Naruto's shinobi world is full of ninja with unique skill sets. Oftentimes, a ninja's Jutsu and techniques are inherited directly from their clan through family secrets or Kekkei Genkai. Other assets, however, are earned rather than inherited.
Throughout the Hidden Villages, knowledge is gained through learning and experience. Unlike Shikaku, Shikamaru, and Shikadai, most ninja aren't born geniuses. Several shinobi and kunoichi have to put in a lot of effort to train their minds and hone their skills. Select ninja stand out among their peers, and have showcased their intelligence on several occasions.
Updated March 10th, 2023 by Xandalee Joseph: As one of Shonen's "Big 3," Naruto continues to be one of the most popular series in anime history. With continued discussions about fan-favorite Naruto characters dominating the internet, it's only natural that opinions and character breakdowns change over time.
15 Shino Aburane
Jonin
Shino Aburame is a tragically overlooked member of the Konoha 11. As a member of the Aburame Clan, Shino can manipulate insects – using them for his ninjutsu. While man fans may not have realized this, Shino has demonstrated his impressive skills and intellect on multiple occasions. During Orochimaru's attack on the Leaf Village, Shino was smart enough to "release" himself from the sleeping Jutsu.
During the same attack, he was able to rush to Sasuke's aid because he cleverly placed a scentless female beetle on him that can only be tracked by male beetles. Shino has demonstrated his quick thinking several times, which explains why he was able to accompany his father on Jonin-level missions from a young age.
14 Kakashi Hatake
Sixth Hokage
Despite his laid-back nature, Kakashi's genius abilities earned him his elite Jonin status when he was only 12 years old. After his contributions to the Fourth Shinobi War, he was appointed as the Sixth Hokage. Kakashi's intelligence is often displayed in his ability to calmly assess any situation in battle without making reckless decisions.
Further, he's recognized as the "copycat" ninja due to his ability to imitate his enemy's attacks seemingly while they're delivering them. He does this using the Sharingan that was gifted to him during his childhood. Over the years, Kakashi was able to control both the Sharingan and Mangekyo Sharingan despite not being part of the Uchiha clan.
13 Neji Hyuga
Jonin
As a member of the Branch House, Neji's sole purpose is to serve the Main House in the Hyuga clan. Despite his low-born status, Neji is a natural genius. He is far more gifted than his cousin Hinata which caused him to harbor hatred and resentment toward his own clan.
His prowess and genius-level aptitude were a direct result of his anger – he mastered several complex Hyuga techniques that are reserved for the Main House through observation alone. Thankfully after the Chunin Exams, Neji was able to let his pain go and use his intelligence positively. When Naruto Shippuden begins, it's revealed that Neji was promoted to Jonin at just 15 years old.
12 Killer B
Eight Tails Jinchūriki
Aside from a brief run-in with Matatabi and her Jinchūriki Yuji Nii, Killer B is the only Jinchūriki that gives fans an in-depth look at a healthy Jinchūriki-Ten Tails relationship. Like Naruto, B became a Jinchūriki at a young age and didn't have any choice. Though B's fellow villagers ostracized him, his relationship with his tailed beast is significantly different from what fans saw up until this point.
B and Gyūki develop an intimate familial relationship over the years. He is able to control the Eight Tails' power and has become a formidable force. B even shares his extensive knowledge with Naruto. He becomes Naruto's instructor and teaches him how to control the Nine Tails' power by teaching him complete focus and chakra control.
11 Minato Namikaze
Fourth Hokage
Minato was a prodigy ninja who excelled in all aspects of being a shinobi, including intelligence. Minato's quick thinking saved his future wife Kushina from kidnappers while they were still at the academy. He later used his skills and intellect to create special Jutsu such as the famed Rasengan, which took inspiration from the Tailed Beasts.
Minato also made his own signature kunai knives which enhanced his speed, allowing him to teleport in the midst of battle – granting him the nickname "Yellow Flash." Minato's final act as Hokage was sealing the Nine-Tailed Fox in his son – saving Konohagakure from destruction.
10 Sakura
Jonin
As she doesn't come from a clan with any unique abilities or Kekkei Genkai, Sakura didn't initially stand out. Instead, Sakura has always excelled academically. Since her academy days, she was always at the top of her class. She scored well on the written Chunin Exam without cheating like everyone else, was the first on her team to focus her chakra and climb the tree using only her feet, and was smart enough to recognize the sleeping Jutsu and released herself during Orochimaru's takeover – she accomplishes all of this before graduating from the Ninja Academy.
In Naruto Shippuden, Sakura combines her stellar wits with newfound combat prowess. After studying under Lady Tsunade, Sakura learns valuable medical ninjutsu techniques and acquires overwhelming strength. She showcases both of these during the Kazekage Rescue Mission arc where she develops an antidote for Sasori's poison and later faces off against the deadly puppet master displaying her frightful brawn.
9 Shikamaru Nara
Jonin
Despite his lazy personality, Shikamaru Nara is a genius. His academic aptitude comes naturally to him, and the extent of his intelligence is shown as early as the Chunin Exams. His strategic brilliance is highlighted during his fight against Kin and Temari. While his Shadow Possession Jutsu is powerful, his impressive battle plans increase its success.
Shikamaru is also one of the three academy students smart enough to release himself from the sleeping Jutsu, though he chose to pretend to be asleep to avoid engaging in battle. Shikamaru's propensity for leadership and quick thinking causes him to lead his first squad as an academy student during the Sasuke Retrieval arc and allows him to lead the Allied Shinobi Forced as the chief strategist during the Fourth Great Ninja War.
