Naruto: Ranking the 32 Most Powerful Characters in the Series

Overview

  • The transition from the original Naruto series to Boruto: Naruto Next Generations highlights the emergence of powerful new characters that eclipse their predecessors.
  • Legendary figures such as Hashirama Senju, Nagato Uzumaki, Obito Uchiha, and Madara Uchiha remain as some of the most formidable beings introduced in Naruto.
  • In Boruto, characters like Kawaki, Boruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Naruto Uzumaki are showcased with impressive strength and unique abilities.

Naruto stands as one of the most iconic battle shonen series, crafted by Masashi Kishimoto. Its acclaim is anchored in compelling storytelling paired with vividly developed characters, many of whom possess the caliber to dismantle entire armies.

As the narrative unfolds, some characters are depicted as effortlessly powerful, while others embark on arduous journeys to reach similar heights. This dynamic continues in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. In this context, we will examine the strongest individuals from both Naruto and its sequel.

Last Updated: March 31, 2025 – By Suzail Ahmad: Within the realm of battle shonen, the depiction of formidable characters remains a central focus of Naruto. Kishimoto consistently endeavored to introduce distinctive abilities that would engage the audience’s curiosity. However, as the series progressed, some of these powers began to lose impact, prompting the author to elevate his creativity to new levels.

In the concluding arcs of the manga, Kishimoto’s imagination flourished as he unveiled not just novel abilities, but also some astonishingly powerful figures. The introduction of these characters helped to engage fans in vibrant discussions regarding the true strength among newcomers, conveniently diverting attention from certain narrative gaps.

This compilation evaluates characters at the peak of their abilities.

32. Tsunade

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf

Tsunade uses Creation Rebirth against Orochimaru in Naruto.

Tsunade, under Hiruzen Sarutobi’s tutelage, emerged as one of the most accomplished ninjas in history. Not only was she astute, but she also possessed the capacity to solve intricate problems swiftly. Renowned for her selflessness, Tsunade willingly allowed younger shinobi to take the limelight.

The cornerstone of Tsunade’s prowess was her vast knowledge of the human anatomy, enabling her to heal severe injuries and sustain her allies. Mastery of the Creation Rebirth technique meant she could remain on the battlefield despite grievous wounds, even earning accolades from the legendary Madara Uchiha. Additionally, her physical strength was formidable, capable of crushing human ribs with a singular blow.

31. Kakuzu

Affiliation: Hidden Waterfall, Akatsuki

Kakuzu Holding a Heart

As the oldest member of Akatsuki, Kakuzu brought extensive combat experience to the table. His primary motivation for joining the organization was monetary gain— he was indifferent to the nature of the tasks he undertook as long as they were profitable.

Kakuzu’s resilience was evidenced by a near-fatal attempt on Hokage Hashirama Senju’s life, a mission that left him critically injured yet still alive, thanks to a unique technique. This capability allowed him to extract and utilize the hearts of his foes, extending his lifespan and enabling him to mimic their jutsu.

30. Orochimaru

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf

Orochimaru in Naruto

Orochimaru represents one of the most compelling villains in Naruto lore. After receiving guidance from Hiruzen, he took a darker route that ultimately led to his exile from the village. Unrepentant and ruthless, he exhibited a willingness to eliminate adversaries without hesitation.

His extensive understanding of varied combat techniques made him an elusive target. The ability to transfer his consciousness into different bodies granted him a form of pseudo-immortality.

29. Jiraiya

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf

Jiraiya
  • Greatest Power: Toad Sage Mode

As one of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya’s journey began with modest promise, being considered the weakest of the trio. However, his training at Mt. Myouboku with the toads enhanced his chakra manipulation remarkably.

Upon learning the Toad Sage Mode, Jiraiya showcased impressive skills, managing to defeat multiple bodies of Pain despite lacking knowledge of the Rinnegan and its intricacies.

28. Hanzo

Affiliation: Hidden Rain

Hanzo wearing his mask
  • Greatest Power: Salamander Poison

Despite frequently being overlooked in power discussions, Hanzo commanded considerable authority as the leader of the Hidden Rain Village. His reign was characterized by fear, with none daring to challenge his dominance.

