Summary
Without a doubt, Kishimoto’s magnum opus is a series that introduced fans to the world of ninjas and never looked back.Naruto’s rise from a hated orphanto the Seventh Hokage is one of the most heartwarming and epic tales that fans of battle shonen can subject themselves to.
While the series is full of ninjas who participate in numerous battles across the series, the unsung heroes who never participate in battle but play a major role regardless should be lauded for their efforts. Without their presence, it’s possible that the heroes would’ve never attained the motivation they needed to rise and overcome any adversity in their way.
8Inari
A Rebellious Child Who’s Motivated By Naruto To Fight For What’s Right
The Land of Waves arc is a great introduction to the escalating threat of the series while adding to its world-building. Naruto meets a jaded kid by the name of Inari, who hates anyone who tries to be a hero and chastizes Naruto for the same.
It’s not until later on in the arc that the truth behind this hatred is revealed, with Inari losing a close friend because he tried to stand up for the oppressed villagers only to be cut down by a tyrant. Thankfully,Naruto’s relentless zealto fight for what’s right helps Inari accept his brother’s death and lead a rebellion that frees the Land of Waves from Gato’s tyranny once and for all.
7Teuchi
The Owner Of Ichiraku Ramen
Ichiraku Ramen is one of the most iconic locations in the Leaf Village, serving as Naruto’s go-to spot when he needs to eat his favorite meal. The owner of this store, Teuchi, is one of the few people who welcomed Naruto to his restaurant around a time when the village shunned him as the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails.
His warmth helped Naruto continue to cling to his dreams, letting him develop a never-give-up mentality that aided him several times during his adventures. Teuchi may have never raised a finger in battle, but he did way more for Naruto’s growth as a character than most people would assume.
6Koharu Utatane
A Member Of The Konoha Council
The Konoha Council can be a frustrating organization to witness in the series, even if it boasts some important figures who have aided the growth of the Leaf Village. Tsunade is constantly at odds with the members of this council, whose inaction jeopardizes the village several times.
After serving as a member of Team Tobirama, Koharu Utatane took on a passive role as a member of said council by the timeNarutostarted its run. She can be a frustrating character to deal with, especially since she embodies the pragmatic nature of the Second Hokage who is nowhere near as compassionate as his brother.
5Mito Uzumaki
Hashirama’s Wife And The First Jinchuriki Of The Nine-Tails
The Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails is usually a member ofthe Uzumaki Clan, whose chakra reserves ensure that they can serve as competent hosts for the Tailed Beast. One of these candidates is Mito Uzumaki, the husband of the first Hokage and the first-ever Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails.
Not a lot is known about her, but it’s clear that she had a calm and collected personality and did not let her resolve waver once she found out that she was going to be the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki. She helped her successor, Kushina, come to terms with the idea of being the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails and settled her mind for the responsibility that Naruto’s mother would take on her shoulders.
4Karura
Gaara’s Mother
It’s a shame that Gaara never met his mother, since she would’ve been the only parent to give him the love he deserved. Instead, he wastraumatized by his father, who failed to protect him from the hatred and derision directed at him by the rest of the village.
It was clear from her very first appearance that Karura was a tender soul who loved Gaara from the very moment he was born, as a mother should. While Gaara turned out fine after understanding the value of friendship, his childhood could’ve been easier to deal with a maternal figure to support him when he needed it.
3Ebizo
Chiyo’s Younger Brother
Chiyo is introduced during the Kazekage Rescue arc as a retired counselor who is called into action when she learns that one of the kidnappers is her grandson, Sasori. She leaves her brother behind and takes part in one of the best battles in the series along with Sakura.
Ebizo is unaware that he will lose his sister in the coming moments, with Chiyo sacrificing her life to bring Gaara back from the brink of death. He may boast a stoic personality, but that doesn’t stop him from displaying his emotions afterlearning of Chiyo’s death.
2Ayame
Teuchi’s Daughter Who Helps Run Ichiraku Ramen
Handling a restaurant is hard work, which is why Teuchi was eventuallyaided by his daughterto help run the family business. This leads to a hilarious moment where Ichiraku Ramen stops serving their signature ramen, with Ayame choosing to serve tsukemen instead.
She was also smitten by Kakashi’s true face after seeing him enjoy a meal there. Her role may be muted in the series, but Ayame is a notable character who makes her presence known as the spirited girl who helps her father run Ichiraku Ramen.
1Homura Mitokado
A Council Member Who’s Too Rigid And Set In His Ways
Another member of Team Tobirama who eventually joined the Konoha Council is Homura. Both he and Koharu were set in their ways and made Tsunade’s life as a Hokage very tough.
It’s a satisfying moment to see Tsunade lose her cool and get physical with the duo when they treat Naruto like an asset instead of an actual person. He may be an unlikable character, but it’s clear that Homura has made his fair share of wise decisions given how well-developed Konoha is.
