All Big 3 Shonen Protagonists Ranked By Strength

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The 1990s and 2000s were a fantastic time for action manga aimed at young boys (known as Shonen), with many new series gaining popularity. However, One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach truly stood out. These three series became so popular they were nicknamed the “Shonen Big Three,” dominating not only Shonen Jump magazine, but the entire genre. One Piece is still ongoing after all these years, while Bleach and Naruto have finished their original manga stories. The Bleach anime is set to complete its main storyline this year, and Naruto continues through its spin-off manga, Boruto, which is currently releasing its second part.

The three main characters each possess special abilities developed through the story’s unique power system. We follow them as they master these skills, eventually becoming incredibly powerful. Here’s a look at how their powers compare.

3) Naruto Uzumaki

Watching Naruto’s journey, it was clear his strength largely came from the Nine-Tailed Beast sealed inside him, Kurama. He spent the whole series learning to harness that power. Beyond Kurama, it was really his own determination, hard work, and natural ability that allowed him to progress. But when I think about someone like Luffy, who can almost make anything he imagines happen, Naruto’s abilities just don’t quite measure up.

2) Monkey D. Luffy

Luffy’s newly awakened powers aren’t just a simple boost – they connect deeply to the story’s biggest mysteries, like the Void Century. Considering his dream is freedom, his ability to stretch and reshape not just his body, but everything around him, perfectly reflects that. He can even create things out of nothing, showing how he brings imagination to life. Plus, his incredible speed and mastery of Haki make him a serious threat, capable of challenging even the most powerful Marines like the Admirals.

1) Ichigo Kurosaki

The power levels in Bleach greatly exceed those in One Piece and Naruto, and the series’ final story arc demonstrates that Ichigo is essentially invincible compared to the main characters in those shows. During the climactic battle, Ichigo fully realized his potential as both a Soul Reaper and a Quincy, gaining a unique dual-wielding sword. His immense spiritual energy, combined with his strong will to protect others, allows him to reach incredible levels of power.

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2026-03-07 05:40