In combat, Hanzo employed a giant salamander to deploy venomous attacks that could incapacitate opponents instantaneously. His strength in his prime is exemplified by his victory against Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru simultaneously.

27. Onoki

Affiliation: Hidden Stone

Onoki Using Dust Release Against Deidara in Naruto
  • Greatest Power: Dust Release

As the third Tsuchikage, Onoki remained deeply committed to the safety of his village. Despite his advanced age, he demonstrated remarkable ferocity in battles, notably against the reanimated Madara Uchiha.

A master of Dust Release—a unique Kekkei Tota—Onoki possessed the ability to obliterate formidable foes into mere particles. His extensive chakra reserves allowed him sustained engagement even in prolonged conflicts.

26. Third Raikage

Affiliation: Hidden Cloud

The Third Raikage uses Lightning Release Chakra Mode against the Allied Shinobi Forces in Naruto: Shippuden.
  • Greatest Power: Impeccable Defense

The Third Raikage, a formidable leader of the Hidden Cloud Village, demonstrated enormous physical prowess, exemplified by his capacity to subjugate the Eight-Tails. His formidable stamina was evident during bouts lasting multiple days against vast enemy forces.

Famed for his mastery of Lightning Release, the Third Raikage famously donned near-invulnerable armor, convinced of its defensive superiority. His strength was thoroughly tested during the Fourth Great Ninja War, where he was reanimated.

25. Killer B

Affiliation: Hidden Cloud

Killer Bee holding 7 swords
  • Greatest Power: Tailed Beast

Killer B, the jinchuriki of the Eight-Tails, dedicated extensive training to harnessing its powers. His devotion allowed him to achieve mastery over this formidable beast.

This mastery enabled Killer B to unleash tailed beast bombs capable of decimating entire battalions and transformed him through Tailed Beast Chakra Mode, augmenting his speed and strength significantly.

24. Itachi Uchiha

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf, Akatsuki

Itachi Uchiha using his Tsukuyomi against Kakashi in Naruto
  • Greatest Power: Mangekyou Sharingan

Renowned for his prodigious talents, Itachi Uchiha emerged as an extraordinary force in Naruto. Demonstrating profound intelligence from a young age, his strategic prowess was often compared to that of a Hokage.

Moreover, Itachi excelled in diverse combat techniques, particularly in genjutsu, with capabilities to incapacitate opponents simply by pointing, inflicting severe mental torment. Even peers like Kakashi faced significant challenges in recovering from their encounters with him.

23. Might Guy

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf

Might Guy's Eight Inner Gates
  • Greatest Power: Eight Inner Gates

As a Jonin of the Hidden Leaf, Might Guy’s combat skills were honed through rigorous training, particularly under the stewardship of his father, Duy, a taijutsu specialist.

Guy’s mastery of the Eight Inner Gates allowed him to achieve remarkable combat feats, most notably overwhelming Kisame Hoshigaki with ease. His extraordinary capabilities reached a crescendo in his confrontation with Madara, where he unlocked the eighth gate, nearly annihilating Madara with a singular strike.

22. Tobirama Senju

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf

Tobirama's Flying Raijin Jutsu defeats Izuna Uchiha in Naruto Shippuden.
  • Greatest Power: Flying Thunder God

As the Second Hokage, Tobirama’s leadership was pivotal in the growth and prosperity of the Hidden Leaf Village. He introduced numerous initiatives vital for the village’s sustainability.

As an Ashura Otsutsuki descendant, Tobirama possessed vast chakra reserves and was instrumental in creating some of the series’ most formidable techniques.

21. Minato Namikaze

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf

Minato As Hokage
  • Greatest Power: Flying Thunder God

Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, earned global fear and respect due to his strategic prowess during the Third Great Ninja War, leading to flee-on-sight orders being established.

Renowned as a prodigy, Minato adeptly improved upon Tobirama’s Flying Thunder God technique while also mastering Sage Mode and harnessing the Nine Tails’ chakra.

20. Hiruzen Sarutobi

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf

Hiruzen Sarutobi in Naruto
  • Greatest Power: Intelligence

Hiruzen Sarutobi demonstrated early indications of greatness with training from Hashirama and Tobirama, ultimately crafting a well-rounded skill set throughout his tenure.

Despite being over 70 years old, Hiruzen showcased exceptional strategic acumen, famously defeating Orochimaru, Hashirama, and Tobirama simultaneously— which earned him the title of the God of Shinobi.

