Sarutobi Hakuba

Biodata

History

Before departing for the Land of Wind front, Hakuba was instructed by the Lord Third to take extra care of Sen Chisato. During a Sand ninja ambush en route, he helped defend the medical team, but the attackers split the defenders apart and forced him into a fight with an enemy jōnin 7 8.

At the front, Orochimaru assigned Chisato to Hakuba’s squad alongside Hyuga Hihi and Maruboshi Kosuke. Hakuba led them against Sand infiltrators, accepting Chisato’s proposal for a coordinated Earth Release ambush after initially insisting that they seek reinforcements. He later survived a puppeteer’s attempt to take him hostage when his squad intervened 12 13 14 15 17.

After another Konoha patrol was wiped out, Hakuba changed a pursuit into an interception to stop the Sand unit before it reached the Land of Rain. He allowed Chisato to participate despite his concern for the boy’s safety, and the squad defeated the infiltrators at a stream 18 19 20.

Hakuba was injured in a later battle in which Hihi died. He told Chisato that Hihi had asked him to handle his funeral arrangements, then accompanied Chisato to lay their teammate to rest 37 38.

Personality

Hakuba is protective of younger ninja, particularly Chisato, whose talent he believes should not be squandered on the battlefield. He also takes his command responsibilities seriously: he weighs the risks of an operation, expects orders to be followed, and considers the intelligence value of captured enemies and recovered bodies 13 14 18 20.

Chisato’s impoliteness and habit of burying enemy bodies test Hakuba’s patience, but the two also trade jokes and insults. Hakuba comes to respect Chisato’s strength and judgment, even when the boy’s actions frustrate him 10 11 17 19.

Abilities & Skills

Fire Release

• Great Fireball Technique — Forces Sand ninja to scatter during the attack on the medical team 8.
• Ash Pile Burning — Engulfs enemies in hot ash before igniting it in an explosion during the stream ambush 19.

Earth Release

• Earth Wall — Blocks a volley of ninja tools, though explosive tags subsequently destroy the wall 8.
• Earth Flow Split — Used alongside his squadmates’ Earth Release techniques to collapse a Sand unit’s underground hideout 15.

Combat and command

• Uses Body Flicker to reposition in battle, Shadow Clones while preparing an ambush, and a ninja blade in close combat 8 17 18.
• Coordinates reconnaissance, ambush positions, and squad assignments; he adjusts a plan when new information changes the risk 14 18.

Relationships

• Sen Chisato — A young squad member Hakuba is charged with protecting. He respects Chisato’s ability but frequently clashes with him over orders, battlefield conduct, and burial of enemy dead 7 13 17 20.
• Hyuga Hihi — Squadmate whose Byakugan supports Hakuba’s reconnaissance and combat decisions. Hakuba informs Chisato of Hihi’s death and accompanies him to the burial 14 17 37 38.
• Maruboshi Kosuke — Squadmate who fights alongside Hakuba during the Sand infiltration missions 13 15 17 18.
• Lord Third — Instructs Hakuba to watch over Chisato; Hakuba says the Hokage personally appointed him captain 7 19.