Naruto: How the First Hokage Became a God and the Ninjas Who Surpassed Him

This article contains spoilers from Naruto’s Fourth Great Ninja War.

Overview

  • Hashirama Senju, revered as the God of Shinobi, mastered Sage Mode.
  • Subsequent ninjas, including Minato, Naruto, Sasuke, and Obito, surpassed his prowess.
  • Only a handful, such as Might Guy and Kakashi, reached or exceeded Hashirama’s formidable level.

In the expansive universe of Naruto, few figures command as much respect as the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. Alongside Madara Uchiha, he was instrumental in founding the Hidden Leaf Village amidst a time engulfed by conflict. Rising from adversity, he became a titan among shinobi, earning the title of the strongest ninja of his time.

Despite his legendary status, Hashirama was eventually outshone by a new generation of shinobi, a truth that may surprise many fans. By the series’ conclusion, Hashirama Senju no longer ranked among the top five most powerful ninjas in history.

The Immense Strength of the First Hokage in Naruto

Hashirama Senju
Hashirama and Madara
  • Known as the God of Shinobi
  • A Master of Sage Mode

Hashirama’s journey began in the tumultuous Warring States Era, a time before the establishment of organized shinobi villages. Having lost dear brothers to unending battles, he and Madara vowed to create a sanctuary for future generations, aiming to put an end to the violence. While total peace proved elusive during his lifespan, his monumental achievements in founding Konoha significantly advanced the cause. Hashirama’s strength was so formidable that he could contend with and ultimately defeat Madara Uchiha.

“Shinobi are people who endure to achieve their goals, like Madara and I.” — Hashirama Senju

During his lifetime, Hashirama was unparalleled, earning him the revered title of the God of Shinobi. Though his life was relatively short after the establishment of Konoha, his extraordinary abilities left a lasting legacy, which is why he continues to be celebrated in the shinobi world. Very few, if any, have equaled Hashirama Senju’s power, leading Kishimoto to spotlight only a select few who managed to match or exceed his exceptional abilities.

Many Ninjas Surpassed Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage in Naruto

Minato Reached Hashirama’s Level, But Naruto Surpassed His

Minato and Naruto
Minato Rasengan
Minato vs Obito

In the aftermath of Hashirama’s reign, only a select few shinobi came close to his formidable level of power. Notably, the Third Hokage was also venerated as the God of Shinobi, although fans never witnessed him in his prime. Notably, Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, was confirmed by Kishimoto to possess abilities comparable to Hashirama’s, showcasing his own legendary prowess.

“He was a Shinobi like no other. We’ll never see another like the Fourth Hokage.” — Jiraiya

The Next Generation Surpassed the Old One

Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke

Among those who surpassed Hashirama, a few stand out for their extraordinary capabilities. Warriors such as Obito Uchiha, Madara Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Sasuke Uchiha transcended his power significantly. In a realistic assessment, Hashirama could not compete with them at all. Additionally, Might Guy, in his Eighth Gate, surpassed Hashirama’s strength, as did Kakashi when he briefly wielded the powers of his Mangekyo Sharingan and the chakra of the Six Paths. Beyond this elite group, few come close to Hashirama, demonstrating that his accomplishments in the ninja world were extraordinary.

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