The franchise is by far one of the most popular anime franchises of the modern era. It features many interesting characters with compelling and defining traits. The anime clearly explains that one of the most important skills to being a successful ninja is intelligence. Moreover, it highlights several genius ninjas, who are a cut above the rest. Exemplary ninjas, like the Hidden Leaf Village's Itachi Uchiha, are so gifted that not even the most argumentative fan can disagree with their renown. Many of these amazing shinobi regularly prove themselves to be the absolute pinnacle of ninja brilliance or beyond.

While nearly every member of Naruto's diverse cast has truly impressive feats, superior intelligence seems to be a rare trait. For this reason, every instance of hyper-intelligence stands out and is a reminder of what the series is meant to be. Although strategy is used less and less throughout the franchise as it progresses, strategists like Shikamaru are crucial for winning the Fourth Great Shinobi War. Moreover, nearly every hyper-intelligent ninja has some hand in ending the brutal battle. Overall, there are five Naruto characters that almost all fans can agree are the pinnacle of genius.