8 Tsunade Senju
Legendary Sanin & Fifth Hokage
As a member of the famed Senju Clan, Tsunade Senju was destined for greatness. She later follows in her family's footsteps and becomes the Fifth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf. Tsunade is considered the best medical ninja in the Hidden Villages. During the Third Great Ninja War, she proposed that a medical specialist should be a part of every team. Her proposal revolutionized the shinobi world and saved countless lives.
Tsunade is renowned for her brilliance and medical expertise. She understands chakra on a fundamental level, which gives her a great advantage in battle. Her vast knowledge allows her to maintain the appearance of someone in her 20s though she is in her fifties, heal Rock Lee of an injury that almost ended his ninja career, and create a new arm for Naruto using her grandfather's cells, among many other incredible accomplishments.
7 Kabuto
Snake Sage
As Orochimaru's right-hand man, Kabuto learned a lot about ninjutsu and medical jutsu. Before his time with Orochimaru, Kabuto worked for Danzo in the Root/Anbu organization where he became adept at espionage and spy work. Both of these experiences enhanced Kabuto's brilliance. Though he uses his skills for villainy, it doesn't make them any less impressive.
He even plays an indirect role during the Sanin Showdown, as Orochimaru can't use his arms. If that isn't remarkable enough, when Tsunade electrocutes his nerves and disruptes the communication between his brain and his body, in a matter of seconds Kabuto continues fighting by discovering which body part moved when he tried to move another. In Naruto Shippuden, Kabuto continues reaching new heights with his intellect – he performs the Edo Tensei during the Fourth Great Ninja War and ultimately masteres Snake Sage Mode.
6 Shikaku
Jonin Commander
Konoha relies on the Nara Clan for their strategic expertise. Shikaku Nara is not only the head of the Nara clan, but he is also the Leaf Village's Jonin Commander. Fans become familiar with the Nara Clan's Shadow Possession Kekkei Genkai through Shikamaru, but they are able to see the technique's full potential when Shikaku joins the fight against Orochimaru's attack during the Chunin Exams.
Aside from being an incredible Jonin and an even better father, Shikaku plays a pivotal role during the Fourth Great Ninja War as the Allied Shinobi Forces Chief Strategist. He helps lead the ASF to victory and ultimately gave his life alongside Inoichi.
5 Jiraiya
Legendary Sanin & Toad Sage
Jiraiya made a name for himself throughout the Hidden Villages as one of the most formidable ninja the shinobi world has ever known. Despite his questionable vices, Jiraiya is a dedicated shinobi who's taken the time to master several impressive Jutsu. After Jiraiya agrees to train Naruto, fans are able to witness his brilliance.
He understands the intricacies of complex chakra seals, utilizes sage mode and other toad Jutsu, is a master at espionage, masters the Rasengan, and is even asked to be the fifth Hogake. Jiraiya is a brilliant mentor and his legacy lives on through his most successful student, Naruto.
4 Itachi
Jonin
Itachi is arguably the most advanced ninja the Hidden Leaf Village has ever seen. Itachi was a child prodigy and graduated from the Ninja Academy when he was just 7 years old, after being enrolled for less than a year. Itachi continued to showcase his academic prowess by passing the Chunin Exams at 10 years old and becoming the youngest member to join the elite Anbu Black Ops.
Itachi's brilliance isn't limited to academia, however, his natural aptitude for combat is illustrated through his mastery of the Sharingan and its many uses. His genjutusu is unprecedented and his clever tactics consistently secures his victory in multiple battles. Itachi's genius-level intellect allows him to infiltrate the Akatsuki and work as a double agent for the Hidden Leaf Village. His noble and tragic sacrifice ensures peace for his home village.
3 Danzo
Root Leader & Sixth Hokage Candidate
Danzo's nefarious deeds makes him the most calculated villain in anime history. Danzo works tirelessly behind the scenes to facilitate his own rise to power. Though he commits unspeakable crimes to complete his plans, he truly believes it's for the good of his village. While Danzo's actions are inexcusable, they are undoubtedly brilliant.
Danzo manages to obtain 10 Sharingan, regulate the Uchiha massacre, found the Anbu Black Ops, dismantle the original Akatsuki, and nearly become the Sixth Hokage. Danzo's schemes lead to several murders, assassination attempts, and establishes villains like Pain. His dubious, manipulative ploys result in immense suffering, but they are nothing short of brilliant.
2 Orochimaru
Legendary Sanin & Snake Sage
Like his fellow Sanin, Orochimaru becomes a formidable force under the Third Hokage's tutelage. Orochimaru ultimately defects from the Hidden Leaf Village and demonstrates his proficiency with multiple Jutsu on his vile quest to become immortal. Orochimaru experiments on several people, including children, to test out the curse seal he develops in an attempt to create the perfect vessel.
His despicable actions allow him to conduct innumerable inhumane experiments which result in his vast knowledge regarding Jutsu and DNA. His intellect coupled with his manipulative nature, help him establish the Sound Village, mastermind a vicious attack on Konoha with the Sand Village's help, utilize Edo Tensei to resurrect the first and second Hokage, and master Snake Sage mode.
1 Madara
Co-Founder of Konohagakure & Leader Of Uchiha Clan
Madara Uchiha is one of the most frighteningly powerful shinobi in Naruto. Madara co-founded The Hidden Leaf Village alongside Hashirama Senju, but their differing ideals lead to an epic battle that seemingly leaves Madara dead. However, Madara cleverly fakes his own death and uses Hashirama's cells to heal his body and sustain his life. After meeting and grooming Obito Uchiha, Madara ensures that the impressionable young man will see his plans through after his death.
Madara's resourcefulness and intellect secures his resurrection through careful planning and impressive foresight. While his legendary Susanoo, mastery of the Rinnegan, control of Black Zetsu, and transformation into the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki are examples of his limitless strength, they also confirm his brilliance as his accomplishments and mastery of complex Jutsu require acuity.