Physical Prowess and Chakra Reserves

Minato was hailed as the fastest shinobi of his time.[18] While this recognition was due in part to his space–time ninjutsu, Minato's natural speed and prowess with the Body Flicker Technique were immense: he could easily outstrip three other Kage-Level[48] ninja and engage an enemy or retrieve an ally before anyone realised what he was doing;[61] he could cover a considerable distance in a short amount of time and perform a technique before an opponent could finish theirs.[62] In the anime, he appear before sensors could detect his approach and instantly defeat three shinobi with minimal effort.[63][64] Minato's reflexes allowed him to react to and avoid techniques with no warning, such as Kamui and Lightning Straight.[65][66]

Minato had large chakra reserves, able to summon the massive Toad Boss Gamabunta, as well as teleport multiple massive targets like a tailed beast and their attacks. His chakra control was very refined, evidenced by his creation of the Rasengan and his ability to weave hand seals with only one hand.[67]

Jinchūriki Transformations

Minato became the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails' Yin-half shortly before his death, though it wasn't until his reincarnation that he could make use of it. Unlike most tailed beasts, the Nine-Tails offered no resistance to cooperating with Minato, granting him immediate access to Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, which impressed all spectators.[68] Minato's form was slightly darker with different markings than Naruto's but otherwise identical in appearance and abilities; he can use chakra arms,[69] enter Tailed Beast Mode, create Tailed Beast Balls,[70] and perform stronger versions of his usual techniques. Minato would later lose access to its power after having his half of the Nine-Tails stolen by Black Zetsu.[71]

Senjutsu

Minato in Sage Mode.

Minato's large chakra reserves enabled him to learn senjutsu of Mount Myōboku, enhancing his techniques and physical parameters by entering Sage Mode.[72] He could perfectly balance the natural energy with his chakra, displaying only the orange pigmentation around his eyes — the true marking of a Sage. However, by his own admission, Minato's skill in senjutsu was limited and he takes too long to build up the chakra for it. He hasn't used it in actual battle and he cannot maintain it for long.[73]

Intelligence

Minato was a very keen-minded individual, having the highest scores in the history of the Chūnin Exams written test.[74] Even at a young age, only he of all the ninja sent to rescue Kushina, noticed the trail she left behind to mark her kidnappers' path.[11] In combat, he could correctly deduce the basic mechanics behind a technique after seeing it only once, and from there plan around its strengths and weaknesses to his or his allies' advantage.[75][76] With his observational skills he could determine an opponent's plans and motivations based on only limited evidence.[77] After he had finished analysing, Minato would strike quickly and with precision, attacking vulnerabilities at the most opportune moments.

As Hokage, Minato prepared for threats facing Konoha by placing a network of marked locations around the village's outskirts for him to teleport to, including at least two safe houses and likewise passed on his space–time ninjutsu onto the Hokage Guard Platoon.