Hiruzen Sarutobi

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Hiruzen Sarutobi (猿飞日斩)
Alias(es)	Monkey; “Professor of Ninjutsu” 18 39
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Konohagakure; Konoha Anbu; Hokage faction 17 117
Occupation/Role	Anbu Captain; Third Hokage; teacher of Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade 17 44 194
Birth	Approximately ten years before Konoha’s founding, according to the author’s timeline 182
Status	Deceased; later returns through Impure World Reincarnation during the Fourth Great Ninja War 421 449
First Appearance	Chapter 17, “Identity Exposure Crisis” 17

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Anbu Captain	17	Initial documented position. Commands Earth Dog and personally handles Rinto and Rie’s interrogation.
Third Hokage	44 45	Succeeds Tobirama after his death. This is an advancement in office; no corresponding combat-power increase is specified.
Strengthened Impure World Reincarnation body	449 450	Returns alongside the other past Hokages. Rinto observes that the Hashirama-cell-bearing White Zetsu vessels strengthen the Second and Third Hokages.

Appearance

• Youthful appearance: Introduced as a young man with a sharp, neat hairstyle 17.
• Konoha forehead protector: Wears and adjusts it while preparing for Tobirama’s peace mission 38.
• Hokage ceremonial robe: Wears it after taking office 45.
• Aging: His posture is somewhat stooped during the Nine-Tails attack; three years later, Rinto notices that he looks older still 387 389.
• Pipe: Frequently smokes while reviewing documents, negotiating, or attending council meetings 50 79 402.

Personality

Hiruzen initially combines caution with a genuine interest in talented people. Rinto’s ability, attachment to Rie, and determination convince him to spare the exposed infiltrator. He also welcomes signs that Rinto is forming friendships in Konoha, finding his scuffle with Jiraiya both amusing and touching 18 30.

Holding office makes him increasingly calculating. He treats appointments, teaching opportunities, and access to forbidden techniques as tools for strengthening the Hokage lineage. He is willing to minimize Rinto’s achievements when briefing Tobirama and to withhold aid from Amegakure to assert Konoha’s dominance 139 140 234 293.

His concern for succession can outweigh his appreciation for individual subordinates. Although he values Sakumo’s diligence and uncomplicated private life, he regards Sakumo’s popularity as an obstacle to elevating a younger generation 316.

Hiruzen also distinguishes between his personal flexibility and the authority of his office: he insists that others may submit to Rinto, but the Hokage cannot. Nevertheless, he repeatedly seeks Rinto’s advice and eventually admits that he failed to nurture Rinto and his companions adequately 200 322 324 379.

Background / History

Anbu Captain and Rinto’s Recruitment

As Tobirama Senju’s direct disciple and Anbu Captain, Hiruzen brings Rinto and Rie into an interrogation room after their arrival in Konoha. Rather than eliminate the exposed infiltrator, he allows Rinto to remain and raise Rie himself, confident that the boy will develop a sincere attachment to the village 17 18.

That confidence does not remove his suspicions. He considers using Rie to pressure Rinto but recognizes the risk of alienating him. After observing Rinto defeat Amegakure ninja, he records the boy’s exceptional strength, speed, and battlefield judgment, while identifying his limited defenses against large-scale ranged ninjutsu 27 33 34 38.

Before Tobirama leaves for peace talks, Hiruzen recommends confining Rinto in the Anbu dungeon. Acting on instructions delivered through Tobirama’s Spirit Transformation Technique, he offers Rinto a choice between the dungeon and the Uchiha Compound 38 39.

Becoming the Third Hokage

Hiruzen succeeds Tobirama after the Second Hokage’s death. The initial excitement of authority quickly gives way to overwhelming administrative pressure. He visits his predecessors’ graves when burdened and receives advice from Rinto through their game of Go 44 45.

He explains Rinto’s undercover identity, past, and responsibilities to Tsunade, changing her understanding of the boy. After Rinto rescues her from kidnappers, Hiruzen sends him to infiltrate Kumogakure, using Tsunade’s agreement to care for Rie to address his principal objection 44 50.

Rinto’s operations exceed Hiruzen’s expectations. Reports of the disruption in Kumogakure force him to reassess the difference between ordinary ninja infiltration and Rinto’s elaborate intelligence work. He later approves Rinto as a full Jonin by removing “Special” from the Anbu’s recommended promotion 60 101.

Consolidating the Hokage Faction

Hiruzen relies on Tobirama’s former disciples and the First Hokage’s legacy to maintain authority amid clan rivalries. During an iron-ore dispute, he reveals the Senju clan’s dissolution and sets a uniform price of 100,000 Ryo per ton, preventing Rinto from exploiting divisions between the clans 117.

He expands the leadership by appointing Kagami Uchiha and the Hyuga Clan Head as high-level advisors, with Shikajiro Nara serving as his aide. Kagami’s presence helps disrupt established opposition to Hiruzen’s decisions 129 140.

