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{{Infobox}}
<section begin=summary />{{translation|'''Hiruzen Sarutobi'''|猿飛ヒルゼン|Sarutobi Hiruzen}} was the {{translation|'''Third [[Hokage]]'''|三代目火影|Sandaime Hokage|lit meaning=Third Fire Shadow}} who hailed from [[Konohagakure]]'s [[Sarutobi clan]]. He was part of [[Team Tobirama]] alongside [[Homura Mitokado]] and [[Koharu Utatane]] under the leadership of the [[Second Hokage]]. He was also trained by the [[First Hokage]] and would later become the teacher of the Legendary [[Sannin]] [[Tsunade]], [[Jiraiya]], and [[Orochimaru]] and the third man to hold the title {{translation|'''God of Shinobi'''|忍の神|Shinobi no Kami}}.<section end=summary/>
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<section begin=summary />{{translation|'''Hiruzen Sarutobi'''|猿飛ヒルゼン|Sarutobi Hiruzen}} was the {{translation|'''Third [[Hokage]]'''|三代目火影|Sandaime Hokage|lit meaning=Third Fire Shadow}} of [[Konohagakure]]. A disciple of the village's two previous Hokage, Hiruzen was a powerful ninja, hailed as a "[[God of Shinobi]]". Though he was only ever directly the teacher of the [[Sannin]], generations of Konoha shinobi benefited from his wisdom during his lifetime.<section end=summary/>
   
 
== Background ==
 
== Background ==
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Hiruzen was born the son of [[Sasuke Sarutobi]]. The [[Sarutobi clan]] was one of the first clans to settle in the newly-created [[Konohagakure]], where Hiruzen struck up a friendship with the [[Shimura clan]]'s [[Danzō Shimura]]. Hiruzen was part of the first generation of ninja produced by Konoha and he, [[Homura Mitokado]], and [[Koharu Utatane]] were placed under the tutelage of [[Tobirama Senju]]. Hiruzen early on displayed prodigious talent in the ninja arts, earning him additional training from [[Hashirama Senju]], the First [[Hokage]];<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 119, page 14</ref> at the same time, Danzō became jealous of Hiruzen's skills and started a one-sided rivalry in an effort to surpass him. At one point Hashirama and Tobirama talked to Hiruzen of the importance of believing in and protecting those in the village, telling him he would one day be Hokage.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 123, page 14</ref>
[[File:Hiruzen New Hokage.png|left|thumb|A young Hiruzen being appointed as Hokage in front of his rival Danzō.]]
 
Born into the Sarutobi clan to [[Sasuke Sarutobi|Sasuke]], Hiruzen was a prodigy who truly stood out in talent. He and his former team-mates, [[Homura Mitokado]] and [[Koharu Utatane]], were students of [[Tobirama Senju]], the Second Hokage. He was also trained by [[Hashirama Senju]], the First Hokage. While once a close friend of [[Danzō Shimura]] during their early childhood, Danzō developed a one-sided rivalry with Hiruzen who always managed to be a step ahead of him. During the [[First Shinobi World War]], [[Team Tobirama]] along with Danzō, [[Kagami Uchiha]] and [[Torifu Akimichi]] were pursued by [[Kinkaku Force|enemy Kumogakure ninja]]. Knowing that one of them would need to be a sacrificial decoy so the others can escape, Hiruzen volunteered. However, Tobirama chose to be the decoy instead, naming Hiruzen his successor while driving a further wedge between his student and Danzō. Later in his life, he married [[Biwako]] and became the father of at least two children, [[Asuma Sarutobi]] and at least one other, who has yet to be seen in the series. This unnamed child would later give Hiruzen a grandson: [[Konohamaru Sarutobi]] and Asuma later, [[Kurenai Yūhi's Child|another grandchild]].
 
   
[[File:3sannin.jpg|thumb|A young Hiruzen with the future Sannin.]]
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[[File:Hiruzen New Hokage.png|left|thumb|Hiruzen is appointed Hokage.]]
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During the [[First Shinobi World War]], Tobirama, by that time the Second Hokage, led a [[Escort Unit|team]] consisting of Hiruzen, Homura, Koharu, Danzō, [[Kagami Uchiha]], and [[Torifu Akimichi]]. During a mission they started to be pursued by [[Kumogakure]]'s [[Kinkaku Force]], an enemy that somebody would need to distract and inevitably die at the hands of in order for the rest of the team to escape. Hiruzen volunteered to be the decoy, boasting that, as the strongest of their group, he stood the best chance of surviving the encounter; nevertheless, he asked Danzō to look after the others. Tobirama volunteered himself instead, and before going to his death he appointed Hiruzen as Third Hokage.
Prior to the [[Second Shinobi World War]], Hiruzen became the teacher of [[Jiraiya]], [[Orochimaru]], and [[Tsunade]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 139, pages 9-11</ref> Coming to appreciate Orochimaru's natural talent, Hiruzen saw him as a once in a lifetime genius.<ref name="c122p7">''Naruto'' chapter 122, page 7</ref> However, while explaining to Orochimaru the symbolic significance of a white snake the boy found near his parents' grave, Hiruzen unknowing caused his pupil to go down a dark road while attempting to steer him away from it.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 344, pages 16-17</ref> After serving as Hokage for many years, Hiruzen started looking for a successor to the title. While he hoped to be able to give the position to Orochimaru, he saw that he only was interested in the power it offered.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 121, page 7</ref><ref name="c122p7"/> Though he turned to Jiraiya,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 366, page 12</ref> Hiruzen instead named Jiraiya's student [[Minato Namikaze]] as his successor.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 116, page 3</ref>
 
   
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In the anime, Hiruzen permitted Danzō to create [[Root]] - a more ruthless subdivision of the [[Anbu]] under Danzō's exclusive control - shortly after he became Hokage in order to balance the shortcomings of his empathetic rule. For years he had ignored Root's questionable foreign ops, its abduction of children, and the actions it took against Konoha personnel, Hiruzen included.<ref name="NS351" />
[[File:Group Hiruzen vs Kurama.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen and a group of shinobi prepare to face the Nine-Tails.]]
 
In the aftermath of the [[Third Shinobi World War]], knowing the danger if [[Kurama]] were to break loose during the childbirth of its current [[jinchūriki]], [[Kushina Uzumaki]], Hiruzen assigned Biwako and a few ANBU for security to oversee the birthing process in a secured location on the outskirts of the village. However, also learning of Kushina's pregnancy, a [[masked man]] found the location and slaughtered the protection and [[Taji|maternity detail]] before releasing Kurama to destroy Konoha. Unaware of how Kurama got loose, Hiruzen nonetheless led the ninja in subduing the Nine-Tails before Minato arrived and transported himself, and the tailed beast away from from the village. Hiruzen soon arrived at the scene when Minato decided to seal Kurama into his [[Naruto|own son]], unable to intervene because of the erected [[Chakra Chains Barrier|barrier]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapters 500-504</ref> With Minato dead, Hiruzen once more assumed the role of active Hokage while deciding to protect the orphaned child by giving him his mother's last name to conceal his relation to Konoha's Yellow Flash.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 440, page 5</ref> With this, Hiruzen also passed a law in the village that no one was to speak of the beast sealed within the young man and hoped that Minato's dying wish that his son be seen as a hero be honoured, but the people who had lived first-hand the devastation that the Nine-Tails could bring forth were unable do this. And though most obeyed Hiruzen's law — with those who didn't being severely punished — the children of the village, also came to fear and dislike Naruto, simply because their parents did.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 2, pages 13-14</ref>
 
   
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{{ImgRight|Team hiruzen.png|Hiruzen with his students.}}
[[File:Itachi talks to Hiruzen.png|thumb|Itachi begs Hiruzen to protect Sasuke.]]
 
Some time after resuming his post, Hiruzen began investigating a number of disappearances within Konoha and learned that Orochimaru was behind them. Having used those that he kidnapped as test subjects in his quest to gain immortality, Orochimaru allowed his former master a chance to kill him. Ultimately, Hiruzen could not bring himself to do it, allowing Orochimaru to escape.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 72</ref> A few years later, Hiruzen learned of the [[Uchiha Clan]]'s plot against the village and attempted to find a peaceful resolution for both sides. However, before reaching such an alternative, Danzō inveigled [[Itachi Uchiha]] to [[Uchiha Clan Massacre|slaughter his kin]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 590, page 6-10</ref> However, prior to Itachi leaving the village as a missing-nin, the young man sought out the Third and begged him to protect his [[Sasuke Uchiha|little brother]] and not tell him the truth, and Hiruzen obliged.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 400, page 15</ref>
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At some point, Hiruzen married [[Biwako]] and they had a son, [[Asuma]], and at least one other child who became an Anbu.<ref>''Boruto: Road to B'', page 2</ref> Hiruzen also started leading his own team of new [[Academy]] graduates consisting of [[Jiraiya]], [[Orochimaru]], and [[Tsunade]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 139, pages 9-11</ref> Although he was close with all of his students, Hiruzen had the highest hopes for [[Orochimaru]], a genius like himself who, after the deaths of his parents, was only further motivated to have a deep impact on the world.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 344, pages 16-17</ref> Hiruzen led Konoha's forces through the [[Second Shinobi World War|Second]] and [[Third Shinobi World War]]s; in the anime, his choosing to end the Third Shinobi World War by signing a peace treaty with [[Iwagakure]] despite the losses Konoha suffered incensed Danzō, prompting Hiruzen to step down as Hokage against the village's protests.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 349</ref>
   
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Hiruzen had long hoped that Orochimaru would succeed him as Hokage but, despite his best efforts, he could never convince him of the [[Will of Fire]]: that Konoha was a family that the Hokage had to risk everything to keep safe.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 121, page 7</ref> Unable to choose Orochimaru, Hiruzen considered Jiraiya as his successor, but Jiraiya did not believe he was responsible enough.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 366, page 12</ref> Hiruzen ultimately settled on Jiraiya's former student, [[Minato Namikaze]], who had proven himself time and again during the Third Shinobi World War.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 116, page 3</ref> Hiruzen assisted Minato with the transition of power by advising him on how to handle individuals and other village matters. He even retained some of his own [[Anbu]], several of which he assigned as security while [[Kushina Uzumaki]], the [[jinchūriki]] of the [[Nine-Tails]], gave birth.
[[Kurama Clan Arc|In the anime]], Hiruzen assigned [[Yakumo]] of the [[Kurama clan]] to hone her genjutsu under [[Kurenai Yūhi]].<ref>''Naruto'' episode 203</ref> However, Kurenai learns of the [[Ido|evil persona]] within Yakumo and Hiruzen regretfully gives her permission to seal Yakumo's abilities to prevent the alter ego from killing Yakumo at the cost of ending the Kurama clan.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 205</ref>
 
