Board Thread:Naruto Discussions/@comment-25531508-20140923043228/@comment-7292165-20140925050416

Hiruzen was never shown in his prime and because of his old age would have to conserve chakra and use it right. He has shown to have all the techniques something even many haven't accomplished so that's something. Despite his old age he has shown to be rather good but old age must be his downfall. But I honestly do think he was underrated a bit even for his age. During Hiruzen fight with the fellow Hokages and Orochimaru the Hokages wasn't at full potential but Hiruzen was in his old age and as many have said he was a lot better than what he's shown in his old age so that supports he was a lot stronger than what he's shown. But its understandable as Hiruzen hasn't shown the greatest of prowess especially with people getting powerups, cough cough Minato...cough cough Hashirama. But it plainly has said and directed that Hiruzen was the strongest Hokage in his prime though.