The education of Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade’s future students becomes a matter of political succession. Hiruzen assigns Nawaki to Orochimaru and uses discussion of forbidden-jutsu access to advance his disciples’ role in cultivating the next generation 139 140 141.

Clan Disputes and Wartime Pressure

Hiruzen struggles to contain the conflict between Root and the Uchiha. He refuses Danzō’s resignation as Root administrator, but offers Kagami little beyond comfort after his expulsion from the clan. Kagami later identifies Hiruzen’s repeated failure to defend him as a central source of his disillusionment 158 160 216.

As Mito ages, Hiruzen considers Danzō’s proposal to absorb the entire Uzumaki clan. Political opposition and the clan’s unwillingness make that impractical, so he sends Anbu to bring Kushina to Konoha as a prospective Nine-Tails jinchuriki 173.

Tobirama’s reincarnated return exposes Hiruzen’s unease about his own record. Although the village has grown prosperous, he knows that other parts of his governance have fallen short. Tobirama recognizes his skill in economics and education but considers him indecisive in international affairs 233 234 241.

Nawaki’s death places Hiruzen’s leadership under pressure and damages Orochimaru’s standing. Later, intelligence leaks, missing squads, and enemy movements force him to commit reserve elites to the battlefield 264 271 283.

Conflict and Cooperation with Amegakure

Hiruzen increasingly fears that Rinto’s accumulation of military and economic power will make him an independent rival rather than a controllable Konoha asset. He would prefer Rinto to remain in Konoha and influence Hanzo from afar 127 128.

When Iwagakure attacks Amegakure, Hiruzen deliberately withholds reinforcements as a warning over Rinto’s independent policies. Danzō recognizes that Hiruzen hopes either to preserve friendly relations with a victorious Amegakure or seize Chimarumaru Bridge if it falls 292 293.

After the crisis surrounding Sakumo’s apparent suicide, Hiruzen realizes that Rinto manipulated events but refuses to let the Hokage openly capitulate. He subsequently asks Rinto how to restore village unity and considers his proposal to rally Konoha against an external enemy, ultimately rejecting war because the village is unprepared 322 324.

Hiruzen also offers Rinto the Fourth Hokage position, seeing the prospect of a powerful Konoha–Amegakure alliance. Rinto repeatedly refuses. Minato Namikaze eventually takes office 324 379 384.

Nine-Tails Attack and Minato’s Death

During the Nine-Tails’ rampage, Hiruzen summons Enma and uses the Adamantine Nyoi-Bō to knock the beast out of Konoha. Unable to sustain a prolonged struggle, he calls on Rinto to restrain it 386.

After hearing Rinto’s assessment of Minato’s severe exhaustion, Hiruzen rushes outside the village with Anbu. Three years later, he tells Rinto that Minato was murdered, apparently by the masked attacker, using Minato’s own custom Flying Thunder God weapon 387 389.

Hiruzen is again handling the Hokage’s administrative work when Rinto returns with the Nine-Tails. He hesitates over Rinto’s demand that it be sealed into Naruto, prompting a dispute over fulfilling Rinto’s promise to Minato 389.

Uchiha Departure

As the Uchiha conflict reaches its final stage, Hiruzen entrusts Danzō with handling the clan while instructing him to preserve its “healthy parts.” He does so knowing that Danzō habitually exceeds stated limits 402 403.

A disturbing dream then motivates him to target Sasuke: in it, Rinto starts a future war to subjugate the ninja world, and two saviors appear. Hiruzen blocks the departing Uchiha and demands that one remain in Konoha. Kagami refuses to abandon anyone, while Itachi volunteers to stay as a hostage to prevent war; Sasuke also wants to remain with his brother 406 407.

Final Battle and Reincarnation

During the Chunin Exams, Hiruzen receives Itachi’s report that Orochimaru attacked Team 7. He also learns that Rinto declined to intervene directly but arranged protection for the team afterward 416.

Orochimaru, disguised as the Fourth Kazekage, takes Hiruzen hostage at the finals. Hiruzen escapes the initial attack with a Body Replacement Technique and counterattacks with combined Earth and Fire Style. Orochimaru then summons the First and Second Hokages 418.

Hiruzen ultimately uses the Reaper Death Seal to seal the two reincarnated Hokages and one of Orochimaru’s hands, dying in the battle. Konoha holds his funeral three days later, honoring a leader whose rule spanned more than forty years 421.

During the Fourth Great Ninja War, he returns through Impure World Reincarnation and joins Hashirama, Tobirama, and Minato on the battlefield. The four cooperate to erect a massive crimson barrier 449 450.

Abilities & Skills

Elemental Ninjutsu

Hiruzen demonstrates Water, Earth, and Fire Style, including coordinated attacks that combine different elements 126 418.