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[[File:Group Hiruzen vs Kurama.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen leads a charge against the Nine-Tails.]]
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Despite their precautions, the Nine-Tails escaped and [[Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's Attack|attacked the village]]. Hiruzen led the village's defence until Minato arrived to remove the Nine-Tails to a safe distance. Hiruzen followed and, cut off by the [[Adamantine Sealing Chains]], could only watch as Minato and Kushina gave their lives to [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal|seal]] the Nine-Tails into their newborn son, [[Naruto]]. Minato did not have time to tell Hiruzen how the Nine-Tails had escaped, instead using the final moments of his life to ask Konoha, via Hiruzen, to think of Naruto as a hero who saved the village and not the container of the monster that killed so many. Hiruzen did so, but the villagers proved unable to follow Minato's wishes, prompting Hiruzen, now the village's Hokage once more, to outlaw any mention of the Nine-Tails, an effort to protect Naruto from their misguided hate.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 2, pages 13-14</ref> He also gave Naruto his mother's surname in order to hide his relation to Minato from Minato's enemies.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 440, page 5</ref>
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[[File:Orochimaru leaves.png|thumb|Hiruzen allowing Orochimaru to escape.]]
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Hiruzen eventually started investigating a number of disappearances throughout Konoha. In the anime, he followed a lead provided by [[Kakashi Hatake]],<ref name="NS351">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 351</ref> which ultimately led him to discover that Orochimaru was behind it all. Hiruzen was dismayed not only by Orochimaru's role or that he was experimenting on those he kidnapped, but also his reasons: to create an [[Eternal Youth and Immortality Technique]]. He attempted to apprehend Orochimaru, but could not bring himself to strike down his favourite student and allowed him to escape.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 122, page 7</ref> From examining what Orochimaru left behind, a [[Yamato|young boy]] imbued with Hashirama Senju's [[Wood Release]] was discovered, and over the years the boy became one of Hiruzen's top Anbu operatives. (In the anime, the boy was previously discovered by Danzō, and Hiruzen negotiated the boy's release into Hiruzen's care.)<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 356</ref>
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[[File:Itachi talks to Hiruzen.png|thumb|left|Itachi begs Hiruzen to protect Sasuke.]]
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Because Minato never had the opportunity to explain the cause of the Nine-Tails' attack, Konoha's leadership came to suspect a member of the [[Uchiha clan]] was responsible due to the [[Sharingan]]'s ability to control the Nine-Tails. The Uchiha resented this suspicion and began planning a coup d'état, something reported to Hiruzen and the [[Konoha Council]] by [[Itachi Uchiha]]. Hiruzen attempted to peacefully resolve the conflict but negotiations consistently stalled. Danzō eventually stepped in without Hiruzen's knowledge and ordered Itachi to [[Uchiha Clan Downfall|slaughter the Uchiha]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 590, page 6-10</ref> Hiruzen only learned of the mission afterwards when Itachi reported its successful completion. Before needing to publicly leave the village as a criminal in order to hide Konoha's involvement in the Uchiha's destruction, Itachi asked Hiruzen to look after his younger brother, [[Sasuke]], the only Uchiha he could not bring himself to kill. Hiruzen agreed.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 400, page 15</ref> In the anime, Hiruzen also promised not to change the [[Sensing Barrier|village barrier]]'s formula, enabling Itachi to sneak in from time to time to watch Sasuke from afar. Danzō's role in the Uchiha's assassination was not something Hiruzen could abide, and as such he ordered Root be disbanded.<ref name="NS359">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 359</ref>
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About five years after the Nine Tails Fox's attack on the village, Hiruzen had a disagreement with his son Asuma, leading to the latter to leave to pursue his personal interests. In the anime, Hiruzen came to welcome people in a refugee camp to Konoha. Hiruzen was visited by an orphaned refugee [[Mugino]], delivering a gift for gratitude. After anticipating his actions and noticing the young orphan was branded with a [[Juinjutsu|cursed seal]], Hiruzen allowed Mugino to stab him, catching the Kiri-nin watching over Mugino off guard and swiftly subduing them. Hiruzen comforted Mugino and welcomed him to Konoha with open arms whenever he was ready.<ref>''Boruto'' episode 180</ref>
   
 
== Personality ==
 
== Personality ==
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Hiruzen is a firm believer in the [[Will of Fire]], which holds that all the people of Konoha are a family and that the Hokage is chiefly responsible for that family's well-being. Throughout his tenure, Hiruzen lives up to the Will of Fire by being available for Konoha's villagers and shinobi during their time of need, making decisions to the betterment of as many people as possible, and providing his wisdom and guidance whenever he can. His delicate, thoughtful approach to not only issues within the village but also his interactions with foreign powers has given Hiruzen the reputation of being soft, something the [[Konoha Council]] spends much of its time trying to rectify. Nevertheless, Hiruzen's kind and pacifist ways are widely valued by Konoha's residents and even his rival [[Kage]], and for those reasons his eventual death is regretted by many. However, Hiruzen was not entirely for his softness as he allowed Danzō to form an Anbu faction of his own, to handle the dark side of Konoha's actions.
Due to the long life he had lived, Hiruzen served as a source of wisdom for much of the series, passing on the things he had learned to the next generation. As Hokage, he had also acquired a habit of attempting to end things peacefully, and did what he could to avoid bloodshed amongst his allies and his enemies. At the series' start, Hiruzen was one of the few people who saw Naruto as more than the container of Kurama, and, as such, became someone that Naruto truly admired, even thinking of Hiruzen as a grandfather-figure.
 
   
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Although he loved all of Konoha, Hiruzen held his [[Sannin|students]] especially dear, believing they were the village's future and, as such, must be cultivated and protected. He favoured Orochimaru, seeing in him a prodigy similar to himself whose contributions to the village could someday be greater than his own. Even when Orochimaru increasingly went astray and then finally defected from Konoha, Hiruzen could never abandon his attachments to Orochimaru,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 483, page 17</ref> instead blaming himself for not being a better teacher. When he is [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|reincarnated]], he reflects on his life and finds it similarly flawed: he feels responsible for Danzō's taking on of the village's darkness, believing Danzō would not have turned out so badly had he been more willing to make the difficult decisions; he believes that some of the village's - and even the world's - problems could have been avoided had he led with a firmer hand.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 627, pages 5-6</ref> Hiruzen's own son, [[Asuma]], was defiant towards Hiruzen's philosophies during his youth, but eventually sees the merits in valuing future generations after Hiruzen's death.
According to [[Kakashi Hatake]], Hiruzen loved his students deeply, including Orochimaru, no matter how far he had fallen.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 483, page 17</ref> This ideal stems from his belief that Konoha's next generation is a precious resource that must be protected. However, it was the same belief that forced Hiruzen to allow Orochimaru to escape after uncovering his experiments in replicating Hashirama's DNA at the cost of many lives, thus unknowingly allowing his former student to commit even more tragedies. By his own admission, Hiruzen noted that he was too compassionate and indulging of a person, leaving things such as the more underhanded, but necessary, tasks to Danzō. To this end he admitted that he believed that he had failed to carry on the Second Hokage's mission of bringing stability to the village.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 627, page 5</ref>
 
   
Hiruzen was also bit lecherous as well, as he enjoyed spending much of his free time talking to young girls, which was his favourite pastime,<ref name="d1"/> and when Jiraiya was still his student, he offered to help Jiraiya test the [[Transparent Escape Technique|technique]] that would allow the user to spy on naked women unnoticed. Even Jiraiya, in this instance, noted his sensei's perverted qualities. He also fell victim to Naruto's [[Sexy Technique]] on more than one occasion, fainting after he saw it.
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Despite his reputation and selflessness, Hiruzen is not without faults: He is somewhat lecherous. While more subtle about than his student, he and Jiraiya bonded over their shared [[Transparent Escape Technique|desire]] to spy on naked women and talking to young girls was his favourite "hobby".<ref name="d1" /> Likewise, he fell victim to Naruto's [[Sexy Technique]] on more than one occasion and suspects he would be defeated by the [[Harem Technique]] as well.
   
 
== Appearance ==
 
== Appearance ==
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<gallery type="slideshow" position="left" widths="240" hideaddbutton="true">
[[File:Hiruzen Saturobi battle uniform.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen's shinobi attire.]]
 
[[File:Sarutobi Hiruzen.jpeg|thumb|Hiruzen in his Hokage uniform.]]
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Young Hiruzen Mobile.png|Hiruzen's appearance during the First Shinobi World War.
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Hiruzen Sarutobi (Hokage).png|Hiruzen's Hokage attire.
Hiruzen was a light-skinned man of below-average stature with grey hair. Since his time training the [[Sannin]], he has had a small goatee and short spiked hair — both being dark brown in colour during his youth. He also initially had a single line running vertically under outer corners of each eye, which stretched down into his face as he aged until they reached his cheeks. As an old man, age had not taken much of a toll on his overall appearance. His only changes were slight; he obtained more pronounced cheekbones, a longer and thicker goatee, a prominent crease across his forehead, grey hair, a few wrinkles, a wart near his left nostril, and a few liver-spots.
 
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Hiruzen full.png|Hiruzen's shinobi attire.
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</gallery>
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The only consistent physical feature Hiruzen has displayed has been his below-average stature, all his other attributes having changed over the years: during his youth he was tan-skinned and had dark brown, spiked hair, adding a small goatee to his look after becoming Hokage; towards the end of his life his skin is lighter, his hair is grey, his face is gaunter, and he has the wrinkles and liver spots of old age. He initially had a single line running vertically under the outer corners of each eye, which stretched down into his face as he aged until they reached his cheeks.
   
Prior to becoming Hokage, he wore a grey steel breastplate with shoulder guards along with a standard forehead protector. Later, during his reign as Hokage, Hiruzen would commonly wear the official uniform — consisting of the customary hat and haori, along with a red, full-length kimono that was tied using a white sash. With age, had also taken to smoking a pipe. He also occasionally wears an orange shirt, with the kanji for {{translation|fire|火|hi}} on its back. His combat attire consisted of a black jumpsuit, which featured mesh segments over the lower portions of his limbs, and a grey [[Wikipedia:Japanese armour#Individual armour parts|gauntlet]] that covered his right wrist, forearm and elbow. He also wore an armoured hood with a bandanna-like Konoha [[forehead protector]] over this, which featured two long straps.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 117, page 12</ref> The kanji for "Third Hokage" was inscribed onto an additional piece of metal plating on the back of his outfit, although at the time of Kurama's attack when he retired the post, it merely had the kanji for {{translation|"fire"|火|hi}}.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 502, page 9</ref> He also had two shuriken holsters strapped to either side of his back.
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During the First Shinobi World War, he wore grey [[shinobi battle armour]] common to the time period, with heavy protection all over his body. He starts wearing much lighter combat attire at some point, consisting of a black jumpsuit, mesh segments over the lower portions of his limbs, and a green [[Wikipedia:Japanese armour#Individual armour parts|gauntlet]] that covered much of his right arm. He also wore an armoured hood with a bandanna-like [[forehead protector]] over this, tied with two long straps.<ref name="ch117">''Naruto'' chapter 117</ref> Across the back is written "Third Hokage" which is replaced with the kanji for {{translation|"fire"|火|hi}} during his brief retirement.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 502, page 9</ref> When not in combat, he usually wears the official uniform — the customary hat and haori with a red, full-length kimono that is tied using a white sash. He often smokes during his spare time.
{{-}}
 
   
 
== Abilities ==
 
== Abilities ==
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[[File:Hiruzen's shadow clones.PNG|thumb|Hiruzen using the Shadow Clone Technique.]]
Hiruzen was one of the most powerful shinobi in history, so much so that he was admired as the {{translation|'''God of Shinobi'''|忍の神|Shinobi no Kami}} in his prime, and was said to be the strongest [[Hokage]] that Konoha has ever had.<ref name="d1"/><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 94, page 12</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 121, page 3</ref> Even in his old age, he was also said to be the strongest of all the five [[Kage]] at the time of his death.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 140, page 3</ref> Enma commented on his battle with [[Orochimaru]], saying that it was "miserable" compared to his prime, even though he had clearly been able to hold his own against Orochimaru and two former Hokage without losing his composure. He was also the longest living and longest reigning Hokage. Hiruzen also had keen senses, being able to track down the former Hokage under [[Hashirama Senju]]'s [[Bringer-of-Darkness Technique]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 123, page 8</ref>
 
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Hiruzen was a natural prodigy, hailed as a "[[God of Shinobi]]" and was the strongest shinobi produced from his clan.<ref>''Konoha Shinden: Steam Ninja Scrolls''</ref> His talents made him Hokage at a young age, directly selected by the [[Second Hokage]], having surpassed his teacher in childhood.<ref name="d4"/> He became the most powerful of [[Kage]] during his lifetime,<ref name="d1"/> and once well-considered the strongest Hokage in history.<ref name="ch94" /> While his battle prowess deteriorated greatly in old age and ultimately contributed to his death, he was able to fend off [[Orochimaru]] along with the combined might of the [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|reincarnated]] First and Second Hokage, ultimately [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal|sealing away]] the Orochimaru's hands and two past Hokage. Orochimaru openly believed that had Hiruzen been even ten years younger, the Hokage would've killed his former student.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 126, page 10</ref>
   
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=== Chakra and Physical Prowess ===
Even in his old age, his [[chakra]] was noted for being very strong. Similar to Hashirama, Hiruzen's chakra causes a dense effect on the atmosphere when released, cracking the building he and Orochimaru were battling on.<ref name="E69">''Naruto'' episode 69</ref> Furthermore, he was known for having immense reserves of chakra in his youth.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 71</ref> Despite his diminished reserves of chakra in his old age, he also showed great chakra control, needing only the minimum amount of chakra to use each technique.
 
