Naruto Uzumaki's greatest achievements: From underdog to legendary hokage
How one orphaned ninja became the world's most powerful hero and changed anime history forever
Even if you're not into anime, you've likely heard of Naruto Uzumaki. He's the title character of Naruto, arguably the most popular Japanese anime and manga franchise in the world that was conceived, created and conceived by Masashi Kishimoto.
What separates Naruto from being just a powerful hero is the way he achieved his strength. His 'zero to hero' journey.
Born with a deadly predator trapped within him, Naruto was reviled by his hometown and raised in utter isolation. Yet in the face of that hatred, instead of capitulating, he decided to respond with hope. Through it all, Naruto transformed his suffering into strength, forged unbreakable bonds of friendship, saved the world from relentless, perpetual violence, and achieved his dream of becoming the Seventh Hokage, the protector and leader of his people.
Here's a retrospective at Naruto Uzumaki's greatest accomplishments that made him … Continue reading The most amazing feats of Naruto Uzumaki that turned him into one of the best anime heroes of all time.
1. Naruto became the strongest shinobi of all time
Naruto began his adventure as the most pathetic ninja in his whole graduating class. With passion, resilience, and perseverance never to quit, he became a legendary king amongst men. He became proficient in potent techniques such as Sage Mode, Kurama's chakra and eventually the divine powers of the Six Paths Sage Mode.
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By the end of the series, Naruto was powerful enough to match gods such as Kaguya Otsutsuki, even fought Sasuke Uchiha, one of the most powerful Uchiha (a clan that is very powerful overall) ever equal. His strength was not just in physical might, it was in articulation. He encouraged movements and led through example.
2. He saved konoha from total destruction
As a child, the citizens of Konoha were terrified of Naruto and hated him, as he was the host of the Nine-Tails.
Back during the Pain Invasion arc, Naruto's big return after weeks of heavy training saved the entire village by himself.
In the end, he defeated the leader of the Akatsuki, Pain, without killing him, choosing instead to break the cycle of hatred. This moment cemented him as Konoha's true hero, and ultimately won him the love and respect of all of those who had once turned him away.
3. Naruto earned Kurama's trust and friendship
The Nine-Tailed Fox, Kurama, was sealed within Naruto's body at his birth and for years sought to take control over Naruto's body.
Rather than using him like a tool, Naruto developed a relationship with Kurama.
Kurama personified hatred, rage, and destruction. What kind of power does Naruto wield, the one who changed that demon with compassion and understanding? This intense bond between the two of them provided Naruto with one of the most insane powers in the entire series and ultimately led him to becoming a true jinchuriki, both in strength and spirit.
4. He brought
Sasuke
back from the darkness
Sasuke Uchiha was Naruto's classmate, teammate, rival, and best friend. When Sasuke left the village to seek revenge, Naruto took it upon himself to rescue him and bring him back to the village.
After tons of jutsu, great fights and borderline tragic scenes of mentor/protege duos on either side of battle, Naruto ended up winning—not through killing Sasuke, but teaching him the importance of bonds. Though their last battle concluded with violent bloodshed, their legacy lives on through their shared respect, and Sasuke's return home to rebuild peace in the ninja world.
5. Naruto became the seventh hokage of the hidden leaf village
Naruto's greatest aspiration as a child was to one day become Hokage, or chief of his village. He didn't want power—he wanted to belong. Through years of courageous acts, Naruto was finally able to achieve this dream.
As a boy, he had trouble with relationships and communication, but he grew into a strong leader Kakashi never was and he was momentously trusted to become Seventh Hokage when Kakashi retired and today he rules the Village Hidden by Leaves with wisdom, strength and love.
He's more than a leader; he's the living embodiment of peace and harmony in the post-war ninja world.
6. He ended the fourth great ninja war
The Fourth Great Ninja War was one of the darkest moments in shinobi history. The villainous organization Akatsuki, under members Obito and Madara Uchiha's care, sought to collect all the tailed beasts in order to conquer the world.
Naruto was the only one who ever really stopped them, though. He fought with the rest of the ninja alliance to stop Obito's plans, overcame obstructions from creating the final villain Madara, and even assisted in the final battle to seal her, Kaguya Otsutsuki, a deus ex machina like final villain.
His extraordinary efforts helped bring lasting peace to the world.
7. Naruto inspired a new generation of ninjas
This focus in itself may be one of Naruto's biggest achievements, but what is even more notable isn't the work that Naruto did—it's who Naruto inspired. Figures such as Boruto (his son), Sarada, Konohamaru, and countless others view Naruto as a figure of hope and determination.
His legacy grew into a legend handed down to the next generation, inspiring young ninjas that if you work hard, stay humble, and always persevere, you can make the world a better place.
Naruto's legacy in anime and pop culture
Naruto's story is more than just ninjas punching each other in the face. It's about the power of never giving up, triumphing over hate and adversity, and most importantly, believing in yourself. His rags-to-riches story has inspired millions across the globe, helping Naruto become one of the most popular anime series of all time.
More than 250 million manga copies sold worldwide
A sequel anime, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, follows his story
Millions of fans attend gaming conventions around the world, not to mention all of the popular video games, movies, etc.
In fact, a live-action Hollywood Naruto movie is still in the works right now.
Where to watch Naruto
If you're new to the world of anime, or simply interested in learning more about Naruto, here's how to get started.
Be prepared to watch Naruto Naruto Shippuden : Streaming on Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu
Watch the new anime: Free on Crunchyroll or Hulu Read the sequel manga: Free on Manga Plus or Shonen Jump app
Watch Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Stay tuned for more
Naruto's journey is the ultimate underdog story
Naruto Uzumaki's odyssey isn't just a tale of exhilarating fights and incredible jutsu. It is a journey of self-discovery, loss, camaraderie, and optimism. He showed the world that it doesn't matter where you're from. It's about what you make yourself into.
From unwanted orphan to most powerful and beloved ninja in the world, Naruto's journey is an epic tale and a wonderful affirmation that you should always chase your dreams.
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