Naruto has certainly conquered the hearts of a large majority of shonen fans, so much so that it has become a staple of the genre. Indeed, Naruto rocked the childhood and adolescence of many of us and also did not leave the older ones unmoved. That’s why today we invite you to dive into your memories and remember the nicknames of the most emblematic characters of this cult series!
The universe of Naruto takes place mainly in villages where several ninjas – also called shinobis – evolve and increase in power over the fights. Throughout the manga, we discover characters through their names but also their nicknames, often linked to their character traits, their fighting techniques, and their past achievements, testifying to the greatness of their strength. But there is not only intimidating and super cool nicknamessometimes it’s related to their appearance and personality which can give much funnier and wackier names as “Jiraiya the Perverse Hermit” or “Big eyebrowsfor Rock Lee.
The website Ranker volunteered to conduct a fan poll of the anime, registering over 14,000 votes, to determine the most popular nicknames. Let’s take a look at this ranking full of memories!
#7 Kakashi, the copying ninja
In the first part of Naruto, Kakashi is one of the first ninjas introduced to have an international reputation. He has the nickname “Copy Ninja” and is known to have a thousand jutsu at his disposal, thanks to the power of his sharingan.
Most ninjas in Naruto have their own special ability that they use. While it’s technically possible for them to learn other ninja’s jutsu, they generally don’t, except for a few that remain fairly common (clones, etc.). This is mostly justified in-universe by the amount of time and effort it takes to master a technique, so it’s best to stick with one and try to perfect it. Kakashi therefore becomes unique in this regard. He even claimed to be able to copy a technique right after seeing it. This is how that he has accumulated a thousand jutsu. Kakashi is also is one of the most popular characters in the seriesalways exuding an unfailing serenity, often described as coolest characterwith a fairly stylish look, so it really has everything to please.
#6 Hagoromo Otsutsuki, The Sage of the Six Paths
The Sage of the Six Paths (Rikudō Sennin) was the legendary figure who founded the arts of ninjutsu and created the ninja world. He defeated the 10-Tailed Fiend and sealed it in his own body, becoming the first jinchūriki. The six paths are related to the Sage of the Six Paths and to Pain. Remember Pain had clones, each specializing in different techniques? Indeed, each contained one of the six paths:
- Deva Path – Attraction and repulsion
- Asura Path – Attack and Defense
- HumanPath – Ability to read minds
- AnimalPath – Summon ability
- Preta Path – Absorbing Chakra
- Naraka Path – Summon the King of the Underworld
Additionally, Six Paths Sage Mode is a divine transformation offered by Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki to those who have iron faith and the courage to never give up. It greatly enhances the user’s powers and allows them to use a number of new techniques. Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki transmits this technique in particular to Naruto during the last great war.
#5 Madara Uchiha, The Ghost of the Uchiha
Madara was a legendary leader of the Uchiha clan. He founded Konoha alongside his rival, Hashirama Senju, with the intention of starting an era of peace. When the two could not agree on how to achieve this peace, they fought for control of the village, a conflict that ended in Madara’s death. He rewrote his death and went into hiding to work out his plans. Unable to complete him in his natural life, he entrusted his knowledge and plans to Obito Uchiha shortly before his actual death.
Years later, Madara will be resurrected, endangering the stability and peace of the shinobi world., who are forced to form an Alliance in order to fight one of the most powerful characters in all of the manga. We understand why it is called The Ghost of the Uchihadespite the fact that he will eventually have his plans foiled before dying one last time, but not before delivering a totally epic and memorable battle.
#4 Hashirama Senju, God of Shinobi
It seems essential that this character hold an important place in this classification and in naruto, since he is none other than the 1st Hokage. This name and status has been given to him for good reasons. In effect, Hashirama was a very talented young shinobi who grew up in the midst of great wars.. He and Madara Uchiha founded the village of Konoha. He is also the brother of the 2nd Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
In the Shinobi world, he was known as the “God of Shinobi” due to his power, especially when he was alive. He is the only known character in naruto who “naturally” has a wood type release and is definitely the most skilled and powerful with this one. His “Thousand True Hands” summon subdued Kurama and Madara’s Susano, just that!
#3 Zabuza Momochi, the Hidden Mist Demon
Zabuza was one of the first antagonists of the series and because of this, he becomes one of the most significant and important characters for the unfolding of the story, which explains its popularity. Moreover, Zabuza allowed Naruto to realize the life of a shinobi and its stakes, in particular by witnessing his death during a mission. Indeed, it was during Naruto’s first mission with Team 7 that Zabuza made his appearance. He is a ninja deserter, he is nicknamed the demon of the village of Kiri, he works for Gatô with his partner Haku. Zabuza was made a reputation for cruelty and ruthlessness which started when he was a child where he killed all the candidates of the Academy of Kiri (village of the mist), which earned him the nickname “Hidden Mist Demon”.
#2 Sakumo Hatake, Konoha’s White Fang
Konoha’s White Fang was the father of Kakashi Hatake – Sakumo Hatake. With Kakashi already being one of the most popular characters in the series, it’s understandable that his dad also caught the attention of fans. Especially since this character, told as very charismatic and powerfulstill remains rather mysterious because he only appears very little in the anime. It was even said that he was more powerful than the 3 legendary Saninhowever, while on a mission, he decided to save as many teammates as possible instead of completing the mission and sacrificing them. This brought the people of Konoha to ostracize Sakumo because in the Ninja world “those who break the rules are scum”. It seemed like too much of a burden to Sakumo and he committed suicide in his house.
This place in the ranking is probably due to the fact that he appears as an overpowered ninja with rather stylish attacks. For example, his primary weapon during battle was a saber called ”Chakra Saber of White Light” which emitted a trail of white chakra when swungwhich earned him the famous nickname of “Konoha White Fang“.
#1 Minato Namikaze, The Yellow Lightning of Konoha
Minato Namikaze was a legendary shinobi who became the Fourth Hokage of Konoha. He was known to be fastest shinobi of his time. Indeed, one of Minato’s main abilities was the Flight of the Thunder God, of which he has greater mastery and versatility than his creator, the Second Hokage. His exploits with this technique earned him the nickname from “Yellow Lightning From Konoha”. Using this technique, he could instantly move to the location of anything marked with his special sigil, whether it was a tool, a place, or a marked person.
Whether it be their character design, fighting style, or super badass personalitywhile remaining very kind and caring, Minato really has it all. He’s involved in some of the show’s most iconic moments, and to top it off, he was Kakashi’s teacher and Naruto’s father. He is a very person pleasant, calm and joyful. Also, despite being a very gifted ninja and future Hokage, he never comes across as arrogant or unapproachable.
It’s also youngest Kage everwith techniques that only he has been able to perfect such as instantaneous teleportation, but he is also the creator of the famous Rasengan. No one has managed to match or exceed their academy grades. He sacrificed himself for save the village of Konaha and sealed Kyūbi, The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox. He was feared by all nations and in ninja warfare, flight orders were given in full view of Minato. Konoha’s Yellow Lightning thus finished first in the ranking of the most popular nicknames among fans of the series with his extraordinary speed of movement and his blond hair.
We hope you enjoyed this article and allowed you to recall your oldest memories of this cult animated series of the shonen genre! Don’t hesitate to let us know the nickname that struck you the most in the comment space, we strongly recommend that you read our article on the top 20 of the most powerful female characters in the series!
