Warning: Spoilers ahead for the Naruto anime and manga

The world of Naruto is a dangerous place full of upheaval, but it's also a proving ground for its many brilliant and surprisingly wise shinobi fighting on all fronts. While Naruto's titular character has his fair share of memorable lines, it'd be a disservice not to appreciate the many other characters whose best quotes help shape generations of ninjas to follow. Whether bestowing sage advice to uplift others in the darkest times or humbling those who have yet to gain perspective, there's plenty to learn from the cast of Naruto.

Naruto began its original manga run in 1999 before concluding its series in 2014, before ing the baton to its sequel series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, and recently with Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. It's a beloved series selling hundreds of millions to a worldwide fan base. Suffice it to say, the masses flock to what Masashi Kishimoto and his created characters have to tell the readers.

15 "Becoming The Hokage Doesn't Mean People Will Acknowledge You."

Itachi Uchiha in Naruto Shippuden Episode #299

Itachi has been instrumental in several characters' journeys throughout Naruto, but this quote speaks to the ambitions of Naruto and Sasuke. At this point in the story, the Fourth Great Ninja War rages on when Itachi rescues Naruto and Killer Bee. At this moment, Itachi reminds Naruto not to shoulder his burdens alone with his newfound power, as others, like Madara, have tried; Naruto's father, Minato, took his position as Hokage thanks to the of his comrades, for example.

Becoming the Hokage doesn't mean people will acknowledge you. But when the people acknowledge you, you can become the Hokage. Never forget your friends!

-Itachi Uchiha

Itachi reminds Naruto at this moment that his ambitions to become Hokage should not be driven by potential rewards but instead by the result of being a good leader and role model for Konoha. It speaks to how Sasuke's ambitions to be Hokage, albeit for his motivations, will not succeed because they're primarily self-serving. For Naruto, it's a reminder of how his friends have been on his journey, and it quickly indicates that Naruto is not far off from deserving the role of Hokage since he is already the village's hero.

14 “To Be a Parent Is to Have Undying Faith in One’s Child.”

Minato Namikaze in Naruto Shippuden Episode #168

Lord Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze is a tragic figure in Naruto, not because he couldn't meet his potential, but because Minato exceeded it so much that his absence was felt throughout much of the series. The beloved Fourth Hokage reveals himself to Naruto when the seal containing the Nine-Tailed Fox threatens to break completely, bringing him back from the brink. In real-time, Minato sees Naruto's resolve unraveling and tells him what every father should tell his son.

I have faith in you. To be a parent is to have undying faith in one’s child.

-Minato Namikaze

Naruto's childhood and early life were devoid of parental love, as Minato and Kushina, his parents, were already long dead. Even in confronting Pain and the specter of hatred in the series, hearing this gives Naruto some much-deserved solace. This quote in Naruto Shippuden episode #168 is sure not to have a dry eye in the house as Naruto learns for the first time that the heroic Fourth Hokage believes in him.

13 "I Just Don't Like Your Style."

Sasuke Uchiha in Naruto Shippuden Episode #113

This is an interesting case because it's from the English dub specifically, with Yuri Lowenthal's Sasuke Uchiha performance hurling an Oscar Wilde-level insult at Orochimaru. It's a brilliant moment where Sasuke is ready to cast off Orochimaru's hold on him, and he showcases his battle prowess against Orochimaru alongside a devastating verbal barrage. The result is Sasuke entering a new phase in his character arc in Naruto:

The way you fill yourself up with medicines and go leaping from body to body, it's disgusting. As an Uchiha, all I see when I look at you is a miserable wretch. And on top of that, I don't like your style.

-Sasuke Uchiha

Orochimaru is already weakened at this point of the story, with Sasuke's strength growing too great to withstand. Thanks to his encounter with the Third Hokage, Orochimaru spends much of Naruto Shippuden trying to recover the use of his arms. Still, Orochimaru's lasting legacy continues to ripple through the present in Boruto. While this isn't the end for Orochimaru, as Sasuke supposedly consumes him, it's certainly a big blow to his pride.

12 "Those Who Would Abandon Even One of Their Friends Are Even Worse Than Scum."

Obito Uchiha in Naruto Shippuden Episode #119

This is an interesting case as, technically, Kakashi said it in the series once before, first paraphrased in chapter #8. However, from the Kakashi Chronicles flashback, it turns out it was a quote from a friend he once believed he had lost, which Kakashi carries as a legacy while teaching. It's simple yet fascinating to see how Kakashi interprets it when first guiding Team 7, with his intent to put the lives of comrades above rules and regulations.

In the ninja world, those who break the rules and laws are regarded as scum, but those who would abandon even one of their friends are even worse than scum. I'm gonna be trash anyway, so I choose to break the rules. And if that doesn't make me a true ninja...then I'll crush this so-called "ninja"!!

-Obito Uchiha

Obito was the black sheep of the Uchiha clan, a family whose famous pedigree meant high expectations for the young ninja, so being on the same team as Kakashi, an elite genius, is especially challenging. Here, his conviction and loyalty overcome aspirations to be a big heroic exemplar for future ninjas, ultimately rubbing off on Kakashi. It's likely the longest-standing lesson Kakashi imparts to Naruto, as shown by his unwavering commitment to bringing back Sasuke.

11 "When did you all forsake yourselves?"

Gaara in Naruto Shippuden Episode #202

After observing the arguments and mistrust that arose among the five Kages, Gaara posed an iconic question that challenged the status quo of their world and reminded everyone of what truly matters. Despite being the youngest among them and often criticized for his inexperience, he demonstrated the most maturity and wisdom. This question, directed at the arrogant Tsuchikage Onoki, left him baffled and unable to respond, while the others were clearly impressed.

