Yes Hiruzen is the strongest of all time. Kishi said it himself in the manga. He wouldn't call someone God of shinobi, if he wasn't the strongest.
Usually the way you differ old school naruto fans from new school, is through asking them about this. Those who read naruto from the begging (me included), will say Hiruzen, rest wont, cause they probably read the first 300 chapters in 2 or 3 weeks..
Only old school will understand this..
I wont say Hashi isn't stronger, but there is no doubt that Hiruzen was the most skilled shinobi of all time, thus rating him in top 5 of the strongest shinobi of all time as well..
Kishi has said in and interview that he and the 4th are neck and neck for the strongest shinobi. Also when youre such a good ninja that youre given the name "God of Shinobi" that pretty much means hiruzen > anyone (execpt s06p). But then again weve never seem his prime. So we have to base this all off hype
Hiruzen was a master of over 1000 Genjutsu's, he Also has a 5 in Genjutsu
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He was known as "the professor" for Knowing and being able to use all known (Non Kg) Jutsu's in the leaf at one Point in time.
He has shown Fire and earth, I would say it's safe to assume he can also use Water, Possibly Wind aswell.
Also having a 5 in Ninjutsu
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Even in his old age he was said to be the strongest of the 5 current kages.
Kabuto has been a Spy from a Very young age, He has spied in every village since a child , and knows things others don't know.
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Hiruzen also has Mostly all 5's in his Databook Stats. Only lacking Speed/Strength/Stamina because of his Old age.
Proof os his Weakening in his old age. hiruzen was suprised how heavy Enma felt in his pole form
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Proof of his stamina weakening. One of the Anbu stats his chara has declined.
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Enma asked what was wrong with him and stated that he wasn't fighting like he normaly does.
Yet he was still able to hold his ground against two Kages.
Even in his old age, it was said he was Equal to Oro, when the manga had stated many times he is far weaker than his prime.
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Even Though Hiruzen was "Slacking" and Lacking his normal fighting prowess, He still was able to Compete with both Hashirama's and Tobirama's Taijutsu while planting Tags of them.
Even oro didn't notice.
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Enma has already Proved to be able to Counter Hashirama's wood style.
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He has already Countered bringer of darkness.
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Note: Look at the Page, and you see "Sniff", So hirzens sense of Smell must be quite good to be able to find Hashirama and Tobirama while he is blind.
Thats all i can be bothered to do at this point in timeU_U.