• Water Style: Water Wall — Blocks Kakuzu’s flames during the attack on Danzō’s home 126.
• Earth Flow River — Sends a mass of mud down the arena roof to push Orochimaru away 418.
• Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bullet — Produces a dragon head that fires mud pellets 418.
• Fire Dragon Bullet — Ignites the mud projectiles, creating a combined Fire–Earth attack 418.

Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu

Multiplies thrown projectiles to pressure an opponent 126.

• Uses it after throwing three or four kunai into the steam obscuring Kakuzu’s position 126.

Summoning Technique: Monkey King Enma

Summons Enma, his longstanding combat partner, who can transform into the Adamantine Nyoi-Bō 386.

• Uses the staff’s extension to strike the Nine-Tails and send it tumbling outside Konoha 386.
• Cannot maintain a prolonged contest with the beast and requires Rinto’s assistance 386.

Body Replacement Technique

Escapes Orochimaru’s initial hostage attack during the Chunin Exam finals 418.

Scrying Jutsu

Uses remote observation associated with a crystal ball and treats the technique as highly confidential 311 379.

• Monitors Rinto while he examines the Scroll of Seals 154.
• Refuses Rinto’s request to learn the technique 379.

Reaper Death Seal

His final sealing technique in the battle against Orochimaru 421.

• Seals the reincarnated First and Second Hokages and one of Orochimaru’s hands 421.
• Hiruzen dies following its use 421.

Barrier Cooperation

Participates with the other three past Hokages in forming a giant square barrier marked by four crimson pillars of light 449 450.

Intelligence Assessment and Political Strategy

Evaluates combatants, manages intelligence operations, and uses council appointments and training policy to shape Konoha’s leadership 34 101 129 139.

• Identifies Rinto’s exceptional close-combat strength and vulnerability to wide-area ranged attacks 34 38.
• Corrects an overly restrictive promotion recommendation after reviewing Rinto’s actual achievements 101.
• Uses succession planning and forbidden-jutsu access to reinforce the Hokage faction 139 140 141.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Adamantine Nyoi-Bō — Enma’s transformed staff; extends far enough to strike the Nine-Tails from Hiruzen’s position 386.
• Kunai — Used with Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu against Kakuzu 126.
• Crystal ball — Used for remote observation in the Hokage’s Office 311.
• Pipe — A recurring personal accessory during work and council discussions 50 79 402.
• Konoha forehead protector and Hokage ceremonial robe — Worn before and after his accession respectively 38 45.

Relationships

• Tobirama Senju — Teacher and predecessor. Hiruzen remains deferential to him, even as an established Hokage; Tobirama later questions aspects of his governance 17 233 234 241.
• Hashirama Senju — Also identified as Hiruzen’s teacher. His legacy and the dispersed Senju bloodline help support Hiruzen’s authority 117 384.
• Sakuta Rinto — Recruited infiltrator, intelligence operative, advisor, and eventual political rival. Hiruzen alternates between protecting him, restricting him, seeking his help, and offering him the Hokage position 18 38 50 293 324 379.
• Shimura Danzō — Old classmate, political supporter, and frequent antagonist. Hiruzen relies on him for difficult assignments and controversial clan matters 115 140 158 403.
• Kagami Uchiha — Fellow disciple and later advisor. Their relationship deteriorates because Kagami believes Hiruzen failed to defend him against village and clan hostility 129 160 216.
• Jiraiya — Direct disciple and a core member of the Hokage lineage; considered a leading successor candidate after Hiruzen’s death 194 421.
• Orochimaru — Direct disciple whose wartime achievements strengthen Hiruzen’s reputation. Ultimately attacks and kills him during the Chunin Exams 259 418 421.
• Tsunade — Direct disciple. Hiruzen helps her understand Rinto’s past, but Nawaki’s death contributes to her hostility toward him 44 194 379.
• Hatake Sakumo — Valued subordinate whose popularity Hiruzen views as a succession problem. Sakumo later responds to him with marked coldness 316 379.
• Minato Namikaze — Grand-disciple and successor as Fourth Hokage. Hiruzen assists during the Nine-Tails attack and later fights beside his reincarnated predecessor 384 386 449.
• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura — Former teammates and council allies who support his administration and participate in major policy decisions 38 45 79.

Notable Quotes

“You suspicious little brat, you can leave right now. I believe no one will stop you.”
— To Rinto after deciding to spare him 18

“Anyone can bow down to Sakuta Rinto, but the Hokage cannot!”
— Defending the authority of his office 322

“Remove the malignant tumor; the healthy parts must be preserved.”
— His instruction to Danzō concerning the Uchiha 403

Trivia

• Rinto jokingly claims that Hiruzen is his father when a Ninja School teacher asks for his guardian; this is not an actual familial relationship 29.
• Hiruzen checks Rinto’s limited-edition book series twelve times, compared with Kagami’s five inspections and Jiraiya’s fifty readings 66.
• By the Chunin Exams, villagers describe him as the strongest Hokage, while Rinto notes how little Konoha remembers Hashirama’s former supremacy 412.