Who is Stronger: Hashirama Senju or Madara Uchiha?

The debate over who is the more powerful shinobi, Hashirama Senju or Madara Uchiha, has been a subject of intense discussion among fans of the Naruto series. This article delves into the battles between these two legendary figures, highlighting their strengths and moments of triumph to determine who truly emerges as the superior force.

Early Stages and Early Battles

From the onset, the battles between Hashirama and Madara show a close parity. Both were prodigies, sharing a bond as young friends and adversaries. As early teens, they often stalemated each other, showcasing remarkable balance in their respective prowess. In their late teens, they continued to push each other to new limits, reflecting the intensity of their rivalry.

Madara's Transformation

The turning point comes with Madara's transformation. After the tragic death of his brother Izuna, Madara undergoes a radical change. Transplanting Izuna's eyes into his own sockets, he gains the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan and emerges as a stronger force, unleashing the power of his Perfect Susanoo. This marks a clear shift in the dynamics of their conflict.

The Impact of Susanoo

The emergence of the Perfect Susanoo immediately shifts the balance of power. The shockwave from Madara's Susanoo rattle Hashirama and his allies, forcing them to confront a power that is beyond comparison. Hashirama, despite his immense strength, is forced to engage Madara with his friend's power reaching unchartered levels. In response, he reveals one of the most powerful elemental techniques, the Wood Style: Wood Golem Jutsu.

A Giant Wood Golem

This giant humanoid creature made of wood demonstrates both offensive and defensive capabilities, capable of absorbing chakra using a wooden dragon. It can stand firm against the formidable Perfect Susanoo and even contend with Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Beast. The final blow from Hashirama's Wood Golem overpowers Madara's Susanoo, marking the first defeat for the Uchiha.

Later Battles and Sage Mode

The strength of both combatants evolves over the years, encapsulated in their later battles. After acquiring the power of Kurama, Madara ascends to new heights, using his perfected Susanoo to coat Kurama in a magnificent attire.

Hashirama's Evolution

Hashirama's strength also rises with the introduction of Sage Mode (Sage Art Veritable 1000 Armed Kan'on). This massive augmentation in strength allows him to manifest a colossal Buddha-like figure with a thousand arms. This figure, dwarfing Kurama, unleashes 1,000 fists in an instant, overpowering Madara's Susanoo and neutralizing his Biju bombs. Furthermore, Hashirama's Sage Mode allows him to maintain continuous movement, extending the duration of his Senjutsu buffered power.

A Wood Golem and Final Stand

Adding to the spectacle, Hashirama uses a Wood Golem to defeat Madara's Susanoo and silence Kurama. He then engages in a full-scale battle with Madara, displaying his incredible resilience. Despite the immense chakra drain from various elemental releases and the sleep-inducing effects on Kurama, Hashirama remains sharp and in Sage Mode, ready to counter Madara's renewed vigor.

The Ultimate Victory

As the battle nears its climax, Hashirama's tactical subtlety becomes apparent. He uses a wood clone to distract Madara, allowing him to execute a decisive strike with his katana, piercing Madara's heart and ending the battle. This final move cements Hashirama's position as the superior shinobi of the era, showcasing his strategic and physical prowess.

Conclusion: The Superior Shinobi

Through their battles, it becomes abundantly clear that Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha are both prodigies, but Hashirama ultimately emerges as the superior. His absolute control over his own power, combined with strategic and tactical genius, allows him to overcome Madara's significant advantages. The magnitude of Hashirama's feats, from the Wood Golem to his Sage Mode, underscores his superior strength, making him the more formidable of the two shinobi.