Ranking the Hokage: Who’s the Ultimate Leader in Naruto?

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Summary

  • Kakashi Hatake’s competency as the Sixth Hokage is overshadowed by offscreen achievements.
  • Tsunade Senju proved to be a worthy Fifth Hokage, leading with a strong hand.
  • Minato Namikaze’s sacrifice as the Fourth Hokage earned him respect, despite his short reign.

The role of a Hokage should not be underestimated. As the Hidden Leaf Village holds great power, it’s the duty of a Hokage to ensure the village operates effectively and efficiently, while simultaneously guarding it against potential dangers from outside sources.

Each Hokage should work tirelessly to prove they deserve the title, rather than becoming complacent with past achievements. Fortunately, those chosen for this prestigious role have demonstrated their worthiness, often at significant personal expense.

Characters will be ranked based on how competent they were as Hokage.

7. Kakashi Hatake

A Lot Of His Achievements As Hokage Happened Offscreen And Are Hard To Gauge

  • The Sixth Hokage

From an outside perspective, it’s evident that Kakashi, much like a skilled ninja, is undeniably one of the most capable and powerful characters within the Naruto universe. Regrettably, the audience doesn’t get to explore his role as Hokage in depth, as it’s Naruto who ascends to this position following the Fourth Shinobi World War, leaving Kakashi’s tenure unexplored.

Without a shadow of a doubt, everyone agrees that Kakashi was more than capable of becoming the Sixth Hokage. If people had witnessed his achievements earlier, he might have held an even higher position. However, one thing is certain: Kakashi is a ninja fans can always rely on to excel at anything he puts his mind to.

6. Tsunade Senju

A Worthy Hokage Who Led The Village With A Strong Hand

  • The Fifth Hokage

Tsunade laughed off the suggestion that she become Hokage when Jiraiya and Naruto presented it to her. This rejection of the position enraged Naruto, who showed his mettle by quickly mastering the Rasengan and giving Tsunade the push she needed to conquer her fear of blood (hemophobia).

Eventually, she stepped up to the task at hand, collaborating with Shizune to guide Leaf Village following the demise of the Third Hokage. Although Tsunade made some mistakes as Hokage, she is highly respected in Konoha for navigating them through challenging times.

5. Naruto Uzumaki

A Bad Father, But A Great Leader Up Until He Disappeared

  • The Seventh Hokage

I can’t help but feel a pang of sympathy as Naruto, having grown up fatherless, didn’t seem to place much emphasis on his family. Yet, this appeared to be the sacrifice he made in his pursuit of becoming the Hokage. His unwavering dedication to the village was evident in his relentless work and scant sleep, leaving many in awe when they recalled the young Naruto they once knew.

Having Shikamaru as his intelligent aide significantly eased his burden. Despite repeatedly saving the Hidden Leaf Village from various perils, he eventually got captured and vanished from the village, leading many to speculate that he might have passed away.

4. Tobirama Senju

A Master Of Jutsu, Although His Compassion As Hokage Was Slightly Lacking

  • The Second Hokage

Tobirama is undeniably one of the most extraordinarily talented ninjas throughout the entire series. His contributions to the creation of potent jutsus are beyond question, encompassing such formidable techniques as the Shadow Clone Jutsu and the Reaper Death Seal.

As I look back on the Fourth Shinobi World War, it’s almost amusing to see him claim credit for so many jutsu – it’s like he’s trying to steal the show! Now, don’t get me wrong, as a Hokage, he wasn’t exactly known for his compassion. But, his brother was always there, softening the blow of his harsh words and repairing any damage caused.

3. Minato Namikaze

Died Young, But Proved His Worth By Giving Up His Life To Save The Village

  • The Fourth Hokage

Minato’s achievement of becoming Hokage at a young age demonstrated his worthiness for the position, setting an example for all. Regrettably, his tenure as leader was brief, cut short when he gave up his life to shield the Leaf Village and Naruto from the destructive rampage of Kurama.

Even though Minato had already left by the time Naruto’s story starts, his influence is noticeable across many parts of the series. During his brief period of activity, he played a crucial role in elevating the village to greater achievements, and he gained admiration from both his students and fellow villagers.

2. Hiruzen Sarutobi

The Third Hokage Was A Valiant Leader And Sacrificed Himself To Stop Orochimaru’s Assault

  • The Third Hokage

Even though Hiruzen Sarutobi appears quite elderly when Naruto begins, this in no way diminishes his abilities as the Third Hokage. He skillfully governed the village with firmness, managed its politics effectively, and sacrificed himself to shield Konoha from Orochimaru’s senseless destruction.

During his leadership, although the Uchiha Massacre cast a dark shadow, Hiruzen made every effort to minimize unneeded losses and maintain tranquility within the village. He was admired as a hero right up until his last moment, leaving everyone spellbound by his powerful presence as Hokage.

1. Hashirama Senju

The First Hokage Who Was More Than Up To The Task

  • The First Hokage

Tired of the never-ending conflict, Hashirama made a decision: it was time for peace. With determination, he persuaded his adversaries to set aside their differences and establish the tranquil Hidden Leaf Village together.

During the debate about who would be the rightful Hokage, Madara came to understand that Hashirama was indeed the best candidate for the role. He was essentially the paternal figure of the village, always there to protect and care for its inhabitants. Moreover, he repeatedly demonstrated his extraordinary ninjutsu abilities by rescuing the village on numerous occasions.

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2025-05-02 02:35