Why Is Kakashi So Much Weaker Than His Dad, Sakumo?

In the world of Naruto, character strength is often a subject of much debate among fans. One of the most common discussions revolves around the comparison between Kakashi and his father, Sakumo Hatake. Many argue that Sakumo was stronger than the Sannin, while others claim that Kakashi surpassed his father's strength. Let's delve into this topic and explore the reasons behind these differing views.

Accomplishments and Reputation: Sakumo vs. Sannin

During Sakumo's lifetime, his reputation and skills were undoubtedly impressive. However, it's crucial to understand that his strength is often conflated with his status and reputation rather than his actual combat prowess. Sakumo earned a reputation on par with the Sannin, but it's important to separate reputation from actual strength.

The Sannin, MMTN (sometimes known collectively as the Three Hidden Shinobi) have received recognition from Hanzo, and were highly skilled, even by the early days of the series. However, they were not nearly as powerful as they would be by the time of the anime and manga series' inception. By the time Kakashi and other characters in the Naruto series are introduced, the Sannin have gained even more power and experience, making direct comparisons challenging.

Scaling Sakumo to Kakashi

When comparing Sakumo to Kakashi, it's essential to consider the progression of their characters. Sakumo's era is often painted in a more legend-like context. It's more realistic to view Sakumo as a character that could be compared to early Shippuden Kakashi. This scaling helps to provide a more nuanced understanding of their relative strengths.

By the time Kakashi becomes a Hokage himself, he has surpassed Sakumo in terms of both strength and experience. The evolution of Kakashi from a mid-level Jounin to the Hokage showcases his remarkable growth and the factors that contribute to his strength, such as strategic knowledge, experience, and the application of this knowledge in high-stakes situations.

Conclusion: Beyond Numbers and Strength

The debate about whether Kakashi is stronger than his father, Sakumo, highlights the complexity of character analysis in any story. Strength and power are not just numerical or physical attributes but often encompass strategic intelligence, experience, and leadership skills. Both characters have unique strengths and contributions to the storyline, making direct comparisons a matter of personal interpretation.

While Sakumo earned a respected reputation, scaling him to early Shippuden Kakashi provides a more accurate representation of their relative strengths. By the end of the series, Kakashi's journey to become the Fifth Hokage demonstrates his transformation from a young Jounin to a formidable and wise leader, surpassing his father's legacy not just in strength but also in profoundly influencing the world of Naruto.