Sarutobi Hiruzen

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Sarutobi Hiruzen (猿飞日斩)
Alias(es)	Third Hokage; “Professor of Ninjutsu” 223
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Konohagakure (formerly); Akatsuki 241
Occupation/Role	Third Hokage; later rogue ninja and Akatsuki member 106 241
Status	Alive; internationally wanted following the Daimyo’s assassination 239 350
First Appearance	Chapter 2

Background / History

Hiruzen remained a decisive force in Konoha’s government even while Namikaze Minato held the Fourth Hokage’s office. He supervised Minato’s work, bypassed him to grant Uchiha Genya a special jōnin examination, and was regarded by Konoha’s upper ranks as the person with real authority. 2 3 31

He viewed the Uchiha’s growing military strength as a severe internal threat. While fearing the damage an Uchiha coup could cause, he also sought to keep the clan tied to the Security Division and prevent them from expanding their influence through ordinary village missions. 12 23

During the Nine-Tails’ attack, Hiruzen mobilized Anbu and the Sealing Squad to evacuate civilians and contain the beast. The deaths of Minato and Kushina, followed by the Uchiha’s overwhelming show of force, left him politically weakened and unable to restore the previous balance of power. 36 42

Appearance

By the time he became a fugitive, Hiruzen’s appearance had deteriorated drastically from prolonged pursuit and combat. Though only in his fifties, he appeared decades older. 239

• Dry, withered white hair. 239
• Bloodshot eyes, wrinkles, and a face marked by grime and exhaustion. 239
• Often smoked a pipe while working in the Hokage Office. 2 31
• Later wore a slashed forehead protector after formally becoming a rogue ninja. 241

Personality

Hiruzen presents himself as a benevolent elder devoted to the Will of Fire, frequently invoking its ideals when addressing younger shinobi such as Genya and Shisui. 3 12 He is politically cautious and highly conscious of public legitimacy, often avoiding statements or actions that might expose Konoha leadership’s hostility toward the Uchiha. 17

His caution repeatedly turns into indecision. He shields Danzō despite mounting suspicion, fears the consequences of confronting powerful Uchiha directly, and later attempts to preserve his political influence through the Daimyo rather than open opposition. 48 50 81 112

After losing the Hokage position, his allies, and the Sarutobi clan’s standing, Hiruzen becomes paranoid, resentful, and increasingly desperate. His hatred of Genya drives him to advocate for Akatsuki to attack Konoha and restore the former order. 103 239 350

Abilities & Skills

Ninjutsu Mastery

Hiruzen is described as a veteran Kage-level shinobi known as the “Professor of Ninjutsu,” with an extensive repertoire of techniques. 223 239

• His breadth of techniques makes him a dangerous opponent even in old age. 223
• He was considered capable of using the Dead Demon Consuming Seal if given the opportunity. 223
• His declining body and lack of knowledge about Mangekyō Sharingan techniques limit him against elite ocular-power users. 223 239

Combat Endurance

While fleeing the Land of Fire, Hiruzen survived repeated attempts on his life from bounty hunters and shinobi of multiple villages. 239

• Repelled numerous pursuers despite severe exhaustion. 239
• Survived an attack by Kumogakure shinobi using Black Lightning. 239
• Required soldier pills and outside supplies to sustain his escape. 239

Equipment

• Adamantine Staff (Enma) — Hiruzen wielded Enma in staff form; while under Genya’s illusion, he used it to fatally pierce the Daimyo. 215
• Pipe — Regularly smoked while overseeing affairs in the Hokage Office. 2 31
• Slashed Konoha forehead protector — Marked his break with Konoha upon joining Akatsuki. 241

Relationships

• Shimura Danzō — Longtime comrade and political ally whom Hiruzen repeatedly protected; their partnership collapsed when Hiruzen came to believe Danzō was responsible for the Nine-Tails Incident. 48 50
• Namikaze Minato — Fourth Hokage whose authority Hiruzen heavily constrained while continuing to direct village affairs. 2 3 31
• Uchiha Genya / Xuanye — Political rival who repeatedly humiliated and threatened Hiruzen, forced his retirement, and later framed him for regicide. 71 104 215
• Jiraiya — Former student whom Hiruzen summoned back during the Fifth Hokage crisis; Hiruzen later felt betrayed when Jiraiya did not oppose Genya. 98 103 104
• Sarutobi Asuma — Hiruzen’s son, whom he recommended as a Guardian Ninja for the Daimyo; Asuma was left behind when Hiruzen fled the Daimyo Mansion. 115 215
• Obito Uchiha — Encountered Hiruzen while disguised as Danzō, then recruited him into Akatsuki. 240 241

Story Role / Major Arcs

Uchiha–Konoha Power Struggle

Hiruzen initially attempts to contain Genya and the Uchiha through political pressure while preserving the Security Division’s restrictive role. His efforts fail as Genya forces concessions from him and exploits Hiruzen’s concern for his reputation. 17 20 23

Danzō’s Exposure and Fall

Hiruzen intervenes to prevent the Hyūga from examining Danzō’s concealed right eye, openly protecting his ally during the investigation into the Nine-Tails Incident. This decision destroys his credibility when the jōnin and Anbu turn against him. 48 49 50

He is present when Genya executes Danzō, leaving him unable to save his decades-long friend or prevent the Uchiha from taking Root’s legacy. 70

Loss of the Hokage Position

Genya uses evidence of Hiruzen’s past dealings with Root to threaten him into stepping down. Hiruzen ultimately abstains during the Fifth Hokage election and formally yields the office to Genya. 71 106

Conflict with the Fifth Hokage

After Genya’s election, Hiruzen tries to undermine him through the Land of Fire Daimyo and financial pressure. Genya discovers these efforts, retaliates against the Sarutobi, Mitokado, and Utatane factions, and leaves Hiruzen increasingly isolated. 112 114 115 157

Regicide and Exile

Genya’s prepared illusion causes Hiruzen to assassinate the Daimyo during a public banquet. Hiruzen escapes the mansion but becomes a rogue ninja with a four-billion-ryō bounty, while the Sarutobi clan is dissolved and his family suffers the consequences of the accusation. 215 239

Akatsuki Recruitment

Obito finds the exhausted Hiruzen and offers him a place in Akatsuki. Hiruzen accepts, slashes his forehead protector, and embraces the Eye of the Moon Plan as a possible escape from his despair. 240 241

Within Akatsuki, he becomes one of the most vocal advocates for an immediate assault on Konoha and the capture of Genya. 350

Notable Quotes

“Enough! Danzō! I am the Hokage!” 20

“We cannot declare Shisui a rogue ninja. Shisui is an excellent ninja, and a descendant of Kagami.” 59

“You have fallen this far. Do you think you still have any room to choose?” — Obito to Hiruzen 240