 
[[File:Tobirama attacks Hiruzen.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen in hand-to-hand combat.]]
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In the anime, Hiruzen was said to have immense [[chakra]],<ref name="ep71">''Naruto'' episode 71</ref> and even in his old age, his chakra was strong enough to crack stone upon moulding it.<ref name="ch117" /> His reserves diminished in later years as even splitting his chakra between any more than two [[shadow clone]]s was a great risk for him. His reduced chakra levels were offset with precise chakra control, needing only the minimum amount of chakra to use techniques to their full potency.<ref name="NS284">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 284</ref> Despite his old age, his reaction time and sensory perception were still good enough to defend himself, even when [[Bringer-of-Darkness Technique|robbed of his sight]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 123, pages 3 and 7</ref> Hiruzen could even lay [[explosive tag]]s on high-level opponents without them noticing.<ref name="ch120">''Naruto'' chapter 120, page 15</ref>
   
 
=== Ninjutsu ===
Over his lifetime Hiruzen had accumulated a vast knowledge of [[ninjutsu]]. This is shown when he witnesses [[Kurama]]'s sealing into [[Naruto Uzumaki]], where, after observing the Fourth making [[hand seals]], he immediately discerned which technique he intended to use. Although he concedes that in his current state, he might not be able to fight in equal terms with his former student, Hiruzen remains very confident of his abilities; when confronted with the [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|reincarnated]] First and Second Hokage, after being told by his predecessors that they had no choice but to fight him, Hiruzen simply told them to prepare to be defeated.
 
 
[[File:Reaper death seal.png|thumb|Hiruzen using the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.]]
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Hiruzen also was renowned as {{translation|'''The Professor'''|プロフェッサー|Purofessā}}, due to his unprecedented versatility in ninjutsu. Having mastered all the skillsets and combat forms of the shinobi arts.<ref name="ch94" /> Hiruzen was reputed for his advanced knowledge and skill of all techniques to ever exist within Konoha, including the many [[Hiden]] techniques,<ref name="ch120" /><ref name="d4"/> and able to use each of them with the highest level of power and control.<ref name="d1"/><ref>''Naruto Shippūden'' episode 284</ref> He could instantly deduce the impending technique simply from the [[hand seals]].<ref name="d4"/><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 504, page 6</ref> Even when he encountered something new, as in the case of [[Truth-Seeking Ball]]s, he could discern their attributes and limitations from a brief observation. Hiruzen was well-noted for having personally created a variety of innovative techniques, preparing himself for any situation and was also capable of using various techniques simultaneously for more versatile and with longer effects.<ref name="e69"/>
   
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His noteworthy skillset included [[Telescope Technique|viewing things from afar]],<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 1</ref> creating a [[Four Red Yang Formation|barrier]] powerful enough to contain the [[Ten-Tails]] alongside other Kage-level shinobi,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 631, pages 9-11</ref> and [[sense|sensing]] the presence of individuals by their chakra.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 680, page 10</ref>
=== Taijutsu ===
 
In terms of [[taijutsu]], Hiruzen displayed a very high level of skill. He was able to counter [[Hashirama]] and [[Tobirama]] in close combat. He was also quick-thinking as during their confrontation he was able to place [[explosive tag]]s on each of them without them, nor [[Orochimaru]] even knowing. After summoning [[Enma]], he was able to break through wooden branches with ease.
 
   
 
==== Nature Transformation ====
Even when [[Bringer-of-Darkness Technique|robbed of his sight]], he could still defend himself from Hashirama's and Tobirama's assaults, blocking all their attacks to prepare for his [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal]]. After sealing both former Hokage, he faced Orochimaru in single combat. Despite his sealing parts of his soul away in the Shinigami, as well as fighting for a prolonged amount of time before he engaged Orochimaru one-on-one, he effortlessly disarmed him of his [[Sword of Kusanagi (Orochimaru)|sword]].
 
  +
[[File:Five nature attack.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen's clones using all five elements simultaneously.]]
  +
Hiruzen was one of the few individuals who could perform all five basic [[nature transformation]]s and mastered them with equal proficiency. He could also use [[Yin]] and [[Yang Release]].<ref name="d4"/> His prowess could intercept an opponent's elemental attack and produce the respective [[Five Release Great Combo Technique|counterbalancing]] nature.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 662, page 5</ref> He could use [[Fire Release]] to create a [[Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet|powerful stream of fire]], and in the anime, [[Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique|a barrage of small fire blasts]].<ref name="ep71"/> With [[Earth Release]], he could create a [[Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall|protective wall of mud]]. In the anime, he could create a [[Earth Release: Earth Flow River|river of mud]] to knock an opponent off their feet, and use the same mud to create a [[Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet|dragon head]] to shoot a volley of mud balls that can be infused with [[Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet|flames]] for more damage.<ref name="e69">''Naruto'' episode 69</ref> He could likewise produce powerful streams of [[Lightning]], [[Water]], and [[Wind Release]] respectively.
   
=== Ninjutsu ===
+
==== Bukijutsu ====
[[File:Reaper death seal.jpg|thumb|left|Hiruzen using the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.]]
+
[[File:Hiruzen uses giant shuriken.png|thumb|right|Hiruzen utilising his Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.]]
  +
Hiruzen frequently used [[shuriken]] in combat - both the standard size and the larger [[fūma shuriken]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 639, page 6</ref> By using the [[Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique]], he could create copies of these shuriken, allowing him to bombard a target with thousands of projectiles without needing to carry that many on himself.<ref name="ch117"/> In the anime, Hiruzen was similarly shown utilising his surroundings like shuriken, such as [[Roof Tile Shuriken|roof tiles]].<ref name="e69"/>
Hiruzen was also called {{translation|'''The Professor'''|プロフェッサー|Purofessā}}, due to his mastery of all forms of shinobi combat, and his vast knowledge of techniques, purportedly knowing all the techniques within Konoha.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 120, page 15</ref> In the anime, even [[Danzō]], Hiruzen's life-long rival, openly acknowledged the Hokage's sheer prowess in utilising any technique as unsurpassed.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 284</ref> His title also came from creating a considerable arsenal of original techniques; one of which was the [[Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique]]. With this technique, he could create a thousand clones of a single thrown shuriken in an instant to overwhelm the opponent with the extreme difficultly in evading them all. This method also meant that he didn't have stock up on a lot of shuriken. He could also use the technique with the larger version of shuriken, increasing the technique's penetration power.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 639, page 6</ref> To watch over the village, he would use the [[Telescope Technique]], allowing him to observe others through his crystal ball over long distances.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 1</ref> He was also an expert in [[fūinjutsu]], being capable of using the [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal]]. Due to his old age and waning strength he was forced to get into close range of an enemy in order for it to take effect, though he was still capable of sealing the souls of the First and Second Hokage and part of Orochimaru's soul. He is also adept at using [[barrier ninjutsu]], capable of erecting a [[Four Red Suns Battle Encampment|Kage-calibre barrier]] powerful enough to trap the [[Ten-Tails]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 631, pages 9-11</ref>
 
   
  +
Hiruzen's personal [[Summoning Technique|summon]], [[Enma]], could [[Transformation: Adamantine Staff|transform]] into an extendable and/or expandable staff that was as hard as a diamond. The staff was Hiruzen's weapon of choice and wielded it with great proficiency, though its weight became a great burden to him in his later years.<ref name="ch120"/>
==== Nature Transformation ====
 
[[File:Fire Release Fire Dragon Flame Missile.png|thumb|Hiruzen using Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet.]]
 
Sarutobi was highly skilled in elemental ninjutsu, using [[Fire Release]] and [[Earth Release]]. [[Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet]] allowed him to exhale a powerful stream of fire from his mouth. [[Earth Release: Earth Flow River]] created a river of mud beneath the opponent to throw them off balance, and he could use the mud with [[Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet]], which creates a dragon's head that launches mud balls at an opponent. He had also been shown to be adept in combining elemental techniques, as seen when he ignited the mud ball projectiles with [[Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet]], creating a volley of hot mud that can melt nearly anything. [[Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall]] allowed Hiruzen to spit a stream of mud that solidifies into a protective shield.
 
   
==== Summoning Technique ====
+
==== Fūinjutsu ====
  +
Hiruzen could perform a [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal|suicide-murder technique]] that will seal away a target's soul with sacrifice of their own. However, he can bypass this by using a shadow clone to be sacrificed instead.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 123, pages 11-12</ref> He was also one of few people who could [[Five Elements Unseal|remove seals]] as powerful as the [[Five Elements Seal]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 166, page 3</ref>
[[File:The 3rd And Enma.PNG|thumb|left|A young Hiruzen with Enma.]]
 
Hiruzen also had a personal [[Summoning Technique|summon]]: [[Monkey King: Enma]], who was capable of [[Transformation: Adamantine Staff|turning into a diamond-hard staff]], which could alter its length and width at will, or become a cage to protect the summoner. The staff was Hiruzen's weapon of choice as he showed great proficiency in wielding it; he successfully pushed back [[Kurama]] with it during its attack on Konoha.<ref>''Naruto Shippūden'' episode 249</ref> Enma could also manifest parts of his body and attack an enemy with his claws and fangs, which added an element of surprise.
 
   
 
=== Stats ===
 
=== Stats ===
Line 60: Line 74:
   
 
== Part I ==
 
== Part I ==
=== Introduction Arc ===
+
=== Prologue — Land of Waves ===
  +
{{main|Prologue — Land of Waves}}
[[File:Telescope Technique.jpg|thumb|Hiruzen watching Naruto.]]
 
 
[[File:Telescope Technique.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen watching Naruto.]]
Hiruzen's first appearance in [[Part I]] was when two men reported to him that [[Naruto Uzumaki]] had vandalised the [[Hokage Monument]]. He was then seen standing next to [[Iruka Umino]] after the [[Academy]] graduation test, telling Iruka that they needed to talk and they were talking later about Naruto. In the manga when Naruto tried to steal the [[Scroll of Seals]], Hiruzen found him and comically fell against his [[Sexy Technique]]. Later when Naruto succeeds in stealing the scroll, Hiruzen was seen instructing a large group of shinobi to stop and capture Naruto, observing the whole incident — including [[Mizuki]] revealing his intentions — from a [[Telescope Technique|crystal ball]].
 
  +
When Naruto fails the [[Academy]]'s graduation exam yet again, Hiruzen takes Naruto's instructor, [[Iruka Umino]], aside and advises him to be compassionate towards Naruto because of his lack of parents, something Iruka has had similar experiences with. When Naruto shortly afterwards breaks into the [[Hokage Residence]] and steals the [[Scroll of Seals]] (and also defeats Hiruzen with the [[Sexy Technique]]), Hiruzen has no choice but to mobilise a search party to apprehend Naruto. From [[Telescope Technique|observing]] events, Hiruzen learns of Naruto's manipulation by [[Mizuki]] and watches as Iruka finally shows kindness towards Naruto by protecting him from Mizuki. He calls off the search party when it becomes clear Naruto will return, but Hiruzen worries that Naruto's learning of the [[Multiple Shadow Clone Technique]] from the Scroll will risk the Nine-Tails' escape from his body.
   
  +
From his concern over the Nine-Tails as well as his disappointment that one of Naruto's first accomplishments as a [[genin]] is to invent the [[Harem Technique]], Hiruzen assigns [[Kakashi Hatake]] as Naruto's [[Team Kakashi|team]] leader so that Kakashi can guide him appropriately, as well as look over one of Naruto's teammates, [[Sasuke Uchiha]]. Despite Kakashi's efforts, Naruto remains obstinate, complaining to Hiruzen about how easy their first [[D-rank]] [[mission]] was. When Naruto is unwilling to listen to explanations of how missions are assigned according to rank and skill level - both of which Naruto has little of at the moment - Hiruzen agrees to give the team a [[C-rank]] mission: escorting [[Tazuna]] to the [[Land of Waves]].
While criticising Naruto's ninja registration picture, in the anime he became the target of the boy's Sexy Technique, and fell prey to the mentioned. He was then unsuccessfully "assaulted" by [[Konohamaru Sarutobi]] who followed Naruto on the way out. He then watched the skirmish between Naruto and [[Ebisu]], thinking that he would be heavily affected by the [[Harem Technique]], blushing at the mere thought of it.
 
   
 
=== Chūnin Exams ===
He was seen with the [[Konoha]] [[jōnin]] that would soon be assigned their [[genin]] cell. He told [[Kakashi Hatake]] that he would be leading [[Team 7]]. He and Kakashi then visited Naruto's apartment, pointing out few things like the expired milk that had caused Naruto much trouble after drinking it. He was then talking to Iruka about Kakashi's teaching methods, showing Iruka a book with the number of trainees that Kakashi failed. Iruka could only stare in shock upon realisation that no genin team assigned under Kakashi has ever got a passing mark.
 
