In a franchise like Naruto, not every character is going to be a fan favorite. They can't all have the same power level or be a hero. When a series runs as long as Naruto, however, the audience gets to know the characters really well. When fictional characters feel like old friends, it might make the audience wonder just what it would actually be like to be friends with some of them.
Like any real friend, the characters in Naruto have their flaws. Some would definitely make better friends than others. These particular characters, however, would fit right in most fans' friend groups.
Hinata
She starts her time in the franchise as a painfully shy child who is terrified to acknowledge her crush on the title character. By the end, the two are happily married and she's a tough shinobi who chooses to walk away from the battlefield to raise a family.
Hinata, even when she can't put her feelings into words, is always there for the people she cares about. She is committed to doing the right thing but will break the rules when a friend needs her. Hinata proves herself as someone who is always going to be there for Shino and Kiba in a fight, and she stands up for Naruto again and again. Her kindness and thoughtfulness would make her an excellent friend.
Choji
Choji gets quite a bit of flack from some of his friends for his large appetite. The truth is that he needs an extremely large caloric intake to offset the energy he burns when he uses his size-changing jutsu. Choji, for the most part, is able to take the teasing in stride though.
In fact, Choji is an incredibly easy-going person. He's interested in family history, and he respects them, but he's also willing to go out of his way to befriend the social outcast (Naruto) that his family might not be interested in. Choji is the kind of friend that will spend a game night and dinner with a friend and not care if he loses a match as long as they have a good time - and he'll never shame you for eating a second helping.
Kakashi
Most of the audience's view of Kakashi is through Naruto's lens. He's a teacher and someone who is just a little distant due to his mysterious past. When the audience gets to see him through his relationship with Might Guy, however, it's clear how great of a friend Kakashi can really be.
Kakashi is willing to participate in whatever latest "competition" Guy has in mind. He never turns down a chance to spend time with his friend, and the two even go on vacation together. Kakashi is able to separate his work life from his relationships in a way that a lot of seasoned shinobi aren't. He would be the perfect friend to spend a break from responsibilities with.
Shikamaru
If a fan needs a partner in crime to skip school or work, Shikamaru is the perfect friend for them - in his younger days. He could easily a day just watching the clouds roll by, but he's also willing to ignore the rules completely and have a good time.
Shikamaru's favorite pastime is shogi. Those who appreciate a game of strategy or a good puzzle would definitely find a kindred spirit in Shikamaru. Most fans probably wouldn't even mind losing to him because he'd be willing to explain just how he beat you after the fact.
Konohamaru
When originally introduced, Konohamaru isn't exactly anyone's favorite character. He's a very young - and very immature - shinobi in training who sometimes lets his imagination run away with him. His particular zest for life, however, is irable, and as he gets older, he becomes someone a friend can really count on.
Konohamaru is all about commitment. Whether that's to his team, his village, his family, or his eventual students in Boruto, he is someone who never breaks his word. With a friend like Konohamaru, you know that there's always an honest answer and genuine help coming your way.
Gaara
Gaara has some serious rage and control issues as a kid as the Chunin Exams demonstrate. He is trained in a way that doesn't help him, ostracized by his village, and unable to fully control the tailed beast inside of him It's a recipe for disaster. When he finally gets some kindness and understanding courtesy of Naruto, however, he starts to turn a corner to become the best version of himself.
Gaara is calm, collected, and nearly unflappable in the face of danger. He would be the friend someone would want by their side to keep them from giving into every impulse they have. He's the friend helping plan activities to make sure they go smoothly - and then helping cover things up when they don't, just as he does in the Shikamaru Hiden light novel to help the woman he's supposed to marry escape their arranged marriage.
Asuma
Asuma might be the coolest teacher. It's a shame his time with his students is cut so short. Despite what little the audience gets to see of him, it's clear he would be a valuable buddy.
He's got a cunning mind and the same enjoyment of games that Shikamaru has. Asuma also has the same kind of loyalty that Konohamaru has, and the easy-going attitude of Choji. He's not someone whose feathers are easily ruffled, and he's always up for treating the people he cares about to a good time. He also knows how to keep a secret as no one knows he's about to be a father until after he's gone.
Ino
Many fans cite Ino as one of the franchise characters who never lived up to the massive potential of her power set. Ino, however, doesn't seem all that unhappy to not being exploring the powers of mental manipulation she has. Instead, she finds what does make her happy in life and goes after it, taking over her father's flower shop, marrying Sai, and even helping Sakura establish medical clinics throughout the shinobi nation.
On the surface, Ino appears shallow and only concerned with her appearance, but she is a deeply feeling person with a lot of comion for others. When she and Sakura first meet as kids, she gives Sakura the ribbon from her own hair so other kids won't make fun of Sakura's forehead. Ino is the kind of friend who will be up front with you about how others perceive you, but she'll also help you deal with it.
Kiba
Compared to the other Naruto characters here, Kiba's got a bit of a temper, and he's also a bit more impulsive. Some might call him ionate. That can get him into trouble every so often, but he's got a good heart.
He makes fun of Hinata for being unable to talk to Naruto just as much as he offers her pointers while training with her, for example. He banters with his friends, which means conversations with him are at the very least going to be entertaining. Kiba is also great with animals, so any friend of Kiba's would get to hang out with ninja dogs quite a bit.
Naruto
Naruto might tell bad jokes and not always catch on as fast as other shinobi, but he is truly a great friend. He never gives up on Sasuke when the latter defects from the village. Naruto always encourages Hinata when no one else believes in her. He even finds common ground with Kiba, Shikamaru, and Choji when the rest of the village thinks he's a curse.
Naruto also always sees the good in people. He is always ready to have a conversation before using his various jutsu to take down an opponent. That approach of talking things out is much needed in a healthy friendship.
