Board Thread:Naruto Discussions/@comment-25531508-20140923043228/@comment-25077020-20140923222657

No, he isn't overrated but there's no way in hell that he's stronger than hashirama. It's god-forsakenly obvious that kishi retconned this as he has done before, case in point the "sharingan was descended from byakugan" stuff. Iruka said that hiruzen was the strongest of the previous 4 hokage in his prime BUT kabuto has stated that hashirama was so powerful that even now his strength is believed to be a fairy tale. Meaning, people are able to comprehend hiruzen's power but not hashirama's b/c the latter's OPness is just too unbelievable. So yeah I think I'll take kabuto's word over iruka the fodder. The latter is also much more knowledgeable than iruka.

Also recently, hashirama said the jinchuriki obito is stronger than himself. Here he uses himself as the highest standard. Hiruzen's agreement taken into context means that he agrees obito is stronger than the previously most powerful person.

Also, I don't care what excuses you make for hashirama's strength. the fact remains that his kekkei genkai are a part of him and his "giant summonings" is something he TRAINED to acquire. He wasn't making gigantic buddhas at the age of one.