Summary
Naruto’s worldbuilding and character writing were off the charts before the War arc, with fans loving the side characters just as much as the main cast. After the Fourth Shinobi World War drew to a close, fans wondered how relationships would pan out as the world finally attained peace.
This was addressed not long after, with a string of movies, extra episodes, anda sequel to this seriesthat confirmed certain fan ships while ignoring others. Even couples that came out of left field end up being quite endearing in their own way.
8Choji & Karui
A Random Pairing That Somehow Works
Fans didn’t understand how Choji and Karui ended up together, given that they barely interacted over the course ofNaruto. However, despite the random nature of this pairing, there’s no denying that the couple is endearing once fans give them a chance.
The lack of buildup is a sticking point but one that fans won’t harp over for too long. Choji and Karui are sweet together, with ChoCho embodying the most recognizable qualities of both parents.
7Sai & Ino
Ino’s Infatuation With Sai Eventually Pays Off
While Sakura and Ino fought over Sasuke numerous times, the Yamanaka clan member found a different man to drool over when Sai made his debut. Naruto and Sakura were worried that Sai’s lack of social etiquette would lead to him accidentally insulting Ino, but he ended up charming her instead.
This made it easy for them to end up together at the end ofNaruto, even if the romance didn’t get its time to build up. Both Sakura and Ino ended up with their dream men, making it easy to rekindle a friendship that had been fraught for the longest time.
6Asuma & Kurenai
A Beautiful Couple Whose Romance Was Cut Short
Asuma and Kurenai made for a cute couple that could’ve dominated the screen, with Kurenai getting pregnant before Asuma’s mission tohunt down the two members of the Akatsuki terrorizing the Leaf. Unfortunately, the events that occurred during this fateful mission ended this pairing in a brutal fashion.
Asuma’s death was traumatic for Shikamaru and Kurenai, and it’s a shame that only the former got to enact their revenge. If there’s a silver lining to be found here, it’s that Asuma’s legacy lives on in Mirai, the child he fathered with Kurenai.
5Sasuke & Sakura
Despite Sasuke’s Horrid Antics, This Marriage Somehow Came To Be
There’s no denying that Sasuke was horrible to Sakura, going so far as to try and kill her when he was consumed by hatred. However, despite his heinous actions, Sakura never gave up on him and loved him no matter what.
After Sasuke is pardoned by the Leaf, he marries Sakura but doesn’t spend too much time with his family. While this irritates Sarada to no end, this child realizes soon enough that the two love each other despite outward appearances.
4Tsunade & Dan
Tsunade has suffered her fair share of trauma before the events ofNaruto, losing both her brother and lover to the horrors of war. So, when Naruto arrived and reminded her of the two men she treasured most, she refused totake on the mantle of Hokageand interact with this upstart in any capacity.
Thankfully, Naruto’s stubborn attitude eventually made her see the light and remember the fun times she had, especially with Dan. This sweet couple could’ve enjoyed a long and happy life had the horrors of war not caught up to them, and it was nice to see them share a tender moment in the Fourth Shinobi World War when he saved Tsunade from one of Madara’s attacks.
3Shikamaru & Temari
The Shipping Started From The Chunin Exams And Eventually Bore Fruit
From the very moment they faced each other in the Chunin Exams, it was clear that Shikamaru and Temari had some chemistry. During the Sasuke Retrieval arc, she appeared in the nick of time to back Shikamaru up during his fight against Tayuya, deepening their bond.
Fans were glad to see that an episode was dedicated to their romance after the war, with Temari and Shikamaru being frustrated by a string of hilarious misunderstandings before eventually acknowledging their mutual feelings. Forsomeone who’s usually so smart, Shikamaru was endearingly stupid as he failed to understand Temari’s emotions multiple times.
2Naruto & Hinata
A Relationship That Was A Long Time In The Making
Hinata’s crush on Naruto had been established from the very start of the series, but she never openly declared her feelings despite sharing several private moments. This changed during the Pain arc when Hinata saw Naruto in danger and bravely stepped into the fray to take on this imposing antagonist, confessing her love during this pivotal moment.
Fans were frustrated to see that Naruto never acknowledged Hinata’s emotions, but things changed after the advent ofThe Last: Naruto the Movie. After Hinata is taken away from Naruto by Toneri Otsutsuki,the protagonist saves the woman he lovesand cements their relationship with a kiss.
1Minato & Kushina
No couple in the series has sacrificed more than Minato and Kushina. From their endearing meet-cute to the happy life they have as a couple, fans couldn’t help but fall in love with their dynamic even though they knew the events that followed.
Afterthe Nine-Tails was unleashed on the village by Obito, Minato, and Kushina realized that they needed to seal this beast in their newborn child to save the village. The Kyuubi realized this and tried to take Naruto out, only for the couple to step in the way and willingly give up their lives as they bid a tearful farewell to their child before passing away in one ofNaruto’s most heartbreaking moments.
