Highlights

• The Naruto series follows a young ninja, Naruto, who wanted to become Hokage to gain recognition and acknowledgement from others.
• Only 27 ninjas have reached the rank of Kage, the strongest ninjas from the villages, and some have proven to be stronger than others.
• Some notable Kage include the Third Mizukage, who served as the First Mizukage's bodyguard and led the village for a long time, and A, the First Raikage, who founded the Cloud Village and was a skilled leader.

The Naruto story began in 1999, and over the course of fifteen years, it managed to become one of the most popular and successful anime franchises in history. The series follows a young ninja, Naruto, who was ostracized by his village because the Nine-Tailed Fox was sealed inside his body. He wanted people to acknowledge him, which is why he wanted to become Hokage.

The Hokage is one of the Five Kage, who tend to be the strongest ninjas from the Leaf, Stone, Sand, Mist, and Cloud villages. Since these villages were established, only 27 ninjas have been strong enough and skilled enough to rise to the rank of Kage, but some of these proved to be much stronger than others.

Updated December 21, 2023, by George Voutiritsas: Naruto fans met a number of powerful and highly skilled ninja over the course of the series, but only a handful of them possessed the Kage title. It is incredibly difficult to become a Kage, as they are generally the strongest ninja of their respective villages, but they also need to be good leaders.

The ninja world has existed for centuries, and in all that time, just over two dozen ninja have had the honor of being recognized as Kage-level. This article has already identified some of the strongest Kage in Naruto, but now, more detail has been added to discuss just what makes them so powerful.

28 The 3rd Mizukage

Served As The First Mizukage's Bodyguard

• Village: Hidden Mist Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 369
• Ultimate Move: Not Yet Revealed

The Third Mizukage assumed the role after his predecessor died in battle. He attended the first Five Kage Summit as the First Mizukage's bodyguard, and he was able to remain calm during the meeting even when things got tense.

He was the only bodyguard at the summit who did not become the second Kage of his village. This proves that he was not the strongest Mist Village ninja at the time, but he was still incredibly powerful since he eventually held the title. When Hagoromo summoned the souls of all the previous Kage, he was considerably older, which implies that he led the village for a long time.

27 A, The First Raikage

Founded The Cloud Village & Was Not Intimidated By His Fellow Kage

• Village: Hidden Cloud Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 369
• Ultimate Move: Not Yet Revealed

The First Raikage was not as muscular as some of his successors, but he was still one of the strongest ninja of his generation. He was able to bring all the ninja in the Land of Lightning together, and the infamous Gold & Silver Brothers had no issue following his orders. He is the one who ordered them to capture the Nine-Tails.

A was a very proud man, and he lectured Hashirama when he bowed his head during the first Five Kage Summit. He died while fighting in the First Great Ninja War, but he was able to pass his will to protect the Cloud Village onto his main bodyguard and future successor.

26 Reto, The 1st Kazekage

Stood Up To The Other Kage During The First Five Kage Summit

• Village: Hidden Sand Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 369
• Ultimate Move: Not Yet Revealed

Reto was named the First Kazekage shortly after he founded the Sand Village, and he was known for his overwhelming power. He was so strong that he was able to gather all the desert-dwelling ninja under his control with minimal difficulty. Reto was a business-minded individual, but he cared for his people deeply.

During the 5-Kage Summit, he made it clear that the Sand already possessed their own Tailed Beast, and that he would only agree to a treaty if the Sand were given fertile land from the Leaf and financial compensation from the other villages. Reto did not mind offending the other Kage, which implies that he was very confident in his skills He got what he wanted, but was assassinated several years later.

25 Ishikawa, The 1st Tsuchikage

A Highly Skilled Earth Release & Insect User

• Village: Hidden Stone Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 332
• Ultimate Move: Not Yet Revealed

Ishikawa is the man who founded the Hidden Stone Village. At the time, he was the strongest ninja in the village. He is Onoki's grandfather and Kurotsuchi's great-great-grandfather, meaning his family has led the Stone Village for most of its existence. He taught Onoki that ninja from the Hidden Stone require a tough and immovable will in order to succeed and that a weak-willed person will be filled with hatred and excuses.

Dust Release is one of the deadliest jutsu in the series. Ishikawa could not use it, but he could fly. He was part of the Kamizuru Clan, a once-revered clan that specialized in using bees during combat, and he possessed a secret scroll filled with forbidden techniques.

