In the world of Naruto, every ninja has their own special way of doing things. However, oftentimes their skillset heavily relies on their clan. Though no two ninjas are exactly the same, most all shinobi clans have certain skills, abilities, and preferences. For example, the Uchiha clan is the only one with the Sharingan, but their love for fire and lightning abilities is hardly exclusive.
While all clans have some sort of talent, few rise above the others and become revered. Throughout Naruto, various clans feud over different topics like land, power, and simple hatred. Specific groups, such as the Uzumaki and Senju, earn respect through generations of powerful ninja continuing on their bloodlines. There can only be one best clan, though.
Updated by Amanda Bruce on November 10, 2021: There are a large number of clans in Naruto, and some of them really don't get their due. The Akimichi and Yamanaka clans, for example, are major players in world conflicts, but their contributions aren't as flashy as others, so they don't get noticed. Of course, there are also some clans with dwindling numbers, like the Uzumakis and the Uchihas, who have historically been very powerful but by the end of the series only have a handful of . It's fascinating to see just how powerful the smaller clans can be.
Iburi
One of the most unique clan abilities comes from the Iburi. This family can turn into smoke at a moment's notice. However, there is a serious flaw: they don't have complete control over this ability. Worse, if they randomly turn into smoke and the wind separates their body too much, they will lose their life. Going outside in any way is a serious danger for them.
Even though their power is distinct and they are a definitive clan, the conditions of their abilities make them a danger to themselves. These poor people struggle to live a normal life. In one of Orochimaru's more helpful moments, applying curse marks to each member lets them regulate their power. However, they still rely on this to stay safe.
Lee
Throughout Naruto, the shinobi make it very clear that it's nigh impossible to become an effective ninja without ninjutsu. Considering the Lee clan has none, it easily makes them one of the weakest families in Konoha. However, Rock Lee wasn't deterred and became one of the Naruto. With only taijutsu at his disposal, he wanted to become a shinobi at any cost. After all, he risked his life in surgery to continue his training.
With Rock Lee, the Lee clan's power changed drastically. Between him and his son, there is honor and strength in their blood. However, before them, their family hardly measured up. Furthermore, no matter their achievements, they still can't perform ninjutsu.
Kagetsu
Once upon a time, the Kagetsu clan was a family of simple, happy herb farmers. However, they eventually became a wealthy, serious people. Money changed them quite a bit, souring all their moods and making their family dynamic tragically different. The patriarch of the family was so desperate to make his clan happier that he willingly faked his own end. He hoped it would put a smile on his grandchildren's face. The fake loss brought the family back together, making them all the stronger.
While they aren't a ninja clan, their copious wealth still makes them a powerful and influential group in the world.
Wagarashi
For many years, the Wagarashi and Wasabi clans have been battling for control over the Land of Tea. While the Wasabi clan tries to keep things above board, the Wagarashi are willing to do anything to claim what's rightfully theirs. Naruto and friends are put in serious danger because of their deals with Amegakure, an infamously merciless mercenary village.
This clan definitely has a lot of power and money, but so many sneaky dealings and under-handed plots have tainted them. Over time, they've become the bad guys in a turf war — a turf war that they have lost and may never win again.
Wasabi
In the Land of Tea, no shinobi village exists to bring order. Instead, the main village is run by two warring families, the Wasabi and Wagarashi clans. While neither is above paying for outside help, the Wasabi pay for protection while the Wagarashi pay for assassins. They both do more than just fair and equal combat, but the Wasabi are more honorable about it all.
For their people's benefit, the clans decided to battle for power in a race rather than cause undue bloodshed. Taking in orphans and wanting the best for their people, the Wasabi clan is wealthy in money and leadership skills. The Land of Tea is at its best under their rule.
Hoshigaki
Every member of the Hoshigaki family, in some way, has gills and shark-like features. Their most infamous member, Kisame, ed the Akatsuki and caused havoc across several lands. Not only did he have gills but sharp teeth and fish skin. If fans didn't know better, he'd easily for a bizarre Orochimaru experiment.
These people, some of Kirigakure's more violent , love battle and competition. Even generations later, when Kirigakure is more peaceful, Shizuma Hoshigaki tries to cause more combat and trouble in the now-peaceful village.
Fuma
Across all of the Land of Fire, the Fuma clan is a revered and masterful group of ninja. Other shinobi know this clan for their warrior nature and their signature, giant Fuma Shuriken that they wear on their backs. Though initially, this giant shuriken used to be unique to the Fuma, it has spread across the nation.
As shuriken-lovers, the Fuma are master projectile s and blades-men. They know how to use their tools in battle better than most anyone else. Considering a Fuma member contended against Jiraiya in a fight and was good enough to become a Path of Pain, they aren't a family to trifle with. The Fuma clan is aggressive and powerful.
Tsuchigumo
Running their own village, the Tsuchigumo clan prides themselves in self-sufficiency. By the Third Shinobi War, though, they tired of getting caught in the crossfires. Their leader devised a technique to destroy entire villages, giving them the proper firepower to protect themselves. However, he promised to forbid the jutsu if Konoha protected them under any circumstance. The Third Hokage (understandably) agreed.
Unfortunately, the Tsuchigumo technique eventually put the village in danger. A gang planned on using the ninja embedded with the ability, Hotaru, to destroy her own village. While they didn't succeed, Hotaru chose to let the technique end with her. The Tsuchigumo clan, innovative and strong, needed to find another way to protect themselves.
Inuzuka
As one of the more unique ninja clans, the Inuzuka are proficient warriors because of their bonded relationships with their dogs. Not only do they become strong ninja, but they raise impressive and intimidating Ninken. When an Inuzuka member comes of age, they are given their own dog(s) to raise. This becomes their constant companion as they learn ninja skills and combo moves to become the best shinobi team they can be.
While Kiba is the Inuzuka fans know best, his mother and sister are also powerful and respected shinobi. They helped resolve the Fourth shinobi war alongside all other Konoha ninja. For their own strengths and their practical dog-breeding abilities, they are an important clan in their village.
Karatachi
When under the wrong circumstances, power and jinchuriki influence can make a monster out of anyone. During Kirigakure's worst times, when children were forced to battle in bloody combat, Yagura Karatachi rose to power. Not only was he incredibly strong but also ruthless. With the Three-Tailed Beast in him, any opposing him rarely stood a chance. Though the Akatsuki ended his life, the ramifications of his actions rippled through the village for years.
His grandson, Kagura, is young, but shinobi already know him as a genius ninja. He's proficient in direct combat, swordsmanship, and outwitting opponents. However, he does all he can to have a very different reputation than his grandfather. Despite their disturbing darkness, the Karatachi are an undoubtedly powerful people.
