Naruto’s protagonist has always been one of the greatest shōnen anime has ever been privy to, with his popularity reaching those even outside the fandom. His story resonates with fans due to his perseverance, growth, and spirit, which made him one of the most significant and popular characters in the industry. Throughout the series, audiences have witnessed his heart-wrenching and inspiring journey. From an orphan ostracized by the village to becoming the beloved Seventh Hokage, Naruto’s rise is nothing but legendary.
However, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Minato Namikaze, Naruto’s father, may not have been present to witness his son’s growth, but through flashbacks, stories, and reanimation jutsu, he was able to prove his legendary status. From his unmatched speed to his strategic cleverness,Minato’s influencedid more than set Naruto up for success but helped to balance the shinobi world itself. His legacy continues to inspire, proving why he remains one of the most remarkable figures inNaruto.
10Sealing the Nine-Tails in Naruto
Naruto: Shippuden Episode #248
Minato Namikaze was a shinobi before he was a husband and father, and even when he and Kushina were together, they respected each other’s duties to the village above all else. While Minato dreamed of a peaceful life with Kushina and Naruto, fate had other plans.As the Fourth Hokage, he accepted the immense responsibility of protecting Konoha, and when Obito Uchiha—disguised as Tobi—unleashed Kurama upon the village, Minato had no choice but to act decisively. In his final moments, he chose to sacrifice himself, knowing that his duty as a leader came before his happiness.
It’s Been Years, But I Will Never Understand Why Naruto Kept One of Its Secrets For So Long
Unraveling Naruto’s biggest mystery — why was this secret kept hidden for so long? A deep dive into one of the story’s most puzzling choices.
InNaruto: Shippudenepisode #248, Naruto—just moments after being born—lost both his parents as they gave their lives to protect him and the village. Despite the tragedy, Minato and Kushina sealed Kurama inside their son, ensuring Konoha’s future. While many fans see this decision as painfully heartbreaking, it showcased Minato’s ability to remain rational even in the face of despair. Though some criticized him for placing such a burden on Naruto, many admired his mastery of sealing jutsu and resolve amid a crisis, proving why this episode remains one of Minato’s most defining moments.
9Minato Creates the Rasengan
One of the most iconic jutsu inNaruto, the Rasengan, has become synonymous with the series and its protagonist. However,this powerful technique was not originally Naruto’s—it was first used by his father, Minato Namikaze. Inspired by his careful observation of Kurama’s Tailed Beast Ball, Minato developed the Rasengan as a highly concentrated chakra attack that required immense precision and control. His talent as a shinobi was evident in creating a technique that not only stood the test of time but also became the signature move of Konoha’s Seventh Hokage.
Minato originally designed the Rasengan to protect his then-girlfriend, Kushina Uzumaki, who was the Jinchuriki of Kurama at the time. Unlike other jutsu, the Rasengan is notoriously difficult to master, requiring both extreme chakra control and relentless training. InNaruto: Shippudenepisode #248, Minato proved the power of his creation by using the Rasengan against Kurama while defending the village from the masked man’s attack. While theRasengan has become Naruto’s trademarktechnique, it was Minato’s abilities that made it possible in the first place.
8Minato Becomes the Fourth Hokage
Naruto: Shippuden Episode #349
Minato was a student of the legendary ninja Jiraiya, who always rejected the title of being a Hokage, but his student embraced the responsibility without hesitation. As seen in various flashbacks, Minato was known for his calm and composed nature, butwhat truly set him apart was his intelligence and sharp instincts in battle. His exceptional skills were not only recognized by Jiraiya but also by the entire village and the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. InNaruto: Shippudenepisode #349, his legacy was further solidified when he was chosen as the Fourth Hokage, a title that would forever be associated with his brilliance.
Naruto’s Best Hokage Is Also Its Most Underrated
Hokage are central to the world of Naruto, and while they have things in common, one Hokage stands above the rest for their tireless effort.
Minato’s reign as the Hokage may have been short-lived, but his impact was unforgettable. His signature flame-patterned Hokage cape has become one of the most recognizable symbols in the series, surpassing even the capes of other Hokages in popularity. If Hokages were ranked by influence and admiration,Minato would undoubtedly be at the top—not just because he was Naruto’s father, but because of his legendary feats. Despite his brief time in the role, Minato left behind a legacy that remains one of the most memorable inNarutohistory.
