Who Can Create More Clones: Hashirama or Naruto?

The question of who can create more clones in the Naruto series has been a matter of much debate among fans. Both Hashirama Senju and Naruto Uzumaki display impressive abilities related to creating clones, often utilizing unique techniques that allow them to produce large numbers of clones for various purposes. However, the nature and effectiveness of their cloning abilities differ significantly.

Hashirama Senju: The Master of Wood Release Techniques

Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, is renowned for his powerful Wood Release techniques. He has the ability to create clones using the Shadow Clone Technique, similar to Naruto. However, his true strength lies in his Wood Clones, which are significantly more durable and can function independently. While there is no precise information on the number of clones Hashirama can create, he is often portrayed as capable of producing a substantial number.

Naruto Uzumaki: Shadow Clone Master

Naruto Uzumaki, the Seventh Hokage, is equally renowned for his mastery of the Shadow Clone Technique. With the introduction of Sage Mode and later the power of Kurama, the Nine-Tails, his clone creation abilities have reached unprecedented heights. At his peak, particularly during the Fourth Great Ninja War, Naruto demonstrated the ability to create thousands of clones simultaneously. For instance, he created a massive army of clones to combat Ten-Tails.

Chakra and Cloning Techniques: A Key to Creation

The true determinant of who can create more clones lies in the amount of chakra each has and the type of clones they produce. Hashirama is known for his enormous chakra reserves, with sufficient power to rival even the Nine-Tails Perfect Susanoo or Madara. Even after watching Naruto utilize both halves of Kurama to provide chakra and save his comrades, Hashirama remarked, "He almost has as much as me."

Naruto’s Chakra and Cloning Capabilities

Naruto, on the other hand, has immense chakra reserves, enough to fight the Nine-Tails and even contain it for long periods with Sage Mode. In Sage Mode, his strength is significantly amplified, often doubling or tripling his regular strength. While his shadow clones are effective in quantity, they subtract chakra from his own, making them less durable in prolonged battles.

Comparing Clones: Quality vs. Quantity

The key to comparing the cloning abilities of Hashirama and Naruto lies in the quality and durability of their clones. Hashirama’s wood clones are more powerful and can fend for themselves, even if partially depleted of chakra. According to Tobirama, even if Hashirama absorbed his own clones, they wouldn’t be enough to defeat a formidable opponent like Obito.

The Conclusion: Naruto or Hashirama?

When considering the sheer volume of clones that can be created, Naruto's ability to create thousands of shadow clones at once, especially when enhanced by Kurama's chakra, likely surpasses Hashirama's capabilities. However, if the focus is on the quality and resilience of the clones, Hashirama's wood clones clearly stand out.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, whether Naruto or Hashirama can create more clones depends on the perspective. If the emphasis is on sheer quantity, particularly with Kurama's chakra included, Naruto is the winner. Without Kurama, Hashirama can create more because of his superior body and chakra reserves.