The all-time classic anime Naruto falls into the action, adventure, and fantasy genres. This series has proven its greatness not only through sales, timelessness, and a compelling plot but also through its well-developed characters, who have inspired countless fans. While each character followed their own unique ninja path, love unexpectedly blossomed for some of them along the way.
Naruto showcases powerful characters and incredible duos but also excels in featuring heartfelt romances that evolve as the story progresses. Naruto Uzumaki, the protagonist, may be at the center of the story, but other characters are also given happy endings—some finding love and building families. While many romances in the series are also deeply tragic, they add warmth and depth to the series, proving that even in a ninja’s world, love can thrive.
10 Dan Kato and Tsunade Senju
A Romance Cut Short, But Never Forgotten
The Fifth Hokage, Tsunade Senju, might appear tough on the outside, but she is a soft-hearted and kind woman, especially during her time with Dan Katō. One of the most important flashbacks in Naruto shows Tsunade deeply in love with Dan, a man from Konoha who shares her ideals. Although little is revealed about him, his resurrection through Edo Tensei during the Fourth Great Ninja War highlighted his knowledge of the shinobi world and Madara Uchiha, hinting at his skill as a shinobi, but mostly especially his feelings for Tsunade.

Naruto Heats up With a Big Love Triangle That Puts Boruto on the Spot
Sumire Kakei and Sarada Uchiha's feelings for Boruto Uzumaki come to a head in the latest chapter of Two Blue Vortex.
Tsunade and Dan shared the devastating loss of their siblings, a pain that strengthened their bond. Together, they dreamed of a world where no one would endure such heartbreak. Although their time was tragically cut short, their relationship remains one of the most meaningful in the series, rooted in comion and hope for a better future.
9 Choji Akimichi and Karui
Chocho Akimichi's Endearing Parents
Karui is a kunoichi from the Hidden Village of the Land of Lightning and was formerly part of Team Samui. Choji never had a love interest in Naruto nor expressed a desire for one. However, fans were surprised to learn that in Boruto: Naruto Next Generation, he found love with Karui. Karui and Choji had little interaction in the Naruto series, so their relationship coming to fruition was unexpected.
The way Chocho has grown as a kunoichi and a friend reflects the values and care her parents instilled in her.
Despite this, their bond is significant not because of prior connection, but because of the deep love and partnership they share, especially in how they raise their daughter, Chocho Akimichi. The way Chocho has grown as a kunoichi and a friend reflects the values and care her parents instilled in her, showcasing the strength of their parenting.
8 Fugaku Uchiha and Mikoto Uchiha
They Both Sacrificed Their Lives Out of Love for Their Children
Fugaku Uchiha and Mikoto Uchiha are frequently seen in flashbacks featuring their children, Itachi or Sasuke, or during moments highlighting the Uchiha clan. However, the early stages of their relationship, including their affectionate side as a couple, were never explored. Fugaku was portrayed as a serious, dedicated father and head of the Uchiha clan, tasked with leading during one of the most challenging periods for both the clan and the Hidden Leaf Village.
His wife, Mikoto, demonstrated quiet strength, ing her husband, the clan, and, most importantly, their sons, Sasuke and Itachi. Although their love story wasn’t deeply delved into, their irable relationship was evident through their unwavering commitment to family and clan.
7 Jiraiya and Tsunade Senju
A Story of Unrequited Love
Jiraiya and Tsunade are not only two of the greatest shinobi and kunoichi to have lived but also among the closest in the series. Their bond was built from years of training together and being part of the legendary team with Orochimaru. They share a best-friend dynamic defined by genuine care and an unquestionable willingness to sacrifice for each other. Although Tsunade had a lover, her relationship with Jiraiya could have been the perfect example of “second time’s a charm.”
Jiraiya’s feelings for Tsunade were sincere, similar to Naruto’s love for Sakura.
Yet, he never pursued her, knowing her heart belonged to Dan Katō. After his death, hints suggested their bond could have grown more if Jiraiya had lived and confessed his feelings.
6 Obito Uchiha and Rin Honara
A Tragic Love, Loyalty, and Loss
This relationship showed both the best and worst that come with loving someone. Obito Uchiha and Rin Nohara were victims of circumstances they couldn't control. Instead of living and enjoying their lives as shinobi, their futures are tragically shaped by Rin's death and Obito's quest for revenge. Obito always showed deep love for Rin.