24 Shamon, The 2nd Kazekage

A Strong Puppet User Who Protected The First Kazekage

• Village: Hidden Sand Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 382
• Ultimate Move: Not Yet Revealed

Shamon was named the Sand Village's Second Kazekage following his predecessor's assassination. He was present during the first 5-Kage Summit, where he served as the First Kazekage's bodyguard. The village saw major advancements during his reign, and its military power expanded exponentially.

Shamon used the Puppet Technique in battle and encouraged others to do the same so that puppets could be used on the front lines instead of ninja. It is thanks to him that ninja learned to fight with multiple puppets at once. Unfortunately, he was assassinated, and his death gave birth to the Kazekage curse.

23 A, The 2nd Raikage

A Skilled Politician Who Fought The Gold and Silver Brothers

• Village: Hidden Cloud Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 269
• Ultimate Move: Not Yet Revealed

For a time, the Raikage Clan led the Hidden Cloud, but the Second Raikage was not part of this impressive family. A accompanied his predecessor to the first 5-Kage Summit, which is an indication of his skills. He possessed a strong will and he was quite intelligent. That being said, A was renowned for his political pedigree.

A worked hard to establish peace between the Cloud Village and the other major villages. Thanks to him, the Cloud entered into an alliance with the Hidden Leaf, but he and the Second Hokage were attacked by the Gold and Silver Brothers during the ceremony. This attempted coup nearly cost the Hokage his life, but it is unknown whether A was killed during the ambush.

22 Byakuren, The 1st Mizukage

A Very Experienced Ninja Who Allegedly Mastered All Of The Mist's Seven Legendary Swords

• Village: Hidden Mist Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 369
• Ultimate Move: Not Yet Revealed

Byakuren founded the Hidden Mist Village during the Warring States Period. As a result, he was named the village's First Mizukage. Despite his age, he worked tirelessly to make the Mist one of the Five Great Shinobi Nations. He was able to do so without much interaction with the other nations.

The legendary ninja was known for his wisdom, and would speak bluntly. He was the one who suggested that the Cloud, Leaf, Stone, and Mist join forces to destroy the Sand Village during the first 5-Kage Summit. It has been suggested that Byakuren mastered all seven of the Mist's legendary swords. If this is true, it means that Byakuren possessed powerful chakra. Samehada is a sentient sword that chooses its user, and it typically chooses ninja with a lot of chakra.

21 Shikamaru, The 8th Hokage

Arguably The Smartest Kage in History

• Village: Hidden Leaf Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 1
• Ultimate Move: Shadow Sewing Technique

Shikamaru Nara is one of Naruto's best friends, and he was named the Leaf Village's 8th Hokage when Naruto was presumed dead just prior to Boruto's time skip. As a member of the Nara clan, Shikamaru can manipulate shadows. He primarily uses his shadow to restrain others, but he can also choke or stab enemies with it.

In Shikamaru Shinden, the Five Kage met to discuss a potential war, and when things got tense, he captured all the Five Kage and their guards at the same time. Shikamaru's taijutsu skills are lacking, and his chakra reserves are quite low, but he is a dangerous ninja because of his mind. His IQ is over 200 - making him one of the smartest ninja in history. When it comes to overall strategy, he is stronger than any of the other current Kage.

20 Mei, The 5th Mizukage

Fought Against The Legendary Madara Uchiha & Possessed Two Strong Kekkei Genkai

• Village: Hidden Mist Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 199
• Ultimate Move: Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique

From the moment she became the 5th Mizukage, Mei Terumi did her best to reform the Mist Village's bloody policies, and rebuilt diplomatic relations with other countries. She is proficient in Water Release, to the point that she could counter Madara's widespread and destructive Fire Release.

She possesses two kekkei genkai, including Lava Release, which allows her to spit out acidic mud. She could use Boil Release as well, which gave her the ability to produce a corrosive mist that can melt through anything. Both of these kekkei genkai can melt through a Susanoo's armor.

