Yes, Naruto has definately become strong.
He's smarter and growing up but he still needs a ways to go.
There is one question that Naruto's never had to answer and I hope it goes in there sooner or later.... a question Cecil in FFIV had to ask himself... am I fighting on the right side?
Sure he punched his father and laughed it off, as no big deal... but 16 years... his whole life knowing nothing but suffering. He should soon start to feel and there was more he needed to say. Knowing his father did that to him, knowing fully what he was doing to Naruto.
Like some father who couldn't make it as a doctor and forces their kid to goto school to become one, Naruto has been a kunai sharpened from day one to preform a role Namikaze couldn't/wouldn't do himself. Also he's a teen who has yet to tell his dad off. I'm waiting for the day Naruto is standing observing everything and finally...
Naruto: (in thought) Dad, Madara, Konaha... you know what? I'm a person, not some tool to be used and thrown away. Screw you all, I'm out of here!
Sasuke, do what you have to do... (Sasuke nods.)
Sakura: Naruto?
Naruto: Sorry for interfering.
Sakura: Naruto!?
Naruto: Just...
Sakura: (about to pass out from shock) Naruto?
Naruto: Just don't hurt...
Sakura: Naruto -kun.
Naruto: Hinata.
Sasuke nods and Sakura collapses.
Sakura: NARUTO! (tears well up in her eyes) << it's not like she wouldn't cry.
Naruto disappears and Sasuke starts forming hand seals.
Sakura: Sasukekun.
Sasuke: Chidori-
Sakura: SASUKEKUN!
Sasuke: -Nagashi.
<Time Skip>
After all being a rebellious teen, IS part of growing up.
Do you really see this happening??? hahahahahaha your delusional. theres no way hes gonna think of this at this point in time. maybe later but not this fight. he was cut while saving her. now if i was stoping a fight and one of the people hit me, i would be ready to beat his ass too. naruto must be angry