Naruto’s obsession was much worse than Sakura and Sasuke proved it all along

The anime series Naruto illustrates the message that it is never too late to support a friend who has strayed onto the wrong path. Sasuke Uchiha serves as a prime example of this, as he was able to find redemption thanks to the intervention of Naruto Uzumaki, the protagonist who saved him.

In addition to Naruto, there was someone else who deeply cared for Sasuke and longed for his return. However, it could be argued that this person lacked both the courage and the ability to bring Uchiha back. This individual was Sakura Haruno, who eventually became Sasuke’s wife and mother to their daughter, Sarada Uchiha.

Sakura’s infatuation with Sasuke could not simply be dismissed as a childhood crush, especially when it led to Sasuke’s return to the Hidden Leaf Village and his eventual alliance with Naruto.

Analyzing the dynamics of Sakura’s relationships with Sasuke and Naruto

Team 7 as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The main character of the series was Naruto Uzumaki, while Sasuke Uchiha served as the secondary protagonist. Naruto was first introduced in the opening episode, while Sasuke made his entrance in the second. They both belonged to Team 7, which also included their mentor Kakashi Hatake, a skilled ninja known as the “copy ninja,”and their fellow teammate Sakura Haruno.

From the beginning of the series, the main character and Sasuke formed a rivalry and both expressed their eagerness to engage in a fight. Meanwhile, Sakura developed romantic feelings for Sasuke based on his appearance and constantly yearned for private moments with him.

Despite the ongoing rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke, they were unable to face each other during the Chunin Exams due to the unexpected raid by Orochimaru. Later on, Itachi also launched an attack on the village and Sasuke became a victim of the collateral damage.

Sasuke (left) and Sakura (right) as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Following his awakening in the hospital, Sakura embraced him as Naruto observed from a distance. Without hesitation, Sasuke issued a challenge to the main character. However, upon realizing that Naruto’s attack had a greater effect than his own, Sasuke made the choice to depart from the village and join forces with Orochimaru in pursuit of strength. Despite Sakura’s pleadings for him to stay, Sasuke ignored her and went ahead with his decision.

Naruto remained determined to bring Sasuke back and he also made a promise to Sakura, who was desperately seeking help. As time passed, the three of them grew closer during the timeskip, and Naruto’s fixation on Sasuke only intensified.

After their initial encounter, Sakura and Sasuke continued to cross paths multiple times. However, Sakura’s behavior towards him became increasingly confused. Despite her childhood love for him, she ultimately decided to kill him.

In addition, Sakura attempted to let go of her feelings for Sasuke and revealed her emotions to the protagonist in order to end her pursuit. This could have revealed that her infatuation with Sasuke was merely a passing crush that never fully developed in the series.

Sasuke (left) and the protagonist (right) as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite the challenges and sacrifices, Naruto remained steadfast in his determination to bring Sasuke back and fulfill his mission. This included enduring physical and emotional pain, as well as letting go of his feelings for Sakura.

Despite Naruto’s true obsession with Sasuke, he was able to suppress his emotions for Sakura and continued to pursue his friend until he was finally brought back to the Hidden Leaf Village. In fact, Naruto’s obsession with Sasuke may have even been stronger than Sakura’s.