Fans of the Naruto franchise know that becoming the Hokage of a village isn’t just an honor bestowed on local heroes; it’s a tough position for a ninja to be placed in. The Hokages of Konohagakure in particular have received plenty of spotlight in the franchise thanks to the position’s connection to the title character. A Hokage has to be someone most of the locals’ respect, someone who has mastered many ninja skills, and someone who can be trusted to put the needs of the village before all else. They also have to be willing to make the tough calls and play in the slippery political arena of the shinobi world.
If the world of Naruto intersected with the world of Power Rangers, there would be no shortage of heroic fighters who could defend a village from outside threats. Plenty of the young Power Rangers could grow into leaders who could handle the role of Hokage. There are just as many, however, who wouldn’t be suited to the part.
10 Would: Kimberly (Mighty Morphin)
When Mighty Morphin Power Rangers begins, Kimberly seems like the least likely Ranger to take on a leadership role. The original Pink Ranger is afraid of the fight and not happy with the prospect of getting helmet hair.
Kimberly, however, repeatedly proves herself capable of staying cool under pressure and able to make mature decisions. Not only does she prove she can lead her own team when she accidentally time travels 200 years in the past, but she also becomes a team leader in the comics published by Boom Studios. She manages to fuse her own gymnastic abilities to the numerous skills she picks up as a Ranger and quickly learns how to use her weapons and her zords. Kimberly even chooses a replacement for her spot when she moves on from the team that she knows can handle the same pressure she feels.
9 Would Not: Ziggy (RPM)
Mostly employed as comic relief in Power Rangers RPM, Ziggy actually has a lot in common with a young Naruto. He cares deeply about the people in Corinth, but he doesn’t always show it. Ziggy wants to do the right thing, but he doesn’t develop the same maturity that Naruto does on his journey.
Where Ziggy excels is as a team player. He’s great at defending the city, at helping young kids, and at providing support (even for the teammates who find themselves annoyed with him). Ziggy isn’t the best at making the big decisions though, which is why other Rangers would make much better Hokages than he would.
8 Would: TJ (Turbo/In Space)
TJ is no stranger to stepping into the shoes of a great leader. He took over the role of Red Ranger after Tommy Oliver stepped down from leading three Ranger teams. TJ understands the importance of respecting the legacy of a position, but also in leading in your own way. He would follow respectfully in the footsteps of the Hokages that came before him.
Not only that, but TJ also understands that sometimes his leadership style isn’t right for the part. That’s why he relinquished his time as Red Ranger in Power Rangers In Space, one of the best Rangers seasons, to Andros. TJ wouldn’t try to hold onto the power of the Hokage position, but would make sure the person who could do the most good held it.
7 Would Not: Jake (Megaforce)
The Megaforce seasons of the franchise were very ambitious. With a new team of heroes who could call on the power of all the Rangers before them – and a massive team up – there was a lot for fans to look forward to. Unfortunately, many members of what should have been an iconic team didn’t quite live up to the legacy.
Jake is one of those characters. He’s always a bit too impulsive, seemingly thinking he can handle just about anything, when the other Rangers are definitely better suited to different tasks. It takes him a long time to learn his lesson, and he would need to be more open to the advice of the team around him as a Hokage.
6 Would: Tanya (Zeo/Turbo)
Tanya appeared in two of the Zordon Era seasons of the show, and she’s one of the most capable of Power Rangers ever. She often gets overlooked, which is a shame because no one gets things done like Tanya.
Not only does she step into the role of being a Power Ranger without knowing anything about them when she’s asked, but she also manages to track down her missing parents – who have been missing for most of her childhood. She steps up every time another Ranger can’t, and she throws herself into life in her new hometown. Tanya participates in neighborhood clean-ups, joins athletic teams, and even writes music. She would be the kind of Hokage who made sure that the community didn’t have only the shinobi, but a thriving social center.
5 Would Not: Madison (Mystic Force)
Madison is a fierce fighter and a great wielder of magic once she works on her confidence in Power Rangers Mystic Force. Unfortunately, that’s not enough for a Hokage.
Madison is incredibly timid. The character she’s most like in the Naruto franchise is actually Hinata. While she’s comfortable around her sister, she’s not comfortable around other people in general. She would have to be able to negotiate in heated political settings as Hokage, something Madison likely wouldn’t feel comfortable doing.
4 Would: Tommy (Mighty Morphin/Zeo/Turbo/Dino Thunder)
The original Green Ranger is the most recognizable Power Ranger in franchise history. Tommy Oliver has been a team leader on four different teams and helped out many more. While his leadership and fighting skills would certainly make him a prospective Hokage, it’s his mentoring abilities that would clinch him for the role.
There’s one thing that the Hokages have in common throughout the franchise: their desire to pass on their skills to the next generation. Every Hokage has led a shinobi team or mentored younger students. Tommy Oliver started teaching younger kids when he was in high school. He’d be a perfect fit.
3 Would Not: RJ (Jungle Fury)
RJ also happens to be a great teacher. He’s great at getting the other Power Rangers to get in touch with their animal spirits. He, however, is also incredibly laid back.
His laid-back nature means that he might take his time when situations require urgency. It also means that advisors might not always take him seriously in the role. RJ would be better suited to a place in the shinobi academy where he can help mold young minds without the leadership pressure.
2 Would: Jen (Time Force)
Jen knows something about being thrust into a leadership role. She takes over her team when their team leader is presumed dead and they end up stuck in the past.
Jen knows how to prioritize. She works hard to keep the timeline intact, but also to save the day. Jen definitely has her moments where she takes out her own insecurities on her team, but she learns quickly and adapts to their strange situation. That ability to adapt, and to continue to strive to be a hero means she’d be able to think on her feet in surprising situations as Hokage.
1 Would Not: Rocky (Mighty Morphin/Zeo)
When the changing of the guard occurs in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Rocky steps into the role of the new Red Ranger. He doesn’t, however, ever act as the team leader. Instead, he plays a supporting role that’s fueled by his desire to prove himself.
That desire leads to a lot of bad decision-making on Rocky’s part that gets him in over his head and often bailed out by his teammates. He’s never the person to step up and make decisions for the team, something a Hokage would have to do.
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