Theromance story between Sakura and Sasuke is one of the most iconicof theNarutofranchise. Their journey to becoming an official couple was filled with obstacles, pain, and reasons to stay apart. Despite this, they found a way to overcome the burdens that kept them away from each other and became one of Konoha’s best couples.
Yet, although their story is inspiring, it is far from the best in the franchise, asone relationship far surpasses them: Minato and Kushina.The romance Naruto’s parents shared before the series begins is one of the best in anime. The story of their pure and tragic romance isone ofNaruto’ssaddest moments, breaking the hearts of millions of fans, but also restoring their faith in true love.
Minato and Kushina Are Naruto’s Best Ship
This Beloved Couple Shared a Pure Kind of Love
When she was only a child, Kushina Uzumaki left her home village of Uzushiogakure behind to move to Konoha.She was selected to become the next Jinchuriki for the Nine-Tailsonce Hashirama’s wife, Mito Uzumaki, died. Due to her origins, as well as her deep-red hair, she was constantly mocked and ridiculed by her peers, making her feel completely alone. Even worse, many enemy villages around the world wished to acquire the Uzumaki’s knowledge of Fuinjutsu, one of the most complex and interesting techniques, meaning she was in constant danger of being kidnapped or killed.
Why The Third Hokage Didn’t Raise Naruto (Despite Kushina’s Wish)
Sarutobi Hiruzen always seemed like a trustable Hokage and friend, so why didn’t he keep his promise to Kushina about taking care of Naruto?
For Kushina, life was a nightmare, at least until a joyful and talented blond tried to befriend her, commencing one of the most beautiful love stories in the Ninja World. Minato had been captivated by the red-haired girl’s strength and confidence ever since she joined the Academy, so he decided to become her friend and protector. It washis passion and genuine friendship that attracted Kushina,ending with the two becoming a couple and later getting married. Fans still mourn their loss, as their premature deaths turned their sweetlove story into one of the saddestin the franchise.
Minato Is the Gold Standard for Partners
Shippuden Era Sasuke Could Have Learned a Thing or Two
One of the main reasons why the relationship between Sasuke and Sakura is so heavily criticized by fans is the horrible behavior that the man had during theShippudenera. After betraying his home and joining Orochimaru,the Uchiha’s already questionable morals became almost non-existent.He was willing to hurt and kill anyone in his path as long as doing so would help him achieve his goals. This was extended to his future wife, whom he tried to murder on more than one occasion. Minato, on the other hand, was the embodiment of unconditional love and support.
For the Fourth Hokage, protecting Kushina was above all else, as proven in the fan-favoritespin-off manga about Naruto’s father’s early days as a ninja. During this short chapter, Minato can be seen risking his life to fight the Nine-Tails when it tried to escape. He did not hesitate to jump into battle, even knowing the dangers of fighting a Tailed-Beast beforehand.Minato is, without a doubt, one of the best partners in the franchise,and his commitment to Kushina is beyond heartwarming.
Minato and Kushina’s story inspires viewers to fight for the people they love and appreciate them every day. Their time as a couple in theNarutoseries might have been brief, butKushina and Minatoleft a mark that no other relationship in the series has been able to erase.
