Although Naruto is the titular hero of the anime and manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto, there have been many times when it was his friends who came to his aid and helped Naruto in saving the day. Although Kishimoto rushed the ending of the anime series, there have been ample moments that proved the mettle of Naruto’s friends.
It is quite conceivable that Naruto cannot be present during all events at all times, and even the greatest heroes need help from time to time to succeed. Therefore, fans should know which are the biggest moments when Naruto’s friends stepped up and saved the day instead of relying on the hero of the show.
Gaara Stepping Up Against Kimimaro
Gaara is one character that proved to be a great ally of Naruto, despite being an opposing force in the beginning. During the Sasuke Recovery Mission, the team went up against the Sound Four, with Kimimaro being the final and most powerful opponent. Having bested Naruto, as well as Rock Lee, after the latter’s impressive performance, Kimimaro was about to emerge triumphant, if only Gaara hadn’t intervened.
Despite the fact that Kimimaro might have still won, had it not been for his previous ailment that caused his untimely death, Gaara put up powerfully against the last survivor from the Kaguya clan. Tackling Kimimaro’s impressive barrage of attacks like the Shikotsumyaku, Dance of Clementis Flower, Dance of the Seedling Fern, and the power provided to him by the Cursed Seal of Earth, Gaara was able to save Lee, and allow Naruto to proceed and find Sasuke using techniques like the Sand Waterfall Imperial Funeral, Shield of Shukaku, and Desert Suspension.
Sasuke Against Danzo
Although Sasuke was the persecuted one at the time of his fight against Danzo, he did save the day, in some sense of the word by ridding Konoha of a corrosive character like Danzo. A person who has no regard for human life, and can even sacrifice the lives of many for the sake of the "greater good," Danzo has been reviled by fans throughout.
Fighting against Danzo’s Izanagi, Sasuke managed to defeat the former using his wits and prowess over the Sharingan, albeit, he had to injure Karin in the process. Despite the fact that Kakashi was a terrible teacher at times, he had managed to imbibe in his students a strong sense of what was right and wrong, thereby indirectly helping Sasuke to mete out a deserving judgment to Danzo.
Rock Lee Standing Up Against Master Chen
Rock Lee is one of the most underrated characters of Naruto Shippuden, and despite his inability to harness Ninjutsu, Lee has proven himself time and again to be an exceptional shinobi. During the Fourth Ninja World War, many old heroes were resurrected to fight for the side of evil, including a former legend of the Village Hidden in the Leaves, Master Chen.
While Might Guy fought with Chen in the beginning, it was Lee who was able to best the grandmaster using his One-Man Front Lotus technique against Chen’s Leaf Dragon God. His win proved to be an important contribution, lessening one powerful foe from the fray.
Neji Against Kidomaru
Neji Hyuga is undoubtedly a prodigy, with fans having many questions with regards to him. He is adept at chakra control, while also having the treasured Byakugan at his disposal. During the Sasuke Recovery Mission, had it not been for Naruto’s friends, the hero would have most likely never caught up with Sasuke.
Therefore, Neji’s stand against Kidomaru proves to be a pivotal act that allows the young hero and the rest of the team to proceed in their mission. Despite being left vulnerable after Kidomaru discovers the blind spot in his all-seeing Byakugan, Neji is able to outsmart the villain using his wits and expert ability to disperse chakra.
Neji Protecting Naruto And Hinata In The Fourth Shinobi World War
It can conclusively be said that without Naruto, the outcome of the Fourth Shinobi World War would have been quite different. However, there were many aspects; or rather people who helped Naruto achieve victory in the end.
One such act was done by Neji when he sacrificed his own life to protect Naruto and Hinata from an oncoming barrage of wood-projectiles hurled by the Ten-Tails. Reminding Naruto about how he shouldn’t risk his life like that again in the future, as he is too important, Neji saves the day and allows the fight to go on.
Shikamaru Defeating Hidan
Shikamaru is an outstanding Shinobi lauded for his intelligence and tactics. Amongst the many facts regarding Shikamaru, are the facts that he becomes the right-hand man for the Seventh Hokage in later years and many have even described him to have the characteristics that make for a perfect Hokage.
However, despite his abilities, Shikamaru has shirked responsibilities for most of his life owing to him being too bored with them. However, he becomes a changed man after his sensei Asuma Sarutobi succumbs to his injuries while facing an Akatsuki, Hidan. Shikamaru does not let go of his responsibilities this one time, avenging his teacher and mentor by pursuing Hidan doggedly and finally trapping him in a pit, while delivering the iconic dialogue, “I believe in the Will of Fire, and that pathetic Lord Jashin or whatever isn't your God anymore. I am."
Choji Bests Asuma
During the Fourth Shinobi World War, Naruto and his friends had to face many characters who were formerly allies, only to be resurrected by the forces of evil with the use of the Reanimation Jutsu. One such character that the iconic team of Ino-Shika-Cho had to face was their former mentor and sensei Asuma Sarutobi. While the rest of the team convinced themselves that they had to fight their teacher because allowing his reanimated body to survive would prove to be harmful, Choji was unable to come to terms with having to attack Asuma.
However, upon realizing his duty towards his village and humanity, Choji managed to defeat Asuma by conjuring butterfly-chakra and using his Butterfly Bullet Bombing technique. Amongst the many amazing facts about Choji, this one is even more impressive because he managed to achieve his Butterfly Choji Mode without the help of the Three Colored Pills.
Gaara Against The Kages
The Fourth Shinobi World War had many unsung heroes who committed significant acts and aided in the overall victory. One such pivotal member in the group and a close friend of Naruto was the Fifth Kazekage Gaara, who led the shinobis from the front and saved the day on more than one occasion.
However, a notable fight is when Gaara manages to best the Third Raikage, Second Mizukage, and Fourth Kazekage, who was in fact his father Rasa. He even managed to defeat Rasa and trap the other Kages for a little while using his sand, which took the form of his mother Karura; all without any help from Naruto.
Rock Lee Helping Untether Madara's Connection With The Ten-Tails
Although he received some help from Might Guy, Rock Lee proved to be of invaluable assistance during the Fourth Shinobi World War, taking on Madara Uchiha and allowing Naruto to divert his focus on Obito Uchiha.
During this battle, Rock Lee not only held his own and managed to land important blows on Madara, but he also managed to break Madara's connection with the Ten Tailed Beast, with nothing more than an extremely powerful kick.
Sakura Punching Kaguya To Help Naruto And Sasuke Seal Her
Sakura is one character in Naruto who has been considered weak by many. However, amongst the many fascinating facts and questions about Sakura, is the fact that she was decisive in helping Naruto and Sasuke defeat Kaguya Otsutsuki, a hugely powerful villain, capable of even destroying an entire planet, once and for all.
During their final assault on Kaguya, Sakura stopped the princess from fleeing by landing a decisive blow on her and injuring her to the extent that one of her horns broke off. This allowed Sasuke and Naruto the scope they needed to physically touch Kaguya and initiate the Six Paths Chibaku Tensei that successfully engulfed the celestial villain in a humongous sphere.