Face It: Naruto's Greatest Duo Has Nothing to Do With Sasuke
The Naruto franchise features some of anime's most beloved teams and rivalries. From the titular protagonist and his best friend to the fan-favorite members of the Legendary Sanin, the world created by Masashi Kishimoto has a group of powerful ninjas for all tastes. However, one iconic duo completely dominates the conversation about which friendship is the best.
The characters who are a part of this cherished rivalry are none other than Kakashi and Might Guy, two of the best teachers in Naruto. Their friendly competition and mutual respect put them above most Naruto duos. The strength of their bond is such that not even the most traumatic of events can tear them apart.
Kakashi and Guy Have a Friendship Like No Other
They Put All Other Duos to Shame
Years before the beginning of the Naruto series, Kakashi Hatake was known as Konoha’s most talented Genin. At only five years of age, he was already seen as a prodigy, destined to lead the village as an example of what a true ninja was supposed to be. Guy, on the other hand, was deemed a failure since he was small and because of his inability to use any kind of Ninjutsu or Genjutsu. When they first met, Kakashi was ready to completely dismiss someone who would become one of his best friends, not wanting to associate with someone without talent.
Sakumo Hatake, father of Naruto’s teacher and one of few god-tier ninjas in Konoha, convinced his son to give Guy a chance, telling him that it would be nice to have a rival. From that moment on, the friendship between these two powerful Konoha Jonin was born. As the series progressed, fans were able to see several of their whimsical but physically taxing challenges. Although Kakashi was always known as the more talented of the two, the man followed his father’s advice and maintained a close friendship with Guy.
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They were always there for each other, even through the harshest of times. Although Kakashi would sometimes act as if Guy was a bother and purposefully ignored him, almost everyone in the village was aware of how strong their bond was. Their friendship was one of the best in the Naruto franchise, far more stable and healthier than the one between the protagonist and Sasuke. The fact that they are almost complete opposites personality-wise also helps their interactions feel refreshing and entertaining for the audience.
The Fourth Great Ninja War Only Brought Them Closer
Kakashi Became Guy’s Main Companion After His Injury
During the Fourth Great Ninja War, the Shinobi Alliance quickly realized that they had little to no chance of defeating Madara after Naruto and Sasuke were taken out of commission. Guy, in a desperate attempt to save his comrades and the world, opened the Eight Inner Gates, one of the most powerful but dangerous techniques in Naruto. Doing so allowed him to gravely injure his opponent, although the price of doing so was his own life. This tragic ending fortunately did not occur, as Naruto used his Sage of Six Paths energy to heal his body. Nonetheless, Guy did lose mobility in his lower body, forcing him to retire as a ninja. When this occurred, Kakashi was first in line to help his old friend.
The future Sixth Hokage would often be seen pushing his rival’s wheelchair through the village, talking with him, and enjoying their peaceful lives. These daily strolls became even more frequent once Kakashi retired, as proven by the Boruto series, during which both men can be seen together almost all the time. Hatake going out of his way to help his friend and make him feel like a part of the community proves how much care and respect their friendship was built upon.
Guy Was Vital for Kakashi’s Growth
Without Him, Naruto’s Teacher Would Be Much Colder
One of the most frequent criticisms Kakashi receives from members of the Naruto fandom is the claim that he is a bad teacher. What these viewers fail to realize is that the man grew up into an aloof and unmotivated Joni after suffering more than most other members of the village. Moreover, he would have been much worse if not for the support of his best friend through the tragedies that occurred to him. Without Guy, Kakashi would have been left alone to mourn, making him even more of a loner.
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It was his rival’s challenges that pushed him to continue training, and their talks helped him process the emotional pain that his team and teacher left in his heart. Kakashi and Guy’s friendship might not have been as prevalent in the story as Naruto and Sasuke’s, but it was several times more wholesome and enjoyable. Not only are these two characters some of the most powerful Jonin in the series, but they are also the best and most positive friends in the franchise.
The Naruto franchise would never have been the same without the rivalry and friendship that Kakashi and Guy shared. Most of their moments together are a delight to rewatch, as they serve as an outstanding palate cleanser after many of the series’ darkest moments.
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