10 best anime characters like Tobirama Senju from Naruto

Tobirama Senju is one of the most popular characters in the hit anime series Naruto. As the Second Hokage of Konohagakure, Tobirama Senju is known for his extreme intelligence, battle prowess, and no-nonsense attitude.

His Flying Thunder God technique makes Tobirama arguably one of the quickest characters in the entire Naruto universe. If you love Tobirama’s calculating nature and ruthless fighting style, many other anime characters share similar traits and personalities.

Here are 10 of the best anime characters like Tobirama Senju from Naruto.

Kisuke Urahara, Shikamaru Nara, and 8 anime characters like Tobirama Senju

1. Kisuke Urahara from Bleach

With his sharp wit and strategic mind, Kisuke Urahara from Bleach appears cut from the same cloth as Tobirama Senju. As the founder and former captain of Squad 12 and head of the Department of Research and Development in the Soul Society, Urahara is a scientific genius who values pragmatism and efficiency.

Like Tobirama, Urahara can be quite cunning and ruthless when needed. He always seems to have a calculated plan up his sleeve and is willing to make hard sacrifices for the greater good. But underneath his devious exterior lies a kind heart that cares deeply for his friends and allies.

2. Shikamaru Nara from Naruto

Hailing from Tobirama Senju’s home village of Konohagakure, Shikamaru Nara is one of the characters most similar to the Second Hokage in Naruto. As a member of the Nara clan, Shikamaru possesses a brilliant strategic mind and serves as an advisor for the Seventh Hokage.

Shikamaru has the same analytical abilities and lone-wolf attitude as Tobirama. He prefers playing shōgi and cloudwatching instead of socializing with his peers. But when it comes to protecting his comrades, Shikamaru transforms into a courageous and loyal friend who is willing to risk his life.

3. Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan

Levi Ackerman (Image via Wit Studio/MAPPA)

The cold-hearted and ruthless captain of the Survey Corps, Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan shares much in common with Tobirama Senju personality-wise. Levi rarely shows emotion and always maintains a serious, business-like manner - prioritizing logic and strategy over relationships.

In battle, Levi moves with lightning-quick speed and grace that aligns with Tobirama’s title as the fastest shinobi of his time. As two of the most capable soldiers in their worlds, both Levi and Tobirama inspire immense respect and loyalty from their subordinates.

4. Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

The ambitious Colonel Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is another excellent match for Tobirama Senju. With his incisive intellect and prodigious mastery of fire-based alchemy, Mustang steadily ascends in military rank with the eventual goal of becoming Führer at the top.

Mustang’s most Tobirama-esque quality is his stern leadership style that masks his underlying compassion. He pushes his subordinates hard but also demonstrates genuine care by ensuring their safety and growth.

When faced with a difficult situation, Mustang displays the same unwavering resolve and strategic brilliance as the Second Hokage.

5. Sōsuke Aizen from Bleach

The primary antagonist for much of Bleach, Sōsuke Aizen makes complex plans, showcasing a level of strategic foresight. As the former captain of Squad 5 in the Gotei 13, Aizen manipulates every one around him for over a century to increase his power.

Like Tobirama Senju, Aizen values intelligence gathering and cares little for personal relationships. He always speaks in a cold, calculating tone even when carrying out evil plans.

By combining his genius-level IQ with new forbidden abilities, Aizen nearly succeeds in becoming an immortal god— not unlike Tobirama’s advanced scientific ninjutsu research.

6. Kakashi Hatake from Naruto

Back in the Naruto universe, Kakashi Hatake demonstrates the same battlefield instincts and analytical fighting style that defines Tobirama’s approach. The two shinobi also share a deep commitment to the Will of Fire philosophy passed down through Konohagakure.

As a prodigy who joined the ANBU Black Ops at 13 and later became a captain, Kakashi values completing missions efficiently over personal glory. While not quite the inventor on Tobirama’s level, Kakashi does utilize his masterful intellect to copy over 1000 unique jutsu with his Sharingan eye.

Overall, Kakashi’s calm demeanor under pressure and strategic ninja talents mirror those of the Second Hokage.

7. Lelouch vi Britannia from Code Geass

Lelouch vi Britannia (Image via Sunrise)

The protagonist of Code Geass, Lelouch vi Britannia is a masterful strategist who leads a rebellion against the Holy Britannian Empire with chilling and ruthless efficiency. Lelouch shares not only Tobirama’s genius-level intellect, but also his willingness to make difficult, ends-justify-the-means decisions.

With his Geass power to force obedience, Lelouch maneuvers soldiers like pieces on a chessboard - much like how Tobirama Senju outsmarts foes with his Flying Thunder God Teleportation Jutsu. As two master strategists motivated by ideology over emotions, Lelouch and Tobirama are cut from the same cerebral cloth.

8. Light Yagami from Death Note

Light Yagami, the protagonist/antagonist of Death Note, resembles Tobirama Senju in both personality and intellect. With a genius yet ruthless commitment to reshape the world, Light conducts his brutal brand of vigilante justice through the power of the Death Note with cold, machine-like precision.

Light has a similarly cold and calculating demeanor as Tobirama when it comes to removing threats by any means necessary. As he becomes more consumed by his god complex, he increasingly isolates himself and manipulates those around him, focusing solely on the intellectual challenge of playing god.

However, Light’s hubris and extreme methods, combined with the relentless efforts of L, Near, and the Japanese Task Force, ultimately contribute to his undoing.

9. Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen

The most powerful Jujutsu sorcerer in Jujutsu Kaisen, Satoru Gojo boasts incredible battle instincts reminiscent of Tobirama Senju. As a once-in-a-generation prodigy, Gojo utilizes his mastery over Cursed Energy and a unique set of skills to defeat countless powerful Curses with cold precision.

Despite his laid-back attitude, Gojo demonstrates the same ruthless commitment to destroying threats as Tobirama. He cares deeply for his students, but won’t hesitate to kill enemies or make difficult tactical decisions.

With his blindingly speed Limitless technique, Gojo mirrors Tobirama’s swift and deadly approach on the battlefield.

10. Erwin Smith from Attack on Titan

Erwin Smith (Image via Wit Studio/MAPPA)

The 13th commander of the Survey Corps in Attack on Titan, Erwin Smith demonstrates the same unwavering leadership abilities and strategic genius as Tobirama Senju. A cunning tactician and fearless soldier, Erwin makes difficult, calculating decisions that place the Survey Corps’ goals above feelings or morality.

Like Tobirama Senju serving the position of Second Hokage, Erwin utilizes his remarkable intellect, speech-giving skills, and personal charisma to command unwavering loyalty from his troops.

Both leaders demonstrate self-sacrifice, with Erwin creating a diversion against the Beast Titan and Tobirama acting as a decoy in battle to protect his comrades.

Conclusion

With his calculating personality, battle prowess, and commitment to leadership, Tobirama Senju stands out as one of the most memorable characters in the Naruto series universe. These 10 anime characters reflect different aspects of the Second Hokage's multidimensional nature— from his ruthless cunning to courageous loyalty.

If you love the scientific ninja master Tobirama and want another excellent strategic genius character, be sure to check out Kisuke Urahara, Shikamaru Nara, Levi Ackerman, or one of the other brilliant anime figures on this list! They are all exceptional matches, showcasing the best Tobirama-esque qualities.