  +
{{main|Chūnin Exams (Arc)|l1=Chūnin Exams}}
  +
[[File:Episode 20.png|thumb|right|Hiruzen calls a meeting.]]
  +
Hiruzen calls together the village's [[jōnin]] team leaders and informs them that Konoha will be hosting the next [[Chūnin Exams]], an opportunity for their genin-charges to be promoted to [[chūnin]]. He asks that those jōnin assembled who believe their students are ready for the challenge of the exam submit their students' names. He begins with the team leaders of the Academy's most recent graduates and is surprised that all of the [[Rookie Nine]] are deemed suitable by their instructors; he agrees to allow them to enter despite Iruka's protests.
   
  +
[[File:Chunin Examination Arena.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen addressing the genin that passed.]]
=== Land of Waves Arc ===
 
  +
Hiruzen is called to the [[Forest of Death]] during the Exams' second stage by its proctor, [[Anko Mitarashi]]. She reports Orochimaru's infiltration of the Exams and his warnings to not call off the Exams due to his appearance. Suspecting that Orochimaru is after Sasuke Uchiha, Hiruzen has no choice but to allow things to proceed as planned. He watches the preliminary matches, noting the growth of not only Naruto and Sasuke but all of Konoha's genin. Once the preliminaries conclude, he presides over the assignment of first round match-ups in the finals before they adjourn.
After Team 7 completes their first [[D-rank]] mission, Hiruzen congratulates them on their success. Because the mission consisted only of finding a lost cat, Naruto complains that the mission was too easy and demands their next mission be more challenging, to Kakashi's embarrassment. Hiruzen tries to explain how missions are assigned by skill level and that, as genin, they cannot be expected to accomplish more difficult missions yet. Naruto does not relent, so Hiruzen agrees to assign them a [[C-rank]] mission: escorting [[Tazuna]] to the [[Land of Waves]].
 
   
  +
In the month prior to the finals, Hiruzen grows increasingly worried. Not only is he unsure of what Orochimaru and his underlings are planning, but it's also apparent that one of the rival [[hidden village]]s is conspiring against Konoha as well, possibly in tandem with Orochimaru. What's more, Hiruzen does not believe that he, nor anyone else in Konoha for that matter, has the skills necessary to meet Orochimaru in battle. To clear his head, he visits his grandson's, [[Konohamaru]]'s, class and is reminded of how important protecting the village and its citizens is to him.
=== Chūnin Exam Arc ===
 
[[File:Episode 20.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen calls a meeting.]]
 
He first appeared in this arc consulting the [[jōnin]] about their decision to register their [[genin]] into the upcoming [[Chūnin Exams]]. [[Asuma Sarutobi]], [[Kurenai Yūhi]], and [[Kakashi Hatake]] all deemed their students worthy. Thereafter, a slight argument ensued between [[Iruka]] and Kakashi where the former claimed that Naruto and his team-mates were not ready for such a challenge. Kakashi silenced him by saying that they were no longer Iruka's students but Kakashi's soldiers. Hiruzen was then sent to the tower in the [[Forest of Death]] after [[Anko Mitarashi]] encountered and was defeated by [[Orochimaru]]. After hearing Orochimaru's message for him, he tried to ease Anko's pain from the Cursed Seal.
 
   
  +
When the finals begin, Hiruzen sits and watches with the [[Fourth Kazekage]], the only other Kage whose village has representatives competing. Hiruzen, as host, remains pleasant towards the Kazekage and tries to assure him that there are no issues when the schedule for the finals increasingly does not go as planned.
[[File:Chunin Examination Arena.png|thumb|Hiruzen addressing the genin that passed.]]
 
After the second portion of the exam, he is seen congratulating all the genin who passed, and explaining the next round. He then witnessed the preliminary rounds of the final matches, only to tell the advancing genin about the challenge and their training. From there, he was seen reporting to the council that [[Hayate Gekkō]] had been killed, and that Orochimaru may have been involved. He then decided to carry on the Chūnin Exams as normal. Later that day, he assured Anko, who visited him to apologise, that she did not need to feel guilty about returning alive in the Forest of Death, after her encounter with her former master. He then departed for some air some seconds later to head to the [[Hokage Monument]], where he gave a speech to the [[Academy Student|Academy students]] about what it really means to be a shinobi. When the time of third portion of the exam comes, Hiruzen was present on a stadium as one of the judges. He welcomed [[Fourth Kazekage]] who really was impersonated by Orochimaru.
 
   
=== Invasion of Konoha Arc ===
+
=== Konoha Crush ===
  +
{{main|Konoha Crush (Arc)|l1=Konoha Crush}}
[[File:Earth Release Earth Flow River.JPG|thumb|left|Hiruzen battling Orochimaru.]]
+
[[File:Hiruzen tai Orochimaru.png|thumb|right|Hiruzen clashing with Orochimaru.]]
When the invasion began, Hiruzen was taken by ''Kazekage'' who revealed himself as Orochimaru and forced to battle him, as the Third's former student infiltrated the village and planned Konoha's destruction just so he could kill Hiruzen and kidnap [[Sasuke Uchiha]]. Soon after the battle began, Orochimaru [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|reincarnates]] Hashirama and Tobirama, so that Hiruzen could feel the enjoyment of fighting his former masters.<ref name="E69" />
 
  +
The last match of the first round of the finals is interrupted by an [[invasion of Konoha]]. Hiruzen is taken hostage and separated from his bodyguards by the Kazekage. Hiruzen tries to negotiate with the Kazekage until he realises it is actually Orochimaru in disguise. Orochimaru wants to fight and kill Hiruzen, his former teacher, and has his [[Sound Four|followers]] erect a [[Four Violet Flames Formation|barrier]] so that the [[Anbu]] cannot come to Hiruzen's defence. Hiruzen is glad that nobody will interrupt them and removes his robes, revealing his combat attire underneath. Orochimaru decides he wants Hiruzen to share in the experience of fighting one's predecessor's and as such [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|reincarnates]] the [[First Hokage|First]] and [[Second Hokage]].
   
  +
The Hokage greet Hiruzen in the brief moments before Orochimaru suppresses their personalities. Hiruzen attacks, but he has difficulty overcoming their defences and he must summon Enma to help block the First's [[Wood Release]]. He and Enma try to strike Orochimaru directly, but the Hokage block him. Despite failing to reach Orochimaru, Hiruzen is able to plant [[exploding tag]]s on the Hokage's leg, but their reincarnated bodies cause them to quickly regenerate. Realising he has few options left, Hiruzen prepares to use the [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal]]. Orochimaru takes him by surprise before he can do anything by removing his own face, revealing a [[Living Corpse Reincarnation|new body]], the completion of his research and the same fate he has planned for Sasuke.
Hiruzen quickly resolved to kill his masters and used a [[Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet|very powerful fire technique]] that was easily countered by one of Tobirama's [[Water Release: Water Encampment Wall|walls of water]] that was then turned into an [[Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique|attack]] that was stopped by Hiruzen's own [[Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall|earth wall]]. Hiruzen was then however caught by Hashirama's [[Wood Release]]. Even after summoning [[Enma]] to free himself from Hashirama's Wood Release, Hiruzen, in his old age was unable to defeat the two Hokage, as any damage that was done was simply regenerated. He was further inhibited by his desire to not hurt either.
 
   
[[File:Hiruzen Sealing Orochimaru.jpg|thumb|Hiruzen struggling to seal Orochimaru's soul.]]
+
[[File:Hiruzen vs Orochimaru.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen struggling to seal Orochimaru's soul.]]
Hiruzen's fight was also impeded by Orochimaru's presence, horrified at seeing just how monstrous his treasured student had become through mastering [[Living Corpse Reincarnation]] and his intentions to use it on Sasuke. Left with no other choice, Hiruzen creates two [[shadow clone]]s while executing [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal]] on his former masters to stop them.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 73</ref> As he bid a heartfelt goodbye to his teachers, he turned his attention to Orochimaru and reveals the technique's double edge as he must sacrifice both his soul and those of his predecessors to the Shinigami. Intending to have Orochimaru join them in the spectre's stomach while throwing aside his former pupil's [[Sword of Kusanagi: Longsword of the Sky|Kusanagi]], Hiruzen attempts to seal Orochimaru's soul as well. Realising it as he starts to see the Shinigami, Orochimaru called his Kusanagi to him, stabbing Hiruzen in the back. Despite the fatal injury, Hiruzen continued to try to remove Orochimaru's soul as his death would come one way or the other.
+
Hiruzen is disgusted by the levels Orochimaru has sunk to and his own responsibility in allowing Orochimaru to escape years earlier. In order to rectify the mistakes he's made at long last, Hiruzen makes two shadow clones that first catch the two Hokage and then use the Dead Demon Consuming Seal to remove their souls. The Hokage's personalities return to them briefly and they apologise for the hassle they've caused, just as Hiruzen apologises to them for the prison he's sentenced them to: their souls are consumed by the [[Shinigami]]. Orochimaru is amused by their defeat, unaware of what's happening, and bids Hiruzen to try the same on him. Hiruzen and Enma disarm him of his [[Sword of Kusanagi: Longsword of the Sky|Kusanagi]] and Hiuruzen starts performing the seal on him. When Orochimaru senses his soul's removal, he summons the Kusanagi back to him, causing it to lodge in Hiruzen despite Enma's attempts to intercept it.
   
[[File:Hiruzen last smile.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen dying with a smile.]]
+
[[File:Hiruzen last smile.png|thumb|right|Hiruzen dying with a smile.]]
  +
Although stabbing Hiruzen has stopped the removal of his soul, Orochimaru cannot move in order to finish Hiruzen off. Orochimaru encourages him to die, but Hiruzen, doomed to die anyway for invoking the Shinigami, ignores him, instead trying to muster up the strength to finish sealing Orochimaru. After an hour passes with no progress, Hiruzen accepts the fact that he won't be able to complete the seal. He decides to do what little he can to put an end to Orochimaru's plans and protect the village: he has the Shinigami seal Orochimaru's arms, preventing their use. As Orochimaru curses him, Hiruzen dies smiling, hoping that he will see Orochimaru again in the next life.
After an hour of struggling, Hiruzen came to accept that his old age had left him too weak to completely seal Orochimaru away. Seeing that completely removing Orochimaru's soul was impossible, yet his desire to redeem himself for allowing his former student's escape, Hiruzen decided to instead have the Shinigami take Orochimaru's arms to rob him of using ninjutsu as his way of fittingly punishing Orochimaru for his obsession with power. As Orochimaru began to curse his former master for the act, Hiruzen bids his student farewell as he collapsed with the hope that they would meet again. Seeing Orochimaru as the boy he once was, Hiruzen died with a smile on his face with the knowledge that he saved Konoha and its next generation that would come.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 80</ref>
 
   
 
== Part II ==
 
== Part II ==
=== Ten-Tails Revival Arc ===
+
=== Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax ===
  +
{{main|Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax}}
[[File:Hokage Reincarnated.jpg|thumb|Hiruzen is reincarnated alongside the other three Hokage.]]
 
  +
[[File:Hokage reincarnated.png|thumb|left|The four Hokage are reincarnated.]]
In [[Sasuke Uchiha]]'s quest for answers, Hiruzen's soul was freed from the [[Shinigami]] and subsequently reincarnated with the [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation]] technique alongside his predecessors [[Hashirama]], [[Tobirama]], and his successor [[Minato Namikaze]] by [[Orochimaru]] using [[Zetsu]]'s [[Spore Technique|spore]] clones as sacrifices. After he and Minato explained how they had been freed from the Dead Demon Consuming Seal and reincarnated again, Hiruzen is shocked to learn that Orochimaru did not bring him back to destroy Konoha before learning the reason was to give Sasuke answers. Seeing that Sasuke learned the truth, Hiruzen solemnly confirmed that everything related to the [[Uchiha clan massacre]] was true.
 
  +
[[Orochimaru]] releases the souls of the first four Hokage from the stomach of the Shinigami, an act that also restores his arms. At [[Sasuke Uchiha]]'s request he then [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|reincarnates]] the Hokage. Hiruzen worries that Orochimaru now plans to use him to destroy Konoha, but is instead questioned by Sasuke about the [[Uchiha Clan Downfall]]. Hiruzen confirms the truth of what [[Itachi Uchiha]] did and explains that he only did so on the condition that Hiruzen would keep Sasuke safe in the aftermath. From hearing about what has transpired since his death - Sasuke killing [[Danzō Shimura]] and [[Madara Uchiha]] emerging to start the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]] - Hiruzen feels guilty that maybe things could have been avoided had he taken different actions while he was alive.
   