19 Yagura, The 4th Mizukage

A Perfect Jinchuriki Who Could Reflect Attacks

• Village: Hidden Mist Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 200
• Ultimate Move: Tailed Beast Ball

Obito was one of the Akatsuki's strongest members, which is why he was able to control Yagura with his Sharingan. Yagura was named the 4th Mizukage at a young age, because he was the Three-Tails' Jinchūriki. He managed to gain full control of his Tailed Beast - making him one of only three confirmed perfect Jinchuriki.

The Mist Village suffered greatly during his reign, but no one can deny his strength. Yagura was a naturally gifted ninja, and he possessed a unique jutsu that allowed him to create water mirrors that could reflect attacks. The Three-Tails also gave him access to immense chakra reserves and destructive power.

18 Kakashi, The 6th Hokage

A Ninja Prodigy Who Can Allegedly Fight A Nation

• Village: Hidden Leaf Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 3
• Ultimate Move: Lightning Release: Purple Electricity

Tsunade retired shortly after the Fourth Great Ninja War, and Kakashi was named her successor almost immediately. He is one of the smartest characters in the series. In terms of skill, he is considered a true prodigy and one of the strongest ninja that the Leaf has ever produced.

He may have lost his Sharingan, but he was still a formidable Kage who mastered ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu, and he could use every Nature Transformation. His chakra reserves may be low, but he uses them efficiently. He made the Chidori even more powerful by creating purple lightning that can produce ranged and melee attacks. Kakashi continued to train while he was Hokage, and it is said that he became strong enough to take on an entire nation.

17 Tsunade, The 5th Kazekage

The Strongest Medical Ninja In History

• Village: Hidden Leaf Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 83
• Ultimate Move: Ninja Art Creation Rebirth — Strength of a Hundred Technique

As the granddaughter of the 1st Hokage, some would say that Tsunade was born to one day hold the title herself. That day came shortly after the death of the 3rd Hokage. Tsunade protected the Leaf Village as best she could during Pain's assault, and she is still considered to be the best and strongest medical ninja alive.

Tsunade possesses incredible physical strength and a powerful life force, which is understandable since she belongs to one of the Leaf's strongest clans. Besides Sakura, Tsunade is the only ninja who can use Mitotic Regeneration. This advanced medical technique allows her to instantly heal almost any injury. With this technique, she is literally unable to die.

16 Kurotsuchi, The 4th Tsuchikage

The Best Genjutsu User Of The Current Five Kage

• Village: Hidden Stone Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 199
• Ultimate Move: Lava Release: Quicklime Congealing Technique

Kurotsuchi's grandfather was the 3rd Tsuchikage, and she is a descendant of the 1st, which means that the title runs in her family. She was chosen to guard her grandfather during the Five Kage Summit, and she battled the White Zetsu army without flinching.

She may not be able to use Dust Release, but she is still a powerful kunoichi. She is deceptive in battle, and of the current Kage, she is the best genjutsu user. She is highly proficient in Earth Release, and can also use the Lava Release kekkei genkai to damage and restrain her opponents.

15 Chojuro, The 6th Mizukage

The Best Assassin & Swordsman of The Current Five Kage

• Village: Hidden Mist Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 199
• Ultimate Move: Hiramekarei Long-Sword Form

Before becoming the 6th Mizukage, Chojuro served as the 5th's retainer and guard. He is a member of the Mist Village's Seven Ninja Swordsmen, and primarily uses Hiramekarei, a dual-handled sword that assumes various forms when releasing stored chakra.

With this sword, Chojuro has no equal in terms of sword combat. He is considered the best swordsman and assassin of the current Kage, and his sword skills allowed him to fight on par with Kinshiki Ōtsutsuki. As Mizukage, he easily defeated three members of the new Seven Ninja Swordsmen with a broken sword.

14 Darui, The 5th Raikage

Can Use Rare Lightning Jutsu & Has Taijutsu Skills Comparable to Naruto & Sasuke's

• Village: Hidden Cloud Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 199
• Ultimate Move: Lightning Release: Black Panther

When Darui was introduced, he served as the right hand of the 4th Raikage, and was named the commander of the First Division of the Allied Shinobi Forces. When A retired, Darui was named the 5th Raikage, and he helped save Naruto from Momoshiki and Kinshiki Ōtsutsuki

By the time he became Raikage, his Taijustu skills rivaled those of Naruto and Sasuke. He is a gifted swordsman, and can use Storm Release to fire beams of light like guided missiles. He can also use black lightning, a technique that the 3rd Raikage passed down to him.

