For many Naruto characters, Sasuke Uchiha is certified eye candy. He is popular, handsome, and talented, someone who can easily pass on as an ideal boyfriend or husband even without trying, unlike his rival, Naruto Uzumaki. However, after he went rogue, his reputation and popularity took a massive hit, until Sakura Haruno remained one of the few who believed in him.
As Naruto fans know, Sasuke ended up marrying Sakura, but their relationship continues to divide the fandom for many reasons, not limited to believability and authenticity. But given Sasuke’s intricate personality and long history, it’s easy to nominate other female characters who could have been a better match for Sasuke instead of Sakura in the end. Here are some of them.
Naruto: Sasuke As Konoha's Next Hokage, Explained
Sasuke could be the next Hokage. He might return to the Boruto story soon.
5 Temari Could Match Sasuke’s Pace
Temari Could Keep Sasuke in Check
- Manga Debut: Chapter 34
- Anime Debut: Episode 20
It’s difficult to keep Sasuke in one place, but under Temari’s watch, it might be possible. She has a strong personality, possibly even stronger and bolder than Sakura, as seen through her interactions with Shikamaru and their son Shikadai in Boruto. She’s the exact opposite of Hinata, as her strong personality might be able to balance, if not match, Sasuke’s stoicism and coldness, evident in her bond with Gaara.
Temari and Sasuke could become a power couple if they see eye-to-eye and can handle each other’s moods. Her intelligence and strong convictions might complement Sasuke’s critical and strategic thinking, especially on the battlefield. Also, she could keep up with his lifestyle since she’s comfortable with high-risk missions. Anywhere Sasuke goes, Temari would probably accompany him without fail.
4 Ino Admires Sasuke From Day One
Ino’s Long-Time Crush Is Sasuke
- Manga Debut: Chapter 34
- Anime Debut: Episode 1
Before Sai, Ino Yamanaka was infatuated with Sasuke Uchiha. She was just like the many girls at school, crushing on none other than the sole survivor of the Uchiha Clan. She once had a crush on Sasuke so intense that she was willing to compete with Sakura for a bit of attention. Funny, Ino was always at the losing end, even though the situation was no better with Sakura.
Now that Ino has matured, she could be a good match for Sasuke as well. Her iconic jutsu, mind-reading, can be helpful in understanding Sasuke’s unpredictable moods. Communication won’t be a problem between them, given Ino’s ability to read situations that could allow her to respond more carefully. Besides, Ino already knows what Sasuke has been through, similar to Sakura and Hinata.
3 Sasuke Needs Hinata Hyuga’s Unconditional Love
Hinata Could Accept Sasuke Without Judgement
- Manga Debut: Chapter 34
- Anime Debut: Episode 1
Naruto Uzumaki’s wife, Hinata Hyuga, could also be a perfect match to Sasuke Uchiha due to her capacity to love deeply. Fans can attest to Hinata’s patience and devotion to Naruto, which she can also offer to Sasuke. While Kishimoto did not give them any significant interactions that could lead to something more, it’s not hard to see Hinata holding hands with Sasuke in the end.
Additionally, Hinata Hyuga’s calm and gentle nature may give Sasuke a sense of peace and stability, offering a more delicate path to healing without judgment. Her kindness may also have the power to soothe Sasuke’s brooding personality without being too overbearing. Most importantly, Hinata is not the clingy type of girl, giving Sasuke more freedom and independence, unlike the younger version of Sakura.
On top of that, Hinata could easily understand Sasuke’s inner struggles. She knew how difficult it was to battle personal demons, including the loneliness that came by living in the shadow of expectations. Instead of urging Sasuke to change, she would probably let him do his own thing, knowing full well that change won’t happen overnight.
2 Karin Is Fiercely Devoted to Sasuke
Karin Is Sasuke’s Valuable Ally and Friend
- Manga Debut: Chapter 337
- Anime Debut: Naruto Shippuden Episode 115
With Sakura out of the picture, the only realistic female character who could have ended up with Sasuke is Karin. She and Sasuke were one of the “almost couples” in the history of Naruto due to their bond and obvious chemistry.
Fans know how much Karin liked Sasuke, as she went above and beyond just to understand his needs, provide emotional support when necessary, and also saved his life multiple times to the best of her abilities.
Karin is also infamous for her fierce devotion to Sasuke. She was extremely loyal to him, even at times when Sasuke was insulting, unpredictable, and ruthless. She accepted all of him, instead of changing or saving him, choosing to stand by him at all costs. She was also one of the few who could break through Sasuke’s cold and stoic demeanor in the most unimaginable ways possible.
Unlike Sakura, who struggled with Sasuke’s dark tendencies, Karin accepted and loved Sasuke unconditionally without questions asked.
1 Sasuke Could Have Found a New Lover
A New Character More Suitable for Sasuke
To this day, many Naruto fans think Kishimoto should have just created a new love interest for Sasuke after the final valley fight with Naruto. Instead of forcing Sasuke to end up with Sakura to please fans, others believe Sasuke should have met a more suitable match for a more believable and authentic romance.
Since there was little to no romantic development between Sakura and Sasuke in the original series, a new love interest could have worked. Someone who could offer a fresh start for Sasuke and can align with his rogue lifestyle and interests.
On the contrary, there are still some fans who think Sasuke should have just ended up alone, considering his trust issues and independent nature.
- Release Date
- October 2, 2002
- Network
- Adult Swim