[[File:Hokage's set out.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen and the other reincarnated Hokage prepare to head out to the battlefield.]]
+
[[File:The Hokage Arrive.png|thumb|right|The Hokage arrive on the battlefield.]]
  +
Hearing from the Hokage and reflecting on his own experiences, Sasuke decides he doesn't want Konoha to be destroyed, as is Madara's current intention. Orochimaru releases the Hokage from his control so that they can help in this goal, and they set out for the site of the [[Allied Shinobi Forces]]' battle with the [[Ten-Tails]]. When they arrive, the Hokage erect a [[Four Red Yang Formation|barrier]] around the Ten-Tails to confine it. Hiruzen must remain with the barrier to maintain it, so he can only watch as [[Obito Uchiha]] seals the Ten-Tails into his body, becoming its [[jinchūriki]].
Shocked when his former sensei was about to take action against Sasuke for saying that Hashirama's words would decide whether or not he exacted revenge on the village, Hiruzen breathed a sigh of relief when the First was able to stop his brother, albeit almost destroying the [[Naka Shrine]] in the process. Questioning Orochimaru when the Sannin noted that they did not have time for a lengthy discussion, Hiruzen is shocked to hear that there was a [[Fourth Shinobi World War|war]] going on and even further that Madara was participating in it. Opting to head to the battlefield immediately and then have their discussion later, when they were bound by Orochimaru, Hiruzen had no choice but to abide by the First's wish to stay and free Sasuke from the impending darkness which surrounded him, threatening to corrupt him. With Hashirama's story over, Hiruzen echoed Tobirama's sentiments that there had been Uchiha who had transcended the limitations of their clan and had put the village first. He also noted that [[Shisui Uchiha]], the son of Tobirama's subordinate [[Kagami]] and Itachi's best friend has also inherited Hashirama's [[Will of Fire|will]]. On the outside of the Naka Shrine, Hiruzen took the opportunity to question Orochimaru's motives before resigning to his bust on the [[Hokage Monument]] alongside the other respective Hokage. Hiruzen noted that he had not been to war for so long, that he would give it his all.
 
   
  +
=== Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki ===
[[File:Hokage arrive.png|thumb|Hiruzen and the other Hokage arrive on the battlefield.]]
 
  +
{{main|Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki}}
Arriving with Hashirama and Tobirama, Hiruzen lauded his successor, noting that he still lived up to his moniker of Konoha's Yellow Flash. Answering the curious onlookers, Hiruzen noted that it was Orochimaru whom had reincarnated them and that they were there to put an end to the war. On Hashirama's command, the Hokage launch into action and Hiruzen asked Minato if he had already [[Flying Thunder God Kunai|marked]] the locations before he is teleported to his designated location. Using the [[Four Red Suns Battle Encampment]] technique, the four Hokage are able to successfully trap the Ten-Tails.
 
 
[[File:Hiruzen vs Obito.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen attacks Obito.]]
  +
With his new power, Obito rips down the barrier, finally allowing Hiruzen to participate in the fight. From Obito's display it is obvious to Hiruzen that he is stronger than even the [[First Hokage]]. He therefore personally engages Obito so that nobody needs to put their lives at risk, taking advantage of the fact that he's already dead to analyse Obito's abilities. By observing Obito's [[Truth-Seeking Ball]]s he theorises that they are similar to the [[Third Tsuchikage]]'s [[kekkei tōta]] in that they are a combination of multiple [[nature transformation]]s. He also postulates that the Truth-Seeking Balls have limits to the duration of their malleability, but his upper body is destroyed immediately after that.
   
  +
[[File:Hiruzen frees Naruto.png|thumb|right|Hiruzen saves Naruto from the Ten-Tails.]]
Hiruzen and the other Hokage later watched as Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke all [[Summoning Technique|summoned]] their creatures to the battlefield. Remembering his own students, after seeing the summoned slug, snake, and toad, Hiruzen acknowledged that it was really the dawning of a new era. With this, he spurred them on to attack the Ten-Tails. Hiruzen was later sent reeling when Obito destroyed the [[Four Red Suns Battle Encampment]] after becoming the Ten-Tails' [[jinchūriki]]. He later relocated to confront Obito alongside Hashirama and Tobirama where he admitted that though it might be brazen, he had to agree with Hashirama that even he was now outclassed by Obito.
 
  +
It takes Hiruzen a great deal of time for his body to regenerate. When he finally does, he summons [[Enma]], has him [[Transformation: Adamantine Staff|transform]], and then quickly saves [[Naruto Uzumaki]] from the Ten-Tails' tree form's chakra-absorbing roots. When Orochimaru later arrives on the battlefield, they join together to help the Allies in the counter-offensive against Obito, first by blocking and cutting back more and more of the tree's roots and branches, then by assisting in pulling the [[tailed beasts]] from Obito's body. Their combined efforts succeed and Obito is defeated.
   
[[File:Hiruzen attacks Obito.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen attacks Obito.]]
+
[[File:Hiruzen vs Guruguru.png|thumb|left|Hiruzen battles against Tobi.]]
  +
The Allied Shinobi Forces are shortly afterwards attacked by [[Tobi (Zetsu)|Tobi]]. With everyone too tired from the prolonged fighting to defend themselves, Hiruzen and four of his [[shadow clone]]s arrive to help, [[Nature Transformation#Counterbalancing|counterbalancing]] Tobi's elemental attacks with their own. Tobi withdraws once the [[Infinite Tsukuyomi]] is about to be cast, having completed its job of distracting the Allies.
Narrowly escaping Obito's assault Hiruzen looked on as Hashirama and Tobirama's bodies are destroyed by the new jinchūriki. Upon Tobirama's command to move away, Hiruzen jumped to safety and noted that Tobirama was going to use his [[Mutually Multiplicating Explosive Tags]] technique. After the explosion, Hiruzen confronted Obito directly, launching a giant shuriken which he [[Shadow Shuriken Technique|replicated]]. Using this, and the direct assault on him by Obito, The Professor deduced that the mysterious substance that was being used by Obito was similar somewhat to [[Dust Release]] but afforded both offensive and defensive capabilities. He also noted that the substance was more than likely made out of at least four [[nature transformation]]s but at the same time, could not be maintained for extended periods of time.
 
  +
{{-L}}
   
  +
=== Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes ===
== Legacy ==
 
  +
{{main|Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes}}
After Hiruzen died, seeing him as a great Hokage, [[Tsunade]] noted that the village has produced some very fine and determined shinobi under her mentor's leadership, as when she saw [[Rock Lee]]'s determination to go through with a life-risking operation. Succeeding Hiruzen as the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade practices her mentor's principles during her term. Additionally, Asuma passes his father's ideals to his student [[Shikamaru Nara]] and the significance of protecting Konoha's next generation. Asuma is also the father of [[Kurenai Yūhi's Child|a child]] with [[Kurenai Yūhi]] which will be Hiruzen's second grandchild, posthumously. As the Fourth Shinobi World War begins, [[Kabuto Yakushi]] would reveal to [[Tobi]] that Hiruzen's use of the Dead Demon Consuming Seal during his fight with Orochimaru had left Kabuto unable to summon him, nor Hashirama and Tobirama via Impure World Reincarnation.
 
  +
[[File:Hiruzen's soul departs.png|thumb|right|Hiruzen's soul departs to the Pure Land.]]
  +
As the world is wrapped up by [[God: Nativity of a World of Trees]], Hiruzen, unaffected because he is dead, tries to free Tsunade but fails. He and the other Hokage converge at the location of a powerful chakra signature, but find only Madara Uchiha's lower half, from which emerges the [[Sage of the Six Paths]]. Combining efforts with the spirits of the other dead [[Kage]], they summon [[Team Kakashi|Team 7]], Madara, and the tailed beasts back from [[Kaguya's dimension]]. With the world saved, the Sage returns all the Kage to the [[Pure Land]]. As his soul ascends, Hiruzen entrusts the future to Team 7.
 
{{-}}
   
 
== Legacy ==
The [[Fourth Raikage]] insinuated Hiruzen's death may have been the result of a secret plot between [[Danzō Shimura]] and [[Akatsuki]], though it was all Orochimaru's doing.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 458, page 7</ref>
 
  +
Hiruzen is only one of many Konoha ninja to die in the village's defence during the [[Konoha Crush]]. However, a special ceremony to mourn Hiruzen is held, which many of Konoha's ninja attend; [[Jiraiya]] does not, opting to reminisce about Hiruzen privately. [[Asuma]], while not always agreeing with his father's ideals, has managed to see him in a better light as a Hokage and a great father two years after the funeral, shortly before Asuma's own death. Hiruzen is quickly replaced as Hokage by [[Tsunade]], who, during her early days in office, notes how many fine shinobi the village produced under Hiruzen's guidance and makes a point to continue his practices during her own term. As Jiraiya was nearing his end at the hands of [[Pain]], one of his regrets was his failure to save his teacher. When Naruto becomes Hokage years later, he lives by the [[Will of Fire]] just as Hiruzen did.
   
  +
== In Other Media ==
While he promised Itachi that he would protect Sasuke, Hiruzen did not foresee the boy becoming an enemy to Konoha, due to his inability to look past the tragedies of his life, and developing a hatred-induced mindset. When Sasuke was confronted by Kakashi soon after he killed Danzō, hesitant at killing his former student at first, the latter remembers Hiruzen's resolution to kill Orochimaru and finally understood how the Third felt.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 483, page 17</ref>
 
  +
=== Novels ===
  +
==== Itachi Shinden: Book of Bright Light ====
  +
{{Main|Itachi Shinden: Book of Bright Light}}
  +
Hiruzen makes an appearance in this novel.
   
== Video Games ==
+
=== Video Games ===
 
{{playable in}}
 
{{playable in}}
   
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
  +
{{Youthwiki|Hiruzen Sarutobi}}
* Hiruzen is one of only three known [[Kage]] to predominantly wear the position's official uniform — the others being the [[Fifth Kazekage]], and the [[Fourth Raikage]].
 
* His father's and clan's name, inspired by [[Wikipedia:Sarutobi Sasuke|Sarutobi Sasuke]], means "jumping like a monkey", further supported by his Summoning Technique, which summons Enma. Tobirama also nicknamed him {{translation|"Monkey"|サル|Saru}}.
+
* Hiruzen's clan name "Sarutobi", inspired by [[Wikipedia:Sarutobi Sasuke|Sarutobi Sasuke]], means {{translation|"monkey jump"|猿飛}}, further supported by his Summoning Technique which summons Enma. Tobirama also nicknamed him {{translation|"Monkey"|サル|Saru}}. Hiruzen's first name could come from [[Wikipedia:Hiruzen|mountain with same name]] located on the border of Okayama and Tottori prefectures on the main island of Honshu in Japan.
* Many aspects of his character were borrowed from the Chinese literature classic ''[[Wikipedia:Journey to the West|Journey to the West]]''. Hiruzen's summon, Enma, bears a very strong resemblance to {{translation|[[Wikipedia:Sun Wukong|Sun Wukong]]|孫悟空|Monkey King}}, the protagonist of the novel, and Hiruzen's chosen weapon was identical to the Monkey King's magical staff.
+
* Many aspects of his character were borrowed from the Chinese literature classic ''[[Wikipedia:Journey to the West|Journey to the West]]''. Hiruzen's summon, Enma, bears a very strong resemblance to {{translation|[[Wikipedia:Sun Wukong|Sun Wukong]]|孫悟空|Son Gokū}}, the protagonist of the novel, and Hiruzen's chosen weapon was identical to the Monkey King's magical staff.
  +
* In the ''[[Live Spectacle Naruto]]'', the role of Hiruzen was played by Kazuhiro Imagawa.
* Hiruzen's ghost could be briefly seen in [[Infiltrate! The Village Hidden in the Rain|''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 129]].
+
* Hiruzen's ghost is briefly seen in [[Infiltrate! The Village Hidden in the Rain|''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 129]].
* During his battle with Orochimaru, maybe as a premonition to his death, Hiruzen's likeness on the [[Hokage Monument]] cracked across the face. While the crack was fairly prominent due to its size, it didn't always show up in the anime, due either to a bad angle or a mistake by the animators.
+
* During his battle with Orochimaru, Hiruzen's likeness on the [[Hokage Rock]] cracks across the face. While the crack is fairly prominent due to its size, it doesn't always show up in the anime, due either to a bad angle or a mistake by the animators.
* Hiruzen shared the same nickname as [[Hashirama Senju]] and the [[Sage of the Six Paths]]. They were each known as the {{translation|"God of Shinobi"|忍の神|Shinobi no Kami}}.
 
