A series about an outspoken orange ninja shouldn’t be such an emotional rollercoaster, but life isn’t fair and doubly so if you choose to relive any of these scenes from Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. As far as long-running series go, there are few that can compare to Naruto’s epic saga of trial-by-error and redemption. Featuring everything from tournament arcs, tragic flashbacks, and unrequited love — Naruto has never failed to offer something for every kind of anime fan.
But when was the last time Naruto made you cry? The real answer to that might be whenever you last felt teary-eyed — or at least had powerful urges to make a depressing AMV. That being said, Naruto has never failed to deliver, even if it's raw shinobi tears after a long, hard battle. Sometimes all it takes are the small things, like powerful dialogue or a uniquely composed scene. From the very beginning to the tail-end of Shippuden, the following three moments are some of Naruto’s most unexpected emotional highlights, in no particular order:
"An Invitation from the Sound"
Sakura finds Sasuke leaving Konoha Village
After battling against the Sound Four sent by Orochimaru, Sasuke is invited to join the Sound Village to become more powerful. Deciding the offer will help him on his path of gaining revenge for the Uchiha clan, Sasuke attempts to leave Konoha Village alone at night. However, he’s unexpectedly caught by Sakura, who pleads that pursuing his revenge isn’t the right path in life.
What makes this minor scene so provocative? It might be Sakura’s earnest attempt to meet Sasuke eye-to-eye. Despite being brushed off countless times and never being accepted as a peer, Sakura is unwavering in her support for Sasuke to stay. Before Sasuke leaves for good, she asks him "I ... make you dislike me all the time, don't I?" when it’s apparent he’s no longer listening. Whether he likes it or not, Sakura has something to say.
"I ... make you dislike me all the time, don't I?"
Why would Sakura even say something so self-deprecating? She's desperate, not because of selfishness, but because she knows the path Sasuke's taking has no return. If Sasuke leaves, there are no guarantees he will still be the same person ever again.
This confrontation ironically parallels an earlier scene after the two barely met, where Sakura chides Sasuke for being a loner. Having no context, Sasuke tells Sakura that they are, fundamentally, two incredibly different people with almost nothing in common. Barely more than acquaintances. But now, after the trial-by-fire of the Chūnin exams and confronting the terrors of the Sound Village, the dynamics of Sakura and Sasuke’s relationship are at a crossroads.
"You and I were alone for the first time, here at this very spot."
Sasuke’s final words to Sakura aren’t only specifically aimed at her, but at all of Konoha Village and the increasingly strained relationships he’s chosen to leave behind. It’s a bittersweet end to what could’ve been. And as we’ll later see, the beginning of something all-consuming for everyone invested in saving Sasuke.
"The Ties That Bind"
Neji is fatally injured in combat and collapses into Naruto's arms
Despite being a prodigy gifted with the Byakugan dōjutsu, Neji Hyūga has always been at odds with the hand life dealt him. Born only into a subsidiary house of the powerful Hyūga clan, Neji firmly believes he'll never be able to climb the social ladder or achieve greatness. After his father’s death, Neji is only further troubled by this fact, frustrated that things may never change. That was, until he fought Naruto during the Chūnin exams. Although Neji ultimately loses to Naruto, he's left with a valuable lesson: never let fate or people’s expectations have the final say.
Neji versus Naruto during the Chūnin exams (Naruto Episode 60)
Years later, Neji accompanies Naruto during the Fourth Shinobi World War as part of the Allied Shinobi Forces. By now, Neji has not only accepted Naruto as a comrade, but has recognized the deep bond between him and Hinata. After receiving a fatal blow from the Ten-Tails, Neji thanks Naruto for showing him that he didn’t need to let the establishment of the Hyūga family rule him.
"Lady Hinata ... is willing to die for you."
With his dying breath, Neji finally gives Naruto his own word of advice: that Naruto’s life isn’t just his own, but Hinata’s as well. He doesn’t simply ask Naruto to watch over her, but to consider everyone who has joined him so far — it’s not selfishness but selflessness that will ultimately lead them to victory. In his final moments, Neji peacefully arrives full circle after years of harboring a complex about his identity, confident in the fate he bravely fought for by himself.
"The End"
Hello darkness my old friend
What happens when you finally get what you want? You get the sound of silence.
After exchanging blows at the devastated Uchiha Hideout, Sasuke and Itachi conclude their final confrontation against one another with a somber end. With no more chakra to spare, Orochimaru’s eight-headed snake emerges from Sasuke’s cursed seal. Face-to-face, Itachi extracts this weakened Orochimaru from Sasuke’s body, finally removing the seal that had been placed years ago. But this is already too much. With both brothers too exhausted to continue fighting, the mood dramatically changes: instead of going out with a bang, this horrible game of cat and mouse goes out with a whimper.
After a long battle, Itachi's body collapses beside Sasuke
Although Shippuden is best known for dynamic, explosive fight scenes, this finale to Sasuke and Itachi’s generational conflict thrives in its silence. Besides Zetsu’s distant commentary, there is barely any conversation between the brothers after Orochimaru has been sealed. The atmosphere is tense and muted, as though words can hardly do justice for the trauma both brothers have experienced in their lifetime. Cornered with his back against the now destroyed Uchiha Hideout, Sasuke is slowly approached by Itachi. With no more chakra to spare, Sasuke does nothing, seemingly ready to accept Itachi’s final blow.
Itachi speaks to young Sasuke in a previous flashback (Naruto Episode 129)
Nothing happens. Instead, Itachi taps Sasuke’s forehead, just like when they were kids. What isn’t said doesn’t need to be said. Itachi leans into Sasuke’s ear to whisper something, but we can’t hear it — although Sasuke hears it, we aren’t privy to Itachi’s final words. Unlike so many battles in Naruto, this one doesn’t end in a bombastic monologue or celebration, but a haunting note. Despite this not being the last time we see Itachi in Shippuden, this is ultimately the final appearance of his original self. As scarred as their relationship may be, this scene ambitiously avoids overexplaining itself in favor of an eerie severity that makes it one of the most moving encounters in Naruto history.
Anyway, that's enough moody ninja angst for today. Please cry some tears of joy looking at Gaara's beautiful flowers instead:
Wow, what a lovely day
Which Naruto moments have moved you the most? Let us know in the comments!
Blake P. is a weekly columnist for Crunchyroll Features. He would like to show you his ninja info cards. His twitter is @_dispossessed. His bylines include Fanbyte, VRV, Unwinnable, and more.
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