7Minato Compliments Kushina’s Hair and Defends Her
Naruto: Shippuden #246
The moments that make Minato admirable are not just those that highlight his skills as a shinobi but also his kindness and compassion.Minato and Kushina, despite not being the main characters, have captivated fans through their flashback scenes, making many believe they are one of the best couples in the series. Kushina Uzumaki was not originally from Konoha but transferred there after being chosen as the next Jinchuriki for Kurama. Because of her long red hair, she was nicknamed the “Red-Hot Habanero,” a name that academy students used to tease her.
However, instead of joining in on the insults or ignoring her struggles, Minato empathized with Kushina and gradually developed feelings for her. To him, her aggressive nature was not something to fear but a sign of her courage and strong will. When Kushina was kidnapped by the enemy,it was Minato who saved her, proving that his feelings for her were genuine. As shown inNaruto: Shippudenepisode #246, this moment became a significant point in their relationship, proving that Minato is not only a great ninja but also a devoted partner.
6Minato Finishing an Entire Army in the Third Great Ninja War
Naruto: Shippuden Episode #120
Minato Namikaze’s reputation as one of the greatest shinobiwas further strengthened during the Third Great Ninja War, where he displayed unmatched speed and tactics. In a particularly unforgettable moment, Minato single-handedly took down an entire enemy army from the Stone Village. His ability to quickly assess the battlefield, outmaneuver opponents, and eliminate threats with precise strikes made him a terrifying force. While this moment was never explicitly featured in the series, it’s mentioned inNaruto: Shippudenepisode #120, becoming one of the defining highlights of his career, showcasing not only his power but his strategic skills.
Everyone Loves Naruto, But the Anime Hero Isn’t as Great as You Think
Naruto is one of anime’s most iconic and beloved heroes, but even he is not perfect, and his worst traits prove how bad he can be.
Up to this day, this moment remains one of the greatest that fans proudly share as one of Minato’s biggest achievements. It’s a testament to his abilities that set him apart from other powerful shinobi, proving that he wasn’t just skilled, but a true legend. His speed, combat instincts, and ability to dominate any opponent despite the odds are qualities that still resonate with fans of the series.This revelation during one of the flashbacks only deepened fans' admirationfor Minato and reinforced their belief that Naruto’s father was truly beyond ordinary.
5Minato Unlocks Kurama Chakra Mode
Naruto: Shippuden #381
TheFourth Great Ninja Waris considered by many as the best arc of the entire series. Despite being the longest, it never lost its momentum, as it brought back fan-favorite characters to battle against Madara Uchiha and Kaguya Otsutsuki. Even Obito’s redemption arc was a major highlight, butwhat made the war even more exciting was the reanimation jutsu that introduced and reintroduced legendary shinobi of the past,particularly the previous Hokages.Through Orochimaru’s reanimation jutsu, Hashirama, Tobirama, Hiruzen, and most notably, Minato, entered the battlefield once more.
Just as the Allied Shinobi Forces were about to be struck by the massive Bijuudama of the Ten-Tails, Minato appeared and saved them using his Flying Thunder God Technique. As if this entrance wasn’t already legendary enough, he then seamlessly unlocked his Kurama Chakra Mode, instantly proving why he was one of the strongest Hokages in history. Unlike Naruto, who had to struggle to gain Kurama’s trust, Minato’s mastery of the chakra cloak was immediate, showcasing his natural talent and adaptability. His arrival and transformation inNaruto: Shippudenepisode #381 showed his role as a key player in the war, reminding everyone why he was feared and revered in his time.
4Minato’s Reunion with Naruto During the Pain Arc
Naruto: Shippuden Episode #168
Minato’s unexpected reunion with Narutoduring the Pain Arc was one of the most emotional and pivotal moments in the series. Just as Naruto was consumed by rage and had lost control due to Kurama’s influence, Minato appeared within his subconscious to stop the transformation. Despite never having the chance to raise him,Minato’s calm and reassuring presence immediately soothed Naruto’s anger.While this was an emotional moment, it also proved Minato’s intelligence—he had the foresight to seal part of his chakra within Naruto, ensuring that he could be there when his son needed him most.
