Third Hokage

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Hiruzen Sarutobi 22
Alias(es)	Third Hokage
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Konohagakure
Occupation/Role	Hokage of Konohagakure; mentor to Uchiha Qing Xuan 5 11
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 4

Background / History

Hiruzen previously mentored Tsunade and Orochimaru. Orochimaru's defection forces him to confront the failures of his earlier choices as a teacher, leaving him exhausted and uncertain about Konoha's future. He resolves to train Qing Xuan properly rather than repeat those mistakes. 23 25

His past conflict with Shimura Danzo is tied to Ryuu Uchiha, Qing Xuan's father. Hiruzen rejects Danzo's belief that Ryuu belonged in Root, insisting that Ryuu could have lived openly and possessed the qualities of a Kage. 5 6

After Qing Xuan returns to Konoha, Hiruzen recognizes the child's unusual maturity and potential. He takes Qing Xuan as his disciple, intending both to cultivate a future Hokage candidate and to ease the long-running tension between the village and the Uchiha clan. 5 11 25

Appearance

An elderly man over fifty with white hair, Hiruzen is usually seen in his Hokage lounge smoking a pipe while writing calligraphy or painting. Following Orochimaru's defection, he is described as increasingly haggard and hunched. 4 22 25

• Often carries and smokes a pipe. 4 11
• Keeps calligraphy scrolls in his lounge. 5 25
• Maintains a calm, relaxed posture even during confrontations. 5 11

Personality

Hiruzen is outwardly gentle, patient, and approachable. He listens closely to Qing Xuan's unconventional answers instead of dismissing them, and he treats the child with visible warmth. 4 5 11

Behind that calmness, he can become forceful when Konoha's values or his students are threatened. His confrontation with Danzo reveals years of regret and anger over Ryuu Uchiha's treatment by Root. 5 6

As Hokage, he bears difficult decisions heavily. Orochimaru's crimes and defection leave him conflicted, while the danger surrounding Qing Xuan exposes the limits of his ability to keep peace within the village. 22 23 34

Abilities & Skills

Ninjutsu and Combat Skill

Despite his age, Hiruzen remains a highly capable combatant.

• Effortlessly evaded Qing Xuan and Itachi's coordinated assault while keeping his hands behind his back and smoking. 11
• Was not struck even as Qing Xuan used chakra threads and thrown weapons to restrict his movement while Itachi pressured him directly. 11
• Deflected Qing Xuan and Itachi's Wind Style and Fire Style attacks during their training bout. 11
• Described the exchange as the first serious physical activity he had had in some time, suggesting he remains strong despite feeling out of practice. 11

Leadership and Judgment

Hiruzen oversees Konoha's political and military responses during periods of internal instability.

• Personally evaluates Qing Xuan's unusual training record and summons him after learning he already has the practical ability of an experienced Sunagakure Chunin. 9
• Orders action against Orochimaru after hearing Qing Xuan's report of Orochimaru's wrongdoing. 22
• Intervenes when Tsunade attempts to kill Danzo, prioritizing control of the crisis despite Danzo's suspected involvement in threats against Qing Xuan. 34
• Appears with Konoha ninja during the Kumogakure confrontation and silently acknowledges Qing Xuan's negotiation on Konoha's behalf. 42 43

Mentorship

Hiruzen sees mentorship as central to Konoha's future, though he recognizes the consequences of his past failures.

• Takes Qing Xuan as a direct disciple after identifying his talent and leadership potential. 5 11
• Has Asuma teach Qing Xuan the Three Basic Ninjutsu Techniques when his Hokage duties prevent him from training Qing Xuan personally. 15 16
• Wants Qing Xuan trained as a possible future Hokage and as a bridge between Konoha and the Uchiha clan. 25
• Encourages a master-disciple relationship between Qing Xuan and Asuma because he believes one of them may become the Fifth Hokage. 37

Relationships

• Uchiha Qing Xuan — His disciple. Hiruzen identifies Qing Xuan as a gifted potential leader and intends to prepare him for a future Hokage role. 5 11 25
• Shimura Danzo — Long-time political rival. Hiruzen opposes Danzo's attempt to claim Qing Xuan and condemns Root's treatment of Ryuu Uchiha. 5 6
• Tsunade — Former disciple and Qing Xuan's mother. Their conversations are candid and tense, particularly over Hiruzen's decision to mentor Qing Xuan. 25
• Orochimaru — Former disciple whose wrongdoing and eventual defection deepen Hiruzen's self-doubt. 22 23 25
• Asuma Sarutobi — His son, assigned to teach Qing Xuan basic ninja techniques in Hiruzen's stead. 15 16

Story Role / Major Arcs

Qing Xuan's Return and Apprenticeship

Hiruzen receives Qing Xuan shortly after his return to Konoha. Impressed by Qing Xuan's worldview and talent, he chooses the six-year-old Uchiha as his disciple despite Danzo's objections. 4 5

After discovering that Qing Xuan already possesses the practical experience of a Sunagakure Chunin, Hiruzen decides the Ninja Academy can no longer adequately teach him. He formally informs Fugaku Uchiha that Qing Xuan will remain under his personal guidance. 9 11

Orochimaru's Defection

When Qing Xuan reports Orochimaru, Hiruzen treats the accusation seriously and moves to have Orochimaru apprehended. Orochimaru's subsequent defection becomes a major personal and political blow. 22 23

Hiruzen later admits through his reflections that his experiences with Tsunade and Orochimaru influence his determination to guide Qing Xuan differently. 25

Root Crisis

Following an attempted assassination of Qing Xuan by former Root members, Hiruzen presides over the confrontation between Danzo, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Nawaki. He prevents Tsunade from executing Danzo, even as Konoha's internal divisions become increasingly visible. 33 34

Kumogakure Negotiations

During the dispute with Kumogakure over the Hyuga incident, Hiruzen arrives as Qing Xuan and the Uchiha clan confront Dodai. He and the accompanying Konoha ninja remain silent while Qing Xuan changes the terms of the negotiation, a silence portrayed as acknowledgment of Qing Xuan's actions. 41 42 43

Qing Xuan's Departure

When Tsunade leaves Konoha with Qing Xuan, Hiruzen has an Anbu captain deliver one condition: Qing Xuan must return within two years. 46

Notable Quotes

“He could have stood in the sunlight!” 5

“Danzo, I am the Hokage!” 6