Naruto: 6 Strongest Iwagakure Shinobi, Ranked

Konoha may have given Naruto the Uchiha and Senju clans but it’s not the only village that can produce powerful shinobi. Even though not as plenty, the other villages house a number of mighty warriors that can rival even Konoha's greatest ninjas. Naturally, each one has a distinctive fighting style that distinguishes them from the others.

The Hidden Stone Village, known as Iwagakure, has long stood as one of the most formidable military powers in the shinobi world. Situated in the Land of Earth, Iwagakure ninjas are unsurprisingly experts at utilizing Earth Release. Their battle philosophy revolves around it, as well. Instead of focusing on speed or stealth, Iwa shinobi put great effort in increasing their endurance, raw power, and indomitable will.

Kurotsuchi, the Fourth Tsuchikage

The granddaughter of Onoki, Kurotsuchi eventually ascended to the position of Tsuchikage, proving she had surpassed her peers. While she didn't inherit the Particle Style, she mastered the Lava Release Kekkei Genkai. She further specialized in the quicklime variant of the Lava Release, allowing her to seal enemies in caustic, hardening cement.

However, Kurotsuchi is more than just her Lava Release. She is a versatile shinobi proficient in Water, Fire, and Earth Releases. She uses her Earth Release to create a defensive dome strong enough to carry several tons of weight. In Boruto, she lived up to her title. She was able to hold her ground against Otsutsuki-level threats by fighting alongside the Sixth Mizukage.

Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki

Roshi is a stubborn shinobi who left Iwagakure to better understand the power of the Four-Tails, Son Goku. Even without Son Goku, Roshi is a formidable shinobi. He has mastered Lava Release, primarily using techniques related to molten lava. He can spew multiple molten rocks, as well as create armor made out of it. This armor also boosts his taijutsu skills, allowing him to burn his enemies even as they defend against his attacks.

As a Jinchuriki, it's unknown as to what level he can control the Four-Tails. However, he could unleash Son Goku and execute a Tailed Beast Ball. He was strong enough for Kisame to go all out in his attempt to capture him. Even Samehada, Kisame's sword, had a bad experience during the fight.

Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki

Like the other shinobi villages apart from Konoha, the Iwagakure received two Tailed Beasts to develop trust and ensure power balance between the villages. Iwagakure's second Tailed Beast is Kokuo, the Five-Tails. It's been sealed inside Han, a shinobi who made a name for himself during the Third Great Shinobi War.

Although Iwagakure is known for its Earth Release, Han is proficient with Steam Release. It's also the reason behind his renown. However, Han's Steam Release only acts as a support to his taijutsu. He uses it to magnify his physical strength and deliver devastating blows to his enemies. During the Fourth Great Shinobi War, this same technique allowed Han to send Naruto in his Nine-Tails Chakra Mode flying.

Deidara, the Terrorist Bomber

Deidara left the Iwagakure in pursuit of greater arts. He was eventually forced to join the Akatsuki after being beaten by Itachi, where he served as the organization's youngest member. He was initially partnered with Sasori until the puppeteer was defeated by Granny Chiyo.

Deidara is an expert in Explosion Release, specializing in the utility of explosive clay. He turns this clay into various shapes, which he would then remotely detonate to dispose of his targets. His ultimate technique, which he also dubs as his greatest creation, is turning himself into a massive bomb. But even before resorting to that, he was strong enough to single-handedly defeat the young Gaara, as well as fight the young Sasuke on equal grounds.

Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage

Onoki may have been at the end of his career as a Tsuchikage during the Fourth Great Shinobi War, but he was still a force to be reckoned with then. It can even be argued that he carried the entire Kage team at certain points. Naturally, he was heaps stronger during his prime.

He is one of the only two people to ever master Dust Release, a Kekkei Tota created by using Fire, Earth, and Wind Releases simultaneously. Onoki's Dust Release can pulverize his targets to dust. However, it isn't limited to a small target. He can use it to easily destroy an entire island or raze an entire forest. Unfortunately, old age did get to him, giving him a horrible back problem that limited his movements and fighting prowess.

Mu, the Second Tsuchikage

The only Iwagakure shinobi that can be considered stronger than Onoki is his predecessor and master, the Second Tsuchikage. Mu taught Onoki the Dust Release and has better command over it. Furthermore, Mu is more than just the Dust Release.

Mu has the epithet "Null-Man" as he has the ability to hide both his physical body and chakra signature. He can also use Earth Release to make his body light enough for flight. However, his most formidable technique as a stealthy warrior is his ability to split himself into two equal duplicates. While each duplicate only carries half his power, this makes him really difficult to kill.