on missions, usually going out to eat. Growing up alongside Naruto, he has witnessed Naruto's personal and physical development first hand; something he made mention of during their battle against Akatsuki members Hidan and Kakuzu.

Kiba Inuzuka
Originally one of Naruto's fellow "dead lasts" during their Academy days, both Kiba Inuzuka and Naruto have a sense of friendship and rivalry with one another. Kiba constantly challenges Naruto's aspirations for the position of Hokage, first ridiculing the young man, but, since his defeat at their Chūnin Exams and their interactions since. The two young shinobi often challenge each other in terms of skills — though admittedly, Kiba is generally flabbergasted at Naruto's progression when he believes that he has caught up to him.

Ino Yamanaka
Like her friend Sakura, Ino Yamanaka originally considered Naruto as a loser compared to Sasuke. However, upon seeing Naruto's strength and unshakeable resolve during the Chūnin Exams, Ino gradually grew to respect and like him as a friend. While she would often aid Naruto on missions with others, she partnered up with him only once in an anime-exclusive two-man mission that left her flabbergasted and getting into an argument with Naruto on the way back home. In the anime, after Naruto defeated Pain, Ino remarked that she could almost fall for him, much to her team-mates' shock.

Shino Aburame
Like most of their peers, Shino Aburame originally considered Naruto to be a talentless troublemaker, but soon accepted him as a fellow ninja, despite bearing a slight grudge on the youth for not recognising him after being away for nearly three years. Regardless, Shino admitted that Naruto had surpassed the rest of their peers, and during the Fourth Shinobi World War, he stated that he himself needed no reason to follow Naruto and aid him without question.

Tenten
Tenten's views of Naruto are somewhat vague. She does however respect Naruto as a comrade and worries about his safety witnessed during the time he confronted Sasuke at the Samurai Bridge and later during the Fourth Shinobi World War as she rushed to his aid.

Hiruzen Sarutobi
"The Fourth wanted the villagers of Konoha to see him as a hero. That was his last wish as he placed the seal and died."

Naruto was looked after by Hiruzen Sarutobi after his parents' deaths. The Hokage kept his parents' identity a secret and gave him his mother's last name. He asked the village to never reveal anything about Kurama to Naruto or the children. Naruto was inspired by the Hokage, originally due to the respect they received, including Hiruzen, and hoped to become Hokage himself someday. He would often get under Hiruzen's skin by the disturbances he would make by his pranks or the use Sexy Technique, the latter of which often caused Hiruzen to suffer from nosebleeds due to being a closet pervert. Despite their unique relationship, Naruto deeply cared for Hiruzen and was very saddened by his sudden death, to which he payed his respects to the Hokage at the ceremony for the sacrifices he made for the village. Thanks to Hiruzen's teachings and value, Naruto would continue to help and protect the village after his death.

During the Fourth Great Shinobi War, when the reincarnated Hiruzen saved Naruto from nearly dying to the God Tree, a half-conscious Naruto sincerely thanked Hiruzen, happy to see him again.

Konohamaru Sarutobi
"I promised… someday, I would fight Naruto over the name of Hokage! Naruto is my rival, hey!! That's why I can't choose to run away!! Because if I chose that path, Naruto wouldn't be there at the end!!!"

Even though he and Naruto had a rough start when they first met, Konohamaru Sarutobi is the second person to acknowledge Naruto as he is. This was due to Naruto not seeing Konohamaru as Hiruzen's grandson like everyone else in Konoha originally did. Though he pretended to be Naruto's rival for the position of succeeding Hokage, Konohamaru clearly has a deep and understanding friendship with Naruto and appears content to be the Seventh Hokage as he is perfectly convinced that the older boy will become the Sixth. Having trained under him to learn the Sexy Technique, Konohamaru devised his own variations of the unorthodox transformation technique. At some point, Naruto would go on further to teach him the Rasengan, further establishing both a brotherly and mentor-pupil relationship.

Tsunade
"It's because to be Hokage… is your dream… isn't it Naruto? One last time… just one last time… I place the odds on you."

