With over 700 episodes of Naruto since its debut in 2002, the series has become one of the most iconic tales in fictional history. Its massive run time enables its two main characters, Naruto and Sasuke, to make plenty of decisions ~ some of which viewers may not agree with.
Though Naruto and Sasuke fulfill the roles of protagonist and (usually) antagonist respectively, there have been instances where audiences may have related to the last Uchiha more than the vessel of the Nine Tails. Examining these occasions emphasize what makes these characters unique and the spectacular creativity behind them.
10 Couldn't Relate to Naruto - Sakura Obsession
One of the strangest dynamics recurrent in the early seasons of Naruto was of the love triangle between Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke. Sakura was obsessed with Sasuke because he was dark and mysterious, and Sasuke was obsessed with Naruto for how he would show him up, despite his often bumbling behavior.
However, Naruto's dogged affection for Sakura is never duly explained. She was often cruel, short tempered, and even abusive to him, showing clear favor to his rival instead. Naruto and Sakura had no chemistry, and consequently, his advances were aloof and illogical.
9 Could Relate To Sasuke - Feeding Naruto
Before he left the Leaf Village, Sasuke's rivalry with Naruto resulted in growing friction between the two boys. However, during Kakashi's bell trial, he demonstrated genuine concern for his teammate's well being.
While he argued his reasoning from a utilitarian position (they wouldn't be able to complete the mission if Naruto was exhausted), it would not be the first instance of Sasuke's humanity in his younger years. It would be sorely remembered later, when Naruto's colleagues conspired in a plan to take his life.
8 Couldn't Relate To Naruto - Obito's Redemption
One of Naruto's most distinct traits both as a protagonist and as an individual is his readiness to forgive. From excusing the man who had destroyed his village and mentor to his relentless pursuit of Sasuke, it is in his nature to see the best in others.
However, Obito is not only responsible for masterminding the Akutsuki, he helped ressurect Madara and was responsible for his parents' death. He proved useful in the battle against Kaguya, but Naruto is quick to remember him as the hero he was briefly rather than the monster he had become.
7 Could Relate To Sasuke - Defeating Orochimaru
Orochimaru and Sasuke may have had many parallels, but Sasuke was stalwart in maintaining that he would be no one's vessel or slave. In a gratifying act of defiance, he struck down Orochimaru, winning his independence.
It was cathartic in more ways than one. It seemed as if the Kage of the Hidden Sound had finally faced justice, and that although Sasuke's heart was strangled by hate, he at least had the will to channel it at the right targets. While Orochimaru survived the encounter, he became considerably more hospitable even to his enemies in the Leaf.
6 Couldn't Relate to Naruto - His "Plan" To Convince Sasuke
When Sasuke left the Hidden Leaf to pursue his destiny, he was a troubled young man with a haunting past. The upcoming generation of Genin were assembled to retrieve him, with each member fighting one of the Sound Four, with Naruto assigned to Sasuke himself.
Instead of attempting to convince him that everything he has is in the Leaf, he threatens him at the top of his lungs, promising he'll drag Sasuke back if he doesn't comply. This was perceived as a challenge to the young Uchiha's strength ~ the very reason he was leaving in the first place.
5 Could Relate To Sasuke - Revenge for Itachi
Much of Sasuke's life had been dedicated to hunting down and defeating Itachi for the crimes he had wrought against the Uchiha. When the truth was uncovered that his brother had only done it under order to prevent bloodshed spilling beyond Konoha's borders, Sasuke's heart was shattered at what he had done.
Though he remained on the villainous path which would culminate in his reckoning with Naruto, the bittersweet respite endeared audiences to the now aimless avenger... until he redirected his rage toward the Hidden Leaf.
4 Couldn't Relate To Naruto - Obliviousness To Hinata
The romance between Naruto and Hinata had been hinted at since the latter's debut, frequently blushing at the mere mention of his name. Inexplicably, it takes him several hundred episodes to notice, and several hundred more for the affection to be substantially returned.
While Naruto is usually sensitive to the emotions of others (using that sensitivity to justify his forgiveness), his obliviousness toward Hinata remains one of the most infuriating blunders of the show. Their wedding at the end of Shippuden would have been stronger if he had spent less time stumbling around her affection ignorantly.
3 Could Relate To Sasuke - Sasuke Defending Naruto
During their journey to the Land of Waves, Team 7 encountered the vicious Zabuza and his apprentice, Haku. While Kakashi engaged the former, the three Genin clashed with the latter. Fatigued from the combat much faster than his Uchiha counterpart, Naruto watched helplessly as Haku threw needles at him, only for Sasuke to shield him with his body.
Unlike Kakashi's bell trials, these heroic actions could not as easily be excused as utilitarian. It displayed the compassion Sasuke was often tentative to show before it was suppressed with his departure.
2 Couldn't Relate To Naruto - Risking Everything for Sasuke
Naruto's devotion to Sasuke is commendable, but given the lengths he had gone by the end of the series, it's difficult to excuse (or even forgive) him. He attempted to kill Sakura, sabotaged the Five Kage summit, and was currently enslaving the same Tailed Beasts each of the Five Nations had bled dearly to secure.
As loyal of a friend as Naruto might be, Sasuke's deeds against the Hidden Leaf far outnumber his contributions, and congruently, the time Naruto knew him as an enemy vastly outweighs when he did as a friend. While he eventually managed to win him back, Naruto staked the fate of the planet to placate his values.
1 Could Relate To Sasuke - Killing Danzo
Responsible for the Uchiha genocide and many other atrocities visited upon the Hidden Leaf's residents, many fans relished Danzo's demise at Sasuke's hand. It was an arrangement both parties benefited from; as a village elder and the founder of Root, he maintained the peace in Konoha, and killing him was a weakening blow.
At the same time, he rabidly attempted to maneuver into a position of power and was even willing to murder Hiruzen to do so. The absence of his treachery left audiences breathing a sigh of relief ~ even if Sasuke's blood lust had yet to come to an end.