19. Hashirama Senju

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf

Hashirama Senju in Naruto
  • Greatest Power: Wood Release

Hashirama Senju, as the inaugural Hokage, led the Senju Clan and emerged as the preeminent ninja of his time. His mastery of Wood Release—a rare and powerful Kekkei Genkai—afforded him the ability to conjure expansive structures effortlessly, a feat that enabled him to overpower tailed beasts.

Possessing extraordinary chakra reserves, Hashirama could endure extended battles and utilize Sage Mode for enhanced physical abilities, alongside remarkable regeneration capabilities akin to Tsunade’s Creation Rebirth. His frequent triumphs over Madara testify to his unparalleled might.

18. Nagato Uzumaki

Affiliation: Hidden Rain

Pain Nagato from Naruto Shippuden
  • Greatest Power: Rinnegan

Nagato Uzumaki’s story began in a peaceful setting, which was shattered by the murder of his parents, compelling him to unlock the Rinnegan’s formidable capabilities.

As a key figure in the formation of the Akatsuki, Nagato endeavored for peace despite facing numerous obstacles. Mastery of the Rinnegan enabled him to create six distinct bodies, known as Pain, which proved powerful enough to defeat Jiraiya.

17. Kakashi Hatake

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf

Kakashi uses Purple Lightning against Koji Kashin in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
  • Greatest Power: Mangekyou Sharingan

Initially serving as the leader of Team 7, Kakashi Hatake played a crucial role in developing his students into exceptional ninjas. Aside from his mentorship, Kakashi exhibited notable skills that surpassed many, even among the Uchiha.

His ability to wield the Mangekyou Sharingan and its resulting technique, Kamui, distinguished him; however, this power significantly drained his chakra. Kakashi’s peak capabilities emerged during the Fourth Great Ninja War, obtaining both eyes from Obito alongside Six Paths chakra, enabling him to use a complete Susanoo with Kamui-powered shurikens.

16. Obito Uchiha

Affiliation: Akatsuki

Obito Uchiha as Ten Tails Jinchūriki
  • Greatest Power: Rinnegan

Formerly a member of Team Minato, Obito Uchiha exhibited kindness until personal tragedy altered his path, leading him to embrace the vision set forth by Madara to execute Project Tsuki no Me.

Obito, operating from the shadows of the Akatsuki, orchestrated the capture of all tailed beasts and ultimately became the bearer of the Ten-Tails, acquiring devastating Six Paths abilities—yet he never fully realized his power, swayed by Naruto’s influence toward redemption.

15. Madara Uchiha

Affiliation: None

Madara Uchiha, a legendary character in Naruto.
  • Greatest Power: Rinnegan

Madara Uchiha, an iconic leader of the Uchiha Clan, emerged during the tumultuous Warring States Period while battling against the Senju Clan. After devastating personal losses, he sought to create a harmonious village.

Though ostracized and subsequently becoming a rogue ninja, Madara entrusted his plans to Obito, ultimately reanimating himself in the Fourth Great Ninja War. In this capacity, he wielded both Rinnegan and Six Paths abilities, nearly decimating the entirety of the Shinobi Alliance, solidifying his position as one of the strongest characters in Naruto.

14. Delta

Affiliation: Kara

Delta from Boruto
  • Greatest Power: Destruction Beam

Delta served as an Inner for Kara, created by Amado to exhibit fierce loyalty to Jigen. Her commitment to missions was intense, and her volatile temper made her a significant threat against opponents, regardless of their strength.

Delta’s enhanced physique enabled her to go toe-to-toe with powerful adversaries like Naruto Uzumaki. Her Destruction Beam attack effectively neutralizes various regenerative capabilities, marking her as an exceptionally dangerous character.

13. Kashin Koji

Affiliation: None

Kashin Koji using Sage Mode
  • Greatest Power: Sage Mode

Kashin Koji emerged from Amado’s design, created with the intent to eliminate Jigen using Jiraiya’s DNA. Enhanced modifications bolstered his abilities, allowing him to operate effectively within Kara.

His remarkable physical aptitude and mastery of Sage Mode showcased his exceptional combat capacity, notably highlighted during confrontations with Jigen.

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