Naruto: 10 characters with the best endings, ranked

The journey of Naruto Uzumaki and his fellow ninjas from the Hidden Leaf Village is a story that has captivated fans around the world. The series has been an emotional roller coaster for fans, with moments of joy, sadness, and triumph. One of the things that made Naruto so compelling was the development of its characters, many of whom went through significant changes as the series progressed. And while not all of them had happy endings, some characters did get the satisfying conclusion they deserved.

Here are ten characters from Naruto ranked on the basis of their satisfying and well-deserved ending.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's personal views.

Naruto characters with the best ending

10. Kabuto Yakushi

Kabuto Yakushi was a major antagonist in the Naruto series. He was a former member of Orochimaru's organization and possessed a variety of medical and genetic abilities. Kabuto was initially portrayed as a loyal follower of Orochimaru, but over the course of the series, he became increasingly obsessed with power and control.

Kabuto was ultimately defeated by Sasuke and Itachi Uchiha. He was then confronted by Naruto Uzumaki, who attempted to convince him to turn away from his villainous ways. Kabuto initially resisted, but eventually, he came to realize the error of his ways.

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Kabuto's ending was a testament to the power of redemption and self-reflection. Despite his evil deeds, he was still able to recognise his mistakes and seek redemption. Kabuto made an earnest attempt to atone for his prior acts and accepted the hurt he had caused. Kabuto's story was a reminder that even the most villainous characters can find redemption and that there is always a chance for change and growth.

9. Shikamaru Nara

Shikamaru in the chunin exam arc (Image Via Studio Pierrot)

Shikamaru Nara was a fan-favorite character in the Naruto series, known for his intelligence, strategic mind, and laid-back attitude. Although he was first presented as a sluggish and uninterested ninja, he eventually revealed himself to be one of the most valued and talented resident of the Hidden Leaf Village.

Shikamaru was ultimately chosen to serve as the advisor to the next Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki. He played a crucial role in the post-war reconstruction efforts and the restoration of the Hidden Leaf Village. Shikamaru's intelligence and strategic mind were put to good use in this role, was able to aid in the reconstruction of his house and ensure its defence against any future threats.

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Shikamaru's ending was a testament to the power of intelligence and hard work. He had started out as a lazy and apathetic ninja, but over the course of the series, he had developed into one of the most capable and valuable members of the Hidden Leaf Village. Shikamaru's story was a reminder that sometimes, the most important battles are won not with physical strength, but with intelligence and strategy.

8. Gaara

Gaara of the sand (Image Via Studio Pierrot)

Gaara was first shown as one of Naruto's most threatening foes. He had the unique ability to control sand and was the youngest of the five Kage. Gaara was initially portrayed as a cold and ruthless killer, but over the course of the series, he underwent a significant transformation.

Gaara ultimately rose to become the Hidden Sand Village's Kazekage and a close ally of Naruto. Gaara's journey towards redemption was a testament to the power of friendship and forgiveness. He had been deeply traumatized by his past and struggled with feelings of isolation and despair. However, Gaara was able to discover a feeling of acceptance and belonging in his interactions with Naruto and his friends.

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Gaara's story had a joyful conclusion since he had at last found his place in the world. He had become a beloved leader in his village and had developed close relationships with many of his peers. Additionally, Gaara's evolution was a representation of his character's development and progress. Gaara's story was a reminder that even the most broken characters can find redemption and that friendship and forgiveness are powerful forces that can transform lives.

7. Nagato

One of the main villains in the Naruto series was Nagato, also known as Pain. He was the leader of the Akatsuki group and had the power to control gravity and resurrect the dead. Despite his villainous nature, Nagato's story was a tragic one, marked by loss, pain, and a desire for peace.

In the end, Nagato was defeated by Naruto Uzumaki, but not before his true intentions were revealed. Nagato's experiences during the Second Great Ninja War, which left him disillusioned with the ninja system and thought that genuine peace could only be attained through force, had inspired him to carry out his wicked deeds.

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However, in the end, Nagato was able to find some measure of redemption. He gave his life in order to revive the many people he had slain while serving as the leader of the Akatsuki, and he also acknowledged that Naruto’s vision for world peace.

Nagato's ending was a testament to the power of redemption and forgiveness. Despite his villainous actions, he was able to find some measure of peace and redemption through his sacrifice. Nagato's story was a reminder that even the most villainous characters can find redemption and that true peace can only be achieved through forgiveness and sacrifice.

6. Kakashi Hatake

Kakashi, the Copy Ninja and mentor to many of the characters in the series, had a bittersweet ending. He had lost many loved ones throughout his life, including his father, his best friend, and his own team members. Despite these losses, Kakashi continued to serve his village and train the next generation of ninja.

