Naruto fans continue to debate and compare the strengths of various characters, often focusing on legendary figures like Madara, Hashirama, Naruto, Sasuke, Itachi, and Minato. However, it’s important to remember that all of these characters hail from the Hidden Leaf Village.
There’s another legendary character that tends to be overlooked despite his remarkable abilities, and that’s the Third Tsuchikage of the Hidden Rock Village, Onoki. He was even feared by Madara Uchiha, who was considered the most powerful antagonist of the Naruto series, in his prime.
Onoki’s Fear-Inducing Feat Against Madara Uchiha
Madara Uchiha was afraid of Onoki because Onoki was a very experienced and skilled shinobi. This fear was clear when they met during the Fourth Great Ninja War, and Madara considered Onoki to be the only Kage he saw as a threat.
Onoki was the Third Tsuchikage of the Hidden Rock Village and held this position for over five decades, which is longer than the First and Second Tsuchikages. He became Tsuchikage in his twenties, before the Third Shinobi World War and his reign ended just before the events of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
Onoki had witnessed all Four Great Ninja Wars and had even encountered Madara Uchiha before the War, leading to a conflict between them. As a result, Onoki was the last surviving Kage who had fought Madara when he was alive.
Onoki’s Heroic Rescue from Madara’s Attack in the Fourth Great Ninja War
Despite his country’s past struggles, Onoki initially wanted to betray other nations during the Fourth Great Ninja War but later changed to protect everyone. He saved many Shinobi by stopping meteors summoned by Madara.
He had a unique ability called Dust Release, a combination of Earth, Fire, and Wind Chakra styles. Only he and Mu could use it. Onoki could also use Lightning and Yang Chakra releases and combine Earth and Fire to use Lava Releases.
With his experience and abilities, Onoki was one of the few non-Leaf Village Shinobi who could possibly challenge Madara. However, the outcome might still favor Madara, similar to his near defeat by Might Guy.