It’s been ages since Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto series ended. Fans were delighted with the happy and fulfilling conclusion to Naruto Uzumaki’s long journey, especially his romance with his wife, Hinata Hyuga. However, not everyone was pleased with Naruto’s endgame being Hinata. After all, Naruto’s personality, as well as his bond with other female characters, could have led him down a completely different path in Naruto.
To this day, many fans are still wondering what could have happened if Naruto had ended up with a different girl instead of marrying Hinata. In fact, there’s no stopping fans from writing stories about Naruto’s romance with other women anytime soon. That said, in an alternate timeline or universe where Naruto did not find his happy ending with Hinata, he could have been more fitting for these characters for different reasons.
5
Sakura Haruno Is the Perfect Candidate for Naruto
Sakura Could Have Been Naruto’s Ideal Partner
- Manga Debut: Chapter 3
- Anime Debut: Episode 1
There came a time when anime and manga fans were expecting the Naruto and Sakura ship to sail. Sakura Haruno, after all, was the perfect candidate to become Naruto’s canon wife, who will live happily with him in the end, given their long history together. They shared countless life-or-death missions and even experienced different kinds of pain and loss.
Not only was Sakura a central figure in Naruto’s long and exhausting journey, but she was also his only crush. He was so affectionate and caring towards Sakura, despite knowing the latter’s feelings for his rival. If Sakura had only reciprocated Naruto’s feelings, instead of her fixation on Sasuke, the payoff could have been more intimate and acceptable for many fans.
What I said, Naruto… is that I love you.—Sakura
For most of Naruto, Sakura enjoyed far greater exposure with Naruto than Hinata, who only received limited and subtle appearances. She was the one who stood by Naruto’s side most of the time, understanding his pain and struggles and even admiring his drastic transformation from being an underdog to a beloved hero.
While Naruto remains married to Hinata in Boruto, Sakura’s current role as the Head of Konoha’s Medical Department pairs well with Naruto’s role as the Seventh Hokage.
4
If Not Hinata, It Could Have Been Hanabi Hyuga
Hanabi Is a Natural Alternative to Naruto
- Manga Debut: Chapter 78
- Anime Debut: Episode 46
It’s no secret that Naruto Uzumaki pairs well with strong-willed characters, and Hanabi Hyuga, the sister to Hinata, could have been an ideal partner if it weren’t for the age difference. Unlike Hinata, Hanabi has a bolder personality, which could balance with Naruto’s impulsive demeanor and boundless energy. She’s also more confident, competitive, and playful, which could bring more fun and challenge to the relationship.
If Kishimoto wanted Naruto to end up with another character from the Hyuga clan that’s not Hinata, Hanabi was a natural alternative. While they didn’t have many significant interactions in the original series, the fact that Hanabi admired and acknowledged Naruto for his dedication to changing his fate shows there is potential for a deeper connection.
However, fans know that Hanabi fully supports Hinata’s relationship with Naruto, often teasing her about it in the original series. But if it were the other way around, Hinata would surely cheer for Hanabi as well.
3
Ino Yamanaka Could Keep Naruto Grounded
Ino Is An Easy Switch to Hinata
- Manga Debut: Chapter 34
- Anime Debut: Episode 1
When Naruto returned to Konoha after dealing with Pain, Ino Yamanaka was one of the kunoichi who genuinely celebrated his victory. Upon seeing Naruto’s heroic efforts, she felt like she could fall for someone like him, which surprised even the likes of Shikamaru. After all, Ino had been one of Naruto’s constant haters since their early years, but Naruto’s major milestone easily moved her.
Moreover, Ino could keep Naruto grounded just like Sakura. Her ability to read and connect minds can help her understand Naruto’s inner struggles, including his pain and grief, better, making their communication seamless. She could easily form a bond with Naruto that is centered on communication and emotional intimacy.
2
Tenten Would Mesh Well With Naruto
Tenten Is Also a Good Choice
- Manga Debut: Chapter 36
- Anime Debut: Episode 21
Tenten ending up with Naruto could do more good for the kunoichi than the latter. Since Tenten is one of the most underrated and underused characters in the original series, her having a relationship with Naruto can give her overdue screentime and relevance. She could have enjoyed more exposure and character development if only Kishimoto had decided to pair Naruto with her.
About their chemistry, Tenten is still a good choice for Naruto despite the lack of organic buildup. Similar to Naruto, Tenten is hardworking, relying on relentless training and self-improvement rather than inherited talent. In other words, they are both kindred spirits who thrive through persistence and sheer effort just to overcome their limitations.
1
Konan Could Resonate With Naruto’s Ideals
Naruto and Konan Could See Eye-to-Eye
- Manga Debut: Chapter 363
- Anime Debut: Naruto Shippuden Episode 125
Naruto might be the only character in the series who could fill the void in Konan’s heart after she lost not just Yahiko but also Nagato. The strongest shinobi could also be the only thing Konan needed to move on, without forgetting her eventful past.
Most importantly, Naruto and Konan are on board with the idea of a peaceful world achieved through understanding rather than violence. Konan could have found the same hope she once saw in her dead friends in Naruto, while Naruto could show her there’s more to life after grief.
If only Konan had survived until the end, she could have been another potential candidate to win Naruto’s heart. While that would be complicated, considering they were former enemies, it’s their history that could make their connection more meaningful and compelling.
Naruto
- Release Date
-
October 2, 2002
- Network
-
Adult Swim
