Jiraiya was a member of the legendary Sannin and one of the greatest mentors in the Naruto universe. He was responsible for educating both its titular character and Nagato in the ways of shinobi, with varying results.

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Like any compelling character, the Toad Sage is defined by his many strengths and weaknesses which add to his complexity and give him depth. By identifying them, we can better ascertain whether or not he was worthy of training the genin who would become the Seventh Hokage of Konoha.

10 Weakness: Jiraiya's Raw Durability Is Fairly Unimpressive

Pain kills Jiraiya

Jiraiya has many ways of defending himself, the most common of which is his spiked hair. It provides a durable surface that repels opponents and allows him to facilitate his sage mode jutsu with relative safety.

However, his raw durability leaves much to be desired. During his fight against Nagato, his arm was taken off instantly in a surprise attack. In this regard, his ability to endure punishment is significantly worse than the other two Sannin, when considering Tsunade's regeneration and Orochimaru's many creative techniques, such as body transferal.

9 Strength: Jiraiya Is A Fantastic Teacher Who Developed Two Powerful Shinobi

Naruto and Jiraiya posing together happily

Arguably Jiraiya's greatest strength is his ability to develop promising young students. He helped to stave off Nagato's dark path (temporarily) and was responsible for helping Naruto master the Rasengan. The latter technique was perfected through a creative drill where Naruto would funnel his chakra through a water balloon and attempt not to pop it.

Both students became formidable warriors whose actions could shatter or rebuild villages, with one leading the Akatsuki and the other becoming the Seventh Hokage of Konoha. Ultimately, as formidable as the Sannin might be, his legacy is defined through the accomplishments of his pupils.

8 Weakness: Jiraiya's Lust Distracts Him

jiraiya lust naruto

Although Jiraiya's lust has been played off for comedic effect, it has often belied much more serious problems. The first example came from when Naruto used a transformative jutsu to seduce the Sannin into helping him with his lessons.

A more dangerous instance was when Itachi used a genjutsu on a local woman in order to distract Jiraiya so that he and Kisame could abduct Naruto. Luckily, Jiraiya felt something was amiss and returned to his student's hotel just before the villains could begin ripping off his limbs.

7 Strength: Jiraiya Is A War Veteran With High Combat Experience

Jiraiya Sannin

Many of the fights Jiraiya has participated in were waged before the series even began. He was a veteran of the Fourth Shinobi War who dutifully served his village alongside Tsunade and Orochimaru.

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Because of this, he has considerably higher practical experience than many other characters. Each battle Jiraiya fought increased his combat proficiency and prepared him for future encounters. In the end, he only failed against his student since he'd never seen anything like the Rinnegan before. Even still, he managed to uncover Nagato's secret and deliver it to Konoha using the last of his strength.

6 Weakness: Jiraiya's Adherence To Prophecy Caused Serious Problems

Jiraiya dines with Konan, Nagato, and Yahiko

One of the reasons Jiraiya was inclined to teach Nagato was because he was told he would train a warrior who would shape the world. After identifying the young boy's Rinnegan and the powers it promised, he suspected that he was fulfilling his destiny. Although his second attempt at mentoring a great champion would prove more successful, his first failure still got countless people killed, including himself.

5 Strength: Jiraiya Is One Of The Most Versatile Shinobi Ever

jiraiya in naruto

Jiraiya has one of the most diverse and versatile skillsets of the entire Naruto universe. He has mastered a spiked hair defense, tar attacks, the fire style, Rasengan, sage mode, and toad summoning jutsu - on top of a genjutsu that was strong enough to work against Pain.

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As a result, he is incredibly unpredictable and able to adapt to any challenge his opponents might pose. The number of abilities in Jiraiya's arsenal rivals that of his serpentine counterpart, Orochimaru, as illustrated in the three Sannins' reunion battle against one another.

4 Weakness: Jiraiya Can Sometimes Be Unreliable

Jiraiya blushing while drinking

As previously mentioned, Jiraiya's lust almost got Naruto captured by the Akatsuki. However, he is equally interested in alcoholic vices and has often told Naruto to train by himself, promising that he'll check back with him later.

His sense of unreliability is why Jiraiya is unworthy of making a potential candidate for Hokage despite his high strength and favorable reputation. Although his heart and priorities are firmly in Konoha's best interest, his actions have sometimes indicated an alarming sense of laziness unbecoming of a mentor.

3 Strength: Jiraiya Is Courageous & Is Willing To Face Any Challenge Unflinchingly

showdown at inn naruto

Throughout the entirety of the anime, Jiraiya has almost never displayed signs of fear. Even if his opponents outnumber or outmatch him, he is willing to stand his ground and do what he knows to be right.

While his valiance is primarily illustrated toward external threats (specifically the marauding Akatsuki), it applies to all aspects of his life. For instance, he was patiently able to train Naruto despite the youth having nearly killed him when losing control over Kurama. Jiraiya possesses all of the heroism and fearlessness necessary to have earned the title of legendary Sannin.

2 Weakness: Jiraiya's Martyrdom Complex Got Him Killed

Pain Vs Jiraiya

Jiraiya stated his intentions to venture to the Rain Village and confront Nagato to Tsunade before he left Konoha. Tsunade ardently requested that he allow others to join him, but he refused the offer and set out by himself, citing that Nagato was his responsibility and that it was too dangerous for anyone else to get involved.

During his fight with Pain, he was able to destroy several of Pain's bodies and almost defeat him. If he hadn't stubbornly refused Tsunade's, Jiraiya likely would have lived, and the invasion of the Leaf never would have happened in the first place.

1 Strength: Jiraiya Is Extremely Well Connected & Respected

Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade drinking from Naruto Shippuden.

As previously mentioned, Tsunade was willing to send assistance to Jiraiya in order to help him complete his mission. This underlines the fact that the Sannin is a respected figurehead in Konoha, even if he doesn't hold formal military authority like a Hokage does.

He was the student of Hiruzen and a good friend of Kakashi, having solidified their relationship through Naruto Uzumaki. Jiraiya's reputation as a hero has won many hearts and ensures that his legend shall not soon be forgotten.

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