Naruto’s Best Villain Was Never Really Evil, And That’s Why They’re the Greatest
There are plenty of great villains in Naruto, but none stand above this one, which is ironic because he was never evil in the first place.
Seeing Naruto break down in front of him, Minato finally had the chance to express his pride in the person his son had become. He revealed the truth about his past, the Nine-Tails attack, and the masked man behind the tragedy, entrusting Naruto with the knowledge to move forward. InNaruto: Shippudenepisode #168, this moment was more than just a reunion—it was a victory. If not for his father’s guidance, Naruto would have completely succumbed to Kurama’s anger. Minato’s presence not only saved Naruto but also reinforced why he was more than just a legendary Hokage—he was a father who never stopped looking out for his son.
3Minato’s Final Goodbye to His Son
Naruto: Shippuden Episode #474
Minato’s greatness isn’t just defined by his legendary speed or powerful jutsu—it’s also in the heartfelt moments that make his character unforgettable. His role during the Fourth Great Ninja War was not only crucial but also deeply meaningful, especially when he fought alongside his son, Naruto. However, no matter how epic his contributions were, the reality remained that Minato, like the other Hokages, was only present due to the Reanimation Jutsu. InNaruto: Shippudenepisode #474,as the war came to an end and Kaguya was sealed, it was finally time for those temporarily revived to say their goodbyes.
Naruto’s farewell to his father was one of the most emotional moments in the series, as he tried to prolong their conversation, cherishing every last second.Minato, ever the kind and understanding father, simply smiled and listened, assuring Naruto that he would share all of his stories with Kushina. However, what made this moment even more heartfelt was Minato taking a moment to wish Naruto a happy 17th birthday. It was a simple but powerful gesture—one that Naruto had never experienced before—making their goodbye even more bittersweet.
2Minato vs. A and Killer Bee
Naruto: Shippuden #282
While there weren’t many fights featuring Minato, the few that did were more than enough to justify why he stands as one of the strongest. Throughout the series, the introduction of the different village leaders was always a highlight, but since Naruto Uzumaki was from Konoha, battles involving other Kage were rarely shown. However, one of the rare instances where a clash between village leaders was witnessed came through a flashback. InNaruto: ShippudenEpisode #282, Minato faced off against the Fourth Raikage, A, and Killer Bee, proving that his reputation as the Yellow Flash wasn’t just talk.
We Love Naruto’s Parents, But I Think Sasuke’s Family Was Better
While both sets of parents made sacrifices, the Uchiha showed that love for your children can sometimes take priority over duty, shaping their fate.
This fight was a perfect display of Minato’s unmatched speed, tactical brilliance, and sheer dominance in battle. Despite A’s immense strength and Killer Bee’s formidable jinchuriki abilities, Minato remained calm and controlled, countering their attacks effortlessly. His ability to teleport and strike faster than even the Raikage’s lightning-speed attacks left no doubt about his superiority. This battle cemented Minato’s status as a shinobi in a league of his own, showing that even among powerful leaders, he was a step ahead.
1Minato vs. Obito During The Night of the Nine-Tails Attack
Minato’s best fight inNarutowasn’t during the Fourth Great Ninja War but on the night of the Nine-Tails attack—the moment that defined his legacy. This battle, featured inNaruto: Shippudenepisode #248, saw Minato face off against the masked man, later revealed to be Obito Uchiha. As the Fourth Hokage, Minato had to protect Konoha while simultaneously fighting an unknown yet overwhelmingly powerful enemy. Though he never realized the masked man’s true identity, this battle showcased Minato’s raw skill, intelligence, and lightning-fast reflexes. Despite some fans criticizing Minato for not recognizing Obito, this does not take away from the sheer intensity of their fight.
Minato’s mastery of the Flying Thunder God technique allowed him to outmaneuver Obito’s Kamui, delivering a Rasengan that forced the masked man to retreat. The way Minato countered Obito’s space-time jutsu with precise timing and a calm mind cemented this as one of the greatest battles in the series. It was a fight that proved Minato’s superiority but also demonstrated why he was feared as the Yellow Flash of Konoha. Even among the many legendary fights inNaruto, Minato vs. Obito remains one of the most memorable. It wasn’t just a battle between two powerful shinobi—it was the moment that set the entire series into motion.