Naruto's relationship with Tsunade began when he aided Jiraiya in looking for her as an ideal successor to their mentor Hiruzen. Upon finding her, Naruto challenged Tsunade after she said only fools would want to become Hokage, accepting her wager of mastering the Rasengan within a week. Despite her reluctance to become Hokage and lack of faith, Tsunade was loyal to her village and attempted to kill her former team-mate Orochimaru before Kabuto used her haemophobia to his advantage. When Naruto defeated Kabuto with a fully mastered Rasengan, Tsunade overcame her phobia to aid him and accepted the position of Fifth Hokage. As a sign of thanks for restoring her faith in their village, Tsunade entrusted Naruto with her grandfather's necklace.

Overall, the two have a very strong relationship based on mutual love and respect, one that could almost be called familial as Naruto is the only person to refer to Tsunade as "granny". Tsunade aided Naruto in not only keeping the Konoha Council from restricting his movement, but also supporting his search for Sasuke and keeping him out of Konoha's Bingo Book. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, Tsunade is the only Kage who argued in favour of Naruto being allowed to fight with them. Though outvoted, the other Kage eventually agree with her resolve. Watching Naruto head off into battle, Tsunade looked on with an expression of nostalgia, sadness, and pride on her face.

Sai
"This… is what it means to have friends… I understand it perfectly… Naruto."

When Naruto first met Sai, they had a rough start due to Sai's constant criticism and regards of Sasuke as a traitor. However, the two got to understand each other better during their attempt to retrieve Sasuke with Naruto now considering Sai a member of Team Kakashi. Inspired by Naruto, noting that he reminded him of his own brother Shin, Sai works to become a more social person though his attempts can sometimes be awkward. Although Naruto's ties to Sasuke were his overall motivation for bettering himself, Sai began to feel what he believed to anger over Sasuke becoming beyond redemption with all the grief that he caused for Naruto through his crime-riddled vendetta. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, Sai finally reaches a full understanding of friendship before arriving to Naruto's side during his battle with the Ten-Tails.

Yamato
Initially, being an Anbu, Yamato was assigned by Tsunade to temporarily lead Team Kakashi while Kakashi was bed-ridden. He was specifically chosen due to possessing Hashirama Senju's DNA, which allowed him to use Wood Release techniques, therefore enabling him to suppress Kurama's chakra within Naruto when needed. During his first few missions with the team, Yamato could be seen using his "scare tactics" on Naruto, by widely opening his eyes and talking to Naruto in a creepy voice. Nevertheless, Yamato has a deep passion for Naruto's safety.

Might Guy
Though first seeing him as an eccentric weirdo, Naruto warmed up to Might Guy after becoming friends with his apprentice Rock Lee and seeing Guy's true strength. In turn, Guy grew to respect Naruto for his strong will, optimism, and determination. This respect is shown when Guy once gave Naruto one of his jump suits with the insistence that it will help improve his training to which the young man accepted without reservation. In the anime, Naruto has shown further respect and appreciation for Guy's shinobi prowess, asking him strongly to be instructed in taijutsu. Also, in the anime, Kakashi voiced his trust in Guy watching over Naruto for his training to master Kurama's power, knowing he would treat Naruto like his own students.

Itachi Uchiha
Though he learned from Sasuke that he is looking for his brother, Itachi Uchiha, Naruto had no idea that Sasuke intended to kill Itachi for the massacre of their clan. By the time Naruto learned of this, he was attacked by Itachi when the Akatsuki sent him and Kisame Hoshigaki to capture him. Naruto was forced to stand by and watch Sasuke's failed attempt of revenge that lead him to defect from Konoha.

When encountered by Itachi again years later over his interest in Sasuke, Naruto told him that Sasuke was more of a brother to him than to Itachi. This made Itachi smile as he asked if that resolve would be as strong if Sasuke thought to attack the village, delighting with Naruto's answer of finding a way protect the village and save Sasuke without killing him. Taking his leave, Itachi placed a crow in Naruto's body with hopes that he may never need to use it.

