One of the main protagonists in the Naruto franchise, Sakura Haruno, is the only child of her parents and lives a healthy childhood, unlike her other teammates in Team 7. Her journey as a member of Team 7 made her realize how weak she was compared to her other teammates. The onset of the series depicts her as a character lacking in combat skills, but as the series develops, she becomes one of the best medical ninjas ever.
As the Naruto series progressed, Sakura grew to become one of the most versatile and formidable characters; in fact, she evolved significantly better than she was at the start of the series. Being kind-hearted and warm in the world of ninjas helped her form significant friendships and alliances.
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4 Kakashi Hatake
Sakura’s Team Leader
It is impossible to mention significant characters in the Naruto series without mentioning Kakashi. Popularly known as the Copy Ninja, Kakashi is one of the most talented ninjas in the series. Because of his Sharingan, he can read and replicate any Jutsu he sees within seconds, which gives him an edge over any opponent he goes against. His impact on Sakura’s journey as a ninja cannot go unmentioned and is significant to the development of the series. His assignment as the team leader of Team 7 made him recognize Sakura’s potential alongside the others on the team despite his initial impression of them.
Kakashi realized Sakura’s potential as a child and spent his time as her teacher, helping her hone skills that would serve her as she got older. He proved himself a talented teacher, pushing and training Sakura and her teammates, helping them develop skills that would ultimately protect them in their world. In Sasuke and Naruto’s absence, Kakashi continued to train Sakura, caring for her and developing a father-like fondness towards the character as they interacted more.
3 Sasuke Uchiha
Sakura’s Lover
Sasuke and Sakura’s relationship started with the latter developing a one-sided crush on him during childhood. The broody character was part of Team 7, with her and Naruto as the other team members. Sasuke’s rough childhood made it difficult for him to properly navigate the world without conflicted emotions. It was difficult for him to form alliances and friendships, but as the series developed, Sasuke could with his other team members in Team 7. Their missions together as a team allowed them more interactions, and it helped Sakura’s crush evolve into love for the character.
His relationship with Sakura was platonic, and he turned down the latter’s advances. Sasuke was reliable and constantly looked out for and protected Sakura, who was not initially a skilled ninja. Despite Sasuke turning Sakura down, her love for him never wavered, even when he became a criminal who threatened her community and the people she loves. This only fueled her determination to bring him back to their village. Interestingly, and giving a beautiful end to the series, Sasuke returned to the village and started a life with Sakura.
2 Naruto Uzumaki
Sakura’s Upbeat Friend
Naruto is one of her best friends mainly due to the time they spent together, particularly since they have known each other since they were little. In their childhood, Naruto developed a crush on Sakura that initially annoyed her and made her dismissive towards him. The relationship between both characters eventually developed when they became members of Team 7, constantly going on missions alongside Sasuke as a trio.
Sakura’s interactions with Naruto due to being on the same team helped forge a stronger relationship between both characters, and what was once a one-sided crush became a friendship that would span lifetimes. Naruto eventually lets go of his crush, allowing a better relationship built on friendship, trust, and respect. Sakura played a significant role in Naruto’s character development as both characters unraveled the world amidst threats and enemies.
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At the beginning of the series, it was impossible for Sakura to match up to her teammates as they embarked on missions. This made her an easy target for their opponents, but Naruto was always there to protect her even when it put him at risk. This act made Sakura kinder towards him, growing fond of the male character and protecting him from harm as best as she could. Her development in the medical area helped the village as a whole and, specifically, Naruto when his injury was life-threatening.
1 Ino Yamanaka
Sakura’s Childhood Friend
Ino is one of the supporting characters in the Naruto series and a member of Team 10. She and Sakura were initially affiliated when Ino defended her against bullies in their childhood. But as far as crushes and rivalries go, Sakura and Ino’s crush on Sasuke caused animosity between both characters. It was no secret that Ino was better skilled at combat compared to Sakura, and this also made the latter yearn to be her counterpart rather than live in her shadow.
Their relationship improves when Ino’s crush on Sasuke fades, and Sakura’s teammates leave the village. Ino extended some grace to her old friend by inviting her to be on her team. Sakura and Ino later train under Lady Tsunade as medical ninjas, the former being a source of inspiration to the latter. As these two characters develop in friendship and skills, they form a great team and make significant impacts during the Fourth Shinobi War. While they may have started out as rivals in the series, Ino is Sakura’s closest friend and confidant.
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