Why was the First Hokage so strong in Naruto? Hashirama Senju's power, explained

Modified Nov 05, 2024 15:30 GMT

Why was the First Hokage so strong in Naruto? Hashirama Senju's power, explained (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Why was the First Hokage so strong in Naruto? This is a question the fandom still asks to this day because the entry of Shinjutsu had clouded the fandom's perception of how great the old shinobi of the world was. While Hashirama didn't possess any godly chakra or trait, he grew up in an era of war and kept nurturing his abilities.

Being titled the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju was one of the strongest shinobi due to his ability to manipulate all chakra natures, his proficient use of Sage Mode, and many others in which he excelled over the majority of characters. Mainly known for his Wood Release chakra manipulation, the First Hokage built his name through his acts in the history of the Hidden Leaf Village.

Hashirama's powers and abilities in Naruto

Hashirama Senju as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Hashirama Senju was the First leader, Hokage, of the Hidden Leaf Village and the man named the strongest shinobi of his era in Naruto. He was considered superior by his friend and one of the strongest Uchiha clan members, Madara Uchiha, during their time together. While their battles lasted, Madara was never able to outclass Hashirama once.

As a member of the Senju clan and the incarnate of Asura Otsutsuki, Hashirama had powers that might seem mythical in the current age of shinobi. Having an immense chakra reserve and proficiency in all basic nature releases (five), Hashirama Senju was a shinobi who knew everything.

Hashirama's True Several Thousand Hands jutsu (Image via Studio Pierrot)

He was also proficient in medical ninjutsu, sealing ninjutsu, and everything else that comes to mind. However, his magnum opus on the battlefield was his unique Wood Release chakra, which combined water and earth nature. He was renowned for it because no other shinobi possessed this chakra release other than Yamato, who was created through Hashirama's cells.

Out of the jutsu technique of his Wood Release, his most destructive one was titled True Several Thousand Hands. This jutsu combines Hashirama's Wood Release with his other frequently used technique, the Sage Mode chakra. This grand technique could withstand Madara at his strongest, which should be enough proof of Hashirama's potential as a legendary shinobi.

How Hashirama was a product of his time

Hashirama meeting Madara for the first time (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Born during the Warring States Period of the shinobi history in Naruto, known for its frequent wars, Hashirama was a boy who grew up witnessing the death of his comrades, including his blood-related brothers. However, during such hard times, he met Madara Uchiha, who belonged to the rival side of the war.

However, as Madara decided to keep his family name a secret, these two bond well. Unfortunately, the war took its toll, and Madara's comrades were killed by the Senju clan, leading to Madara going against Hashirama. The dream these two shared in the past, of creating a peaceful era, was about to fumble, with Madara giving up on everything.

Hashirama about to sacrifice himself for peace (Image via Studio Pierrot)

However, Hashirama, who had learned the value of sacrifice over time, decided to risk his life so that Madara could come to his side. As he was about to kill himself, Madara stopped him because Hashirama's resolve could be seen through his face.

This was an indicator that Hashirama was a product of his time, such that his character became what he was because he spent time in war. He learned the hard way that peace was only possible if one side was willing to sacrifice, or the cycle of hatred would continue. This could be what made Hashirama Senju special and different from other Hokage.

Final thoughts

The question of why the First Hokage was so strong in Naruto might have been obvious before the fandom because he was the strongest in his era. However, what made him stand above the others was his thinking that as long as a man has an aim (which for him was to achieve peace), he is willing to sacrifice anything, and sacrificing one's own life in exchange for peace might be a small price to pay.

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Edited by Shreya Das