* [[Masashi Kishimoto]] originally planned for Hiruzen to be a dog, but eventually dumped the idea for being "too weird".
+
* [[Masashi Kishimoto]] originally planned for Hiruzen to be a dog, but dumped the idea for being "too weird".
  +
* Studio Pierrot's Settei sheets of Hiruzen show that he was 140cm around the time Konoha was founded, 145cm around the time the Shinobi Training Institution was created, and 166cm when Tobirama died.
 
* According to the databook(s):
 
* According to the databook(s):
** His favourite foods were [[Wikipedia:Hijiki|hijiki]] (which he shared with rival, [[Danzō Shimura]]), and sardine [[Wikipedia:fish ball|fish ball]]s and his least favourite food was [[Wikipedia:Kasuzuke|narazuke]].
+
** His favourite foods were [[Wikipedia:Hijiki|hijiki]] (which he shared with [[Danzō Shimura]]) and sardine [[Wikipedia:fish ball|fish ball]]s, while his least favourite food was [[Wikipedia:Kasuzuke|narazuke]].
 
** His desired opponent was a grown-up [[Konohamaru]].
 
** His desired opponent was a grown-up [[Konohamaru]].
 
** His favourite phrase was {{translation|[[Wikipedia:Paramartha|Absolute Truth]]|真諦|Shintai}}.
 
** His favourite phrase was {{translation|[[Wikipedia:Paramartha|Absolute Truth]]|真諦|Shintai}}.
Line 132: Line 162:
 
== Quotes ==
 
== Quotes ==
 
* (About [[Naruto]]) "''He has combined shadow clones with his own invention, the Sexy Technique. What a foolish ninja technique… and he could probably get me with it, too.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 2, page 20</ref>
 
* (About [[Naruto]]) "''He has combined shadow clones with his own invention, the Sexy Technique. What a foolish ninja technique… and he could probably get me with it, too.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 2, page 20</ref>
* (To [[Iruka]]) "''I wonder… do you have it, young as you are… the [[Will of Fire]]?''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 139, page 10</ref>
+
* (To the [[Academy]] students) "''You only get one life. There's no need to choose an impossible path. It's fine to live as long as you like and die. However… protecting a precious person… you must not forget this no matter what path you choose.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 94, page 15</ref>
* (To [[Kosuke Maruboshi|Kosuke]]) "''As long as I am alive, I will not let you go to your death on a mission! If you are a Konoha shinobi, find your Will of Fire!!"<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 190</ref>
 
* (To [[Konohamaru]]) "''To those who possess the Will of Fire, everyone is family. The desire to protect one's family builds thicker and stronger bonds between each and everyone in the village. If the Will of Fire is embraced by everyone, the village will be alright no matter what happens.''"<ref name="shippu281">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 281</ref>
 
* (To [[Orochimaru]]) "''Konoha is my home! The Hokage is one who continues to act as the main pillar of the house, protecting it!! He's the one who carries the will of Konoha, entrusted with it… It won't be that easy for you!''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 122, page 14</ref>
 
 
* (To Orochimaru) "''To me, Konoha isn't just an organisation. Every year there are a lot of ninja born and raised in Konoha… They live, fight to protect this village and what is precious they would go to their death. Even if we are not related by blood, those of the village like these are, to me, my most precious, most important… family!''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 122, pages 15-18</ref>
 
* (To Orochimaru) "''To me, Konoha isn't just an organisation. Every year there are a lot of ninja born and raised in Konoha… They live, fight to protect this village and what is precious they would go to their death. Even if we are not related by blood, those of the village like these are, to me, my most precious, most important… family!''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 122, pages 15-18</ref>
* (To Orochimaru) "''Even if you were to kill me, the pillar would not crumble. I'm the man who inherited the will of Konoha, the will of the First and Second. I am the Third Hokage!!! No matter how much you target Konoha, there'll be a new Hokage who'll inherit my will… and become the pillar to protect Konoha!''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 122, pages 18-19</ref>
 
* (To Orochimaru) "''In this society, true power is not attained from mastering all the world's techniques. This is something I have already taught you. When there is something important to protect… that's when a shinobi's true power emerges.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 137, page 13</ref>
 
* (To Orochimaru) "''Your foolishness is unparalleled, Orochimaru. My one regret is that I couldn't take you with me. Farewell, disciple! May we meet again in the next world.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 137, page 17</ref>
 
 
* (Last words) "''When the tree leaves dance, one shall find flames. The [[Hokage|fire's shadow]] will illuminate the village, and once again, tree leaves shall bud anew.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 137, pages 17-19</ref>
 
* (Last words) "''When the tree leaves dance, one shall find flames. The [[Hokage|fire's shadow]] will illuminate the village, and once again, tree leaves shall bud anew.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 137, pages 17-19</ref>
   
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
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<references />
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sarutobi, Hiruzen}}
   
 
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[[he:הירוזן סארטובי]]
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[[id:Hiruzen Sarutobi]]
 
[[ru:Хирузен Сарутоби]]
 
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Latest revision as of 05:59, 5 February 2024

editHiruzen Sarutobi Camera font awesome Browse Information[1][2][3][4]
Hiruzen Sarutobi
猿飛ヒルゼン Sarutobi Hiruzen

  • Third Hokage (三代目火影, Sandaime Hokage)
  • Monkey (サル, Saru)[5]
  • The Professor (プロフェッサー, Purofessā)[6]
  • God of Shinobi (忍の神, Shinobi no Kami, English TV: The Supreme Shinobi)[7]
Debut
Manga Naruto Chapter #1
Anime Naruto Episode #1
Novel Naruto: Innocent Heart, Demonic Blood
Movie Naruto Shippūden the Movie: The Will of Fire
Game Naruto: Konoha Ninpōchō
OVA Hidden Leaf Village Grand Sports Festival!
Appears in Anime, Manga, Novel, Game, Movie
Voice Actors
Japanese
English
Personal
Birthdate Astrological Sign Aquarius February 8
Sex Gender Male Male
Age
  • Part I: 68–69
Status Deceased
Height
  • Part I: 163.1 cm1.631 m <br />5.351 ft <br />64.213 in <br />
Weight
  • Part I: 50.6 kg111.554 lb <br />
Blood type A
Classification
Occupation
Affiliation
Team
Clan
Rank
Ninja Rank
Ninja Registration 000261
Family
Nature Type
Jutsu

Tools

Hiruzen Sarutobi (猿飛ヒルゼン, Sarutobi Hiruzen) was the Third Hokage (三代目火影, Sandaime Hokage, literally meaning: Third Fire Shadow) of Konohagakure. A disciple of the village's two previous Hokage, Hiruzen was a powerful ninja, hailed as a "God of Shinobi". Though he was only ever directly the teacher of the Sannin, generations of Konoha shinobi benefited from his wisdom during his lifetime.

Background

Hiruzen was born the son of Sasuke Sarutobi. The Sarutobi clan was one of the first clans to settle in the newly-created Konohagakure, where Hiruzen struck up a friendship with the Shimura clan's Danzō Shimura. Hiruzen was part of the first generation of ninja produced by Konoha and he, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane were placed under the tutelage of Tobirama Senju. Hiruzen early on displayed prodigious talent in the ninja arts, earning him additional training from Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage;[8] at the same time, Danzō became jealous of Hiruzen's skills and started a one-sided rivalry in an effort to surpass him. At one point Hashirama and Tobirama talked to Hiruzen of the importance of believing in and protecting those in the village, telling him he would one day be Hokage.[9]

Hiruzen New Hokage

Hiruzen is appointed Hokage.

During the First Shinobi World War, Tobirama, by that time the Second Hokage, led a team consisting of Hiruzen, Homura, Koharu, Danzō, Kagami Uchiha, and Torifu Akimichi. During a mission they started to be pursued by Kumogakure's Kinkaku Force, an enemy that somebody would need to distract and inevitably die at the hands of in order for the rest of the team to escape. Hiruzen volunteered to be the decoy, boasting that, as the strongest of their group, he stood the best chance of surviving the encounter; nevertheless, he asked Danzō to look after the others. Tobirama volunteered himself instead, and before going to his death he appointed Hiruzen as Third Hokage.

In the anime, Hiruzen permitted Danzō to create Root - a more ruthless subdivision of the Anbu under Danzō's exclusive control - shortly after he became Hokage in order to balance the shortcomings of his empathetic rule. For years he had ignored Root's questionable foreign ops, its abduction of children, and the actions it took against Konoha personnel, Hiruzen included.[10]

Team hiruzen

Hiruzen with his students.

At some point, Hiruzen married Biwako and they had a son, Asuma, and at least one other child who became an Anbu.[11] Hiruzen also started leading his own team of new Academy graduates consisting of Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade.[12] Although he was close with all of his students, Hiruzen had the highest hopes for Orochimaru, a genius like himself who, after the deaths of his parents, was only further motivated to have a deep impact on the world.[13] Hiruzen led Konoha's forces through the Second and Third Shinobi World Wars; in the anime, his choosing to end the Third Shinobi World War by signing a peace treaty with Iwagakure despite the losses Konoha suffered incensed Danzō, prompting Hiruzen to step down as Hokage against the village's protests.[14]

Hiruzen had long hoped that Orochimaru would succeed him as Hokage but, despite his best efforts, he could never convince him of the Will of Fire: that Konoha was a family that the Hokage had to risk everything to keep safe.[15] Unable to choose Orochimaru, Hiruzen considered Jiraiya as his successor, but Jiraiya did not believe he was responsible enough.[16] Hiruzen ultimately settled on Jiraiya's former student, Minato Namikaze, who had proven himself time and again during the Third Shinobi World War.[17] Hiruzen assisted Minato with the transition of power by advising him on how to handle individuals and other village matters. He even retained some of his own Anbu, several of which he assigned as security while Kushina Uzumaki, the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, gave birth.

Group Hiruzen vs Kurama

Hiruzen leads a charge against the Nine-Tails.

Despite their precautions, the Nine-Tails escaped and attacked the village. Hiruzen led the village's defence until Minato arrived to remove the Nine-Tails to a safe distance. Hiruzen followed and, cut off by the Adamantine Sealing Chains, could only watch as Minato and Kushina gave their lives to seal the Nine-Tails into their newborn son, Naruto. Minato did not have time to tell Hiruzen how the Nine-Tails had escaped, instead using the final moments of his life to ask Konoha, via Hiruzen, to think of Naruto as a hero who saved the village and not the container of the monster that killed so many. Hiruzen did so, but the villagers proved unable to follow Minato's wishes, prompting Hiruzen, now the village's Hokage once more, to outlaw any mention of the Nine-Tails, an effort to protect Naruto from their misguided hate.[18] He also gave Naruto his mother's surname in order to hide his relation to Minato from Minato's enemies.[19]

Orochimaru leaves

Hiruzen allowing Orochimaru to escape.

Hiruzen eventually started investigating a number of disappearances throughout Konoha. In the anime, he followed a lead provided by Kakashi Hatake,[10] which ultimately led him to discover that Orochimaru was behind it all. Hiruzen was dismayed not only by Orochimaru's role or that he was experimenting on those he kidnapped, but also his reasons: to create an Eternal Youth and Immortality Technique. He attempted to apprehend Orochimaru, but could not bring himself to strike down his favourite student and allowed him to escape.[20] From examining what Orochimaru left behind, a young boy imbued with Hashirama Senju's Wood Release was discovered, and over the years the boy became one of Hiruzen's top Anbu operatives. (In the anime, the boy was previously discovered by Danzō, and Hiruzen negotiated the boy's release into Hiruzen's care.)[21]

Itachi talks to Hiruzen

Itachi begs Hiruzen to protect Sasuke.

