From the moment he declared he’d become Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki carved his destiny with grit, compassion, and an endless reserve of shadow clones. He started out as the village pariah, mocked for the beast sealed inside him, yet rose to become the savior of not just the Hidden Leaf but the entire shinobi world. These moments aren’t just cool—they’re legacy-defining scenes that prove Naruto is more than a hero. He’s a symbol of perseverance, empathy, and transformation. Here are the top 10 most iconic Naruto moments that showcase his journey from outcast to legend.
#10: Naruto Befriends Kurama
Naruto’s bond with Kurama, the Nine-Tails Fox sealed within him, is one of the most transformative arcs in the series. For most of his life, Naruto battled Kurama’s influence, suffering the stigma of being a jinchūriki. But the turning point comes during the Fourth Great Ninja War, when Naruto confronts Kurama—not with hatred, but understanding. Their resulting partnership not only grants Naruto access to immense chakra and powerful new forms, but it also signifies Naruto’s ability to reach even the most tormented hearts. Few protagonists can take a tailed beast with kindness. Naruto did it with open arms and unshakable belief in redemption. His iconic golden form, radiating Kurama’s chakra, became a visual emblem of their union—and Naruto’s inner peace.
#9: Naruto Learns the Rasengan
Jiraiya’s decision to train Naruto marked a pivotal chapter in his growth. Learning the Rasengan—Minato Namikaze’s signature jutsu—was both a challenge and a rite of passage. Watching Naruto create the spinning chakra sphere through persistence and ingenuity showed how far he was willing to go to prove his worth. It wasn’t just about power; it was about legacy. He struggled through bursting water balloons and rubber balls, but when he finally landed the Rasengan in battle against Kabuto, it was a moment that stunned both fans and characters alike. This wasn’t a kid playing ninja anymore—this was the future of the village sharpening his blade.
#8: Naruto Defeats Neji in the Chunin Exams
No one expected Naruto to beat Neji Hyuga during the Chunin Exams. Neji was a prodigy of the Hyuga clan, a firm believer in fate and the idea that people are born into their roles. But Naruto shattered that ideology with more than just punches—he broke through Neji’s deeply entrenched pessimism. His speech about forging one’s destiny struck a chord not only with Neji, but with the entire audience. It was the first time Naruto publicly declared he would change the world’s perception of him—and backed it up with action. That battle wasn’t just a win in the arena; it was a philosophical victory that set the tone for Naruto’s entire journey.
#7: Naruto’s Talk-No-Jutsu Saves Gaara
Naruto’s encounter with Gaara is one of the emotional highlights of early Naruto. Both boys were jinchūriki, both were isolated and feared—but Gaara turned to hate, while Naruto clung to hope. Their battle was intense, but what truly made it iconic was Naruto’s ability to empathize with Gaara afterward. Instead of celebrating victory, Naruto reached out, offering a new path. It was a moment of quiet power that revealed Naruto’s truest strength: understanding. Later, their bond would blossom into a lifelong friendship, and Gaara himself would become a Kazekage who deeply respected Naruto. It was an unexpected friendship that proved Naruto’s power wasn’t just physical—it was transformative.
#6: Naruto’s Return to Konoha in Shippuden
After two and a half years of training with Jiraiya, Naruto’s return to the Hidden Leaf Village in Naruto Shippuden was an emotional gut-punch of nostalgia and anticipation. He walks through the village gates taller, stronger, and more confident—but still hilariously clumsy and ramen-obsessed. The moment wasn’t marked by fanfare, but the underlying feeling was clear: our boy is back, and he’s ready for war. The villagers, once scornful, now welcomed him. Sakura, Kakashi, and even Tsunade noted the growth in both skill and spirit. It’s a quiet but powerful scene that set the stage for the maturity and heart Naruto would bring to the turbulent conflicts ahead.
#5: Naruto Protects Tsunade and Fights Kabuto
One of Naruto’s defining early Shippuden moments came when he defended Tsunade and faced off against Kabuto. Though vastly underpowered compared to the enemy, Naruto’s resilience shone. He hurled himself into danger, motivated purely by his promise to protect the ones he loved and the dream of becoming Hokage. His raw courage inspired Tsunade to overcome her own fear and step back into her role as a Sannin and the village’s leader. For Naruto, the battle wasn’t about winning—it was about inspiring hope and standing tall even when outmatched. He proved that even without mastery of every jutsu, a hero could move hearts and change fates.
#4: Naruto’s First Sage Mode Transformation
When Naruto mastered Sage Mode at Mount Myōboku, it was a game-changer. Not only did it mark a new level of power, but it showcased a Naruto who had embraced stillness, patience, and balance—traits he previously lacked. His entrance into the Pain battle, descending like a god on a giant toad, had every viewer hyped. Clad in his red sage cloak and radiating natural energy, this wasn’t just a power-up—it was Naruto stepping into the role of protector. The once-ignored boy had now become the village’s final hope. His stoic expression and immense control left fans stunned: Naruto had become the shinobi he always wanted to be.
#3: Naruto’s Victory Over Pain
Defeating Pain wasn’t just about brute force. It was about ideology, loss, and rebuilding. After Pain destroyed Konoha and killed Jiraiya, Naruto arrived as the village’s last beacon. Their brutal battle pushed him to his limits, and the emotional aftermath pushed him further. But instead of killing Pain’s true body, Nagato, Naruto listened. He empathized. He chose peace. It was a deeply human moment where Naruto proved he’d broken the cycle of hatred. His response changed Nagato’s entire worldview and even led to the resurrection of the villagers. Naruto emerged not just as a hero—but as the person who fulfilled Jiraiya’s dream of peace through empathy.
#2: Naruto and Sasuke vs. Momoshiki
Though from Boruto, this battle is a testament to how far Naruto has come. Teaming up with Sasuke against a god-like enemy, Naruto went all out to protect his son and the entire ninja world. The synchronization between the two former rivals was breathtaking—taijutsu, Rasengan, and Susanoo-powered attacks all meshing into a symphony of power. Despite the years, Naruto’s resolve hadn’t dimmed. He stood firm not just as a Hokage, but as a father, comrade, and legend. His ability to inspire teamwork in the most chaotic moments proves why he remains the heart of the Hidden Leaf.
#1: Naruto is Named Hokage
After years of pain, loss, and perseverance, the moment finally came—Naruto was named the Seventh Hokage. It wasn’t a flashy battle or world-ending crisis, but it was the emotional summit of everything he ever dreamed of. From the orphan no one believed into the protector everyone revered, this moment was earned. The ceremony was heartwarming and even a little chaotic (thanks to Boruto), but it cemented Naruto’s place in history. He became the living symbol of the will of fire, embodying everything that makes Konoha strong. It was the dream fulfilled—but more importantly, a new chapter where Naruto would continue inspiring others, not just as a ninja, but as a leader.
Naruto’s journey is more than a hero’s rise—it’s a blueprint for growth, compassion, and resilience. He turned loneliness into strength, and hatred into unity. Every iconic moment wasn’t just about epic battles but about transforming hearts and challenging fate. From his scrappy beginnings to Hokage greatness, Naruto Uzumaki proved that anyone can become a hero—even the boy no one believed in.
