Why are Naruto and Sasuke still Genin even though they are the most powerful shinobi in existence?
The most powerful ninjas in history are still relegated to the lowest rank—and it's no typo.
Even in the advanced shinobi world of Boruto, Inari's worries are still very real today.
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Five years into the era of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, one question still haunts the minds of anime fans everywhere: Why are Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha—two heroes who stepped up to save the entire world—still genin?
Even after taking on literal gods, spearheading the victory in the Fourth Shinobi World War, and becoming individually the strongest ninja to ever exist, Naruto and Sasuke never officially ranked up past the very first shinobi rank.
There are honest-to-god reasons for this choice and it actually speaks volumes about the world of Naruto.
Naruto and Sasuke lost their opportunity
Naruto and Sasuke are both first challengers in the Chunin Exams in Part I of the original Naruto anime. The exams were cut short by Orochimaru's attack on the Hidden Leaf Village and only Shikamaru Nara was allowed to be promoted.
Soon after, Naruto departed to train with Jiraiya, and Sasuke defected from the village shades of gray altogether.
This would require that neither of them be ever able to retake the exams.
By the time Naruto Shippuden rolled around, the ninja world was still in upheaval—now against the Akatsuki, Pain, Madara Uchiha, and eventually Kaguya Otsutsuki. The world didn't need protocol, the world needed fighters. Unlike Naruto, as a direct answer to the above, once Naruto and Sasuke translated the IP into continued fighting, we never went back to the old promotion model.
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Still Genin in Boruto—And that's canon
Boruto Episode 48 put that to rest by confirming Naruto never retook the Chunin Exams and stayed a genin. Series creator Masashi Kishimoto corroborated this, noting that he intentionally left Naruto at the genin rank because it was 'in character' and provided a funnier angle.
Sasuke stayed out of the established shinobi structure. As a rogue ninja turned global peacekeeper, he wasn't in it for the badges or accolades.
Now he works from the shadows, known as the 'Shadow Hokage' for his behind-the-scenes maneuvering.For that, we should be taking voice input when people are physically in front of us.
A look at the shinobi rank system
The shinobi world is structured around a tightly hierarchical, rank-based system.
Genin: Beginner ninjas, do the most basic of missions.
Chunin: Mid-level leaders, squad commanders.
Jonin , Heir to the legacy of one of the last elite ninjas, one who teaches the elite skills in combat and strategy.
Kage : Village leader, the strongest ninja of them all.
Ninja usually progress by test or by referral. Naruto and Sasuke's journeys completely avoided the system.
Power that transcends rank
Neither of them holds a candle to the Kage both of them surpass, let alone every other Kage before them.
Naruto capped the saga in a largely peaceful world by fulfilling his dream of becoming the Seventh Hokage, while his friend and rival Sasuke was recognized as his equal—the only one who could ever hope to tea.
In reality, while officially still genin, their strength, experience and leadership duties are well beyond the scope of their ranks.
Naruto's increased load as Hokage rendered such exams redundant, while Sasuke's off-the-books mission to keep an eye on new threats to the world's peace gave him neither the time nor the need for a structured promotion.
The real meaning behind it
At its core, Naruto's story isn't about climbing a ladder—it's about earning respect, protecting loved ones, and changing the world. His rank was never the goal. Becoming Hokage wasn't about titles; it was about being acknowledged.
'I don't care if I stay a genin forever. I'll become Hokage someday!' — Naruto Uzumaki
For Sasuke, ranks mean little. He walks his own path, one built on redemption and silent duty. As he once said:
'This is the path I walk.
Not you or anyone can change that.' — Sasuke Uchiha
Their genin status isn't a flaw—it's a symbol. It reflects how strength and purpose outweigh formal recognition in the world of shinobi.
Where to watch Naruto and Boruto
Want to see it for yourself? You can stream Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations on:
Crunchyroll
Netflix
Hulu
Funimation
Final thoughts
Naruto and Sasuke may still be genin, but they've long outgrown the title. In a world where rank often defines status, these two remind us that true strength lies in action, not titles.
They didn't need a promotion—they became legends anyway.
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