Because Minato never had the opportunity to explain the cause of the Nine-Tails' attack, Konoha's leadership came to suspect a member of the Uchiha clan was responsible due to the Sharingan's ability to control the Nine-Tails. The Uchiha resented this suspicion and began planning a coup d'état, something reported to Hiruzen and the Konoha Council by Itachi Uchiha. Hiruzen attempted to peacefully resolve the conflict but negotiations consistently stalled. Danzō eventually stepped in without Hiruzen's knowledge and ordered Itachi to slaughter the Uchiha.[22] Hiruzen only learned of the mission afterwards when Itachi reported its successful completion. Before needing to publicly leave the village as a criminal in order to hide Konoha's involvement in the Uchiha's destruction, Itachi asked Hiruzen to look after his younger brother, Sasuke, the only Uchiha he could not bring himself to kill. Hiruzen agreed.[23] In the anime, Hiruzen also promised not to change the village barrier's formula, enabling Itachi to sneak in from time to time to watch Sasuke from afar. Danzō's role in the Uchiha's assassination was not something Hiruzen could abide, and as such he ordered Root be disbanded.[24]

About five years after the Nine Tails Fox's attack on the village, Hiruzen had a disagreement with his son Asuma, leading to the latter to leave to pursue his personal interests. In the anime, Hiruzen came to welcome people in a refugee camp to Konoha. Hiruzen was visited by an orphaned refugee Mugino, delivering a gift for gratitude. After anticipating his actions and noticing the young orphan was branded with a cursed seal, Hiruzen allowed Mugino to stab him, catching the Kiri-nin watching over Mugino off guard and swiftly subduing them. Hiruzen comforted Mugino and welcomed him to Konoha with open arms whenever he was ready.[25]

Personality

Hiruzen is a firm believer in the Will of Fire, which holds that all the people of Konoha are a family and that the Hokage is chiefly responsible for that family's well-being. Throughout his tenure, Hiruzen lives up to the Will of Fire by being available for Konoha's villagers and shinobi during their time of need, making decisions to the betterment of as many people as possible, and providing his wisdom and guidance whenever he can. His delicate, thoughtful approach to not only issues within the village but also his interactions with foreign powers has given Hiruzen the reputation of being soft, something the Konoha Council spends much of its time trying to rectify. Nevertheless, Hiruzen's kind and pacifist ways are widely valued by Konoha's residents and even his rival Kage, and for those reasons his eventual death is regretted by many. However, Hiruzen was not entirely for his softness as he allowed Danzō to form an Anbu faction of his own, to handle the dark side of Konoha's actions.

Although he loved all of Konoha, Hiruzen held his students especially dear, believing they were the village's future and, as such, must be cultivated and protected. He favoured Orochimaru, seeing in him a prodigy similar to himself whose contributions to the village could someday be greater than his own. Even when Orochimaru increasingly went astray and then finally defected from Konoha, Hiruzen could never abandon his attachments to Orochimaru,[26] instead blaming himself for not being a better teacher. When he is reincarnated, he reflects on his life and finds it similarly flawed: he feels responsible for Danzō's taking on of the village's darkness, believing Danzō would not have turned out so badly had he been more willing to make the difficult decisions; he believes that some of the village's - and even the world's - problems could have been avoided had he led with a firmer hand.[27] Hiruzen's own son, Asuma, was defiant towards Hiruzen's philosophies during his youth, but eventually sees the merits in valuing future generations after Hiruzen's death.

Despite his reputation and selflessness, Hiruzen is not without faults: He is somewhat lecherous. While more subtle about than his student, he and Jiraiya bonded over their shared desire to spy on naked women and talking to young girls was his favourite "hobby".[1] Likewise, he fell victim to Naruto's Sexy Technique on more than one occasion and suspects he would be defeated by the Harem Technique as well.

Appearance

The only consistent physical feature Hiruzen has displayed has been his below-average stature, all his other attributes having changed over the years: during his youth he was tan-skinned and had dark brown, spiked hair, adding a small goatee to his look after becoming Hokage; towards the end of his life his skin is lighter, his hair is grey, his face is gaunter, and he has the wrinkles and liver spots of old age. He initially had a single line running vertically under the outer corners of each eye, which stretched down into his face as he aged until they reached his cheeks.

During the First Shinobi World War, he wore grey shinobi battle armour common to the time period, with heavy protection all over his body. He starts wearing much lighter combat attire at some point, consisting of a black jumpsuit, mesh segments over the lower portions of his limbs, and a green gauntlet that covered much of his right arm. He also wore an armoured hood with a bandanna-like forehead protector over this, tied with two long straps.[28] Across the back is written "Third Hokage" which is replaced with the kanji for "fire" (, hi) during his brief retirement.[29] When not in combat, he usually wears the official uniform — the customary hat and haori with a red, full-length kimono that is tied using a white sash. He often smokes during his spare time.

Abilities

Hiruzen's shadow clones

Hiruzen using the Shadow Clone Technique.

Hiruzen was a natural prodigy, hailed as a "God of Shinobi" and was the strongest shinobi produced from his clan.[30] His talents made him Hokage at a young age, directly selected by the Second Hokage, having surpassed his teacher in childhood.[4] He became the most powerful of Kage during his lifetime,[1] and once well-considered the strongest Hokage in history.[6] While his battle prowess deteriorated greatly in old age and ultimately contributed to his death, he was able to fend off Orochimaru along with the combined might of the reincarnated First and Second Hokage, ultimately sealing away the Orochimaru's hands and two past Hokage. Orochimaru openly believed that had Hiruzen been even ten years younger, the Hokage would've killed his former student.[31]

Chakra and Physical Prowess

Tobirama attacks Hiruzen

Hiruzen in hand-to-hand combat.

In the anime, Hiruzen was said to have immense chakra,[32] and even in his old age, his chakra was strong enough to crack stone upon moulding it.[28] His reserves diminished in later years as even splitting his chakra between any more than two shadow clones was a great risk for him. His reduced chakra levels were offset with precise chakra control, needing only the minimum amount of chakra to use techniques to their full potency.[33] Despite his old age, his reaction time and sensory perception were still good enough to defend himself, even when robbed of his sight.[34] Hiruzen could even lay explosive tags on high-level opponents without them noticing.[35]

Ninjutsu

Reaper death seal

Hiruzen using the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.

Hiruzen also was renowned as The Professor (プロフェッサー, Purofessā), due to his unprecedented versatility in ninjutsu. Having mastered all the skillsets and combat forms of the shinobi arts.[6] Hiruzen was reputed for his advanced knowledge and skill of all techniques to ever exist within Konoha, including the many Hiden techniques,[35][4] and able to use each of them with the highest level of power and control.[1][36] He could instantly deduce the impending technique simply from the hand seals.[4][37] Even when he encountered something new, as in the case of Truth-Seeking Balls, he could discern their attributes and limitations from a brief observation. Hiruzen was well-noted for having personally created a variety of innovative techniques, preparing himself for any situation and was also capable of using various techniques simultaneously for more versatile and with longer effects.[38]

His noteworthy skillset included viewing things from afar,[39] creating a barrier powerful enough to contain the Ten-Tails alongside other Kage-level shinobi,[40] and sensing the presence of individuals by their chakra.[41]

Nature Transformation

Five nature attack

Hiruzen's clones using all five elements simultaneously.

Hiruzen was one of the few individuals who could perform all five basic nature transformations and mastered them with equal proficiency. He could also use Yin and Yang Release.[4] His prowess could intercept an opponent's elemental attack and produce the respective counterbalancing nature.[42] He could use Fire Release to create a powerful stream of fire, and in the anime, a barrage of small fire blasts.[32] With Earth Release, he could create a protective wall of mud. In the anime, he could create a river of mud to knock an opponent off their feet, and use the same mud to create a dragon head to shoot a volley of mud balls that can be infused with flames for more damage.[38] He could likewise produce powerful streams of Lightning, Water, and Wind Release respectively.

Bukijutsu

Hiruzen uses giant shuriken

Hiruzen utilising his Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.

Hiruzen frequently used shuriken in combat - both the standard size and the larger fūma shuriken.[43] By using the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique, he could create copies of these shuriken, allowing him to bombard a target with thousands of projectiles without needing to carry that many on himself.[28] In the anime, Hiruzen was similarly shown utilising his surroundings like shuriken, such as roof tiles.[38]

Hiruzen's personal summon, Enma, could transform into an extendable and/or expandable staff that was as hard as a diamond. The staff was Hiruzen's weapon of choice and wielded it with great proficiency, though its weight became a great burden to him in his later years.[35]

Fūinjutsu

Hiruzen could perform a suicide-murder technique that will seal away a target's soul with sacrifice of their own. However, he can bypass this by using a shadow clone to be sacrificed instead.[44] He was also one of few people who could remove seals as powerful as the Five Elements Seal.[45]

Stats

Databook Ninjutsu Taijutsu Genjutsu Intelligence Strength Speed Stamina Hand seals Total
First 5 5 5 5 3 3 3 5 34
Second 5 5 5 5 3 3 3 5 34

Part I

Prologue — Land of Waves

Main article: Prologue — Land of Waves

Telescope Technique

Hiruzen watching Naruto.

When Naruto fails the Academy's graduation exam yet again, Hiruzen takes Naruto's instructor, Iruka Umino, aside and advises him to be compassionate towards Naruto because of his lack of parents, something Iruka has had similar experiences with. When Naruto shortly afterwards breaks into the Hokage Residence and steals the Scroll of Seals (and also defeats Hiruzen with the Sexy Technique), Hiruzen has no choice but to mobilise a search party to apprehend Naruto. From observing events, Hiruzen learns of Naruto's manipulation by Mizuki and watches as Iruka finally shows kindness towards Naruto by protecting him from Mizuki. He calls off the search party when it becomes clear Naruto will return, but Hiruzen worries that Naruto's learning of the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique from the Scroll will risk the Nine-Tails' escape from his body.

From his concern over the Nine-Tails as well as his disappointment that one of Naruto's first accomplishments as a genin is to invent the Harem Technique, Hiruzen assigns Kakashi Hatake as Naruto's team leader so that Kakashi can guide him appropriately, as well as look over one of Naruto's teammates, Sasuke Uchiha. Despite Kakashi's efforts, Naruto remains obstinate, complaining to Hiruzen about how easy their first D-rank mission was. When Naruto is unwilling to listen to explanations of how missions are assigned according to rank and skill level - both of which Naruto has little of at the moment - Hiruzen agrees to give the team a C-rank mission: escorting Tazuna to the Land of Waves.

Chūnin Exams

Main article: Chūnin Exams

Episode 20

Hiruzen calls a meeting.

Hiruzen calls together the village's jōnin team leaders and informs them that Konoha will be hosting the next Chūnin Exams, an opportunity for their genin-charges to be promoted to chūnin. He asks that those jōnin assembled who believe their students are ready for the challenge of the exam submit their students' names. He begins with the team leaders of the Academy's most recent graduates and is surprised that all of the Rookie Nine are deemed suitable by their instructors; he agrees to allow them to enter despite Iruka's protests.

Chunin Examination Arena

Hiruzen addressing the genin that passed.

Hiruzen is called to the Forest of Death during the Exams' second stage by its proctor, Anko Mitarashi. She reports Orochimaru's infiltration of the Exams and his warnings to not call off the Exams due to his appearance. Suspecting that Orochimaru is after Sasuke Uchiha, Hiruzen has no choice but to allow things to proceed as planned. He watches the preliminary matches, noting the growth of not only Naruto and Sasuke but all of Konoha's genin. Once the preliminaries conclude, he presides over the assignment of first round match-ups in the finals before they adjourn.

In the month prior to the finals, Hiruzen grows increasingly worried. Not only is he unsure of what Orochimaru and his underlings are planning, but it's also apparent that one of the rival hidden villages is conspiring against Konoha as well, possibly in tandem with Orochimaru. What's more, Hiruzen does not believe that he, nor anyone else in Konoha for that matter, has the skills necessary to meet Orochimaru in battle. To clear his head, he visits his grandson's, Konohamaru's, class and is reminded of how important protecting the village and its citizens is to him.

When the finals begin, Hiruzen sits and watches with the Fourth Kazekage, the only other Kage whose village has representatives competing. Hiruzen, as host, remains pleasant towards the Kazekage and tries to assure him that there are no issues when the schedule for the finals increasingly does not go as planned.

Konoha Crush

Main article: Konoha Crush

Hiruzen tai Orochimaru

Hiruzen clashing with Orochimaru.

The last match of the first round of the finals is interrupted by an invasion of Konoha. Hiruzen is taken hostage and separated from his bodyguards by the Kazekage. Hiruzen tries to negotiate with the Kazekage until he realises it is actually Orochimaru in disguise. Orochimaru wants to fight and kill Hiruzen, his former teacher, and has his followers erect a barrier so that the Anbu cannot come to Hiruzen's defence. Hiruzen is glad that nobody will interrupt them and removes his robes, revealing his combat attire underneath. Orochimaru decides he wants Hiruzen to share in the experience of fighting one's predecessor's and as such reincarnates the First and Second Hokage.