13 Rasa, The 4th Kazekage

Could Stop A Tailed Beast's Rampages By Himself

• Village: Hidden Sand Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 57
• Ultimate Move: Magnet Release: Gold Dust Imperial Funeral

Rasa was the 4th Kazekage, and more importantly, he was Gaara's father. He was an incredibly powerful ninja who could use multiple nature transformations. During the Third Great Ninja War, the Leaf and Stone Villages met along the Sand's border for peace talks. A battle seemed imminent, but Rasa appeared, and his mere presence forced both factions to retreat.

Rasa learned how to use a variation of the 3rd Kazekage's Magnet Release to manipulate gold dust. He could use this gold dust the same way Gaara uses his sand, but because gold is heavier than sand, he could overpower his son. Every Tailed Beast is powerful beyond belief, including Shukaku the 1-Tail, and Rasa was able to stop all of his rampages by himself.

12 Gaara, The 5th Kazekage

A Former Jinchuriki Who Can Manipulate Deadly Quantities Of Sand

• Village: Hidden Sand Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 20
• Ultimate Move: Sand Waterfall Imperial Funeral

Gaara was once viewed as the Sand Village's secret weapon because he was the 1-Tails' Jinchūriki. Unfortunately, he could not control the Tailed Beast. It would often go on rampages, which is why the villagers feared him. His father tried to have him killed several times for the village's sake, but Gaara always survived. These experiences briefly turned Gaara into a bloodthirsty killer who hated everyone.

Fortunately, Gaara was able to change after meeting Naruto, allowing him to become the village's 5th Kazekage. Thanks to the 1-Tails, Gaara gained the ability to manipulate sand. He can use it to bind, seal, and crush his opponents. He also has personal sand that instinctively protects him from attacks like Deidara's explosives or Sasuke's Amaterasu. It also allows him to create one of the series' best defensive techniques.

11 A, The 4th Raikage

Was Considered The Fastest Ninja In The World For Over A Decade

• Village: Hidden Cloud Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 152
• Ultimate Move: Lightning Release Chakra Mode - Liger Bomb

The 3rd Raikage was considered superhuman, and his son was no pushover either. A may have not inherited his father's physical traits, but he was still considered to be one of Naruto's strongest ninja alive during the Fourth Great Ninja War, even though he only had one arm at the time.

A is extremely proficient with Lightning Release, and can coat his entire body with lightning chakra. This coating drastically increases all his physical abilities, especially his speed. After the 4th Hokage died, A was regarded as the fastest ninja in the world. He was so quick that he could dodge Sasuke's almost instantaneous Amaterasu.

10 Ōnoki, The 3rd Tsuchikage

Decades Of Battle Experience & He Possessed The Dust Release Kekkei Tota

• Village: Hidden Stone Village
• Anime Debut: Episode 199
• Ultimate Move: Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique

Ōnoki was the grandson of the 1st Tsuchikage, and became the 3rd Tsuchikage shortly after Mū's death. He held the title for decades, and at 79, he was the oldest Kage during the Fourth Great Ninja War. Despite his age, Ōnoki was still a powerful and feared ninja.

Ōnoki's age gave him a lot of battle experience, and even the great Madara Uchiha considered his experience an issue. Like his predecessor, Ōnoki could use Dust Release - a Kekkei Tota that gave him the ability to disintegrate anything at the molecular level. He was also able to survive the impact of two meteorites crashing on top of him.

9 Tobirama, The 2nd Hokage

A Master Water Release User Who Created Several Powerful Jutsu

• Village: Hidden Leaf Village
• Anime Debut: Epsiode 69
• Ultimate Move: Water Release: Water Severing Wave

When his older brother died, Tobirama was named the Leaf Village's 2nd Hokage. Although he wasn't as strong as Hashirama, he was still pretty powerful. Tobirama was proficient in all five basic chakra natures, but his mastery of Water Release allowed him to create powerful attacks without any nearby water sources.

Tobirama created the Flying Thunder God Technique, a space-time ninjutsu that made him one of the fastest ninjas in history. He would often use it in tandem with a sword. He also created the Multi Shadow Clone and Reanimation jutsu. It took a highly skilled team of Cloud ninjas to take Tobirama down, and two of them possessed chakra from the Nine-Tails.