In Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto often uses a battle formula involving a disciple versus their master. Often, these battles deliver an emotional impact, making them even more phenomenal and leaving a lasting impression on fans.
In this article, we'll discuss the best master vs. disciple battles in Naruto. If you're curious, watch this video until the end!
10. Sasuke vs. Kakashi
We'll start with a brief battle between Sasuke and Kakashi. In the past, Sasuke had trained privately under Kakashi's guidance until he mastered the Chidor jutsu, which he frequently uses in battle.
When Naruto and Kakashi heard news that Sasuke had joined the Akatsuki, they immediately moved to find him and try to stop him. Their encounter was quite emotional.
Sasuke engaged in a brief battle with Kakashi. During the fight, Kakashi appeared very serious, but Naruto tried to stop him. In the end, Sasuke managed to escape thanks to Tobi and White Zetsu.
9. Kabuto vs. Nono Yakushi
The battle between Kabuto and Nono Yakushi was brief, but their fight was incredibly intense. Kabuto was an orphan cared for by Nono Yakushi, a former Root Anbu member who had served under Danzo.
Nono possessed skills as a spy and medical ninja. She taught Kabuto all her knowledge and skills, until Kabuto grew into a formidable spy and was considered a threat that had to be eliminated.
Nono was assigned to eliminate Kabuto. However, she was later killed by Kabuto. Ironically, Danzo brainwashed Nono, preventing her from recognizing Kabuto's face.
8. Sasuke vs. Orochimaru
Next, there was a battle between Sasuke and an ailing Orochimaru. From the beginning, Sasuke had been indifferent to Orochimaru, obsessed only with gaining power.
After Sasuke got what he wanted, he decided to betray Orochimaru. With Orochimaru caught off guard, he drew his sword to finish off his master.
The battle was arguably one-sided, as Orochimaru was weakened, leaving him vulnerable. He did manage to defend himself against Sasuke's attack. However, Sasuke was in an advantageous position due to his superior strength.
7. Ōnoki vs. Mū
Next, there's an exciting battle involving two users of Jinton, also known as Dust Release: Ōnoki versus Mu. In the past, Ōnoki was a disciple of Mū, who served as the Second Tsuchikage.
The two shared a strong bond as disciple and master. In fact, Ohnoki inherited Mu's ability to use the Jinton element. After Mū's death, Ohnoki was entrusted to lead Iwagakure as the Third Tsuchikage.
When Mū was resurrected as an Edo Tensei ninja, Ōnoki was forced to face his teacher. They both unleashed their signature Jinton jutsu, leading to a fierce battle.
6. Sasori vs. Grandma Chiyo
The battle between Sasori and Grandma Chiyo wasn't just about disciple versus master, but more than that, as they were both related. Sasori was Grandma Chiyo's grandson, who joined the Akatsuki.
When Sasori was a child, Grandmother Chiyo loved him dearly and cared for him wholeheartedly. Furthermore, she taught him the intricacies of puppet techniques, also known as puppet puppets (kugutsu). Sasori's abilities surpassed Grandmother Chiyo's as a puppet user.
They met again as enemies, fighting each other on the battlefield. Although Grandmother Chiyo faced her grandson, she still gave her all. With Sakura's help, they eventually defeated Sasori.
5. Team 10 vs. Asuma
In the battle against Hidan and Kakuzu, Asuma suffered severe injuries that led to his death. His death deeply scarred Shikamaru and his teammates on Team 7.
Unexpectedly, Asuma was later resurrected as an Edo Tensei ninja, along with other powerful ninja. Forced into a fierce and emotional battle against Team 10, Asuma engaged in a fierce and emotional battle.
Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji were initially filled with doubt, as they considered Asuma a respected teacher. However, they were forced to fight due to the circumstances. The combination of their cooperation managed to defeat Asuma.
4. Team 7 vs. Kakashi
Unlike the previous two battles, the battle between Team 7 and Kakashi wasn't overly emotional. Instead, it was heavily laced with comedic elements that brought laughter. But that's what makes this fight so iconic.
When Team 7 was first formed, Kakashi challenged Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura to retrieve a bell from him so they could graduate. They tried their hardest and resorted to various methods.
Although they all failed to retrieve the bell, Kakashi eventually let them pass after seeing the strong sense of camaraderie and caring within Team 7. Kakashi deliberately did this so they all understood the importance of working together.
3. Obito vs. Minato
When Kushina was about to give birth to Naruto, Obito used the opportunity to release the seal on the Nine-Tailed Beast, causing the Nine-Tailed Beast to go on a rampage and threaten Konoha.
During the incident, Obito engaged in an intense battle with Minato, his former teacher. Minato was completely unaware that the enemy he was fighting was Obito because Obito was wearing a mask at the time.
In this battle, Minato was very wary of Obito's power, which could not be attacked by conventional means. By combining the Hiraishin no Jutsu technique with his ingenuity, Minato was able to quickly maneuver to defeat Obito.
2. Orochimaru vs. Hiruzen
The battle between Orochimaru and Hiruzen is one of the most phenomenal teacher-versus-student battles in the Naruto world. In the past, Orochimaru was one of Hiruzen's favorite disciple.
However, Orochimaru unfortunately took the wrong path and was considered a missing-nin from Konoha. When Orochimaru caused unrest in Konoha, Hiruzen was forced to intervene to stop his evil deeds.
In this battle, Orochimaru revived Hashirama and Tobirama through the Edo Tensei jutsu. Despite being at a disadvantage, Hiruzen displayed impressive fighting skills, successfully cornering Orochimaru.
However, the battle ultimately resulted in Hiruzen's death.
1. Nagato/Pain vs. Jiraiya
In my opinion, the battle between Jiraiya and Pain, also known as Nagato, is the most compelling and emotional master-disciple battle in Naruto. Jiraiya once believed Nagato could bring peace to the ninja world.
However, Nagato experienced a devastating tragedy when he lost his best friend before his very eyes. This incident shattered his faith and turned him into a villain who threatened the shinobi world.
When Jiraiya infiltrated Amegakure to investigate the Akatsuki, he was forced into a life-and-death battle against the overpowered Pain. He did put up some resistance.
However, Jiraiya was at a significant disadvantage, cornered, and ultimately succumbed to his own death. His death was incredibly emotional and brought tears to fans' eyes.