Eventually, after Itachi's death, the crow is revealed to be embedded with Shisui Uchiha's Sharingan with Itachi installing a command that would compel Sasuke to protect Konoha. However, reincarnated and under the control of Kabuto during the Fourth Shinobi World War, tasked alongside Nagato to capture Naruto and Killer B, Itachi is forced to sacrifice his gambit to free himself from Kabuto's control and aid Naruto. Upon learning that Naruto was told the truth of the Uchiha clan massacre, gaining his respect for the lengths he would go to protect their village and promise not to reveal it to anyone else, Itachi entrusts Sasuke's well being to Naruto as he departed to stop Kabuto and release all the reincarnated ninja to give their side a fighting chance.

Itachi was also one of the few people who knew the identities of Naruto's parents and was well aware of his dream of becoming Hokage.

Nagato and Konan
"Nagato"

- You are an odd kid… You remind me of myself when I was young… I couldn't believe in what Jiraiya believed in… nor believe in myself… but you chose a different path. In you I can see another future. I… will believe in you…

Like Naruto and his father, Nagato and Konan were apprentices under Jiraiya. However, events resulting from the death of their friend Yahiko forced Nagato and Konan to stray from their ideals as Obito warped the organisation they created into the current version of the Akatsuki that Naruto faces. After defeating Pain, one of six corpses that Nagato used as a vessel for his Deva Path ability, Naruto confronts Nagato. Though angry at Nagato for killing their mentor and destroying Konoha, Naruto asked him how, as a fellow student of Jiraiya, could have strayed so far from their master's teachings. Hoping that Naruto would come to agree with his solution for peace, Nagato told him his past and how he came to the conclusion to believe that only pain and suffering would save the world.

Although Naruto agreed with Nagato's conclusion, he could never accept it as he explains that putting an end to the cycle of hatred is the only way to achieve true peace. Amazed by Naruto's resolve to the point of being spared, Nagato decided to put his faith in the youth as he sacrifices himself to revive everyone he killed during his invasion while wishing for Naruto's dream of peace to become a reality. Konan, showing admiration for Naruto as he touched Nagato's heart along with her own, gave Naruto a bouquet as a sign of a truce and her new undying faith in him. Though she later died by Obito's hand, Konan continued to have faith that Naruto's light can extinguish Obito's darkness.

After Nagato's reincarnation, he is shown to be kinder and carefree to the point he was even willing to start making jokes, something that surprised Naruto. His opinion of Naruto also strengthened after he last saw him, pointing out to Itachi Uchiha that he wasn't surprised that Naruto was able to advance his control over Kurama's power since they both had studied under the same master. Upon Nagato's sealing, he bid Naruto farewell and how he would leave Naruto to finish the story their master started with a better resolution than before.

Obito Uchiha
"You remind me of myself… Naruto… yeah… just like when I was young… but, that'll all change with time…"

Similar to Naruto in his youth in many ways before his presumed death during the Third Shinobi World War, Obito Uchiha was at first a reflection of the person Naruto would become if he ever gave into hatred and despair, and later became his ally in the fight against Madara Uchiha and Kaguya Ōtsutsuki after having a positive change of heart. Though he saw Naruto of no concern, Obito has been the cause of almost everything negative in Naruto's life, having been the one who used the newborn as a hostage, started Kurama's attack on Konoha, and indirectly killed his parents. Years later, after adopting the name Tobi, he would encounter Naruto again when he distracts the youth and the rest of the Eight Man Squad from interfering with Sasuke's fight against Itachi. Tobi later appeared before Naruto again, revealing the truth behind the Uchiha clan massacre and how he engineered Sasuke's descent into darkness. Though Tobi claimed his actions were for world peace, he embraced being called a monster while proclaiming that Naruto and Sasuke are fated to battle each other.

