u/AVATARROHANISGAY

This is not a scaling or matchup tierlist in any form or manner.

Instead its the level they pose to varying levels of the worse.

Unlike other scaling chains most discussed in the community I've always found this one to be the most clear since there is a variety of direct statements that create a hierarchy amongst the Hokage.

The most foundational statement that starts the chain is the clear scaling line of Hiruzen > Tobirama. Databook 4 suggests that Hiruzen surpassed Tobirama in talent from childhood.

Some would suggest its merely only natural aptitude however I think its a vocabulary and comprehension issue to not recognise that not only does talent have a wide meaning of general aptitude, power, and skill as per a variety of sources but also even if you choose to be willfully ignorant of the meaning of talent. Hiruzen lived long enough to fulfill any innate talent he didn't have from childhood.

We also get the statement by Hiruzen right before Tobiramas death match which he suggests he is the strongest. Some would suggest that Danzo countered Hiruzens claim however Tobirama himself counters Danzo statement and scolds him for holding bias towards Hiruzen. Thus we get Hiruzen claiming he is the strongest with no clear refute.

This all leads me to have Hiruzen > Tobirama.

Then Minato comes in, he chainscales mostly from Hiruzen relation.

We have Jiraiya and Tsunade stating and affirming that they think Minato was:

One of a Kind

Everyone pales in comparison to him

He is unparalleled.

This is significant due to their position as highly intelligent ninjas who were directly under Hiruzen since they were genin.

We also have the chapter statement towards the end of part 1 that suggest Minato has unrivalled strength. If you assume rationally that this is limited to his era, his era includes Hiruzen.

Moreover we also have 3rd war statements and suggestions.

Databook 1 suggests that Hiruzen was on the frontlines of the 3rd war. The birthday column on Minato during the 3rd war suggests that the shinobi of the Leaf would rather have Minato on their side than anyone else.

Minato also gains his notable flee on sight order. This is important cause we know that both Hiruzen and Tobirama took part in the shinobi wars during their time as Hokage, and their lack any such clear distinctions.

Then finally we get Kyuubi attack assertions.

Hiruzen himself haphazardly thinks to himself where Minato is. We get a panel of shinobi saying that they are keeping things occupied as they wait for Minato. Finally we see Minato saving Hiruzen and the village from Kurama on two occasions thus clearly portraying Hiruzen's inability in comparison to an already fatigued Minato.

Thus I think its clear that there is a clear assertion, with varying canon support.

We have the assertion for Hiruzen > Tobirama, Minato > Hiruzen.

Thus I think that there are clear assertions for how these 3 Hokage scale to eachother.

Minato > Hiruzen > Tobirama.

I have a scan for every assertion, didn't want to just randomly post them, if you need the scan ask in comments.

Any contentions and why?