Ranking The 7 Hokage Of Naruto

The Hokage is the pinnacle of shinobi leadership in Konohagakure, symbolizing their era’s strongest and most respected ninja. Seven individuals have held this title throughout Naruto’s story, each leaving their mark on the Hidden Leaf Village. Here, we rank the 7 Hokage based on their Power, Leadership Qualities, and Legacy in shaping Konoha’s history.

**List is based on what we know to this point with Boruto’s Manga still going**

7. Kakashi Hatake – 6th Hokage

As much as it pains me because he’s one of my top favorite Hokage, Kakashi ranks the lowest on the list. Kakashi was a prodigy with the Sharingan and was widely known by everyone as the Copy Ninja. He mastered over 1,000 jutsu, including his signature technique, Chidori (Lightning Blade). Despite losing his Sharingan later in the fight against Madara, he retained his brilliance and adaptability in battle. Another thing Kakashi has going for him is his intelligence. Kakashi’s strategic mind made him one of the greatest tacticians in the ninja world. His leadership during the aftermath of the Fourth Great Ninja War ensured Konoha’s stability and helped usher in a period of peace.

On a power scaling level compared to other Hokage, Kakashi was not the strongest. Unfortunately, without his Sharingan, his raw combat ability was below the other Hokage. Kakashi’s time as Hokage was relatively uneventful, largely overseeing peaceful transitions rather than dealing with any big-time major crises. So these are considered to be some weaknesses.

Final Rank: While Kakashi was a competent leader, an excellent tactician, and one of my favorites he lacks the overwhelming power and transformative impact that define the higher-ranked Hokage on this list.

6. Tsunade Senju – 5th Hokage

Next up on the list is maybe the least-liked Hokage by many, Tsunade. She was well-known for her medical prowess. As the greatest medical ninja in history, Tsunade revolutionized battlefield medicine, saving countless lives with her techniques. Evident in multiple scenarios especially with the slim chance Rock Lee had after his fight with Gaara. Her immense physical strength, amplified by chakra control, and the Byakugou Seal allowed her to fight on par with Kage-level opponents, such as Madara Uchiha. When you thought she was down and out she proved that she wasn’t. During her leadership, Tsunade rebuilt Konoha after its destruction by Pain, guiding the village through its darkest times.

Then, there are a few weaknesses overall. Even though she was a fearsome fighter, Tsunade lacked the versatility and raw destructive capabilities of the other Hokage. Leading to her having some combat limitations. Then she was initially hesitant to become Hokage. This is knock because this was after the 3rd Hokage was killed and Konoha didn’t have a leader. Tsunade only took the role due to persuasion, raising questions about her dedication to the position.

Final Rank: Tsunade’s leadership and contributions to medical ninjutsu are undeniable and immense. However, her combat ability and initial reluctance to the Hokage position place her below the more proactive Hokage.

5. Hiruzen Sarutobi – 3rd Hokage

Another one of my favorites and 5th on the list is Hiruzen Sarutobi. He was known as the “Professor” and for a time “God of Shinobi” until a future retcon. Hiruzen mastered virtually every jutsu in Konoha and wielded all five chakra natures proficiently. Which wasn’t an easy feat by any means. His long tenure as Hokage, and mentorship of legendary ninjas such as the Legendary Sanin (Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Tsunade) highlight his enduring influence. His tenure was so long because he took back up the title of Hoakge after the 4th died. His legacy is something that can never be forgotten. Hiruzen’s sacrifices, including his battle against Orochimaru, exemplify his commitment to the village.

Hiruzen’s abilities diminished significantly with age because as I mentioned he served his initial time as Hokage and then took back up the mantle. This aging obviously limited his effectiveness in later years. He also had some questionable leadership decisions. His high tolerance for Danzo’s actions and failure to address issues like the Uchiha clan’s grievances contributed to internal strife in Konoha. Which we know would culminate with the “Uchiha Massacre.”

Final Rank: Hiruzen’s knowledge and dedication were remarkable and cannot be denied. However, his declining combat ability and controversial decisions prevent him from ranking higher.