Though Tobi initially saw Naruto as a means to stimulate Sasuke for his ambitions, the youth's inadvertent thwarting of his plans forced him to plunge the entire ninja world into war to expedite his plans. Even after Naruto broke his thrall over the tailed beasts he captured, Tobi reiterated his contempt for Naruto and reassured himself that the boy is no match for him. However, as Kurama stated, Naruto was made a jinchūriki for the purpose of defeating him. Ultimately, it was because of Naruto that Tobi is finally exposed as Obito. While using the Ten-Tails to fight him, Obito realised the similarities between himself and Naruto as he vainly attempted to point out the futility of the youth's struggle against him and Madara. But when Naruto vowed to make sure none of his friends die and expressing disapproval on Obito's nihilistic outlook on life, the Uchiha resolved to put both him and the Allied Shinobi Forces into the same despair he experienced. Though he almost succeeded in breaking Naruto with his guilt over his "inability" to protect Neji, Obito's plan failed when Hinata and Kurama intervened. As a result, now above his psychological warfare, Naruto tells Obito that the only difference between them is that he wants to keep the bonds he made with his friends.

However, before finally separating Obito from the tailed beasts, Naruto showed a more sympathetic side towards him after experiencing visions of the Uchiha's past — even going as far as to shedding tears for Obito's loss. Naruto told Obito that if things were different, he would have looked up to him because like himself, Obito also dreamed of becoming Hokage. To this end, Naruto proclaimed that even though the Uchiha claimed he was no one, there was no sense in Obito hiding any longer, and that he was going to tear off his true mask once and for all. After forcing the tailed beasts out of Obito's body, Naruto did not let Sasuke give the final blow to the defeated enemy, and even tried to reason with Kakashi so that Obito would be given the chance to atone for his crimes instead of being killed by his old comrade, though it was Minato who stopped him. Ultimately, Naruto succeeded in changing Obito's mindset and it led Obito to attempt to revive everyone he had killed with the Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique. After finding out that Obito had used that technique, and was forced to revive Madara, Naruto displayed a hint of sadness over the fact that Obito was at the time doomed to perish after using the technique, despite the two fighting against each other moments before. Later on, with Yang-Kurama being extracted by Madara who became the Ten-Tails' jinchūriki in the process, Naruto and Obito's lives cross once again when the latter managed to stop Black Zetsu from giving the just stolen Yin-Kurama to Madara and take a small portion of Shukaku and Gyūki's chakra from him, and then transferring them to the dying young shinobi, saving his life and allowing him to gain portions from all the tailed beasts' chakra. Naruto would later return the favour by using his newfound abilities to save Obito's life. When Obito was revived, Naruto expressed delight that he was alive and despite their history, they both put it aside in order to stop Kaguya. After Obito sacrificed himself to save Team Kakashi, Naruto was enraged when Black Zetsu continued to mock him after his death. In the end, Naruto looked up to Obito for wanting to become Hokage, going so far as to call him "awesome".

Jinchūriki and the Tailed Beasts
Although he didn't know all of them personally, the jinchūriki and the tailed beasts are all considered by Naruto as his comrades. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, Naruto encountered the other jinchūriki that were reincarnated by Kabuto and the tailed beasts that were resealed in their respective jinchūriki. Naruto understood their pain and resolved to free them from Obito's control, which in turn convinced Kurama to trust the human as Naruto was taken into the tailed beasts' shared subconscious with the other jinchūriki. As stated by Han, Naruto's words and actions also allowed the tailed beasts and their jinchūriki to get along and come together on Son's behalf.

The jinchūriki and their tailed beasts each introduce themselves while placing their faith in Naruto and Kurama through fist bumps. While their jinchūriki were allowed to pass on, the tailed beasts each gave Naruto a part of their chakra before being pulled back into the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path prior to its regeneration into the Ten-Tails. Even when Obito became the Ten-Tails' jinchūriki, Naruto, through the combined effort of the Allied Shinobi Forces and Taka, eventually was able to extract all of the sealed tailed beasts from Obito's body. The tailed beasts had collectively agreed that Naruto was the one spoken about by the Sage of the Six Paths, and began to aid Naruto in fighting against the revived Madara, and later Kaguya, lending him their powers.

Gaara and Shukaku
"Gaara"

- He was the one who taught me to deepen my bond with my people. Thanks to him, I was able to regain my true self. That village has him, the one who cherishes a friend's bond more than anyone I know. Naruto Uzumaki… Knowing him and the friends he holds so dear, they will overcome this disaster and grow even stronger from it.

