The Hokage, leaders of the Hidden Leaf Village, are the most skilled Shinobi in Konoha. Throughout Naruto, we’ve encountered various Kage, such as the Raikage and Kazekage, but it’s the Hokage who have particularly stood out. With a total of 8 Hokages in Konoha’s history, from Hashirama Senju to Shikamaru, each has made significant contributions to the village’s development and played pivotal roles in the Fourth Shinobi War. So, who stands as the ultimate Hokage? While opinions may vary, we’re here to settle the debate. Here’s the definitive ranking of all the Hokage in Naruto.
Spoiler Alert: This article includes spoilers regarding the characters in Naruto. We recommend watching the anime or reading the manga to preserve your experience.
8. Shikamaru Nara – The Eighth Hokage
Keyboard warriors, refrain from attacking my placement of Shikamaru in the last position among Hokages. Naruto’s ascension as Hokage led many to believe there wouldn’t be another anytime soon. However, the all-new Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga has stirred up tensions. Shikamaru, after a series of events, now holds the title of Eighth Hokage. This has sparked debate, with many already labeling him the weakest Hokage to date. While he may rank lowest compared to predecessors, there are qualities that still define him as a remarkable leader. Hear me out!
Shikamaru may not rival the gods in battle prowess, yet his intellectual acumen enables him to overcome obstacles effortlessly. His intelligence, often overlooked by fans, is a crucial attribute alongside combat skills for Hokage leadership. Transitioning from war general to Hokage advisor underscores his prowess. Despite ranking lower in overall strength, his brilliance distinguishes him, warranting his current position.
7. Kakashi Hatake – The Sixth Hokage
Honestly! The characters below surpass Kakashi in many aspects. Choosing between Tsunade and Kakashi was tough; they were both extraordinary ninjas. Yet, Lady Tsunade edges him out slightly. Still, Kakashi remains a favorite character, second only to Naruto, who is still feared by many nations, like his sensei.
From Itachi to Pain, every powerful character reveres Kakashi of the Sharingan, a testament to his abilities. Son of the Whitefang and student of the Yellow Flash, Kakashi Hatake was a prodigy from the start. Predictions of his becoming Hokage proved true.
Kakashi embodies versatility, possessing all the abilities essential for the strongest Shinobi, coupled with the formidable Sharingan eye. Thus, while he remains among the best Hokage, his claim to being the strongest is debatable.
6. Tsunade – The Fifth Hokage
Tsunade, renowned as the greatest medical-nin in history, ascended to the position of fifth Hokage in Konoha. As the first female Hokage in Naruto, she stood as the epitome of power, being both the most formidable Kunoichi globally and a descendant of the esteemed Senju and Uzumaki clans.
As one of the Legendary Sannin, Tsunade was renowned for her might. Her “Creation Rebirth” technique was a game-changer, making her invincible with the Strength of a Hundred Seal. She was acclaimed as the world’s greatest ninja for good reason, matching strength with some of the most powerful characters. She faced Madara without restraint, a feat Hashirama would commend. Thus, Tsunade stands as one of the finest Hokage.
5. Hiruzen Sarutobi – The Third Hokage
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the inaugural Hokage in the Naruto series, succeeded the Hashirama brothers as leader of the Leaf Village. He earned the title “God of Shinobi,” a distinction previously held only by Hashirama. As the mentor to the Legendary Sannin, Hiruzen played a pivotal role in shaping them into formidable Shinobi. Throughout his tenure, he served as Konoha’s wise and enduring cornerstone, motivating aspiring Shinobi to reach their full potential.
Hiruzen was chosen as Hokage by Tobirama, the second Hokage. Before the current generation of Shinobi, Hiruzen was considered the prodigy of the Sarutobi clan, and he lived up to that reputation. He remained remarkably strong not only in his prime but also in his old age. He battled Orochi alongside two reincarnated Hokage, with Orochimaru admitting that if Hiruzen were about 10 years younger, he would have been defeated. Hiruzen was a strong pillar of Konoha as Hokage and ranks among the series’ most formidable Hokage.
