Naruto's theme of friendship and bonds is one of the franchise's major messages, primarily observed through the relationship between Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha or the historic bond between Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha. They are reflections of fated bonds, building from companionship and support to then devolve into conflict. An important factor for the greatest friendships of the series comes from an initial rivalry. The competition between two characters serves to create a bridge between them, eventually ending in understanding and respect. However, these ordained relationships are not the greatest of bonds in the series -- instead, the crowns of friendship are comfortably worn by Kakashi Hatake and Might Guy.

While the friendship between the two Jonin has been further explored in the new manga series, Naruto: Konoha's Story -The Steam Ninja Scrolls, it was apparent throughout the original Naruto series and Naruto: Shippuden that the pair of them had a long-running rivalry that developed from differing strengths and goals in their youth into a friendly contest as they reached adulthood. Their rivalry was not what cemented their friendship as the greatest in the series, however. Upon the conclusion of Naruto: Shippuden and into the subsequent manga and anime, it was clear that the two of them were not only inseparable but also closer than any other duo.

RELATED: Boruto: Kurama's Death Confirms Naruto's Dirtiest Secret

Naruto: The Birth of an Eternal Rivalry

Naruto young Kakashi and Guy

The contest of rivals in the form of the genius and the hard worker is well-known to fans of the Naruto series. It was the foundation of Naruto and Sasuke’s bond, Rock Lee and Neji Hyuga and to some degree, Kakashi and Obito Uchiha. There are those in the ninja world who were born with the gift of power, easily able to attain further skills and strength without nearly as much effort as others. There are also those with little to no gift in the ninja arts, who must strive through sweat, blood and tears to achieve a fraction of what the genius obtained. However, those hard workers are the ones with potential beyond any other, as shown by the sheer unparalleled power of Guy.

The importance of this in regard to Kakashi and Guy’s friendship comes in the form of competing with someone naturally more powerful than oneself. Guy identified this in Kakashi, seeing his fellow student as a benchmark to achieve. In turn, Kakashi was able to witness and respect the unbelievable perseverance and growth born from endless training, perhaps reflecting on his own abilities. In a rivalry, no one wishes to fall so far behind that they cannot keep up with the one they want to either be equal with or surpass. Guy wished to surpass Kakashi, which he proved possible, and this created the foundation of their life-long friendship. As Guy exclaims, they are eternal rivals.

RELATED: Sasuke's Story Creates His Most Iconic (and Romantic) Moment With Sakura

Kakashi and Guy, Side by Side Until the End

Guy and Kakashi playing ping pong in robes at the haunted resort in Steam Ninja Scrolls

The unbreakable bond cultivated through their childhood rivalry retained aspects in their adulthood. Guy’s desire to best Kakashi evolved into a friendly banter, though due to their honed skills, this could end up accidentally destructive. Their interest in each other’s health may have been portrayed as a wish to continue their contests, but the underlying genuine care was present in their interactions, as seen in their anime-only race to the Hokage mountain. More importantly, the closeness of their friendship allowed Kakashi to confront Guy with his methods of training Rock Lee -- a stern reprimand that a best friend would give, not in a manner of a co-worker but from actual concern of the direction his friend was taking.

The most obvious display of the pair being the greatest set of best friends comes at the conclusion of the series and in the following manga and Boruto. After everything they have been through and the injuries Guy suffered, which keeps him in a wheelchair, Kakashi remains by his side without even a whisper of superiority. In Guy’s defeat at the hands of Madara, Guy proved he was the strongest. While he may have lost a good portion of his strength and power, Kakashi clearly looks to Guy as a superior ninja, doing what he can to make his best friend feel comfortable, independent and loved.

The benefit that their relationship has over that of Naruto and Sasuke's is not only time and experience but also continual acceptance and support. In Kakashi and Guy’s older years, they stand side by side, spending their semi-retirements as a comedic duo, always enjoying each other’s company. In truth, they are lucky considering how brutal the Naruto world can be when it comes to straining or severing bonds. Their friendship is unlike any other in the series, and even when Naruto and Sasuke, or any of the others, reach the same age, they will never have had the lifelong experience of being so close.