Naruto’s Six Paths of Pain Ranked from Weakest to Most Powerful

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Caution: This list may contain plot details from the Naruto anime that could be considered spoilers. Proceed with caution if you don’t wish to have your viewing experience affected.

Summary

  • Pain’s Six Paths pose a formidable challenge due to unique, powerful abilities.
  • The Asura Path’s mechanical augmentations, while valuable, were no match for Naruto.
  • Naruto strategically defeated each of Pain’s Paths, highlighting his growth and determination.

The anime series, Naruto, is teeming with intimidating villains, yet few can match the influence of Pain. This malevolent leader of Akatsuki was responsible for Jiraiya’s demise and left Naruto without a cherished mentor and role model he deeply respected. This tragic event propelled the main character to strive for greater strength, enabling him to confront and defeat this menacing adversary.

This task might seem simpler in theory than in practice, considering Naruto would face a formidable challenge if he didn’t give his best against the Six Paths of Pain, who would easily overpower him due to their superior numbers. Nagato manipulates these puppets from behind the scenes as a means to compensate for his weak and aging body. Each Path of Pain is distinguished by its special technique, making it stand out among the rest.

6. Human Path

Power: Mind-Reading At The Cost Of The Target’s Life

  • Debut: Assault on the Leaf Village! (Episode 157 of Naruto: Shippuden)

Although the Human Path may not excel in combat compared to others, it still holds significant value, and this shouldn’t be overlooked. This seemingly malevolent Path possesses a unique ability to peer into opponents’ thoughts by momentarily extracting their souls from their bodies.

In a predictable fashion, this results in an immediate demise for the unfortunate victim. Nagato, without hesitation, offered up this Path of Agony to safeguard the Animal Path, thus making it one of his less robust forms of protection.

5. Asura Path

Power: Augment A Body To Use Mechanical Armor And Weaponry

  • Debut: The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant (Episode 133 of Naruto: Shippuden)

The Asura Path has the ability to transform its physical form into mechanical enhancements. This trait proves incredibly useful in battle, but its effectiveness was diminished significantly when Naruto destroyed it using just one Rasengan attack.

Later on, I witnessed the revival of this body, yet it seemed evident that the intensity of the Pain’s power would require an upgrade to defeat Naruto. The rudimentary might of the Asura Path was insufficient to withstand the assault of a ninja fortified by Sage Mode energy.

4. Animal Path

Power: Summon Creatures

  • Debut: The Man Who Became God (Episode 130 of Naruto: Shippuden)

mastering any summoning method proves beneficial, as it strengthens your attack force. That’s why the Animal Path is highly prized, granting Nagato command over colossal beasts capable of causing devastation on a grand scale.

At short distances, this summoned creature finds itself vulnerable, so deploying the Animal Path in the forefront can be perilous. In the end, its power paled in comparison to Naruto’s strength and it was destroyed completely.

3. Preta Path

Power: Absorb Chakra

  • Debut: In Attendance, the Six Paths of Pain (Episode 132 of Naruto: Shippuden)

Having the capacity to absorb chakra is an advantageous skill, making the Preta Path an invaluable part of Pain’s artificial team. This unique skill enables it to neutralize most ninjutsu, posing a significant challenge for shinobi when confronting its colossal power.

Nevertheless, while under the grasp of the Preta Path, Naruto found a way to employ this technique. By tapping into his Sage Chakra, he transformed his attacker into stone, enabling him to break free and continue with the assault unimpeded.

2. Naraka Path

Power: Interrogation & Restoration

  • Debut: Power to Believe (Episode 158 of Naruto: Shippuden)

Conquering the Naraka Path was essential for Naruto to secure his win over Nagato’s Pains of Destruction. Its abilities were formidable, capable of opening a sinister gate that could question enemies or resurrect any fallen Pain.

I tried to maintain a natural and easy-to-read style while conveying the original meaning.

On his own, Nagato effectively deceived his enemies for a considerable period by overwhelming them and rendering their attempts ineffective. It wasn’t until Naruto discovered that this was his main objective that he was able to eliminate the Naraka Path following a monumental battle.

1. Deva Path

Power: Attraction & Repulsion

  • Debut: The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant (Episode 133 of Naruto: Shippuden)

The immense might of the Almighty Push demolished every part of Leaf Village. Such power made Yahiko’s Path of Pain the unrivaled strongest, as it remained standing while Naruto battled tirelessly to vanquish this formidable adversary.

In the heat of battle against this formidable adversary, Naruto nearly surrendered command over the Kyuubi within him. However, a fleeting meeting with his father momentarily restored his mental clarity. He quickly studied the intricacies of the Deva Path’s abilities and exploited a narrow opening to unleash a Rasengan, effectively neutralizing Nagato’s final defense for good.

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2025-06-06 06:54