Ranking the Most Powerful Naruto Characters Who Started from Zero and Became Heroes

Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto series is a powerful lesson in the importance of hard work. Despite being underestimated, many characters show incredible improvement through their unwavering dedication, with some rising to the top of the ninja world. Their relentless drive serves as a talent in its own right, and their refusal to be defined by failure is truly commendable, using it as motivation on their journey as ninjas.

The Naruto characters who became powerful despite being labeled as failures ranked from weakest to strongest

9) Choji Akimichi

The image of Choji is credited to Studio Pierrot, from the series Naruto.

Struggling in the "ninja game", a simulation of shinobi combat, Choji found himself ostracized by his peers. Known for his gentle nature, a trait inherited from his father, Choji's kindness often left him vulnerable. However, everything changed when he formed a deep bond with Shikamaru, who inspired him to become a more resolute and determined warrior.

When Jirobo of the Sound Four was attacking him, Choji risked his life by taking the Akimichi clan's Three Coloured Pills, which transform the body's fat into chakra. The third pill increased Choji's abilities by a hundredfold, allowing him to defeat Jirobo, but at the cost of severe aftereffects that nearly killed him.

During the Fourth Ninja War, Choji overcame his self-doubt and learned to use his Butterfly Mode without the pills, combining it with the Super Multi-Size Technique. In this state, he was able to overpower Asuma Sarutobi and Hizashi Hyuga. However, he was no match for the powerful Gedo Mazo.

8) Sakura Haruno

Sakura (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Sakura's love for Sasuke Uchiha often sparked intense debates, but she became a formidable ninja solely due to her hard work. She lacked a Bloodline Ability or a Tailed Beast's chakra, and initially prioritized studying over combat skills.

Undeniably weak at first, Sakura's training under Tsunade's guidance transformed her. The Fifth Hokage's teachings had a significant impact on Sakura's growth as a fighter, but her own dedication to training was equally crucial.

Sakura went from being ineffective against average opponents to being able to hold her own against Akatsuki member Sasori, with the essential help of Chiyo. Through mastering chakra control, Sakura learned medical ninjutsu and gained superhuman physical strength. She also obtained the Strength of a Hundred Seal, which boosts her abilities and allows her to summon the giant slug Katsuyu. Although Sakura is not as powerful as Naruto, Sasuke, or Kakashi, she surpasses Tsunade, which is remarkable considering her initial lack of fighting skills at the beginning of the story.

7) Rock Lee

Rock Lee (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Mocked by those who doubted his potential as a ninja due to his inability to perform ninjutsu and genjutsu, Rock Lee dedicated himself to mastering taijutsu. His dedication caught the attention of Might Guy, the most skilled taijutsu user, who took him under his wing as his disciple.

Under the guidance of Guy and through his own relentless effort, Lee's skills flourished. He emerged as a formidable taijutsu practitioner, earning recognition as one of the most promising young ninjas of the Hidden Leaf Village. This rigorous training honed Lee's proficiency in the Strong Fist style and bestowed upon him the ability to unlock the Eight Inner Gates.

In the first part of Naruto, Lee was able to unlock up to the Fifth Gate, despite the immense physical strain it put on his body. He used this power to take on Gaara, managing to bypass Gaara's Shield of Sand and cause him significant trouble. However, Lee was ultimately defeated by Gaara and sustained serious injuries as a result.

Lee was faced with a difficult choice - undergo a risky surgery or give up his life as a ninja. Encouraged by Guy, Lee opted for the surgery and, displaying his determination, immediately resumed his training afterward. In Naruto Shippuden, he grew even stronger, mastering the opening of the Sixth Gate.

6) Might Duy

Duy (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Known as "The Eternal Genin" due to his perceived inability to advance to a higher rank, Might Duy was consistently underestimated by the people of his town. Little did they know, Duy was a powerhouse both physically and figuratively. After two decades of unwavering dedication to his training, he became an exceptional taijutsu fighter, mastering the ability to unlock all Eight Inner Gates.

In an effort to inspire his son Might Guy and instill resilience in him, Duy would graciously respond to the mockery of others with a smile and a "thank you for your support." When Guy was just a child, Duy fearlessly faced off against the formidable Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist in order to protect his son.

5) Jiraiya

Duy, using the Eighth Gate, managed to defeat four of the Seven Swordsmen in a 1v7 battle. However, the use of the Eighth Gate resulted in his own death. Despite this, Duy's legend silenced his critics and served as inspiration for his son, Guy. Holding his father's memory close, Guy went on to become one of the most powerful ninjas of all time.

Jiraiya (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

At first, Jiraiya displayed minimal skill. His efforts to impress Tsunade often fell short, and he struggled to make an impact. Following his team's initial exercise, his subpar performance led to him being bound to a stump as a form of retribution.

After training at Mount Myoboku, Jiraiya made significant strides in his abilities. He eventually earned the title of one of the Hidden Leaf's Three Legendary Ninjas. Motivated by a prophecy that foretold one of his students would become a savior or destroyer of the world, Jiraiya took on the role of teacher.

He mentored some of the most powerful ninjas in history, including Nagato, the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, and ultimately, Naruto Uzumaki, who was revealed to be the prophesied Child of the Prophecy. Jiraiya regarded Naruto as his own godson, passing on to him the beliefs and spirit that had driven him to help save the world.

4) Ashura Otsutsuki

Jiraiya, an adept ninja who was offered the esteemed position of Hokage, had the ability to utilize Sage Mode to enhance his skills and techniques. However, it is important to acknowledge that he never fully mastered this power and could only access it after specific preparation. During his infiltration of the Hidden Rain, Jiraiya ultimately met his fate at the hands of Pain, against whom he valiantly sacrificed himself.

