Naruto Shippūden - Characters & Cast

Naruto's initial motivation is to gain the acknowledgment and respect of the villagers who once shunned him. This evolves into a deep-seated desire to protect his friends and his home. His ultimate motivation, however, becomes breaking the cycle of hatred and creating a world where everyone can understand and coexist peacefully.

Naruto begins "Shippūden" as a more capable and mature ninja, but still driven by his desire to bring Sasuke back to the village. His arc is defined by his struggle to control the Nine-Tails' power and his unwavering commitment to his ninja way: never going back on his word. He learns to master Sage Mode, surpassing his mentor Jiraiya, and eventually befriends the Nine-Tails, Kurama, gaining immense power. Throughout the Fourth Great Ninja War, he becomes the lynchpin of the Allied Shinobi Forces, inspiring everyone with his determination and empathy. His journey culminates in him finally achieving his dream of becoming Hokage and bringing peace to the ninja world.

Sasuke's primary motivation is revenge. Initially, it is directed at Itachi, but after learning the truth, it shifts to the elders of Konoha who orchestrated the Uchiha clan's downfall. He believes that true peace can only be achieved by severing all past bonds and creating a new world order through revolution.

Sasuke's arc in "Shippūden" is a descent into darkness fueled by his quest for revenge against his older brother, Itachi. After killing Itachi, he learns the tragic truth behind the Uchiha clan massacre and redirects his anger towards Konoha. He joins the Akatsuki and becomes a major antagonist. However, after a series of revelations and confrontations during the war, particularly with a reincarnated Itachi, he begins to question his path. His journey is one of internal conflict, torn between his desire for revenge and the bonds he once shared with Team 7. He ultimately reconciles with Naruto after their final battle and dedicates his life to protecting the village from the shadows as a form of atonement.

Sakura's initial motivation is to become strong enough to be of use to Naruto and Sasuke, rather than being a burden. This evolves into a genuine desire to protect her friends and her village. Her unwavering love for Sasuke, while maturing over time, remains a significant driving force in her actions.

Sakura's arc in "Shippūden" is one of significant growth and self-reliance. Having trained under Tsunade, she becomes a highly skilled medical-nin and a formidable fighter in her own right. She moves beyond her initial infatuation with Sasuke, though her desire to save him remains. She plays a crucial role in many battles, saving countless lives with her medical expertise. Her development is showcased in her battle against Sasori alongside Lady Chiyo, where she proves her worth as a frontline shinobi. By the end of the series, she is recognized as one of the most powerful kunoichi in the world and is instrumental in the final battle against Kaguya.

Kakashi's primary motivation is to protect his students and his village. He is haunted by his past failures and strives to prevent his students from making the same mistakes. He carries the weight of his fallen comrades' dreams and strives to honor their memory through his actions.

Kakashi's arc in "Shippūden" involves confronting his past and the lingering guilt over the deaths of his comrades, Obito and Rin. The series delves into his backstory, revealing the origins of his Sharingan and his time in the Anbu Black Ops. He continues to guide and support Team 7, playing a pivotal role in their development. He faces his past head-on during the Fourth Great Ninja War when he is forced to fight a resurrected Obito. This confrontation allows him to finally find closure. After the war, he becomes the Sixth Hokage, leading the village into an era of peace and prosperity.