In the end, Kakashi was able to find peace and closure. He was chosen to be the Sixth Hokage, a position he had once turned down, and he proved to be a wise and capable leader. He was also able to forgive his old friend Obito for his mistakes after reconnecting with him. Kakashi may have lost many significant individuals over his life, yet he was still able to uphold their legacies and honour their memories.

Overall, Kakashi's ending was one of growth and acceptance. He was able to come to terms with his past and find happiness in the present. His story showed that even in the face of great loss, it is possible to move forward and find a new purpose in life.

5. Rock Lee

Rock Lee in the chunin exam arc (Image Via Studio Pierrot)

Throughout the series, Rock Lee was a character that encountered several challenges. Despite not having any innate ability for ninjutsu or genjutsu at birth, Lee put in many hours of practise to become a skilled fighter. His dedication and hard work paid off as he became one of the strongest ninja in the series, known for his incredible speed and powerful taijutsu techniques.

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Lee ultimately fulfilled his goal of becoming a renowned ninja in his own right. He also opened up his own dojo, where he trained other aspiring ninja, passing on his knowledge and encouraging them to work hard and never give up. Lee's ending was a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, showing that anyone can achieve their goals with hard work and dedication.

His story showed that with determination and hard work, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome.

4. Sasuke Uchiha

Sasuke was one of the most complex characters in Naruto, with a troubled past and a desire for revenge against his brother Itachi. For a large portion of the series, he was overwhelmed by his rage, but eventually, he was able to come to terms with his past and find redemption.

Sasuke wandered around the world after the Fourth Great Ninja War in an effort to atone for his sins and help those in need. Additionally, he made amends with Naruto, and the two forged a close relationship based on respect and understanding. Sasuke's journey was one of self-discovery and growth, and he was able to overcome his darkness and find a new purpose in life.

Sasuke's journey was a reminder that no matter how dark things may seem, there is always a chance for redemption and a new beginning.

3. Jiraiya

Jiraiya, also known as the Toad Sage, was one of the most important characters in the Naruto series. He was a legendary ninja and one of the three "Sannin" of Konoha. Jiraiya was also Naruto's mentor and had a significant impact on his development as a ninja.

In the end, Jiraiya gave his life in combat with Pain, the Akatsuki leader. Jiraiya had been looking into the group and had learned important details about their strategies, but in the end, he was defeated by Pain's immense power.

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Jiraiya's death had a profound impact on Naruto, who was devastated by the loss of his mentor. However, Jiraiya's legacy lived on through Naruto, who continued to carry on his teachings and honor his memory.

Although Jiraiya's story had a terrible ending, it was also a monument to his bravery and commitment to defending the village he loved. Jiraiya's story was a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, heroes can continue to inspire and impact those around them.

2. Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto Uzumaki was the main protagonist of the Naruto series, and his story was one of growth, determination, and perseverance. As a young child, Naruto started out as an orphan, left alone, and shunned by his fellow villagers because of the nine-tailed fox that had been imprisoned inside of him. Despite these setbacks, Naruto persisted in his efforts to master the ninja arts and gain the support of his village.

In the end, Naruto achieved his goal of becoming Hokage, the leader of the Hidden Leaf Village. By putting an end to the Fourth Great Ninja War and defeating the evil Kaguya, he was able to bring about peace in the ninja community. Naruto's journey was a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and never giving up on one's dreams.

Naruto's story was a reminder that no matter how difficult the journey may be, with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

1. Itachi Uchiha

Itachi Uchiha was a complex character in the series. He was initially portrayed as a villain, having massacred his entire clan, including his own parents, for the sake of preserving peace in the Hidden Leaf Village. Itachi, however, was shown to have been a devoted and selfless ninja throughout the course of the series and had just been following the orders of the Hidden Leaf Village's leadership.

In the end, Itachi's true nature was revealed, and he was able to find some measure of peace. He sacrificed his own life to stop his evil younger brother, Sasuke, from carrying out his revenge against the Hidden Leaf Village. Itachi's ultimate goal was to protect the Hidden Leaf Village and his younger brother, even if it meant sacrificing his own life and reputation.

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Itachi's story was a reminder that sometimes, the most difficult decisions require sacrifice, and that true heroism often comes at a great cost. He had been willing to endure years of rejection and demonization in order to protect his younger brother and the Hidden Leaf Village. Despite the terrible things he had done, Itachi remained a sympathetic and tragic figure, and his sacrifice was a crucial turning point in the series.

Edited by Vinay Agrawal