Ashura, depicted in an image from Studio Pierrot's Naruto, is recognized as the younger son of Hagoromo Otsutsuki. Despite appearing less talented than his elder brother Indra, Ashura maintained his kind and pure-hearted nature. With the unwavering support of his loved ones, he eventually acquired his father's life force and physical energy.

3) Obito Uchiha

Consequently, Ashura acquired the Six Paths Sage Mode, bestowing upon him remarkable powers such as Truth-Seeking Balls and a colossal chakra avatar. Following a fierce battle, Ashura triumphed over his brother Indra, yet their unending conflict would persist through their successive rebirths over the centuries.

Obito (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

During his childhood, Obito developed strong feelings for Rin and harbored feelings of jealousy towards Kakashi due to his natural abilities. However, when Kakashi sacrificed his left eye to save Obito from an enemy ninja, Obito's Sharingan was finally awakened.

Shortly after that, Obito sacrificed himself to protect Kakashi and entrusted one of his Sharingan eyes to him before appearing to die. He was actually saved by Madara, who then manipulated him into witnessing Rin's death. Disillusioned, Obito unlocked the true potential of his Mangekyo Sharingan.

With Kamui, Obito could shift his body into another dimension, passing through attacks as if he were intangible. He could also instantly travel and capture his enemies. With the further enhancement of Hashirama's DNA, Obito, at just 14 years old, was able to seriously challenge Minato. He then increased his power even more and took control of the Akatsuki under the alias of "Tobi".

After ascending to become the Ten-Tails jinchuriki and surpassing even Hashirama, Obito ultimately chose to seek redemption for his past actions. He transferred all his eye powers and chakra to Kakashi and gave up his life to protect Naruto. In doing so, Obito indirectly paved the way for the two members of Team 7 to become saviors of the world.

2) Might Guy

Guy (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Guy's transformation from being below average to becoming one of the strongest characters in Naruto was achieved through sheer determination and hard work, known as the "Power of Youth". Inspired by his father, Guy trained tirelessly to prove himself as good as the natural prodigy Kakashi. Eventually, their friendship blossomed into a lifelong comradeship.

Guy, the franchise's most powerful taijutsu fighter, possesses extraordinary speed, stamina, and physical strength. By tapping into the Eight Inner Gates, he can elevate his abilities and execute extraordinary maneuvers, such as the Seventh Gate's Afternoon Tiger, which defeated Madara's Susanoo, as well as the Eighth Gate's Evening Elephant and Night Guy.

Even with just his fundamental taijutsu skills, Guy was able to thwart Obito's Kamui, preventing the Uchiha from making any contact with him. With the Seventh Gate, he vanquished a prominent member of the Akatsuki, Kisame. Furthermore, he was able to exert more pressure on a Ten Tails-enhanced Madara than Minato could.

Releasing the Eighth Gate, Guy attained such incredible speed and power that he was able to bend space with his movements. His near-fatal encounter with the formidable Madara was truly remarkable. Despite being left permanently disabled by the aftereffects of the Eighth Gate, Guy refused to be limited and continued to prove himself as a capable ninja.

1) Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Naruto faced immense adversity due to the fear surrounding Kurama, the Nine-Tails sealed within him. As a result, he was shunned by many in the Hidden Leaf village and struggled to prove his abilities, often being labeled as one of the least skilled ninjas of his generation.

Naruto possessed immense potential as the reincarnation of Ashura and the jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails. However, it was his unwavering determination and hard work that allowed him to fully unleash his true abilities. Mastering advanced techniques such as the Rasengan, Rasenshuriken, and attaining Sage Mode, Naruto emerged as a formidable combatant.

His relentless dedication not only earned him the admiration of his fellow villagers but also the respect of the Nine-Tails itself. Harnessing the power of the Nine Tails Chakra and Tailed Beast Bomb, Naruto was able to further enhance his strength by combining it with Sage Mode. His pivotal role in the Fourth Ninja War proved to be invaluable to the Shinobi Alliance.

Final Thoughts

Naruto's power surged after he achieved Six Paths Sage Mode. He gained the ability to fly and acquired formidable new techniques, including Truth Seeking Balls, Multiple Tailed Beast Bomb Rasenshuriken, and more. Years after his intense battle with Sasuke at the Valley of the End, Naruto finally realized his dream of becoming Hokage.

The concept of commitment can be inherited and carried on from one generation to the next (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

In the world of ninjas, it is a brutal environment where even young children are dispatched to the front lines or given perilous assignments. Based on their perceived abilities, kids are branded as either exceptional talents or disappointments from a very young age.

Stay updated on all the latest developments in the Naruto series as we move through 2023.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Naruto, I am truly inspired by the incredible journeys of these characters who started from zero and became heroes. Their unwavering determination and refusal to be defined by failure are truly commendable. Choji's transformation from a gentle and vulnerable individual to a resolute and powerful warrior is a testament to the power of friendship and self-belief. Sakura's dedication to training and her mastery of medical ninjutsu showcase the importance of hard work and perseverance. Despite lacking a Bloodline Ability or a Tailed Beast's chakra, she rose to become one of the most formidable ninjas in the series.

Rock Lee's journey is particularly inspiring, as he overcame his limitations and became a taijutsu master through sheer hard work and dedication. His unwavering belief in himself and his relentless pursuit of excellence are truly admirable. These characters serve as a reminder that with determination, hard work, and the support of friends and mentors, anyone can achieve greatness, regardless of their starting point. Their stories are a source of motivation and inspiration for fans around the world, and they continue to captivate audiences with their incredible growth and achievements.