Every Hokage in Naruto & Boruto, Ranked From Worst to Best

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Ever since its establishment, Naruto’s Hidden Leaf Village has consistently required a guiding hand in navigating a ninja world that teeters on the brink of destruction. Enemies like Orochimaru, Madara Uchiha, the Kara Organization, and the Divine Trees continually arise, each seeking to bring about global catastrophe. Fortunately, the village has been graced with numerous Hokages who have risen to the challenge. In recognition of these esteemed ninja leaders, we’re embarking on a journey to rank the Hokages from the commencement of Naruto right up until Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.

Dishonorable Mention: Danzo Shimura

Despite never assuming the title of Hokage, Danzo came the closest among many during the Naruto: Shippuden storyline in securing the position as leader of Konoha. With a strong conviction that the only means to save the Hidden Leaf Village was by adopting a dictatorial approach and discarding tradition, it was fortunate for the ninja world that he never got the chance to realize his ambition. If Danzo had become an official Hokage, he would have undoubtedly found himself at the bottom of this list, securing his place effortlessly.

8.) Hiruzen Sarutobi

Observing closely, it’s clear that Sarutobi, despite his dedication to Konoha, found himself entangled in questionable affairs to achieve what he believed was best for the village. His actions led to the demise of the Uchiha Clan and left Naruto with a less than ideal upbringing. However, he demonstrated heroism on numerous occasions, such as his battle against Orochimaru where he ultimately ended Orochimaru’s life and managed to save Konoha from impending danger. Yet, when considering the other ninjas on this list, choosing Sarutobi for the last spot seems almost inevitable due to his significant contributions to the village.

7.) Minato Namikaze

For fans of anime, ranking the leaders of Konoha isn’t simple, as there are numerous factors to consider beyond just their “cool factor.” The effectiveness of the Hokages and their accomplishments should also be carefully evaluated. Regrettably, while Minato, the “Yellow Flash,” was a formidable figure on the battlefield, his time as the Fourth Hokage didn’t yield nearly as many achievements. In fact, his leadership seemed almost insignificant compared to the Third’s tenure. It’s a pity that we never got to witness what Minato could have accomplished given more time, as his untimely demise prevented us from seeing the potential of the Fourth Hokage.

6.) Naruto Uzumaki

In a somewhat surprising turn for this list, we’ve ranked Naruto relatively low. Despite facing life-threatening battles against the Otsutsuki and Kara Organization, Naruto seems less adept in the day-to-day responsibilities of Konoha’s leader. Could you envision Naruto successfully negotiating peace between warring ninja nations? Or devising unique strategies for military conflicts? There has been someone who has essentially served as the strategic mastermind during Naruto’s tenure, and we’ll soon delve into their role. While Naruto’s accomplishments are indeed remarkable, it’s worth noting that most of them aren’t directly linked to his position as Hokage.

5.) Kakashi Hatake

It’s only fair to note that if Kakashi Hatake, also known as the Copycat Ninja, had faced more challenging circumstances, his ranking might have been higher. Following Tsunade, he served as Hokage of Konoha and the Sixth Hokage, but his leadership years were relatively peaceful. Sadly, we didn’t get to witness much of Kakashi’s full potential due to his term coinciding with the end of Naruto Shippuden and the start of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. His tenure as Hokage felt more like a temporary measure, which is somewhat disappointing.

4.) Hashirama Senju

The pioneer who established Konoha, Hashirama Senju, undeniably secured a significant spot in the annals of Ninja World history. Facing struggles and violence that most ninjas could scarcely imagine, Hashirama was compelled to take his dearest friend Madara’s life and dedicate himself to achieving tranquility within the ninja community. Similar to Kakashi, it is regrettable that shonen enthusiasts were denied a full season devoted to his exploits; however, the impact of his contributions lives on through his descendants. Senju’s accomplishments earned him the revered title of “God of Shinobi,” as he showcased extraordinary abilities that continue to be passed down through his lineage.

3.) Tobirama Senju

As an ardent admirer of our storied past, let me share my perspective: Hashirama, the pioneer, laid the foundation, but it was Tobirama, the illustrious Second Hokage, who sculpted and polished the legacy of Konoha to its fullest luster. The Hidden Leaf Village was born under the divine hands of the “Shinobi God,” yet it was Tobirama who ensured our village could stand tall and proud on its own two feet.

From the very roots of our Ninja Academy to the branches of the Chunin Exams, and all the way up to the ranking system that defines us, Konoha’s unique functioning is a testament to Tobirama’s genius as a visionary architect for our developing nation.

2.) Shikamaru Naru

In the series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, following the disappearance of Naruto and Hinata, Shikamaru has taken on the role of steering Konoha, suggesting he was destined for the position of Hokage. Since the franchise’s inception, Shikamaru has shown signs of being an ideal Hokage, and as the Eighth Hokage, he is putting his skills into action. During Naruto’s time as the Seventh Hokage, Shikamaru provided valuable guidance to Uzumaki on managing Konoha effectively. So far in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, we can see that Shikamaru has been working diligently to maintain order amidst world-threatening crises. If given the opportunity, he may very well prove to be the greatest Hokage of them all due to his dedication and skill.

1.) Tsunade Hashirama

Among all the Hokages, the Fifth one stands out for her exceptional leadership skills and resilience in managing her duties during the shonen series. Initially portrayed as a compulsive gambler with no desire to lead Hidden Leaf, Tsunade transformed into an ideal candidate for the fifth Konoha leader. She guided the ninjas through the Fourth Ninja World War, battled against Akatsuki, and kept the village united even when other Hokages might not have been able to do so. Moreover, her ability to manage daily Hokage operations was commendable, as it was frequently showcased. Throughout the series, Tsunade underwent significant character development, solidifying her position at the top of the list.

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2025-06-21 22:10