Yahiko And Konan
[ranking: 1]
Yahiko and Konan never get around to being an official canon couple, but it looks pretty obvious they care for each other deeply. The two are willing to go to war with Konoha together, putting their lives on the line to protect each other.
Their interactions heavily hint at romantic feelings, and if they were more than villains whose main appearances happen in childhood flashbacks and battle sequences, they might actually act on those feelings in the anime.
Izumo And Kotetsu
[ranking: 2]
While this pairing feels canon, it's never officially stated, so it counts. Izumo and Kotetsu work together on nearly every mission they're assigned. In fact, they're so dedicated to each other that when Kotetsu undertakes a solo mission involving an ostrich, he nearly lets the ostrich murder him because he simply can't function without Izumo.
Izumo and Kotetsu is just one of those relationships that would be canon if it weren't part of a shonen anime from the early 2000s.
Naruto And Sasuke
[ranking: 3]
The relationship between Naruto and Sasuke emerged as probably the most popular one in the Naruto fandom, excluding the canon pairings. This happened for a reason - out of everyone Naruto encounters throughout the series, Sasuke receives the most of his affection. The titular character willingly risks his life to save Sasuke from getting himself killed in pursuit of revenge. He never gives up on him, and loves him unconditionally, even when he becomes an enemy of the state.
For Sasuke, someone who lost his entire family to a series of brutal murders, having someone always at your back no matter what proves invaluable. However you choose to interpret it, the love between these two is real.
Karin And Suigetsu
[ranking: 4]
Eventually, Karin will realize Sasuke doesn't reciprocate her feelings and turn her attention elsewhere - perhaps to another member of Team Taka, a ragtag group of escapees from Orochimaru's laboratory. Team Taka's initial goal involves helping Sasuke track down Itachi. Jugo is a little too serious for Karin, but she boasts a great dynamic with Suigetsu.
The two constantly trade sarcastic barbs, but beneath all the bickering lies genuine respect for each other as comrades and as people, and maybe even something more.
Boruto And Sarada
[ranking: 5]
Boruto and Sarada start out finding the other as irritating as their respective parents once found each other, but as they start to go on more missions together, they begin to develop a rapport and respect each other's abilities. The two of them push each other to be better versions of themselves - Boruto encourages Sarada to help other people when she'd rather stay uninvolved, and Sarada tries to help Boruto understand and empathize with his father. Mitsuki even says repeatedly that he thinks they should start dating.
Whether or not they'll ultimately get together remains to be seen - Naruto likes to surprise its viewers with unusual endgame pairings, after all - but so far, these two share a lot of chemistry.
Madara And Hashirama
[ranking: 6]
Madara and Hashirama are two of the most powerful legendary ninja in Konoha history, and a love story between the two could be equally so. While the two have decidedly different ideas about how to go about running the newly formed city, they also possess immense respect for one another and consider the other a proper rival.
With all of that intense emotion flying around, it wouldn't be at all surprising if the two of them occasionally turned that passion into something that didn't involve fighting.
Rock Lee And Tenten
[ranking: 7]
Though a fun character, Tenten sees little romantic development during Naruto - especially not when compared to her other teammates. It would be awesome to see her actually get an arc to herself - one that involves developing a romantic relationship with her teammate, Lee. While Lee is definitely more ridiculous than Tenten is, the two of them share a lighthearted approach to life, but they can both get serious when necessary. More than just partners on multiple ninja missions, they go through the unique experience of being taught by Gai while also mourning the loss of their teammate Neji.
What's more, there's a fan theory suggesting Metal, Lee's son, might also be Tenten's. This isn't confirmed by canon, but he does kind of look like her.
Kakashi And Iruka
[ranking: 8]
While Kakashi and Iruka interact little in canon, they make for a remarkably popular pairing, especially in the Japanese fandom. They share a mutual investment in Naruto's well-being, as well as their similar careers in teaching and training new ninja.
Besides that, both of them experience some pretty dramatic losses in their lives - nearly everyone Kakashi ever loves dies, while Iruka's parents die when the Kyuubi attacks, leaving him orphaned. Rough pasts are something to bond over, which could be another basis for the popular pairing.
Naruto And Gaara
[ranking: 9]
Naruto manages to convince Gaara to give up a life of violence and replace it with service to others. He does this by empathizing with Gaara's history and showing him a new way to exist in the world. The fact that a single conversation between the two of them leaves such an impact on Gaara's life is incredible, and it probably means he needs more Naruto in his life.
For Naruto's part, he appears delighted whenever he sees Gaara and feels incredibly proud of him for becoming Kazekage.
Shikamaru And Ino
[ranking: 10]
Shikamaru and Ino were born one day apart and have been close friends ever since. While they go through a phase of bickering and rivalry, they eventually develop a healthy respect for one another through shared experiences on Team 10.
What brings these two closer together - closer than either ever becomes with childhood friend Choji - is that both of them lost their fathers in the Fourth Shinobi World War, which gives them the opportunity to bond over tragedy.
Kakashi And Gai
[ranking: 11]
Considering how often Kakashi and Gai seem to go on vacation together in Boruto, it wouldn't be surprising if something goes on behind the scenes. These two have known each other since childhood, and while their personalities are complete opposites, they appear to find the other's endearing, if a little exasperating, too.
They trust and respect each other implicitly, and share an ease of interaction Kakashi never exhibits with anyone else. Besides that, their ridiculous rivalry is straight-up adorable.
Sakura And Ino
[ranking: 12]
There's nothing like two girls who used to fight over the same boy realizing what they truly valued wasn't the boy - it was each other. Sakura and Ino, best friends as little girls, have their friendship fall apart when they start fighting over Sasuke's affections. To many viewers, this conflict has nothing to do with Sasuke and everything to do with their increasing desire to one-up each other as they get closer to achieving their goals as ninja.
In canon, Sakura's feelings for Sasuke deepen into something real, and Ino forges a relationship with Sai - but it would have been pretty cool if the two best friends' relationship transformed into a romantic one.
Rock Lee And Gaara
[ranking: 13]
Though Rock Lee and Gaara begin their relationship on bad terms, that's true of just about everyone Gaara interacts with. After their initial battle, they help each other out repeatedly, from offering support during battle to more innocent moments like figuring out a wedding present for Naruto and Hinata.
Lee's unrelentingly positive attitude provides a great foil for Gaara's darker tendencies - he'll make sure he doesn't veer off too far in a negative direction.
Tsunade And A
[ranking: 14]
Can true love blossom through flexing contests? Definitely! Tsunade and A are both leaders of their respective nations, which means both of them are well-acquainted with the pressures that come with lots of responsibility. More than just being leaders, they also share similar interests, including working out until they're totally shredded and getting drunk.
The two could have a fun, relaxed, mutually supportive relationship - and they somewhat do in one episode of Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals. So, hey, actual Naruto canon? Get on this.
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