Besides being a critique of the traditions that never let the world see peace, it was also a moment of great growth that allowed readers to see just how far the beloved Gaara had come. From possibly the most hateful and destructive character at the time to the one that even shed tears for an enemy he was fighting, Gaara had one of the best and most prominent character arcs in the series.

10 “People Call Me a Failure…I’ll Prove Them Wrong!”

Naruto Uzumaki in Naruto Episode #62

Naruto spends much of his character arc consistently ranked as the underdog. In the Chunin Exams Arc, he is naturally matched against Neji Hyuga, one of the strongest young genin of his generation. However, this match is more than just a lopsided fight, as Naruto sees this as an especially personal confrontation following Neji's violent bout against Hinata in the previous round. Finally, the fact that he faces Neji, a deterministic cynic whose family's destiny colors his entire worldview, while Naruto has had to fight against destiny at every turn.

In the original Japanese translation of the anime, Neji first says, "Why do you try to go against your destiny that much?" to which Naruto says, "Because I was called...a failure!" This subtle difference in the English dub may be redundant regarding its communicated intent, but it speaks a bit more to Naruto's brash tendencies.

Crucially, this is said just after Naruto is seemingly defeated in every way by Neji's Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms attack, supposedly cutting off his chakra. Here, Naruto wills his latent, overflowing chakra into the fight by tapping into the power of the Nine-Tailed Fox more directly than any other time before. It's a victory that vindicates Hinata's courage, pushing the public to acknowledge Naruto and, crucially, gives reason for Neji not to feel resigned to his fate as a Hyuga branch family member.

9 "Naruto...You've got better sight than I do."

Neji Hyuga in Naruto Episode #115

As the Sasuke Retrieval mission kicked off, the team was confronted by the Sound 4, and they initiated their plan to take them on one-on-one. Sensing Naruto's hesitation at just leaving them behind, Neji reminded him that they all can't just stop here, and told him that he had better sight than him. This was major praise given how the Hyuga pride themselves on their all-seeing eyes, but of course, Neji didn't mean it literally.

He meant that Naruto was far more emotionally intelligent than he was and could see the truth within people, no matter how closed off they were. Sasuke, Zabuza, Haku, Neji, Gaara and more; Naruto connected with these characters on an emotional level and changed them drastically. While he did end up failing to rescue Sasuke and the mission was unsuccessful, it was a massive change in their relationship.

8 "If You Ask Me...You're a Proud Failure!"

Hinata Hyuga in Naruto Episode #59

Technically taken from the translation of the Naruto manga chapter #98, this is one of the first instances where Hinata lets herself say how she feels about Naruto. It's one of those "let her finish" quotes where she reminds Naruto of just what his example means to her, and at the end of the day, it's a profound message about allowing oneself to realize failure doesn't define the individual. It lifts Naruto's spirits with perfect timing as he prepares to face Neji in the Chunin Exams.

Because you make mistakes...but you still have the guts to get back up and keep fighting...that's what I consider true strength...I...I believe you're an incredibly strong person, Naruto...

-Hinata Hyuga

Hinata is a more ive character early in the series and remains so largely for the manga and anime's run until Boruto, but she is always among the first to praise and Naruto. This stems from a childhood iration for his moxie, but blossoms into love over time. That she has this level of spirit, despite receiving a ruthless beating in the Chunin Exams, is something that resonates with Naruto then and onwards.

7 "They Are To Become The Nourishment For Fresh Green Leaves."

Might Guy In Naruto Shippuden Episode #420

Might Guy played a surprisingly significant role in the war, standing valiantly against Madara and his overwhelming power. Faced with such overwhelming odds, Guy ultimately decides to activate his trump card—one of the most powerful techniques in the series—even though it would cost him his life. As Madara stood in awe of the Eighth Gate's red aura, which resembled a crumbling autumn leaf, Guy declared that this dead autumn would serve as fertilizer for the next generation of green leaves.

A big proponent of maximizing the time you have a youth, Might Guy believed in nurturing the next generation of ninjas and raising them up to be even better than their predecessors. Before activating the Eighth Gate, a flashback to the relationship between Guy and his father was shown, and in the same way that Dai laid his life for Guy, Guy did the same for Lee and the Shinobi World. Truly a great quote that summarizes the core motivation and personality of Might Guy.

6 "Rejection Makes a Man Stronger."

Jiraiya in Naruto Shippuden Episode #126

Jiraiya gets an instant moniker from Naruto, "Pervy Sage", which never truly goes away, but he has lived up to the sage name by leaving behind some incredibly poignant turns of phrase. This one, however, is an instance where he not only implicitly professes his love for Tsunade (or at least attraction) while reading the room. Jiraiya knows the answer, slyly shoots his shot, and moves on. It's a tasteful way to teach anyone in the audience that rejection, be it romance, job applications, or work-related pitches, is a part of life and should be gracefully accepted.

Rejection makes a man stronger. In other words, you can't call yourself a real man unless you can laugh off stuff like that. Better yet, make a joke of it.

-Jiraiya

However, the especially heartbreaking aspect of this is that he says it moments before he leaves on his infiltration mission to the Village Hidden in the Rain, Amegakure. This sets off the opening salvo leading to the Pain Arc, and it's a grim farewell between the two. But Jiraiya, ever the writer, leaves the next steps for Naruto's development as a ninja as his legacy, along with the truth about his first book, "Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi."