Naruto Uzumaki is the main character of Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto series. Known to be quite a warm-hearted person, Naruto cares a lot about his friends and is always willing to go to any lengths to protect them.

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Being the reincarnation of Asura Otsutsuki, Naruto finds his true strength in those around him, and in doing so, he also manages to lift others with him. He's affected hundreds of lives for the better throughout his life as a ninja, including those of his closest friends and teammates, like Sakura Haruno, to quite an extent.

10 Naruto Made Sakura More Empathetic

sakura haruno

When the Naruto series began, Sakura was hardly a friend to Naruto. Much like any other child, she preferred staying away from him and even looked down on him to some extent, but this was largely due to her childish nature at the time. As she spent more time with Naruto, she learned not to judge him by what she heard from others and saw him for the person he truly was. Sakura became more empathetic towards him and everyone around him, which ended up becoming an essential part of her life as a medical ninja.

9 Sakura Understands The Pain Of A Jinchuriki Because Of Naruto

Sakura Haruno healing Naruto

Jinchuriki are, more often than not, unfortunate people who are made to live with a Tailed Beast sealed inside them for their entire lives. They spend their lives hated by everyone and hunted by villains. Thanks to being around the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura got a first-hand experience of how difficult life is for them. Unlike others, Sakura loved Naruto despite being a Jinchuriki. She also extended the same concern towards Gaara of the Sand, who was the Jinchuriki of the One-Tail at one point.

8 Naruto Taught Sakura To Rely On Others

Sakura Haruno In Naruto Standing In A Forest Tightening Her Gloves

Although Sakura Haruno is one of the strongest ninja in the world at the moment, she wasn't always as powerful. Her beginning to life as a ninja was quite difficult and she often felt that she wasn't doing well enough, as her teammates kept progressing at a blistering pace. Thankfully, Naruto quelled her negative feelings as he made her realize that relying on friends isn't necessarily a bad thing. Now, Sakura always relies on Naruto for help, and Naruto always knows that she has his back as well.

7 Naruto Never Left Sakura's Side

Naruto protects Sakura in Naruto: Shippuden.

Naruto and Sasuke were two of Sakura's closest friends growing up - other than Ino, who she lost as a friend during her childhood. Unfortunately, Sasuke left the village to pursue his path of vengeance against Itachi Uchiha, which left Sakura distraught.

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Once again, it was Naruto who came to Sakura's aid and always stood by her side when she needed someone to rely on. He promised that he'd bring Sasuke back to the village and in doing so, he taught Sakura to believe in a better future.

6 Naruto Made Her Train With Tsunade Senju

Naruto _ tsunade training young sakura

As Sasuke left the village and Naruto went to train with Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin, Sakura realized that she couldn't afford to fall further behind. Seeking out the legendary medical ninja, Tsunade Senju, Sakura trained under her for over two years and drastically improved her skills with both medical ninjutsu and taijutsu. She also became a Chunin at the same time. Naruto's determination to get stronger compelled Sakura to improve during the timeskip.

5 Naruto Gave Her A Goal To Chase

sakura haruno in shippuden

During Sakura's time with Naruto and Sasuke as part of Team 7, she was always known to be the weakest of the lot. On most occasions, they had to save her, but as the story progressed, Sakura grew tremendously powerful and didn't need any protection. This was largely due to the fact that Naruto and Sasuke gave her a goal to chase. Sakura dreamed of being able to catch up to them and stand by their side on the battlefield, which she eventually accomplished during the Fourth Great Ninja War.

4 Naruto Taught Her To Never Give Up

Sakura Haruno adult smirking in Boruto

If there's one thing that Naruto Uzumaki is known for, it's his strength to never give up on his dreams and those he loves. This quality has rubbed off on a lot of his comrades, such as Hinata Hyuga, and Sakura is certainly no exception.

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Naruto's determined personality gave Sakura strength when Sasuke left the village, and she found herself believing in the same words as Naruto as well. Undoubtedly, Naruto made her a better, stronger, and more confident person by teaching her to keep believing in her dreams.

3 Naruto Brought Sasuke Back To The Village

Sasuke Apologizes To Sakura As She Heals Him Naruto Shippuden Anime

Towards the end of the first part of the story, Naruto promised Sakura that he'd bring Sasuke back to the village eventually. Always being true to his word, Naruto succeeded in doing so during the Fourth Great Ninja War. This had a great impact on Sakura, who had been fighting all the negativity brought upon by Sasuke leaving the village for years. Consequently, Sakura became a better person and Team 7 was whole once again.

2 Naruto Is A Big Reason Why Sakura Has A Family

Sasuke Uchiha Sarada Uchiha and Sakura Haruno

Naruto bringing Sasuke back to the village led to the latter marrying Sakura, giving the Kunoichi everything that she dreamed of since they were kids. Together, Sakura and Sasuke had a daughter, Sarada, and they remain one of the most wholesome families in Konohagakure right now. Thanks to Naruto's help, Sakura is happy in life with things to look forward to, such as raising Sarada to be a strong kunoichi, among many other things.

1 Naruto Taught Sakura To Fight For Those She Loves

Sakura Protecting Naruto and Sasuke

Not only did Naruto teach Sakura to believe in herself - he also compelled her to stand for those she loves and protect them to the best of her ability. This was first seen in the Forest of Death when Sakura protected both Naruto and Sasuke when they were unconscious by putting her life on the line. With time, as she witnessed Naruto risking his life to protect her and others all the time, this desire of hers grew stronger and she wanted to return the favor.

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