Itachi, Hiruzen, Minato, Orochimaru, Shikaku

[MickNerks]

Itachi Uchiha - I believe he is smart in all aspects. He is a true genius both on the spot in critical situations and also in long term situations. He is also a good tactical thinker.

Hiruzen Sarutobi - He in my opinion is an on the spot thinker, but in battles only and a good tactical. His fatal flaw is love sadly and this clouded his judgement with orochimaru. He is a revolutionist however and governed the leaf well both as a vice to minato as he fought the nine tail and as a leader himself before and after minato's reign.

Minato Namikaze - Minato is the best of all these men in on the spot thinking. He was very tactical and a truly genius shinobi. He protected the village, his wife to an extent and his child from an unexpected catastrophe that would possibly couldn't have been better handled. I don't think many else could have equaled his effort on that night. He also has an eye for danger and thinks well in general.

Shikaku Nara - Shikaku did an exceptional job leading the shinobi allied forces up until his death but in my opinion we didn't get enough of him to deem the true length and breath of his mental capacity, sadly.

Lord Orochimaru - Orochimaru is smart as hell. He even expected sasuke to rebel and prepared but sadly sasuke escaped his transferal jutsu. He has perfected the art of completely twisting peoples mind and he knows human nature. He has studied humanity to an extent that he could predict human thoughts and exploit those that trusted him and exploit those that didn't. He was also expert at geography and obviously knew shinobi history well.

Personally, from what i see, It's a tight competition between Minato, Orochimaru and Itachi, where Itachi gains the edge.

Hmmm. Nice analysis

Interesting that Orochimaru is in the lead in the poll, followed by shikaku, and third minato.

 

[Hebi Sasuke]

Itachi and Orochimaru...Itachi because he had the wisdom to become the hokage at the age of 7,and for everything else from planning Sasuke's life to battles...and Orochimaru ,well he know's it all...

 

[HiddenSound]

If it were to come to pure book smarts its Ororchimaru
But if it comes to analytical skills Minato/Itachi

This. Orochimaru is the "smartest", Itachi and Minato are the most intelligent in battle.

 

[VongolaX]

Itachi and Orochimaru

 

[MickNerks]

This. Orochimaru is the "smartest", Itachi and Minato are the most intelligent in battle.

Itachi and Orochimaru

I Agree with you both in regards to orochimaru

 

[konohayouknowha]

If it were to come to pure book smarts its Ororchimaru
But if it comes to analytical skills Minato/Itachi

Yea this exactly

 

[Acid Ace]

Orochimaru. That guy is on a whole other level man

 

[startup97]

Hiruzen is the smartest!

 

[IzanamiFan]

So happy the base votes Oro and Shikaku as 1 & 2. Personally i put shikaku as 1, but it is definitely between him and Oro. Worthy mention of Kakashi should be made, as he is incredible as analysing enemy opponents.

 

[Silverblade]

Orochimaru.

When he dies. He doesn't. When the other four die. They die.

 

[blazekev90]

lol @ Minato and Itachi being tied, they really are equals!

 

[paratise]

Shikaku no doubt. He is an awesome strategist and he can alter the strategy for differnt circumstances which conditions may bring; the dude is pure intelligence.

 

[johnny335704]

I go for Strategist Shikaku.