4. Minato Namikaze – 4th Hokage

Number 4 on the list is none other than Naruto’s dad, Minato Namikaze. Minato’s speed and precision were absolutely unmatched. Throughout the lands, he was known as the “Yellow Flash.” His “Flying Raijin” technique made him one of the fastest shinobi in history. There was a point where the was a “Flee on Sight” rule if you came into contact with him. Then Minato was well versed in sealing techniques. Minato’s sealing techniques, including sealing Kurama into Naruto, were pivotal in saving Konoha. Then there was Minato’s ultimate sacrifice. He gave his life (using the Reaper Death Seal) to protect the village and ensure Naruto’s future, solidifying his legacy.

There are a couple of weaknesses that impact where Minato ranks. Minato’s time as Hokage was tragically brief. So he had very little opportunity to enact long-term change for the village. Although he was a brilliant fighter, Minato’s leadership skills were less tested compared to others who governed through crises.

Final Rank: Minato’s immense power and sacrifice secure his place, but his limited time in office prevents him from surpassing the more influential Hokage on the list.

3. Tobirama Senju – 2nd Hokage

Next up we have the brother of the 1st Hokage, Tobirama Senju. He was an innovative genius. Tobirama created many of the shinobi world’s foundational techniques. He even created some forbidden jutsu such as Shadow Clone Jutsu and the Edo Tensei. A brilliant tactician, Tobirama’s battle strategies helped secure Konoha’s position as a dominant power. He also went on to establish institutions like the Chūnin Exams and the Konoha Police Force, shaping the village’s governance. He would later sacrifice himself in the “First Shinobi World War” allowing his people to escape.

Tobirama had a massive distrust of the Uchiha clan. Thanks to his formation of the police force led to marginalization and long-term resentment from the Uchiha. This also contributed to later conflicts. His pragmatic leadership style and militaristic approach lacked the warmth and unifying charisma of his elder brother, Hashirama Senju.

Final Rank: Tobirama’s contributions to Konoha’s structure and his innovative techniques are immense, but his divisive policies and lack of charisma hold him back from the other top spots.

2. Hashirama Senju – 1st Hokage

The person closest to taking the number spot is none other than the “God of Shinobi”, Hashiram Senju. Hashirama’s unmatched Wood Release techniques and healing abilities without seals made him one of the strongest shinobi ever. It would be many years before anyone else found a way to gain access to Wood Release. He founded Konoha with the goal of peace and cooperation. Thus being a visionary of a leader and setting the foundation for the shinobi system. Hashirama’s charismatic ability to unite clans and inspire others made him a beloved leader.

His idealism and trust in people like Madara Uchiha led to internal conflicts that Konoha struggled with for generations. Also, despite his strength, Hashirama’s inability to address systemic issues left his successors to manage the consequences. These weaknesses are what keeps him at number two on the list but he is close to being number one.

Final Rank: Hashirama’s strength and vision were unparalleled, but his lack of foresight and failure to create lasting peace placed him just below the top spot.

1. Naruto Uzumaki – 7th Hokage

Then taking the number one spot to no one’s surprise is Naruto Uzumaki. Naruto has a bunch of strengths going for him just like Hashirama. As the Jinchūriki of Kurama and wielder of Six Paths Sage Mode, Naruto is the strongest Hokage in history. His abilities allowed him to defeat threats like Kaguya, Madara, and Momoshiki with a little help. Naruto’s empathy and determination united former enemies, fostering peace among the Five Great Nations. He had an unmatched ability to help change people’s hearts. He fulfilled the dream of a peaceful shinobi world and redefined what it meant to be Hokage, making him an icon for future generations.

With strengths do come some weaknesses though. While Naruto is an excellent fighter, his administrative skills are sometimes majorly lacking. Because of this he usually requires support from allies like Shikamaru. Naruto’s struggles immensely to balance his duties as Hokage with his family life highlight some personal shortcomings.

Final Rank: Naruto’s combination of overwhelming power, unifying charisma, and ability to bring lasting peace firmly establish him as the greatest Hokage.

Final Rankings

1. Naruto Uzumaki – 7th Hokage
2. Hashirama Senju – 1st Hokage
3. Tobirama Senju – 2nd Hokage
4. Minato Namikaze – 4th Hokage
5. Hiruzen Sarutobi – 3rd Hokage
6. Tsunade Senju – 5th Hokage
7. Kakashi Hatake – 6th Hokage

Each Hokage brought unique strengths and challenges to their role. All of them would leave a lasting impact shaping Konoha in their own way. Naruto’s achievements, coupled with his overwhelming strength and leadership, solidify his place at the top. However, all seven Hokage left a lasting impact on the Hidden Leaf Village and the shinobi world. Let me know what you think!