When Naruto first met Gaara prior to the Chūnin Exams, he was unaware that he was a jinchūriki like himself until he and Shikamaru stopped him from finishing off the hospitalised Lee. Ever since their encounter, Naruto understood that Gaara had been through the same pain like he had. Though he was afraid to fight Gaara at first, later during the Invasion of Konoha, Naruto was able to overcome this fear after seeing both Sasuke and Sakura in danger and was determined to protect them both from Gaara. When Naruto defeated him, Gaara, in great shock, questioned him why was he so strong. Naruto explained that despite having suffered a relentless lonely life, he never gave up hope on being acknowledged as a person and ultimately found friends who truly cared for him.

From that day on, Naruto's undying devotion and desire to protect his loved ones inspired Gaara to take on a similar path, and over time, he eventually became the Fifth Kazekage of Sunagakure and was finally able to connect with his people and be acknowledged as a person rather than a jinchūriki. When Naruto insisted to save Gaara from the Akatsuki, he lamented to find that they killed Gaara by extracting Shukaku. Though he criticised Chiyo for sealing the tailed beast inside him, Naruto offered his chakra to her for Gaara's revival.

At the Five Kage Summit, when Sasuke attacked the meeting, Gaara tried to convince him to go back to light, but Sasuke's refusal forced Gaara to consider any attempt Naruto made to reach his former friend futile, along with possibly damaging his faith in him and his devotion to his friends. He later confronted Naruto about this face-to-face, stating to Naruto that if he were to become Hokage, he would be placed in a position of either saving Sasuke or protecting Konoha's people from him. When they met again on the battlefield, his earlier decision motivated by the need to protect his friend, Gaara eventually came to accept that he may have made an error in judgement when he decided to isolate Naruto from the war, willing to place his trust in him again. Stating likewise, Naruto insisted that he had no plans on dying before becoming Hokage, and said that Gaara's position as Kazekage didn't mean that he should treat him like a kid.

The first time Naruto met Shukaku was during the failed Invasion of Konoha, where it attempted to kill him and Gamabunta on sight. Despite their hostile encounter and not having the chance to come to terms with one another since then, Naruto expressed his desire to save Shukaku along with the other tailed beasts. After being freed from Obito, Shukaku, though having an intense rivalry with Kurama and exclaiming that it would not pass any sort of opportunity to surpass the fox, started aiding Naruto in his fight against Madara. After having a portion of its chakra sealed inside Naruto, it echoed Naruto's statement by telling Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki that his plan to create the tailed beasts were not in vain.

Rōshi and Son Gokū
After being swallowed by Son after fighting the beast, Naruto met with it inside Rōshi's subconscious, and at first angry at him for referring to it as "Four-Tails", Naruto shocked the monkey as he intended to actually save the tailed beasts, treating Son with respect. It proceeded to share its chakra with Naruto, as well as telling him how to free it from Obito's control, noting how genuine Naruto's concerns were. Later, it was revealed that Son had communicated with the other five beasts, and told them alongside their jinchūriki that they should stick around and share their power with the young shinobi, saying he would probably try to come save them also. Witnessing how Naruto had formed a strong bond with Kurama, Rōshi lamented the path that he had taken, wondering if he could have been like Naruto, before making amends with Son while fading away. After Obito's defeat and the Alliance pulling it and the others out of him, Son praised Naruto for making good on his promise and actually saving them. Son would later lend Naruto its chakra in battle against Madara, and later Kaguya.

Utakata and Saiken
In the anime, Naruto first encountered him during a mission, seeing him initially as an enemy between an argument between Utakata and Hotaru. Later, Naruto and Utakata began working together whilst protecting Hotaru, and would come to trust each other as friends and comrades. Naruto's constant praise of his master would eventually lead Utakata to wonder if his own had really betrayed him, as well as partially convince Utakata to accept Hotaru as his own student.

