The story of Naruto began with a legendary trio of young ninjas: the knuckleheaded but brave Naruto Uzumaki, the bitter and vengeful Sasuke Uchiha, and the excitable and clever Sakura Haruno. Sakura is the most sociable of the three, and she is always looking to make a new friend with whom she can share her heart. Ino Yamanaka is one of her oldest friends, in fact, and a friendly rival.

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Suppose Sakura could meet characters from other franchises, too? Based on her existing friendships in the Naruto universe and her own personality, it's easy enough to determine what Sakura looks for in a true friend. Fortunately, there are more than a few outstanding anime characters who are best-friend material in Sakura's eyes. Time to expand Sakura's social circle in true style.

10 Rukia Kuchiki Is Tough But Sweet, Like Sakura (Bleach)

rukia kuchiki with a stern expression against a blue sky

Sakura Haruno's counterpart in this hit shonen series is definitely Rukia Kuchiki, the first Soul Reaper whom Ichigo Kurosaki ever met. If Rukia and Sakura ever met, they'd get along wonderfully, since they have more than a little in common.

Like Sakura, Rukia is a tough, no-nonsense fighter who has a big heart for her friends, and she knows how to handle troublemakers like Kon and Keigo Asano. Sakura, meanwhile, would be dazzled by Rukia's ice powers and kido spells, which would be totally foreign to her.

9 Alphonse Elric Is A Great Guy To Know (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Alphonse Elric happy in his human form in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

One of the most upstanding characters in this series is Alphonse Elric, who has a heart of gold to match his hair and eyes. Unlike his hotheaded brother Edward, Alphonse is a kind, patient and easygoing boy, but that doesn't mean he is a pushover. Alphonse can look after himself, and he has seen and done some pretty rough things.

Sakura would be impressed by Alphonse's inner strength and convictions, which are worthy of the Will of Fire. If they met, Sakura would also like Al's charming demeanor and his formidable alchemy skills. Al, for his part, would be reminded of his friend Winry Rockbell, and that's a good thing.

8 Maki Oze Is The Sakura Of Her World (Fire Force)

Maki Oze preparing to fight Arthur and Shinra

In all the right ways, the fire soldier Maki Oze is the Sakura Haruno of Fire Force. She's tough, brave, and won't take anyone's nonsense, but she will also warmly offer a helping hand to anyone who needs it. She also takes great pleasure in helping to train rookie fire soldiers, including Shinra and Arthur.

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Maki won't back down from a fight, and she's working hard to improve her technique, especially with help from Vulcan's inventions. Off-duty, Maki is a lot more fun, often daydreaming about her happily-ever-after. She's a big romantic, and that makes her likable. Sakura would love to meet her.

7 Sakura Would Look After Tohru As A Sister (Fruits Basket)

tohru with blue hat fruits basket

Tohru Honda is a compassionate and generous girl who can never ignore anyone who needs her help. Being around her has a calming effect, and even the most standoffish or stubborn people open up to her sooner or later and trust her with their heart. Sakura would do the same.

Sakura would deeply admire Tohru's strength of spirit and dedication to helping other people, and form a sisterly bond with her at once. And, just like Arisa and Saki, Sakura would take it upon herself to protect her friend Tohru from all threats.

6 Ichika Nakano Ia A Charming Big Sister Figure (The Quintessential Quintuplets)

ichika nakano quintuplets

Just like Tohru Honda, the kind-hearted Ichika Nakano is very easy to like, and Sakura Haruno would love to make her acquaintance. Ichika is the oldest of the five Nakano sisters and acts the part. She has a strong sense of responsibility and is driven to achieve her dream of becoming an actress.

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Ichika's mental strength and resolve would greatly impress Sakura, who would compare it to the Will of Fire, and Ichika would also appreciate Sakura's protective, no-nonsense ways. Sakura's almost like a big sister herself.

5 Princess Yona's Heart Burns For Justice & Peace (Yona Of The Dawn)

Yona from Yona of the Dawn

Princess Yona is a gentle and kind girl, but that doesn't mean she will stand idly by when her father is betrayed and assassinated, even if the killer is her old friend, Soo Won. Yona fled the castle and resolved to gather a powerful squad of warriors to restore peace and justice to the kingdom, and that's exactly what Naruto or Sakura would do.

Yona's fierce convictions and gentle soul make her a well-balanced shojo heroine, and any heroine from shonen or shojo would be drawn to her. Sakura would gladly fight for her as a bodyguard and get to know her a little better around the campfire each night.

4 Asami Sato Would Be An Inspiration To Sakura (The Legend Of Korra)

Asami Sato smiling in The Legend of Korra.

Sakura Haruno would easily make friends with anime characters who are similar to her, such as Maki Oze or Rukia Kuchiki, but she would also want to befriend characters who could inspire her and show her a whole new perspective on the world. Asami Sato, the young boss of Future Industries, fits the bill.

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Asami Sato is smart, sophisticated, elegant, and compassionate, which is what drew both Mako and Korra to her. Sakura, meanwhile, would realize that Asami isn't just a business leader; she is also a wise and forward-thinking person, and Sakura could have all kinds of deep and enlightening conversations with her.

3 Asuna Yuuki Has A Thing Or Two In Common With Sakura (Sword Art Online)

asuna smiling sword art online

Asuna Yuuki has long since been Kirito's #1 ally and teammate, and after a point, she was his lover, too. Like Sakura Haruno, Asuna is tough and reliable, and she knows how to look after her daring and headstrong friend. She is also a gentle and caring foster mother to Yui.

Sakura and Asuna would understand each other perfectly, and they would love to go on an adventure together or simply swap stories at a local cafe, far away from the deadly dungeons of Aincrad or other game worlds. For that matter, Sakura would get along well with Sinon the sniper, too.

2 Elizabeth Liones' Brave Heart Would Inspire Sakura (The Seven Deadly Sins)

Seven deadly sins Elizabeth as a Goddess

Elizabeth Liones may be a princess, but that doesn't mean she's afraid of adventure. When the Seven Deadly Sins were wrongly accused of a horrible crime, Elizabeth took it upon herself to bravely recruit the Sins and help clear their name, no matter the odds. She's a true shonen heroine.

Elizabeth is also a kind and compassionate girl, and all this makes her easy to cheer for and appreciate for who she is. Sakura would gladly join Elizabeth's team and keep the princess safe from all harm, even if she must face all the Holy Knights to do it.

1 Momo Yaoyorozu Is An Inspiration To All Her Friends (My Hero Academia)

Momo Yaoyoruozu smiling in the anime

The smartest student at U.A. is Momo Yaoyorozu, but she's not just an armchair hero. She is always ready to dive right into battle to save the day, and her tactical acumen is unmatched. Momo's Quirk makes her incredibly versatile and resourceful, and Sakura would be greatly impressed.

Sakura would see the Will of Fire burning in Momo's heart, and Momo, in turn, would see a true hero in Sakura Haruno, who might remind her of Itsuka Kendo or even Izuku. Both girls would get along great, either as teammates or as simple friends.

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