What makes Naruto such a successful person? Many people have examined and discussed his different traits, his personality, and even the values he instilled. However, I think we forget something very important when we look at the core of Naruto’s character.
Naruto, has the ability to understand other people and their feelings. He can feel the malice of his enemies and the pain of others. Naruto could understand exactly what they were going through and the connection, enough to become friends with people he once called enemies. Although this seems simple and obvious, I feel that this understanding is not shared by everyone.
First, let’s look at empathy. Most of us probably have a good idea of what empathy is when we feel bad because of someone else’s problems. Empathy is a little different; it can be described as literally feeling another person’s pain or emotions.
While Naruto has compassion, I feel like he also has empathy. Naruto’s lifelong rival Sasuke also seems to have some surprising empathy. I think this explains why Sasuke and Naruto are so similar yet so different. Having empathy for others can be a sad curse or a beneficial strength. Dig deeper and the contrast becomes clearer.
 |
| Because of Naruto’s empathy, he could easily detect Sakura’s true feelings. |
I believe many people would be surprised that Sasuke, a calm and collected person, could have empathy. The answer is yes, he will. Both Naruto and Sasuke ended up hating the village. Naruto never had the chance to meet his parents and was forced to carry the Kyuubi with him inside his body. Many villagers suffered physical and mental injuries due to the demon’s attacks, and developed hatred in their hearts.
However, Kyuubi is no longer free, but the pain caused cannot be blamed on anyone. Thus, the victim became Naruto, the closest thing to a sealed fox. Naruto had some empathy even at a young age, as we can assume that the hatred he received from the villagers would bounce back. He feels their hatred and negativity toward him, so he has no reason to think less of them.
There was something different about Sasuke. He starts with a family and takes them away from him. Itachi Uchiha put on a mask and told Sasuke to hate and be strong, and these emotions were absorbed by him, making him who he is now. Despite becoming reserved, arrogant, and single-minded, Sasuke is still the same Sasuke deep down. He is shaped by his experiences and the emotions he receives from others.
Everything after that comes down to personality. Naruto is able to control his empathy and use it to protect his friends and others. Sasuke begins to awaken again, caring more about his comrades than revenge. However, with the encounter with Itachi, hatred flooded into his heart again. Naruto also has his moments of doubt, but he continues to connect with and trust others, contrary to Sasuke’s development. While Sasuke shut down his feelings for others, Naruto increased his feelings. Despite this, Sasuke couldn’t cut off his connection with Naruto.
Sasuke chose the path of darkness, while Naruto chose the path of light. If they are so similar, what makes them different? The answer is the way they use the abilities they have, and the choices they make. Both Sasuke and Naruto have the ability to understand and inspire others. They are not necessarily born leaders, but their experiences give them the power to lead.
However, as Naruto develops the gifts he has and puts them to good use, he is never alone. Being able to understand everyone can make anyone open up to him. He can inspire even the coldest of hearts with his compassion. These simple traits are key to Naruto’s success.
Naruto wouldn’t sacrifice others for his own goals, he would keep them with him and still do what he wanted to do. Naruto doesn’t look down on people who are suffering, he understands their pain and helps them improve. Ninja will not change himself for anyone, although he can feel emotions and share them with others. Naruto moved forward, following his beliefs but also respecting others. I believe these facts are why Naruto is so successful.