From the start, Sasuke Uchiha is vital to the Naruto franchise. His decisions ultimately change the course of the story forever while altering the lives of those closest to him. Out of everyone, he impacts Naruto most of all. Since they first met, Sasuke has held an important role in Naruto's life.

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Going from a rival he despised, to a teammate he could trust, to a brother he can't let go of, Sasuke motivates Naruto to push forward no matter what. Despite everything, Sasuke has taught Naruto many valuable lessons. Without these lessons, Naruto's life would be far different. For better or worse, Sasuke is one of the most important people in Naruto's life, and the two are forever connected because of it.

10 They Aren't So Different After All

Young Naruto and Sasuke angry

At first, Naruto and Sasuke appear to come from two completely different worlds. Naruto is alone from birth, unaware of where he came from, while Sasuke comes from a long line of brilliant Shinobi. But the more Naruto gets to know Sasuke, the more he realizes they are more alike than he first thought.

They may have been born into vastly different realities, but ultimately, they both grow up alone. They harbor a great deal of pain and loneliness at a very young age. This pain shapes them into who they become as Shinobi, both going down opposite paths in life. Despite that, Naruto knows they're the same, and this belief is what keeps him striving to bring Sasuke home throughout the series.

9 How To Push Through Fear In The Midst Of Battle

Sasuke saves Naruto during the Land of Waves mission in Naruto.

When Team 7 embarks on their first big mission, Naruto is shaken up by the life or death situation they find themselves in. He freezes in the middle of a fight, rendering him useless and unable to protect Tazuna.

It isn't until Sasuke calls him out on his cowardice that Naruto finally comes to and stands strong in the face of danger. Unwilling to lose to Sasuke, Naruto vows never to let fear hold him back again. This is a promise he keeps from then on, and after, he faces opponents even Sasuke can't stand up against

8 Never Give Up, No Matter What

naruto vs sasuke

Sasuke remains a source of motivation for Naruto from beginning to end. As a rival, he always pushes himself to best him, and as a friend, he always believes in him. Naruto's faith is put to the test more than ever after Sasuke betrays their village.

However, even when things are at their worst when Sasuke and everyone else has given up on him, Naruto never does. Instead, he just tries harder, willing to go to any lengths to get Sasuke to see reason, even at the risk of his own life. Naruto never was one to give up, but after meeting Sasuke, he knows giving up isn't an option.

7 What It Feels Like To Have A Family

Team 7 Poses For A Photo

From the time he was born and through his childhood, Naruto never knew the feeling of a loving family. He watched as other kids from the Academy went home with their parents, safe and happy, and could never relate. Only after Team 7 is formed does Naruto ever learn what it's like to have a family.

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After everything he, Sakura, and Sasuke go through together, they become his family. Not only does he find in them the love and bonds of family that he longed for so much, but he also learns what it means to protect that family. From there, Naruto's family grows, including his friends and everyone in the village. This sense of family shapes who he is as an adult and the type of Hokage he becomes.

6 No One Is Better Off Alone

Young Sasuke crying on the floor in Naruto.

Sasuke's tragic childhood and his fall from grace show Naruto the importance of those around him. Even when others reached out, Sasuke pushed everyone away, determined to stay on his path of revenge. He was completely alone, and in this state, his hatred festered until he let it consume him.

Naruto realizes that if he hadn't had his friends and their support, he could have easily become just as cruel and filled with hate. Sasuke shows him just how lucky he is to have loved ones by his side, and it is one of the many reasons Naruto is determined to reach out to his old friend.

5 The Path Of Hatred Is Never The Right Path

evil sasuke inside his susanoo

The hatred in Sasuke's heart consumes him at a very early age. He chooses the path of the avenger, ultimately choosing to let the hate in his heart lead him. Naruto sees how hatred changes his best friend. The more time goes by, the darker Sasuke's heart becomes. All the pain he causes his former comrades only solidifies for Naruto that hatred is not the answer.

Despite everything, Naruto can never hate Sasuke for his actions. If anything, Sasuke's crimes make Naruto more determined than ever to bring everyone off the path of hatred. This allows him to let go of his own resentment and become stronger for it.

4 Cherish The Bonds Made With Others

Naruto And Sasuke Bond

When Sasuke leaves Konoha, he cuts all bonds he has with everyone in his old life, including Naruto. To him, such connections are a weakness and only get in his way on his quest for power. For Naruto, however, the bonds he forms with others are his strength. It isn't until he joins Team 7 and meets Sasuke and Sakura that he realizes the importance of bonds.

His connection to Sasuke is one of the strongest bonds he has, and though Sasuke is ready to throw it away, Naruto refuses to let that happen. It drives him to grow stronger and fight for their friendship. In the end, their bond is what brings Sasuke back to the light.

3 Forgiveness Is A Powerful Thing

Naruto and Sasuke After Final Fight

Throughout Naruto's life, he is put down and ostracized by everyone around him. If anything, he should hold the most resentment of anyone in the series. Instead, he refuses to let his mistreatment shape him into someone he isn't. Naruto is always willing to give a second chance to those around him, and it is one of his greatest strengths.

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Naruto has seen the power of forgiveness in action many times, but none come close to Sasuke's redemption. Because if he can forgive his estranged friend, everyone else can too. Without this forgiveness, Sasuke would never start his journey of atonement and would be lost in the darkness still today. Naruto's ability to forgive changes Sasuke's life and is something that he will never forget.

2 No One Is A Lost Cause

Sasuke Returns To Team 7

After years of fighting and so many wrong turns, it looks as though Sasuke will never come to his senses. Everyone sees him as a lost cause, no longer worth the trouble. Naruto is the only one who never wavers. In the end, he was right all along.

Naruto knew there was good still deep inside of Sasuke, and in their final battle together, he finally manages to unearth the real Sasuke. This moment is a valuable lesson that Naruto carries with him into adulthood. As Hokage, he never gives up on the people around him and instills this belief in others. Sasuke proves that anyone can be pulled back from the darkness, no matter their mistakes.

1 Though Their Paths Are Different, They Will Always Be Connected

Sasuke Leaves For Atonement

Even after Sasuke returns to them, he knows there is no place for him in Konoha. Not until he can make up for the many wrongs he has made. At the series end, Naruto and Sakura part ways with Sasuke once again. But this time, they're fighting on the same side. They've reconciled with each other at last. Their place is in the village, while Sasuke must remain on the outside as he atones.

Despite the distance between them, their bond is stronger than ever. The connection they have outlasts any hardships, and with a greater understanding between them, they can change the Shinobi world for the better, inside and out.

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