Later, during the Fourth Shinobi World War, Naruto expressed shock upon seeing a reincarnated Utakata with the other jinchūiki, before being pulled into a mental plane. Talking with Utakata, Naruto was shocked to discover he was a fellow jinchūriki, and displayed sadness and anger that Utakata was yet another that was captured and killed by Akatsuki. Ultimately before losing his consciousness, Utakata thanked Naruto for listening as he relayed his true feelings about Hotaru. Upon witnessing how Naruto treated Son and him trying to free them, Utakata and Saiken alongside the other jinchūriki and tailed beasts decided to put their faith in him and Kurama, by giving him some of their chakra through a fist bump. Saiken would come to agree with Kurama's suggestion that Naruto was the one the Sage had spoken to them about. After being pulled out of Obito, Saiken praised Naruto for saving them as he had promised, and later lent Naruto its chakra to fight against Kaguya.

Killer B and Gyūki
When Naruto first met Killer B, he thought his raps were a little bit weird, but after discovering that he was a jinchūriki like him and had full control, he immediately requested B to train him. After gaining B's respect, the two became good friends and can actually relate to one another, even by communicating with B's raps and fist bumps, something that Yamato, much to his own frustration, couldn't understand what they were saying. Naruto in return shows respect for B, calling him uncle. B was also willing to help him fight Kurama within his subconscious with Gyūki's help. B even stood up for him against his brother, A, when he tried to kill him and stated he would keep his promise from Iruka to protect Naruto, even going as far as to offer up his own life in exchange for A allowing Naruto to continue on. The two then fought off against Obito and his Six Paths of Pain and could understand the other tailed beasts' suffering from Obito's control.

Despite Gyūki disliking Kurama for its habit of ranking the tailed beast's strength based on their number of tails, it insisted that was no reason for not helping Naruto to control the fox's power. Gyūki, along with B, were even more impressed by Naruto when he was able to get Kurama to cooperate with him.

Rivals and Enemies
Over the progression of the series, Naruto has also made enemies and rivals out of a number of individuals, both new foes and former allies, with varying influences on his life.

Sasuke Uchiha
"Just shut up for once! What the hell do you know about it?! It's not like you ever had a family in the first place! You were on your own right from the beginning, what makes you think you know anything about it?! Huh?! I'm suffering now because I had those ties, how on earth could you possibly understand, what it feels like to lose all that!"

When he first met with Sasuke Uchiha back in the Academy days, Naruto wanted to befriend Sasuke, knowing that he too was alone. But when Sasuke proved to be better than him at everything, gaining popularity and admiration, Naruto grew jealous and made it his goal to surpass him. Ever since then Naruto instantly saw him as his rival and was bent to prove himself as an equal before both youths were made members of Team 7. Even though he thought of Naruto as a loser, Sasuke understood the pains of being an orphan well to the point of taking offence to Sakura blaming Naruto's stupidity on him not having parents. As the series progressed, Naruto came to view Sasuke as a brother. In turn, Sasuke also saw Naruto as a dear friend until the events of the Chūnin Exam arc convince him to defect from Konoha to train under Orochimaru to achieve his goal to avenge his clan against his brother Itachi, one prime reason is realising that Naruto is starting to surpass him.

Even after being defeated by Sasuke in an attempt to stop him from leaving, Naruto still strived to bring him back home despite Sasuke's willing defection and eventual corruption. When Naruto came to understand both the nature of the cycle of hatred and the reason of Sasuke's malice, his desire to save Sasuke grew even more. It became so immense that Naruto was willing to take physical abuse from the Kumo-nin rather than sell Sasuke out, pleading with the Fourth Raikage to pardon Sasuke for his crimes against his village.

Naruto would later learn that Tobi poisoned Sasuke against Konoha upon telling him why the Uchiha clan was killed off. According to him, Naruto and Sasuke were considered mortal enemies as they respectively embody the Will of Fire and the Curse of Hatred respectively. Finding Sasuke, yet refusing to back down or kill him with the intent to bare his friend's hatred, Naruto concluded that reasoning him out of destroying Konoha was no longer a possible option and believed that they would most likely die during their fated conflict. However, during the Fourth Shinobi World War, Sasuke renounced his intent to destroy Konoha and joined forces with his former team-mates against Madara and the Ten-Tails. The dynamics between the two have not changed and their innate rivalry still causes Naruto and Sasuke to challenge each other in every way, now more than ever since Sasuke's announcement that he wanted to be Hokage, and Sasuke's witnessing of Naruto's new-found abilities on the battlefield during the Fourth Shinobi World War.

