“My name is Naruto Uzumaki, and I’m going to be the Hokage,” declared a young boy whose greatest passion, besides his dream, was feasting on Ichiraku Ramen. The title of Hokage is reserved for the strongest shinobi in Konohagakure or the Hidden Leaf Village.
Naruto’s name is etched alongside some of the most legendary figures to have held this prestigious position. Each of them has contributed significantly to the safety and prosperity of the village. Hence, this article looks at some of the most powerful Hokages who led Konohagakure with their prowess and intellect.
Hashirama Senju
Often considered the God of Shinobi, even after his death, Hashirama holds second-to-none in respect and reputation. He was the first Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village, and one of its two founders, alongside Madara Uchiha. Hashirama was proficient in all five natural transformations and excelled in the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai Jutsu. Using this, he defeated Madara and the Nine-Tails simultaneously, thus cementing his legacy.
Tobirama Senju
He was not well received amongst the Uchiha clan for how they had been treated, an attitude Hashirama was not pleased with. Tobirama will always be a pivotal figure for his contributions to the jutsus that are used in the modern-day Shinobi world. Often remembered as the God of Jutsus, Tobirama showcased his high intellect off the field. He developed several important jutsus such as the Reanimation Jutsu, which appeared throughout the series’ pivotal moments.
Naruto Uzumaki
Starting as an outcast and troublemaker, Naruto was burdened with loneliness and rejection. Yet, he never wavered from the one thing he was dead set on—becoming the Hokage. Being trained by Kakashi, who also happens to be his immediate predecessor, Naruto was later mentored by Jiraiya, one of the three legendary Sannin. However, he had to face several hurdles. From fighting against the Akatsuki to secure the fate of the Jinchuriki to mastering Sage Mode, Naruto has undergone rigorous training and acquired many techniques to become the strongest ever to carry the title.
Minato Namikaze
The Yellow Flash of the Hidden Leaf was a title known not just in the Hidden Leaf but in all five hidden villages. Such was Minato’s impact during the Third Great Ninja War. Minato was well-known for his knowledge of jutsus and his extreme agility. He was able to deal with Obito and seal the Nine-Tails within Naruto in a noble sacrifice to protect his village, which he had sworn to as the Fourth Hokage. His proficiency in the three nature transformations and 230898using Sage Mode is worth noting.
Hiruzen Sarutobi
Last on the list is the longest-serving Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Chosen by Tobirama himself as his successor, Hiruzen lived up to his expectations. Often regarded as The Professor, Hiruzen had the honor of mentoring the three Legendary Sannin. His true power was never revealed clearly as he was introduced during his old age in the series. The few glimpses of Sarutobi’s abilities were seen during the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars, and in the fight against Orochimaru, Reanimated Hashirama and Tobirama.
