Kage is the title for the highest leader in Major Ninja Villages and other villages that can only be filled by the strongest ninja in each village. Even so, there are plenty of young and powerful ninjas who managed to serve as Kage. Here are five youngest Kages in the Naruto series!

5. Naruto Uzumaki - 29 Years Old

It’s not officially stated when Naruto ‘jumped’ as a Hokage, but we can guess a little from the story in the series so far.

At the end of Naruto Shippuden, it was stated that Naruto was 17 years old. Then 2 years skip to The Last: Naruto the Movie. And the last, at least Boruto already 10 years old in Boruto: Naruto the Movie - The Day Naruto Became Hokage (he’s yet to enter Ninja Academy, which roughly must at least 12-13 years old).

Then, 17 + 2 + 10 = 29 years. But the calculation still didn’t rule out the possibility of he might older one of two years from estimation.

4. Minato Namikaze - 23 Years Old

Even though it’s unknown when the exact Minato appointed as a Hokage, but according to a guide (which probably limited) stated that he died at the age of 24 years old. 

He was appointed during The Third Shinobi World War, a few months later, Kakashi killed Rin and appointed to take care of the pregnant Kushina. While Minato died exactly when his child was born. It could be speculated the deviation between the period at least 12 months (two or three months + nine months of pregnancy). Remembering Konoha elders also said that Minato died too soon, then it’s not a surprise that his reign was very short.

3. Hiruzen Sarutobi - 21 Years Old

Similar to the names above, there was no clear record regarding when Hiruzen appointed by Tobirama to replace him. But it was clear that from his appearance on the battlefield, he was not too old.

This thing can be discovered from his pupils’ age. Based on Naruto: The Secret Scroll of Fighting guidebook, it stated that Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru became a genin at 6 years old while they had 18 years gap with the teacher (Sannin in 51 years old, while Hiruzen was 69 years old in Naruto Part I).

Then, from that, 6 + 18 = 24 years old, and added with a fact that Hashirama already knew Tusnade before he died/ replaced by Tobirama (at 3-4 years old), then at least Hiruzen was appointed to replace Tobirama at his 20s.

2. Yagura Karatachi - 15 Years Old(?)

This Jinchuuriki is notably young, but he once angry when mocked by Naruto because “died before enjoying the world” and admitted as an adult. It’s hard to guess when he was appointed as a Kage but at least we could assume when this short man with a baby face died when he was an adult. 

Now let’s start to the calculations. Yagura became a Mizukage since Zabuza Momochi graduated from Kirigakure Ninja Academy at 9 years (after that, the “battle royale” system removed) and at 26 years old, Zabuza became a rogue ninja after failed a coup against the Fourth Mizukage.

If we equalize him with Gaara -- let’s say he appointed to serve at 15 years old -- then, he was 6 years older than Zabuza and Obito. In Naruto: Shippuden Episode 394, it was later revealed the reason why Kirigakure didn’t participate in the Konoha Chuunin Exam because the people still grieving of the Fourth Mizukage’s passing. Kakashi had been 26 years old, with six years difference, then it can be assumed that Yagura died at age 32.

1. Gaara - 15 Years Old

The clear record of when starting a service as a Kage, the clearest is Gaara. Entering Naruto Shippuden, Gaara told that he already appointed as the Fifth Kazekage. At the same time, in the official guidebook, that he started his service at 15 years old.

If the gap of service as the Kazekage didn’t go too far with his time reuniting with Naruto, then it was clear that Gaara was successfully becoming the most glorified leader before reaching his 20s. What an achievement!

So that’s the list of five youngest Kages in Naruto series. Sadly, almost the entire list is still a rough calculation and expectations. Hopefully, Masashi Kishimoto reveal their truth soon!

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