Romance isn’t the main focus ofNaruto, but with so many characters and potential pairings, fans naturally started shipping them. Over time, the series introduced multiple couples, some cherished for their heartwarming moments and others for their tragic backstories.Naruto and Sasuke took center stage as the main characters, with their struggles and growth shaping the story’s heart. Their journeys were driven by their own definitions of peace, but along the way, admiration and love from others became inevitable.
Hinatawas always known as Naruto’s quiet yet devoted supporter, whileSakurawas vocal about her love for Sasuke. Both had feelings that remained sincere and unconditional throughout the series. Despite their similarities,fans have treated them very differently. While Hinata is widely praised, Sakura continues to face criticism, even when their devotion isn’t all that different.
Hinata’s Love for Naruto Was Unwavering, Even When He Didn’t Notice
Hinata’s Quiet Love for Naruto Spoke Volumes
Hinata was never part of Naruto’s inner circlein the earlier parts of the series. However, this wasn’t because Naruto excluded her, but rather becauseHinata was naturally shy around him, often blushing whenever he was near. Her admiration for him wasn’t just about his strength or appearance but stemmed from a much deeper connection that went back to their childhood. Even before they entered the academy, Hinata saw something special in Naruto that others overlooked.
Throughout theNarutoseries, Hinata’s love for Naruto was often portrayed from the sidelines, where even a simple glimpse of him was enough to make her happy. Her signature phrase,“Naruto-kun,“became aniconic and widely recognized meme among fans. However, to truly understand the depth of their love story, fans must watchThe Last: Naruto the Movie, which showcases how their bond developed beyond fleeting moments. It explores how Hinata’s feelings grew stronger over time and how Naruto eventually realized her importance.
Don’t Listen to the Haters, Sakura Haruno Is a Badass and These 8 Naruto Moments Prove It
Sakura has long proven that she belongs in Team 7 and is no longer a burden to the Seventh Hokage and his Shadow Hokage.
SomeNarutofans argue that Naruto and Hinata’s relationship felt forced, especially after Neji Hyuga’s death, and that their romance had always been one-sided due to Naruto’s initial crush on Sakura. However, whether or not her feelings were immediately reciprocated, Hinata’s devotion remained unwavering. One of the most powerful moments showcasing this was inNaruto ShippudenEpisode 166, when she fearlessly stepped in to protect Naruto from Pain, knowing she might not survive.Her love for him wasn’t based on his status as one of the greatest ninja or as a Hokage, but on the boy who once stood up for her when she was being bullied and felt like she was never enough.
Sakura’s Devotion to Sasuke Endured Despite Everything
Her Duty as a Shinobi Made Her Feelings for Sasuke More Complicated
“Obsessive” is a term some fans have used to describe Sakura’s feelings for Sasuke, but her devotion was not so different from what Hinata felt for Naruto. From a young age, Sakura admired Sasuke, much like many other girls in the village. However,their relationship took a step forward when they were assigned to the same teamalongside Naruto, with Kakashi Hatake as their mentor. During their time as a team, Sakura was always vocal about her feelings, yet she never truly understood their depth until she was willing to cut her hair to protect him during the Chunin Exams.
While some argue that Sakura’s feelings for Sasuke were part of a forced relationship, that was never the case. Sasuke’s past was filled with tragedy, and his sole focus was avenging his clan, leaving little room for personal relationships. However, an earlier scene revealed that Sasuke once mentioned a girl with pink hair to his older brother, hinting that he was aware of Sakura’s presence long before their time as teammates. Though Sakura never knew this,her feelings for him remained strong, even when he abandoned the villageand became a rogue ninja. Like Hinata, she was always willing to sacrifice herself for the one she loved.
Face It, the Naruto Anime Made Its Main Romance Controversial for No Good Reason
The Naruto anime series caused much confusion among fans by changing the relationship between Sasuke and Sakura for the worse.
InNaruto ShippudenEpisode 107, Sasuke thanked Sakura before leaving the village, showing that she was more than just another admirer to him—she was a friend. Throughout Sasuke’s journey,Sakura endured many moments of conflict, torn between her feelings for him and her duty as a shinobi. While she eventually matured and prioritized her responsibilities and friendship with Naruto, her love for Sasuke never wavered. Even when she attempted to kill him, she saw it as the lesser evil, proving that her devotion was never blind or selfish, making the criticism of her love for Sasuke unjustified.
Sakura Played a Key Role in Naruto and Hinata’s Love Story
Sakura Was Always a Good Friend to Naruto and Hinata, Not a Rival
Naruto once had feelings for Sakura, but he always knew she was in love with Sasuke. While there were moments in the series where he wished for his feelings to be reciprocated, he eventually moved on, especially as the stakes in their lives grew higher. Though it was never explicitly stated when his feelings faded, one thing remained clear—Sakura was always his best friend. Her support for Naruto and Hinata’s love story is a testament to that, proving she wanted nothing but the best for him.
After the war ended and peace was restored, Naruto finally had the chance to focus on his personal life. However, by then,Hinata was no longer the only one who saw his strength and kindness—many admired the Seventh Hokage. InThe Last: Naruto the Movie, the characters have matured, and Hinata is seen knitting a red scarf for Naruto, a gesture filled with deep meaning. Sakura, aware of Hinata’s feelings, always encouraged her and pushed her to be more confident.
It’s Getting Old, Sakura Is Far From Naruto’s Worst Character And I Can Prove It
Sakura Haruno always gets the worst rap out of Team 7, but as a rising force in Shippuden, she has proven herself to be an exceptional character.
Sakura played a crucial role in helping Naruto realize Hinata’s love for him.She encouraged Hinata to express her feelingsand even insisted that Naruto walk her home, subtly guiding him toward understanding their bond. Ultimately, it was Sakura who made Naruto realize the significance of the red scarf, proving that she had always supported their love story. More than just a teammate, she was a true friend to both Naruto and Hinata, wanting them to find happiness together.
Sakura and Hinata Were Alike, But Sakura’s Strength Made Her More Divisive
Both Heroines Deserve Equal Admiration
Despite their differences, Sakura and Hinata shared the same unwavering devotion to the ones they loved.However, while Hinata’s quiet admiration for Naruto was embraced by fans, Sakura’s love for Sasuke faced constant scrutiny. Some argue that their relationship had red flags, but these were a result of Sasuke’s complicated journey rather than a flaw in Sakura’s feelings. Like Naruto and Hinata, Sakura and Sasuke had to overcome struggles shaped by their past experiences, and Sakura never stopped believing in him despite the pain he carried.
Sakura’s strength—both emotionally and physically—made her a divisive character, but that should not diminish the sincerity of her love. Unlike Hinata, who admired Naruto from afar, Sakura openly expressed her emotions and fought for those she cared about. The hate she receives for loving Sasuke is undeserved, as their story was never about perfection but growth, redemption, and understanding. In the end,both Hinata and Sakura proved that love is not just about admiration—it is about standing by someone even in their darkest moments, believing in the person they can become.