He wanted nothing but the best for her. However, losing her wounded him so deeply that he lost his way and sought vengeance. Despite being stained with loss and revenge, their relationship remains one of the most memorable. Rin and Obito’s bond, though tragic, is a testament to the powerful and painful nature of love, making it one of the most impactful in the series.
5 Sai and Ino Yamanaka
An Unexpected, Yet Perfect Pairing
Ino and Sai truly represent the fact that opposites attract. This couple was one that fans least expected to be together, but when they did, their compatibility and chemistry were undeniable. Being in the same generation of shinobi and kunoichi, Ino and Sai had a few interactions, yet neither expressed any secret iration for the other. This was largely because, like Sakura Haruno, Ino was very vocal about her feelings for Sasuke Uchiha.
As parents, they and balance each other, raising their son, Inojin, with care and wisdom, making them one of the best couples in the series.
However, it wasn’t until peace was achieved that Ino and Sai’s chemistry began to shine in the series. Their love story is cute, and Ino’s shyness around Sai adds depth. With more exposure, their romance could certainly engage many fans. As parents, they and balance each other, raising their son, Inojin, with care and wisdom, making them one of the best couples in the series.
4 Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi
The Legacy of Their Romance Lives Through Mirai
Asuma and Kurenai represent a “what could have been” type of couple with the potential to inspire future generations into love and partnership. While Naruto is filled with tragic stories, their relationship stands out for its tenderness and warmth. As masters, they were strong leaders who embodied a nurturing and affectionate bond that deeply influenced their students.
They had dreams of building a life together, especially with the child Kurenai was carrying. Tragically, Asuma’s death during a mission left Kurenai to raise their child, Mirai, alone. Despite her pain, she chose not to harbor anger, instead living for their child and accepting the loss without seeking another partner. Their love, though brief, showcased strength and devotion, making them one of the most memorable couples in the series. Mirai's spinoff also show she grew up to be a kunoichi her parents can be proud of.
3 Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki
A Love Built on Sacrifice
Kushina and Minato might have been deprived of the opportunity to raise their son, but they remain one of the most loving couples in the series. Through flashbacks, fans get to witness how Naruto's parents carried themselves with charm, kindness, determination, and integrity—all traits that Naruto inherited from them. As a couple, Kushina and Minato had simple desires, wanting nothing more than to provide a better life for their son and their village.
Their love for each other and Naruto is what makes them one of the best couples in the series. Despite knowing the fate that awaited them, they selflessly sacrifice their lives to protect both Naruto and the Hidden Leaf Village, showcasing the depth of their bond and their unshakable commitment to family and duty.
2 Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga
From an Unrequited Love to an Unbreakable Dedication as Parents
Naruto and Hinata's relationship mirrors the one his parents could have achieved if not for such tragic events. Hinata ired Naruto for a long time, and while he didn’t reciprocate her feelings until later in the series, it seemed to work out for the best. When Naruto finally realized his love for her, he was more mature, the village had achieved peace, and much of the pain in his heart had eased.
Their dating stage in the series was briefly featured, but it was enough to highlight the electrifying chemistry they shared. As parents, both are deeply committed to protecting their family. Despite Boruto struggling to understand his father’s Hokage duties early on, Hinata ed Naruto and guided their son. The way they welcomed Kawaki into their home as a son also reflects their genuine and selfless love. However, the fact that Neji had to die to bring them together is still viewed negatively by many fans.
1 Shikamaru Nara and Temari
Celebrated by Fans as the Most Relatable Couple
The relationship that blossomed between Shikamaru and Temari was unexpected by most fans of the series. Both characters rarely interacted at the beginning of Naruto, and neither seemed interested in finding love. However, love always finds its way. Despite Shikamaru’s often lazy and indifferent attitude, his feelings for Temari reveal a softer, more emotional side to him. Their dynamic was built on mutual respect and understanding, with Temari's strong-willed nature perfectly complementing Shikamaru's calm and strategic mindset.
What makes them uniquely funny is how Shikamaru, despite his intelligence and composure, remains wary of Temari’s sharp temper, adding humor to their relationship. In Boruto: Naruto Next Generation, this balance continues as they navigate married life and parenting. Their chemistry, blending humor and care, makes them the best couple, showing how love grows through respect and understanding.

- First Episode Air Date
- October 3, 2002
- Current Series
- Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
- TV Show(s)
- Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
- First Film
- Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
- Latest Film
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie
- First TV Show
- Naruto
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.