Naruto is considered to be the best ninja anime of all time with notably strong characters. However, there are plenty of other ninja anime series out there with characters who could take on Naruto Uzumaki himself.
How would these characters stack up against Naruto if everything was on the line? This article includes notable ninja anime characters from Basilisk, Soul Eater, One-Punch Man, and plenty more. In a battle to the end, who would remain as the victor?
10 Could Beat: Black Star
Black Star is a cocky ninja assassin from the anime series Soul Eater. He is very proficient when it comes to hand-to-hand combat. He's a powerful shadow weapon meister, meaning that he's highly skilled with all sorts of Japanese weaponry — a chain scythe, katana, smoke bomb, shurikens, etc.
Black Star would defeat Naruto if it were a battle that forbid the use of their special abilities. However, all cards on the table, Naruto's Six Paths Sage Mode would overpower Black Star's Madness mode. This wouldn't have been the case for pre-Shippuden Naruto, however.
9 Would Lose To: Flashy Flash
Flashy Flash is the fastest ninja in One-Punch Man. Although Naruto's speed has spurred an unending series of debates among fans, there is no ambiguity about how fast Flashy Flash can move. Fans have only had conclusive proof of Naruto's speed after he dodged Madara's Sage Art Light Fang, a light-speed attack.
However, there's a strong chance that that reaction could be nothing more than an outlier. With speed to his advantage, Flashy Flash could end the battle before Naruto could enter the Six Paths Sage Mode.
8 Could Beat: Recca Hanabishi
From the anime Flame of Recca, this ninja has the power to — you guessed it — create fire. Fans of Naruto ought to know that before Naruto and his 9-Tailed Fox, there was Recca with his Eight Flame Dragons. Recca is very capable when it comes to hand-to-hand combat, owing to his agility and sharp reflexes. He has the ability to summon multiple dragons at a time, each possessing a spirit of the past 8 Hokage.
So, it all comes down to Naruto's 9-Tails vs the Eight Flame Dragons. Pre-Shippuden Naruto would have been bested by Recca because the latter can control the Dragons whereas Naruto wasn't even close to controlling his Nine-Tailed Fox. Post-Shippuden Naruto, however, has evolved considerably; both in terms of hand-to-hand combat and special abilities. Recca wouldn't stand a chance.
7 Would Lose To: Souei
Souei is an ogre from the anime That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime who possesses exceptional powers and abilities. His reaction speed is classified as Massively FTL+, which means he can react as fast as 10 times the speed of light. So, Souei will easily be able to counter any moves that Naruto might have up his sleeve.
Souei's 'One Hit Kill' attacks the target's soul instead of the physical body. Consequently, it's difficult to determine how Naruto would counteract, especially since Souei also has superior intellect and agility.
6 Could Beat: Sonic
Speed O' Sound Sonic, or Sonic for short, is another Ninja from One-Punch Man. He is a recurring villain — an anti-hero on some occasions — and is a mater of ninjutsu.
Even though Flashy Flash might have had the upper hand owing to his speed, it's not the same case for Sonic. Naruto has pretty much every advantage over Sonic — durability, strength, and speed as well. It would not even be a close match.
5 Would Lose To: Kaguya
This one's fairly obvious as it is evident in the Naruto series that Kaguya is never defeated, rather just sealed off. Naruto did not even face Kaguya one-on-one, it was a collective effort from Team 7.
Kaguya is the original wielder of chakra and thus, her power is far superior to any character in the series. Even with Naruto's Six Paths Sage Mode and the 9-Tailed Beast, he doesn't stand a chance against Kaguya.
4 Could Beat: Boruto
Boruto could be considered comparable to pre-Shippuden Naruto. However, the current Naruto would kick his ass. Boruto is not nearly as evolved as the present Naruto, as he still has a lot of battles to fight before his experience can parallel his father's.
Even their respective chakra levels can't be compared. Although Boruto did inherit large reserves from his father, Naruto has much greater chakra owing to his earning the Six Paths Sage Mode as well as being a jinchuriki. One thing's for certain though, Base Boruto vs Base Naruto would be anyone's game.
3 Would Lose To: Kouga Gennosuke
Kouga Gennosuke is a powerful ninja from Basilisk. He is the leader of the Kouga clan with enhanced senses and exceptional swordsman skills. However, none of those can square against Naruto's capabilities. However, Gennosuke's advanced Dojutsu might just get him the win. It is a hypnosis technique where he is able to reverse anyone's ill-intent towards him.
With this little trick up his sleeve, Gennosuke could very well convince Naruto to take his own life. And there is no fighting it once it's in the works. The best part is that Kouga Gennosuke doesn't even have to make eye-contact for the technique to work.
2 Could Beat: Jubei Kibagami
Ninja Scroll's Jubei is a master swordsman who is capable of fighting with unnatural foes despite his obvious lack of supernatural abilities. He is able to make up for it owing to his quick wit and unwavering strength. His Wind Slash Technique is the only one that could be considered close to Naruto's level.
It involves the use of Jubei's blade to cut the air, creating a vacuum. Anyone struck by this blow is certain to die instantly. In comparison, Naruto has far too many techniques and superior agility that wouldn't even give Jubei the chance to touch the young ninja with his sword, let alone cause him substantial physical harm.
1 Would Lose To: Hagoromo Otsutsuki
Hagoromo Otsutsuki is a powerful legend in the series. Aside from being the Sage of Six Paths, he is also the jinchuriki of the 10-Tailed Beast. He is the one who bestowed Naruto with his current power.
On top of everything, Hagoromo also possesses the rinnegan. Naruto could not even compare to Hagomoro's power. In fact, the only character in the series who could ever defeat him would be his mother, Kaguya.