Naruto Uzumaki, one of the most beloved shounen protagonists of the century is a force to be reckoned with. While the carrier of the nine-tailed fox, he was still very much the underdog who struggled to reach his goals.
Though his determination played a large part, the superiors in his life were there to lift him off his feet. Naruto went from being a mere 12 year-old who struggled with basic curriculum, to his teens when he had to adapt to a war-torn world, and finally into his adulthood where our beloved protagonist finally reached his dream as Hokage.
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Iruka Umino
Naruto’s father figure, and the one who believed in him the most. Iruka’s past was similar to that of Naruto’s. Although his family had been taken by the nine-tailed fox - he faced similar prejudice from those around him. But even so, he remained compassionate and saw to that Naruto had someone to rely on.Iruka is no enabler either, and is not afraid to tell him when he messed up.
During his final exam for graduation, Naruto failed at making a proper shadow clone and as a result, didn’t initially graduate. Even though Iruka is the one who failed him, he still kept his faith in his student and even gave Naruto his headband when he finally proved himself worthy. Iruka taught Naruto the importance of community, empathy, and familial love.
Kakashi Hatake
After Naruto finally reached genin, Kakashi became his mentor and first primary trainer. Known for being one of the most difficult teachers, he challenged Naruto relentlessly. But he also taught him the importance of teamwork and in order to succeed, one must work together.
Whereas Iruka still gave Naruto tough love, Kakashi put him into “fight or die” situations to further shape him for the brutality of the real world. Moreover, he let his students tackle a B-ranked mission before they were ready, when they took up what was thought to be a C-ranked one. WhileKakashi’s method of teaching is rather harsh, he harbors a care for his students, especially Naruto. After having lost some of his closest friends to missions, he teaches Naruto what he wished he knew in his childhood - teamwork, loyalty, and bravery.
Jiraiya
Known as “Pervy Sage”, heisn’t the best role model for Narutoin terms of ethics, but he has a good heart, and makes sure that Naruto follows a just path. As one of the three legendary sannin, Jiraiya was trained under the future 3rd Hokage alongside Tsunade and Orochimaru.
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Seeing how Team 7 would eventually become students of each one respectively, and would ultimately follow the same path, Jiraiya was the one who could empathize with Naruto the most. He was arguably the most important teacher in his life, as he taught him the 4th Hokage’s rasengan, which Naruto would later on develop into something much more powerful. Jiraiya was also a close friend of Minato’s personally and so knew Naruto’s family from the getgo.
Killer B
Every ninja’s favorite rapper, Killer B knew how to tame his jinchuuriki and do it well. As Naruto’s mentor, he was able to train Naruto to draw out the power of the nine-tails without risking possession. He alsoplayed a vital partin the battle against Obito. What makes him stand out from Naruto’s other teachers, is that he actually faced Sasuke personally, who is Naruto’s primary reason for wanting to become stronger.
Fukasaku
One of Jiraiya’s toad comrades who took up the mantle to watch over Naruto after his passing. He may be a toad, but it washe that taught and trained Naruto to awaken sage modeand was the voice of reason and encouragement during the Pain invasion of the Leaf Village. Additionally, Fukasaku was also the one who taught Jiraiya how to awaken sage mode as well. In a way, he is the mentor of Naruto’s mentor.
