The rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke was an entertaining experience for fans of the Naruto series. Although it was rarely the main concern of the two, both Naruto and Sasuke were intrinsically aware of their desire to surpass each other. It pushed them to reach new heights, and they were often only temporarily satisfied when obtaining new power.
However, there is more to being a ninja than just sheer strength—for shinobi are protectors, teachers, and leaders. They inspire others, protect the innocent, and charge into battle despite experiencing overwhelming fear. Naruto embodied the ninja way—and coupled with his overwhelming strength—surpassed Sasuke on more than one occasion.
10 When Naruto Learned Rasengan And Reached New Heights
Early on in Naruto, Sasuke's natural talent was too much for Naruto and the hot-headed ninja struggled to keep pace. This power gap increased further once Sasuke learned Chidori from Kakashi. With this new jutsu, Sasuke wielded destructive powers uncommon for someone so young.
Naruto could no longer rely on shadow-clones and willpower. He needed to get better. Fortunately, Naruto got the chance to study under the legendary Jiraiya and learned Rasengan. Even more destructive than Chidori, Rasengan pushed Naruto past Sasuke for the first time.
9 When Naruto Defeated Neji, Then Offered Him Hope
During the Chuunin exams, Naruto was written off as a potential winner and it's easy to see why. Although powerful, he lacked the natural talent of some of his competition. Neji Hyuga was viewed as the strongest opponent, a prodigy who possessed the talent to master all jutsu of the Hyuga clan.
But due to underestimating Naruto, Neji was defeated and humbled in the process. However, Naruto lectured Neji on destiny, reminding him that he makes his own destiny, and is not bound by the practices of his clan. When it came to inspiring others, Naruto proved to be superior to Sasuke.
8 When Naruto Mastered Sage Mode, Powering Up Once Again
In preparation for his battle with Pain, Naruto undertook vigorous training in the hope of mastering Sage Mode and avenging the death of his master Jiraiya. Sage Mode requires the user to blend their own chakra with natural energy—creating senjutsu chakra.
With his mastery of Sage Mode, Naruto experienced a significant power-up. His speed, strength, and stamina drastically increased, allowing him to fight on par with a villain who possessed the mythical Rinnegan.
7 When Naruto Added Rasenshuriken To His Arsenal
At the beginning of Shippuden, Sasuke once again increased the power gap between himself and Naruto. The Uchiha benefitted from the consistent teaching of Orochimaru and could access the power granted to him by the curse mark.
Knowing he lacked the strength to defeat Sasuke and return him to the leaf village, Naruto worked on combining his chakra with a nature element. Overcoming initial struggles, Naruto developed the Rasenshuriken, an ability almost unrivaled in terms of destructive force.
6 When Naruto Saved Sakura From Certain Death
Hellbent on destroying those responsible for Itachi's troubled life and death, Sasuke ends up crossing paths with Kakashi and Sakura. Sasuke and his former sensei engage in a battle, whilst Sakura waits for the right moment to end Sasuke's life.
Unable to bring herself to do it, Sasuke seizes on the opportunity and grabs Sakura. But before he can land the killing blow, Naruto intervenes, saving Sakura's life. Once again, Naruto proves to be the greater ninja, looking out for those dear to him and protecting those who need it.
5 When Naruto Defeated Pain And Restored The Hidden Leaf Village
Arguably the greatest Naruto villain, Pain possessed unrivaled power at this point in the series. The Akatsuki leader defeated Jiraiya, Kakashi and wiped out the entire Hidden Leaf Village. No one would have blamed Naruto for refusing to fight—but that's not his style.
Combining Sage Mode with his mastered jutsu, Naruto pushed Pain to his limit. But, in classic Naruto style, it was his words that hit Pain the hardest and caused the villain to reevaluate his ninja philosophy. The village was restored and Naruto ended Pain's life, promising the now reformed shinobi that his death wouldn't be in vain.
4 When Naruto Befriended Kurama, Accessing His Full Power
In a memorable scene that added to the already incredible legacy of Naruto, he faced the impossible task of defeating Madara. Unable to compete without the help of Kurama, Naruto converses with the demon fox and the pair reaches an agreement.
Naruto no longer recognizes Kurama as the enemy. Instead of anointing him a member of the Hidden Leaf Village, Naruto perfects Nine-Tails Cloak Mode and takes on his enemy. In this form, Naruto increased the power gap between him and Sasuke.
3 When Naruto Achieved His Dream And Became Hokage
Becoming Hokage was something dear to Naruto's heart. He told everyone that he would one day be the leader of the village, even if no one asked.
Many laughed at him, believing his lack of talent preventing him from rising to the top—but the titular character was a late bloomer, exceeding all expectations apart from his own. At the end of Naruto, he was named Hokage.
2 When Naruto Defeated Gaara And Shukaku
With a practically endless list of achievements during Shippuden, it's easy to forget some of Naruto's earlier work. With the hidden Leaf under attack and the third Hokage occupied with Orochimaru, Naruto took it upon himself to face the One-Tails, Shukaku.
During this battle, Naruto experienced significant power-ups, although some of these were temporary. Naruto successfully summoned Gamabunta, overcoming Gaara, and helped save the village. Although powerful during the Chuunin exams, this task would have been too much for Sasuke.
1 When Naruto Refused To Give Up On Sasuke
Naruto and Sasuke had a complicated relationship that can't really be categorized. Naruto always viewed Sasuke as a friend. They were rivals, but that was secondary to Naruto. Sasuke viewed Naruto differently. More accurately, he viewed the world in a different way, believing all shinobi were partly responsible for the loss of his loved ones.
When Sasuke was younger, he viewed Team 7 and Naruto as family. Unfortunately, Sasuke was consumed by hatred and revenge. No matter what happened, Naruto never gave up on Sasuke and was even willing to offer his own life in exchange for him at one point.
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