The Hokage greet Hiruzen in the brief moments before Orochimaru suppresses their personalities. Hiruzen attacks, but he has difficulty overcoming their defences and he must summon Enma to help block the First's Wood Release. He and Enma try to strike Orochimaru directly, but the Hokage block him. Despite failing to reach Orochimaru, Hiruzen is able to plant exploding tags on the Hokage's leg, but their reincarnated bodies cause them to quickly regenerate. Realising he has few options left, Hiruzen prepares to use the Dead Demon Consuming Seal. Orochimaru takes him by surprise before he can do anything by removing his own face, revealing a new body, the completion of his research and the same fate he has planned for Sasuke.

Hiruzen vs Orochimaru

Hiruzen struggling to seal Orochimaru's soul.

Hiruzen is disgusted by the levels Orochimaru has sunk to and his own responsibility in allowing Orochimaru to escape years earlier. In order to rectify the mistakes he's made at long last, Hiruzen makes two shadow clones that first catch the two Hokage and then use the Dead Demon Consuming Seal to remove their souls. The Hokage's personalities return to them briefly and they apologise for the hassle they've caused, just as Hiruzen apologises to them for the prison he's sentenced them to: their souls are consumed by the Shinigami. Orochimaru is amused by their defeat, unaware of what's happening, and bids Hiruzen to try the same on him. Hiruzen and Enma disarm him of his Kusanagi and Hiuruzen starts performing the seal on him. When Orochimaru senses his soul's removal, he summons the Kusanagi back to him, causing it to lodge in Hiruzen despite Enma's attempts to intercept it.

Hiruzen last smile

Hiruzen dying with a smile.

Although stabbing Hiruzen has stopped the removal of his soul, Orochimaru cannot move in order to finish Hiruzen off. Orochimaru encourages him to die, but Hiruzen, doomed to die anyway for invoking the Shinigami, ignores him, instead trying to muster up the strength to finish sealing Orochimaru. After an hour passes with no progress, Hiruzen accepts the fact that he won't be able to complete the seal. He decides to do what little he can to put an end to Orochimaru's plans and protect the village: he has the Shinigami seal Orochimaru's arms, preventing their use. As Orochimaru curses him, Hiruzen dies smiling, hoping that he will see Orochimaru again in the next life.

Part II

Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax

Main article: Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax

Hokage reincarnated

The four Hokage are reincarnated.

Orochimaru releases the souls of the first four Hokage from the stomach of the Shinigami, an act that also restores his arms. At Sasuke Uchiha's request he then reincarnates the Hokage. Hiruzen worries that Orochimaru now plans to use him to destroy Konoha, but is instead questioned by Sasuke about the Uchiha Clan Downfall. Hiruzen confirms the truth of what Itachi Uchiha did and explains that he only did so on the condition that Hiruzen would keep Sasuke safe in the aftermath. From hearing about what has transpired since his death - Sasuke killing Danzō Shimura and Madara Uchiha emerging to start the Fourth Shinobi World War - Hiruzen feels guilty that maybe things could have been avoided had he taken different actions while he was alive.

The Hokage Arrive

The Hokage arrive on the battlefield.

Hearing from the Hokage and reflecting on his own experiences, Sasuke decides he doesn't want Konoha to be destroyed, as is Madara's current intention. Orochimaru releases the Hokage from his control so that they can help in this goal, and they set out for the site of the Allied Shinobi Forces' battle with the Ten-Tails. When they arrive, the Hokage erect a barrier around the Ten-Tails to confine it. Hiruzen must remain with the barrier to maintain it, so he can only watch as Obito Uchiha seals the Ten-Tails into his body, becoming its jinchūriki.

Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki

Main article: Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki

Hiruzen vs Obito

Hiruzen attacks Obito.

With his new power, Obito rips down the barrier, finally allowing Hiruzen to participate in the fight. From Obito's display it is obvious to Hiruzen that he is stronger than even the First Hokage. He therefore personally engages Obito so that nobody needs to put their lives at risk, taking advantage of the fact that he's already dead to analyse Obito's abilities. By observing Obito's Truth-Seeking Balls he theorises that they are similar to the Third Tsuchikage's kekkei tōta in that they are a combination of multiple nature transformations. He also postulates that the Truth-Seeking Balls have limits to the duration of their malleability, but his upper body is destroyed immediately after that.

Hiruzen frees Naruto

Hiruzen saves Naruto from the Ten-Tails.

It takes Hiruzen a great deal of time for his body to regenerate. When he finally does, he summons Enma, has him transform, and then quickly saves Naruto Uzumaki from the Ten-Tails' tree form's chakra-absorbing roots. When Orochimaru later arrives on the battlefield, they join together to help the Allies in the counter-offensive against Obito, first by blocking and cutting back more and more of the tree's roots and branches, then by assisting in pulling the tailed beasts from Obito's body. Their combined efforts succeed and Obito is defeated.

Hiruzen vs Guruguru

Hiruzen battles against Tobi.

The Allied Shinobi Forces are shortly afterwards attacked by Tobi. With everyone too tired from the prolonged fighting to defend themselves, Hiruzen and four of his shadow clones arrive to help, counterbalancing Tobi's elemental attacks with their own. Tobi withdraws once the Infinite Tsukuyomi is about to be cast, having completed its job of distracting the Allies.

Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes

Main article: Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes

Hiruzen's soul departs

Hiruzen's soul departs to the Pure Land.

As the world is wrapped up by God: Nativity of a World of Trees, Hiruzen, unaffected because he is dead, tries to free Tsunade but fails. He and the other Hokage converge at the location of a powerful chakra signature, but find only Madara Uchiha's lower half, from which emerges the Sage of the Six Paths. Combining efforts with the spirits of the other dead Kage, they summon Team 7, Madara, and the tailed beasts back from Kaguya's dimension. With the world saved, the Sage returns all the Kage to the Pure Land. As his soul ascends, Hiruzen entrusts the future to Team 7.

Legacy

Hiruzen is only one of many Konoha ninja to die in the village's defence during the Konoha Crush. However, a special ceremony to mourn Hiruzen is held, which many of Konoha's ninja attend; Jiraiya does not, opting to reminisce about Hiruzen privately. Asuma, while not always agreeing with his father's ideals, has managed to see him in a better light as a Hokage and a great father two years after the funeral, shortly before Asuma's own death. Hiruzen is quickly replaced as Hokage by Tsunade, who, during her early days in office, notes how many fine shinobi the village produced under Hiruzen's guidance and makes a point to continue his practices during her own term. As Jiraiya was nearing his end at the hands of Pain, one of his regrets was his failure to save his teacher. When Naruto becomes Hokage years later, he lives by the Will of Fire just as Hiruzen did.

In Other Media

Novels

Itachi Shinden: Book of Bright Light

Main article: Itachi Shinden: Book of Bright Light Hiruzen makes an appearance in this novel.

Video Games

Hiruzen Sarutobi is a playable character in the following video games:

Game nameJapanese releaseEnglish release
Naruto Mobile20162016
Naruto Shippūden: Ninja Destiny 224 April 200815 September 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Ninja Destiny 328 April 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja 45 April 200724 March 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja 520 December 200727 November 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Blazing14 July 201624 August 2016
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 318 April 20135 March 2013
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 44 February 20169 February 2016
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations23 February 201213 March 2012
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution11 September 201416 September 2014
Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker30 August 201831 August 2018
Naruto x Boruto: Ninja TribesJune 2019June 2019
Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage22 November 201722 November 2017
Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections16 November 202317 November 2023
Naruto: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! 320 November 2004
Naruto: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! 421 November 2005
Naruto: Ninja Council 229 April 200410 October 2006
Naruto: Ninja Council 327 April 200622 May 2007
Naruto: Path of the Ninja 213 July 200614 October 2008
Naruto: Rise of a Ninja30 October 2007
Naruto: Shinobi Collection2014
Naruto: Shinobi Collection Shippū Ranbu27 July 2015
Naruto: The Broken Bond18 November 2008
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 230 September 200412 June 2007
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 322 December 200525 March 2008
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress30 March 200624 June 2008
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Online14 April 201320 July 2016
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm15 January 20094 November 2008

Trivia

Springtime of Youth
The Springtime of Youth wiki has an article about this topic:
  • Hiruzen's clan name "Sarutobi", inspired by Sarutobi Sasuke, means "monkey jump" (猿飛), further supported by his Summoning Technique which summons Enma. Tobirama also nicknamed him "Monkey" (サル, Saru). Hiruzen's first name could come from mountain with same name located on the border of Okayama and Tottori prefectures on the main island of Honshu in Japan.
  • Many aspects of his character were borrowed from the Chinese literature classic Journey to the West. Hiruzen's summon, Enma, bears a very strong resemblance to Sun Wukong (孫悟空, Son Gokū), the protagonist of the novel, and Hiruzen's chosen weapon was identical to the Monkey King's magical staff.
  • In the Live Spectacle Naruto, the role of Hiruzen was played by Kazuhiro Imagawa.
  • Hiruzen's ghost is briefly seen in Naruto: Shippūden episode 129.
  • During his battle with Orochimaru, Hiruzen's likeness on the Hokage Rock cracks across the face. While the crack is fairly prominent due to its size, it doesn't always show up in the anime, due either to a bad angle or a mistake by the animators.
  • Masashi Kishimoto originally planned for Hiruzen to be a dog, but dumped the idea for being "too weird".
  • Studio Pierrot's Settei sheets of Hiruzen show that he was 140cm around the time Konoha was founded, 145cm around the time the Shinobi Training Institution was created, and 166cm when Tobirama died.
  • According to the databook(s):

Quotes

  • (About Naruto) "He has combined shadow clones with his own invention, the Sexy Technique. What a foolish ninja technique… and he could probably get me with it, too."[46]
  • (To the Academy students) "You only get one life. There's no need to choose an impossible path. It's fine to live as long as you like and die. However… protecting a precious person… you must not forget this no matter what path you choose."[47]
  • (To Orochimaru) "To me, Konoha isn't just an organisation. Every year there are a lot of ninja born and raised in Konoha… They live, fight to protect this village and what is precious they would go to their death. Even if we are not related by blood, those of the village like these are, to me, my most precious, most important… family!"[48]
  • (Last words) "When the tree leaves dance, one shall find flames. The fire's shadow will illuminate the village, and once again, tree leaves shall bud anew."[49]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 First Databook, pages 117-119
  2. Second Databook, pages 143-145
  3. Third Databook, page 162
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Fourth Databook, pages 170-171
  5. Naruto chapter 118, page 3
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Naruto chapter 94, page 12
  7. Naruto chapter 121, page 3
  8. Naruto chapter 119, page 14
  9. Naruto chapter 123, page 14
  10. 10.0 10.1 Naruto: Shippūden episode 351
  11. Boruto: Road to B, page 2
  12. Naruto chapter 139, pages 9-11
  13. Naruto chapter 344, pages 16-17
  14. Naruto: Shippūden episode 349
  15. Naruto chapter 121, page 7
  16. Naruto chapter 366, page 12
  17. Naruto chapter 116, page 3
  18. Naruto chapter 2, pages 13-14
  19. Naruto chapter 440, page 5
  20. Naruto chapter 122, page 7
  21. Naruto: Shippūden episode 356
  22. Naruto chapter 590, page 6-10
  23. Naruto chapter 400, page 15
  24. Naruto: Shippūden episode 359
  25. Boruto episode 180
  26. Naruto chapter 483, page 17
  27. Naruto chapter 627, pages 5-6
  28. 28.0 28.1 28.2 Naruto chapter 117
  29. Naruto chapter 502, page 9
  30. Konoha Shinden: Steam Ninja Scrolls
  31. Naruto chapter 126, page 10
  32. 32.0 32.1 Naruto episode 71
  33. Naruto: Shippūden episode 284
  34. Naruto chapter 123, pages 3 and 7
  35. 35.0 35.1 35.2 Naruto chapter 120, page 15
  36. Naruto Shippūden episode 284
  37. Naruto chapter 504, page 6
  38. 38.0 38.1 38.2 Naruto episode 69
  39. Naruto chapter 1
  40. Naruto chapter 631, pages 9-11
  41. Naruto chapter 680, page 10
  42. Naruto chapter 662, page 5
  43. Naruto chapter 639, page 6
  44. Naruto chapter 123, pages 11-12
  45. Naruto chapter 166, page 3
  46. Naruto chapter 2, page 20
  47. Naruto chapter 94, page 15
  48. Naruto chapter 122, pages 15-18
  49. Naruto chapter 137, pages 17-19