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Fans of Dragon Ball Z and Naruto have taken notice of many similarities between the two series. Aside from their bombastic fight scenes, the two anime also share a similarity in deuteragonists, who take the classic shonen role of the hero's rival. More than just being a foil to the protagonist, however Vegeta and Sasuke share their difficulty of building relationships and showing emotions.
As heirs to the grandest legacies, Vegeta and Sasuke have an overwhelming sense of pride at risk due to multiple factors. Because emotions and love are never as important as strength in battle, these cynical characters believe their abrasive and apathetic philosophies are perfectly justified. A slow, gradual change does occur over time, but few select people are able to recognize the softer side that Vegeta and Sasuke have hidden. If this sounds anything like a tsundere, it's because, for the most part, that's what both these characters are.
Sasuke & Vegeta Have Tsundere Traits, But Are Really Hinedires
Of all the anime tropes that exist, the tsundere is one of the most well-known. The basis of this character archetype is a protection of pride and a rejection of emotions, which fits both Vegeta and Sasuke perfectly. However, another less common -dere type fits their personalities even more so. The resistance to love and affection that marks a tsundere does fit well with their characters, so it wouldn't be outlandish to call Vegeta and Sasuke tsunderes; but for the sake of accuracy, they are more hinederes than anything.
A hinedere is a character who is full of pride and cynicism and lacks the fluster of emotions that tends to leak out of tsunderes. They are much more calm and collected than tsunderes, but still have the same struggle of being vulnerable with anyone they can't trust and aren't already close to. These are all traits Vegeta and Sasuke possess, though the execution is different between them.
The Lonely Saiyan Prince Vegeta, Changed Into A Hero
Dragon Ball Z's Vegeta was born into royalty as the son of the Saiyan King, whose people are considered among the strongest in the universe. Looking up to his father, Vegeta couldn't express the ways he felt at home due to their abrasive culture; he was taught to be a merciless warrior at a young age. Sadly, due to the abuse and eventual destruction of his people, Vegeta grows bitter and full of rage, though he maintains his regal demeanor as much as he can. After the Saiyans' demise, he became a selfish and cruel individual with little remorse for his actions. However, he eventually reveals that he could have been more than a warrior if it weren't for the influences around him, a notion that most likely developed thanks to the influence of Earth's mightiest warriors.
Before his time on Earth, Vegeta was led to believe that attachments and emotions were meaningless. Over the course of Dragon Ball Z, he grows merciful toward his so-called enemies, gradually developing positive relationships with the Z fighters. His changes are subtle and only noticeable by a select few, but Vegeta gradually begins to show a softer side when building his relationships on Earth.
His caring nature and ability to show others respect is muddled by his inflated ego and overall cold demeanor, but in his own way he does care, especially when it comes to his family. Though it takes a while to truly show his more tender side to Bulma and Trunks, once Vegeta fully realizes how important his family is to him, he lets go of his ruthless tendencies and shows a more considerate and affectionate side.
A Manipulated Sasuke Uchiha, Freed From Hatred
Similar to Vegeta, Naruto's Sasuke was born into the esteemed Uchiha clan, and although they didn't possess any sovereign rule, they commanded respect and fear as one of the most powerful ninja families. As the son of the Uchiha leader Fugaku and the younger brother of the most gifted Uchiha, Itachi, Sasuke had big shoes to fill and was taught that the most important thing in life was success as a ninja. His desire to be the strongest is blown out of proportion after his brother kills their entire clan, leaving Sasuke alive with the promise that they would fight to the death when he grows stronger.
From his traumatic childhood onward, Sasuke is set on the goal of killing Itachi and gradually isolates himself from others to exercise his hatred. Although he does have a caring and noble side throughout most of Naruto, Sasuke covers up his vulnerable emotions with a cold and cynical attitude.
With the help of an unlikely source and the support of his best friend Naruto, Sasuke finally achieves peace and is freed of his hatred. He's still apprehensive in showing his soft side, but the few select people whom he reveals this side to witness the heroic Sasuke that was always buried under the hatred. Naruto is the first to break through, and because she never stopped loving him, Sakura becomes the next to see Sasuke's tender side as they raise their daughter Sarada Uchiha.
Both Vegeta and Sasuke have a number of reasons to hold on to their pride and initially think little of love and relationships, but unlike other anti-heroes/villains, they maintain a touch of their humanity hidden deep down in their chilled hearts. The few people who bring out their softer side reveal that aside from being rival characters, these two are also classic hinederes. Though their character development is different -- with Vegeta turning from villain to hero and Sasuke from a hero to a villain and then back, the major quality they both share is their struggle in revealing their emotions and learning to love.