4. Tobirama Senju – The Second Hokage
Tobirama Senju ascended to the Hokage position following his brother Hashirama in the Naruto series. He served as the second Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village. Tobirama matched his brother in morals and strength, earning recognition as one of the greatest Hokage. He revamped Konoha’s political infrastructure, propelling the Hidden Leaf into an esteemed and advanced village. He deserves full credit for enhancing the foundation established by his brother.
Enough about his Hokage achievements, let’s delve into his powers. Tobirama was undoubtedly one of the fiercest and most intelligent Shinobi from Konoha. He created potent jutsu like the Shadow Clone Technique, Flying Thunder God Technique, and Impure World Reincarnation. Tobirama mastered Water style and space-time ninjutsu.
Tobirama’s vast knowledge amplified his ninjutsu prowess. He ranks among the best Hokage in Naruto solely based on achievements. Since the anime explores little of his true powers, he’s ranked slightly lower on our list. A spin-off arc of his character would be intriguing, but it’s the next Hokage who’s receiving a spin-off manga.
3. Minato Namikaze – The Fourth Hokage
Minato Namikaze, known as the Yellow Flash of Konoha, rose to fame due to his extraordinary powers. He served as the Fourth Hokage but sacrificed himself for his child and village. Another prodigy from Konoha, he instilled fear in many nations. During the Third Great Ninja War, enemies were ordered to flee on sight upon encountering him. This illustrates the immense power of Naruto’s father. We lament the limited screen time showcasing his peak character, yet eagerly anticipate Minato’s forthcoming spin-off manga.
Minato honed his skills, especially in Space-Time Ninjutsu, earning him the nickname Yellow Flash. Proficient in Ninjutsu, Shurikenjutsu, Fūinjutsu, Senjutsu, and other techniques, he also created Naruto’s famous Rasengan. As a former Jinchūriki of the Nine-tailed fox, he could perform Jinchūriki Transformations. Overall, Minato was one of Naruto’s strongest Hokage, possibly the strongest if he had lived longer.
2. Hashirama Senju – The First Hokage
Hashirama Senju’s name often arises in power-scaling debates among Naruto fans. He was a formidable figure in his time, establishing a standard for other shinobi and earning the title “God of Shinobi.” As the first reincarnation of Ashura, his power levels were extraordinary. He captured the eight and nine-tailed beasts single-handedly and confronted Madara wielding the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. Additionally, he battled the Nine-Tailed Fox.
Hashirama Senju, the unparalleled master of Wood Release, wielded it as his primary strength, complemented by his exceptional proficiency in Senjutsu. Through their fusion, he manifested colossal humanoid beings such as the True Several Thousand Hands technique. These formidable abilities enabled him to confront the formidable Susanoo and tailed beasts. Revered as the epitome of Shinobi prowess, Hashirama stood as the most formidable Hokage of his time.
1. Naruto Uzumaki – The Seventh Hokage
Naruto Uzumaki surpasses any power list, being the most powerful shinobi ever. His resilience and tenacity led to his appointment as the Seventh Hokage of Konoha. Being hailed as “the strongest shinobi ever” speaks volumes about Naruto’s legendary prowess. Even all the Hokage acknowledge him as the greatest, unquestionably as the main character.
He masters Ninjutsu with an enormous, potent chakra reserve, aiding him in using many Rasengan techniques. His Jinchriki Transformations are superior, with Asura’s chakra passed on to Naruto. Naruto’s peak abilities include Sage Mode, Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, Tailed Beast Mode, and the current ultimate Baryon Mode in Boruto. Thus, Naruto stands as the most powerful Hokage born in Konoha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 7 Hokages in order?
The 7 Hokages in order: Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Minato Namikaze, Tsunade, Kakashi Hatake, and Naruto Uzumaki. Recently, Shikamaru joined as the Eighth Hokage, changing the total count to 8.
What does Hokage mean?
The literal meaning of Hokage is “fire shadow.” In Naruto, Hokage is the leader and protector of Konoha, the Hidden Leaf village.
Who is the strongest Hokage?
Naruto Uzumaki is now the strongest Hokage of all time. This record will remain unbeaten unless Boruto, his son, surpasses his father’s strength.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
