different type of genius.
sasuke,neji, minato, itachi are the complete geniuses, learn things easily and are smart in battle.
shikamaru- tactical genius
rock lee- a genius of hard work, and kakashi seemed to think he was a genius because attaining the gates isn't something you can do with just hard work.
naruto imo is a bit similar to rock lee. not a genius in the standard sense, but his determination and will and confidence plus the goal he has drive him forward. he's the type that is unstoppable when they have something they want to achieve. and in battle some of his strategies are truly genious level. the way naruto defeated that naraka (reviving) path in the fight vs pain reminded me a lot of how shikamaru captured temari in the chuunin exams.