Naruto is about Naruto Uzumaki’s adventures as the hyperactive young titular ninja who works hard to fulfill his dreams of becoming the strongest warrior in his village and the Hokage. Along the way, Naruto made many new friends and fought powerful enemies as he worked to keep his village safe. Naruto came across multiple characters on his journey, but some of them were closer to him than others.
As one of the best shōnen anime of all time, Naruto: Shippuden introduced exciting new characters that took the franchise to new heights throughout its 500-episode run. Although Naruto is the show’s star, he has plenty to learn throughout the series, looking up to one of the three characters in particular – some of the most renowned ninjas alive – in his pursuit of being the strongest. By the end of Shippuden, these three legendary ninjas proved remarkably powerful, but only one stood head and shoulders above the rest.
Updated by Christy Mathew on October 12, 2024: Naruto has been a fan-favorite since the anime genre gained popularity. Diverse characters, storylines, and the development of all these characters make the show a must-watch among anime fans. The show focuses on themes of friendship, loyalty, the burden of family, legacy and much more throughout the series. This Article focuses on three characters that have been praised and feared throughout the series and have acted as mentors to some of our favorites in Naruto. The Article has been updated with new information and adheres to the current standards of CBR.
What Is the Significance of “Sannin” in the Naruto Universe?
Fans of the show are aware that there are Three Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya, Tsunade and Orochimaru. The characters were made taking inspiration from The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant. The word “Sannin” means “three ninjas”, which was a name given to them by Hanzo of the Salamander during the Second Great Ninja War as they survived a difficult battle against him. This gave them the name that they were known for showcasing their elite status as shinobi who were powerful but capable of enduring extreme adversities. The status of being the legendary Sannins solidified their position of being icons in Konoha and beyond, marking them as legends for future generations.
During their time, the Sannin represented the epitome of shinobi strength. This legendary title does not limit them to their prowess but also their readiness to face difficulties. The perseverance they showcased during the War is also reflected in their journeys, as the three faced obstacles that tested their endurance and shaped their legacies. Even the actions of the Sannins have far-reaching consequences in the Naruto Universe.
Their choices have significantly impacted the various major events in Naruto, like the formation of alliances and organizations like the Akatsuki. Tsunade’s inventions in medical ninjutsu enhanced shinobi warfare, while Orochimaru’s research created more problems in the existing stability of the ninja world. Jiraiya’s choices led to the birth of the Akatsuki and the savior of the shinobi world. Meanwhile, his quest for knowledge helped Konoha know who Pain was.
Who Were the Sannin in Naruto: Shippuden?
The Legendary Three Ninjas were hailed as the greatest ninjas of their time in the Hidden Leaf Village. The members were taught under the tutelage of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Despite working together as a team during their training, the three often quarreled greatly with each other, resulting in what Tsunade would call a “three-way deadlock”. This led to the trio going their separate ways after their training was completed, although they did join forces once more during the Second Shinobi World War.
As the only ninjas from Konoha to survive their battle with the Amegakure’s Hanzo, it would be the last time the three came together in battle, with each going their separate ways due to the intense rivalry they shared. Things become especially heated between Orochimaru and Jiraiya, mirroring the rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke. Their rivalry added more depth to their characters and their competitive nature often pushed them to their limits leading to their growth over time.
The Three Sanin Were Renowned for Strength and Ability
The Sannin underwent rigorous training during their time with Hiruzen Sarutobi, and it made them some of the most elite and skilled ninjas in the history of the Hidden Leaf Village. Because of their elite ninja prowess, each of the three Sannins has been considered strong enough to take on the role of Hokage during their time, although only one ever actually assumed the role.
After their mentor Hiruzen decided to retire from his role as the Third Hokage, Orochimaru applied to take on the role, but his master chose Minato Namikaze — Naruto’s father — instead, citing that Orochimaru didn’t understand what it meant to take on such an important role. After the death of Naruto’s father, Hiruzen wanted Jiraiya to become the Fifth Hokage. Jiraiya was actually offered the role but declined, saying the prestigious duty should go to Tsunade instead.
With all three Sannins being powerful ninjas capable of being the Hidden Leaf Village’s Hokage, ranking them by strength is no easy task. Each of the Sannins were amazingly strong in their own unique ways, and all three cared for each other despite their differences. That said, by the end of Shippuden, one of the Sannins proved to be the strongest. By analyzing their unique strengths, the ranking specifies who among the three stands out, not only in terms of power but also their influence on key events.
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