Summary of Kage Ineffectiveness
- Several Kage struggle with moral dilemmas, while strong successors often compensate for their shortcomings.
- Tsunade, a capable leader, faltered in battle, which diminished her legacy as Hokage.
- Danzo’s obsession with power rendered him unfit for the Hokage position; his deceitfulness ultimately led to his demise.
The Kage of the various ninja villages within Naruto are recognized as some of the most formidable characters in the series. Their leadership and strength position them as defenders of their respective villages. However, challenging instances arise when certain Kage appear ill-suited for their roles. This can stem from ethical conflicts or leadership inefficacies. Fortunately, the emergence of more powerful successors often mitigates these issues.
5. Tsunade Senju
A Competent Hokage Who Never Achieved Victory
- The Fifth Hokage
Despite her incredible strength and potential as a Kage, Tsunade never secured a victory in any significant battle throughout the series. Her initial reluctance to accept the Hokage title, coupled with her temporary fear of blood, set a perplexing tone for her character’s power. Although she showcased leadership skills and made strategic decisions, her failure to achieve victories in combat ultimately hampered her influence and legacy as Hokage.
4. Darui
Challenging the Concept of the Raikage
- The Fifth Raikage
Darui, known for his reliability as one of A’s top lieutenants, demonstrated his capabilities during critical battles, such as against the formidable Kinkaku and Ginkaku. However, his subsequent elevation to the role of the Fifth Raikage sparked debates over his suitability for such a prestigious position. Many fans express skepticism about his strength in comparison to the traditional expectations of a Raikage, especially in an era where the spotlight on shinobi strength was heightened.
3. Rasa
A Kazekage with Morally Questionable Alliances
- The Fourth Kazekage
Rasa, despite seemingly having his village’s best interests at heart, made numerous detrimental choices that earned him deep-seated animosity among fans. His treatment of Gaara, subjecting him to a traumatic childhood through the implanting of Shukaku, showcases his poor judgment. Furthermore, aligning with Orochimaru in a quest to bolster the Sand Village’s power ultimately backfired, leading to his downfall at the hands of the very enemy he sought to ally with.
2. Yagura Karatachi
Lost to Manipulation in Kirigakure
- The Fourth Mizukage
Yagura’s unfortunate fate as the Fourth Mizukage, who became a pawn in Obito’s schemes, speaks volumes about his weakness as a leader. His reign was marred by violence and brutality, leading Kirigakure to be labeled the “Bloody Mist.”Although circumstances played a role in his governance, many fans view his inability to resist manipulation as a significant contributing factor to the village’s plight.
1. Danzo Shimura
A Power-Hungry Character Ill-Suited for Hokage
- The Sixth Hokage Candidate
Danzo Shimura is often viewed as one of the most reviled characters in Naruto, largely due to his warped vision of loyalty to Konoha that translated into morally corrupt actions, including the extermination of the Uchiha clan. His ambition and treachery revealed his unworthiness for the Hokage title. His attempts to manipulate the Five Kage Summit ultimately exposed his tactical failures, leading to his defeat despite wielding the devastating power of Izanagi, a testament to his ineptitude as both a leader and a shinobi.