Later, when both Naruto and Sasuke met the Sage of the Six Paths and learning they are the reincarnations of his sons, Naruto declares even though they are not real brothers, he was confident together they could change the world.

Zabuza Momochi and Haku
"Zabuza Momochi"

- He must be pretty famous these days, after helping you defeat the two of us…

A relationship that shaped Naruto's character, giving him his ninja way and the determination to protect others was during his first C-rank mission of escorting Tazuna to the Land of Waves where he met two mercenary Missing-nin hired to kill Tazuna — Zabuza Momochi of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and his ward Haku. While he met Zabuza only twice in his life on the battlefield, Naruto unknowingly met Haku between the two fights. Both youths got into a discussion over protecting those who were precious to them, with Naruto gaining his unselfish desire to protect his friends and to never give up. By the time Naruto learned Haku was his enemy during their battle, he was reluctant to take his life before Haku acted on his own ideals and sacrificed himself to protect Zabuza after being inflicted with numerous injuries.

Hearing Zabuza talk ill of Haku's sacrifice as the boy serving his purpose as his tool, the older ninja hiding his actual feelings of sadness for someone he grew to care about, Naruto reprimands Zabuza for not appreciating Haku's actions with Zabuza finally opening his heart as he kills his former employer before dying from his wounds. Soon after Zabuza and Haku were buried, Naruto admitted to Kakashi that he liked the two with his mentor feeling the same way. When Kabuto brought the pair back to life for the Fourth Shinobi World War, Zabuza and Haku encounter Kakashi who reveals that Naruto had grown into a fine and well-known shinobi since their deaths.

Orochimaru
"This child… intrigues me to no end!"

Naruto first encountered Orochimaru during the Chūnin Exam, unaware of the true identity of his opponent at the time, and was quickly knocked out. Naruto learned that he is one of the Sannin and the one who attacked the village, first meeting Orochimaru officially while trying to help Tsunade. Originally, before watching him defeat Kabuto, Orochimaru viewed Naruto as no threat to him until realising his potential and tried to kill him. After Sakura revealed their previous encounter with the disguised Orochimaru and that he was targeting their team-mate, Naruto resolved to train to face Orochimaru after he lured Sasuke with the promise of power. When they meet again years later, Orochimaru provokes Naruto into fighting him. But when Naruto uses Kurama's power to fight him, Orochimaru finds himself struggling against the youth and manages to escape. However, knowing of Naruto's role in the death of his former partner Sasori, Orochimaru saw the boy to be more useful in taking out his former Akatsuki allies. Though Naruto hoped that Orochimaru's death would mean that Sasuke would return to the village, it only led to a more tragic sequence of events. After his revival during the Fourth Shinobi War, Orochimaru looked into Naruto's memories and feelings alongside the Allied Shinobi Forces on the battlefield and looked on solemnly as Naruto remembered the memorial he made for Jiraiya. Seeing how the young shinobi refused to give up and fall into despair, Naruto gained a measure of Orochimaru's respect, who immediately decided to join him in battle and assist in defeating Obito.

Kabuto Yakushi
"You should know what it's like, Naruto, the pain of not having a true identity."

When Naruto first met Kabuto Yakushi, he saw him as an ally during the Chūnin Exams. Despite his seeming politeness and helping the younger ninja out, Kabuto has some fixation on him. Eventually, when Naruto later discovered that he works under Orochimaru, Kabuto became his enemy and defeated him a fight that nearly killed him were it not for Tsunade. However, three years later, Naruto learns that his win inspired Kabuto to undergo the painful process of modifying his body with Orochimaru's DNA after his master's defeat. Stating that Naruto was his inspiration for the risky act, Kabuto handed over a book containing intelligence on the Akatsuki before taking his leave with the hope that he can settle things with Naruto after honing his new abilities and dealing with Sasuke. Though he crossed paths with Kabuto during the Chikara Arc, Naruto only faced the ninja that Kabuto reincarnated for the Fourth Shinobi World War.