The Konoha 11 were a generation of shinobi that protected the Leaf Village in the Naruto universe. Each member specialized in their own type of jutsu and was fundamentally useful at varying points in the story to their own degrees.
However, their differing contributions and personalities indicate that some ninja are not as brave as others. By ranking the Konoha 11 based on their courage and willingness to risk their lives for their comrades, we can better appreciate how the will of fire has been carried on from the previous line of shinobi to the next.
11 Ino Almost Never Participated In Direct Battles
The delicate nature of Ino's mind transfer jutsu is indicative of her non-confrontational personality. Oftentimes, she prefers comrades to fight on her behalf while she handles more sensitive issues, such as facilitating communication between the Allied Shinobi Forces.
Although Ino has a rudimentary understanding of Tsunade's medical jutsu, she cannot reciprocate Sakura's strength and has never won a battle of her own. During Team Dosu's fight against Rock Lee in the Chunin Exam, she cowered in the bushes and was at first unwilling to get involved.
10 Tenten Was Disciplined Though Not Particularly Bold
Tenten was a disciplined and skilled shinobi whose efforts were best employed against the Gold and Silver Brothers during the Forth Shinobi War. She was also one of the few characters able to perceive the pernicious influence of Madara's Infinite Tsukuyomi, implying a significant amount of personal discipline and resistance to genjutsu.
Despite this, Tenten has seldom displayed any phenomenal moments of bravery. Her most profound battle was against Temari during the Chunin Exams, though she cannot receive much credit for her efforts since she knew that the rival kunoichi could not kill her as per the match's rules.
9 Choji Was Willing To Stand Up For His Friends When Necessary
While Choji's kind and timid disposition made his teachers concerned for his future as a shinobi, he knew how to stand up for his friends when appropriate. This was demonstrated during the Sasuke retrieval mission, where he battled against the formidable Jirobo.
Choji was so determined to protect his friends and the Leaf that he was willing to take the Red Spinach Pill in order to succeed. Although it significantly enhanced his chakra, the pill put such a strain on his body that it hospitalized and nearly killed him.
8 Kiba Was A Loudmouthed Scrapper With A Heart Of Gold
Kiba's brash disposition often made him the center of attention, whether among his comrades or as a target on the battlefield. He displayed significantly more enthusiasm for the rigors of the Chunin Exams than his peers and was even eager to fight Naruto.
Perhaps Kiba's greatest feat of tenacity was against Sakon and Ukon, where he stabbed himself with a kunai knife to fend off the enemy shinobi. This illustrated a tremendous amount of willpower and suggested that he was willing to die in order to win the fight.
7 Sakura Showed Superb Courage After Overcoming Her Insecurity
Sakura is one of the Konoha 11's most accomplished members. She helped to defeat Sasori and was the only character without Hagoromo's blessing to deliver a devastating punch against Kaguya Otsutsuki.
Considering the latter's status as a godlike figure, this suggests a significant amount of courage. However, it is offset by the fact that Sakura has frequently been stricken with fear in matters pertaining to Sasuke Uchiha. He would have killed her shortly after finishing off Danzo Shimura if not for the intervention of Naruto and Kakashi.
6 Shino Was Confident Against Any Enemy
Shino balanced intelligence with bravery throughout his many battles. Unlike many of Konoha 11's other members, he did not fear Team Dosu and even humiliated Zaku in battle without taking so much as a minor injury.
Although Shino was not selected for the Sasuke retrieval mission, he nonetheless depicted exceptional bravery throughout the series. For example, he pursued Kankuro through the forest in order to weaken Gaara's escort and fulfill the grudge match that had been canceled due to Orochimaru's attack on the village.
5 Shikamaru Was A Courageous & Decisive Leader
Shikamaru was Konoha's most talented tactician after the death of his father. Throughout the series, he has overcome self-doubt about his skills and apathy for his duties in order to properly serve the Leaf Village.
Not only was Shikamaru responsible for organizing the (nearly successful) Sasuke retrieval team, he also defeated Hidan entirely by himself. This was particularly impressive since the cultist was powerful enough to kill his mentor and stand against ninja as formidable as Kakashi Hatake. Shikamaru's ability to remain calm in battle renders him a qualified and reliable leader.
4 Hinata Stood Against Pain In Order To Protect Naruto
At the beginning of the series, Hinata was easily the most cowardly member of the Konoha 11. She shied away from all forms of conflict, much to the frustration of the Hyuga elders. Consequently, she could not express her feelings for Naruto until much later in her life.
Nonetheless, she has made noticeable progress while continuing to develop as a kunoichi. Hoping to take after Naruto's example, she stood up against Neji and even defied Pain during his invasion of the Leaf Village. Since she was willing to die to protect her beloved, he managed to escape from his bindings and save Konoha from the Akatsuki once and for all.
3 Naruto Is Willing To Do Whatever It Takes To Protect His Comrades & Village
Fueled by a determination to become the next Hokage, Naruto was willing to do whatever it took to protect his comrades and village. This included going against world leaders such as the Fourth Raikage, combating clandestine villains like Orochimaru, and even defying the godlike Otsutsuki clan.
Additionally, he was willing to give his life in order to redeem and rehabilitate Sasuke to the Leaf. Since he deliberately refrained from killing him in the final battle, he lost an arm and nearly even his life.
2 Neji Hyuga Took A Fatal Blow On Naruto's Behalf
During the battle against the Gedo Statue, Neji noticed a stray projectile poised to impale Naruto and Hinata with his Byakugan. Without enough time to use his deflection technique, he cast his body in the way and willingly embraced a fatal attack.
Naruto professed his gratitude in the ninja's final moments and assured him that his death would not be in vain. Although most of the Konoha 11 claim their willingness to sacrifice their life for their village, Neji is the only person to have actually done so.
1 Rock Lee Was So Courageous That He Could Keep Fighting After Losing Consciousness
Despite his buoyant disposition, Rock Lee has a surprising amount of grit and tenacity. He was so bold that he even stood up against enemies after being knocked completely unconscious and with his body torn to shreds. This was proven in his fight against Gaara near the end of the Chunin Exams' first round.
Determined to become a splendid ninja like his role model, Might Guy, Rock Lee also consented to a potentially fatal surgery in order to fight again.