Sarutobi Hiruzen

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Sarutobi Hiruzen
Alias(es)	Third Hokage; Professor of Ninjutsu; Black-Robed Man; Konoha's Greatest Rogue Ninja
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Konohagakure (formerly); Ōtsutsuki Isshiki's faction (formerly)
Occupation/Role	Third Hokage (former); former leader of Konoha's Anbu
Status	Deceased
First Appearance	Chapter 6

Power Progression

Period	Advancement / Demonstration	Evidence
Third Hokage	Possesses Kage-level chakra and enough authority and combat ability to be regarded as Konoha's foremost shinobi.	15 32
Yang Organization Invasion	Uses Shadow Clone, Substitution, Earth Style: Earth Flow River, and Earth Style: Earth Flow Return to fight Yin Masks, though age and accumulated damage leave him with less than half his strength.	91
Future Rogue Shinobi	Uses the Time Plow to travel to Konoha's past and displays Water and Wind Release while attempting to assassinate the young Uchiha Kei.	186 188
Evil God's Blessing	Receives dark chakra after submitting to the Evil God, rising from Kage level to beyond Kage level and touching the threshold of the Sage of Six Paths level.	209
Death	Is effortlessly cut down by Uchiha Kei despite his newly acquired power, after which his body disintegrates into ash.	209

Background / History

Sarutobi Hiruzen initially serves as Konoha's Third Hokage. He is responsible for Naruto's welfare following the Nine-Tails attack, but privately admits that Naruto has grown up amid rumors and isolation and that he has failed both Minato and Naruto. He is also concerned that the Nine-Tails' seal may be loosening. 6

Hiruzen views Uchiha Kei as an extraordinary and dangerous talent. After learning that Kei possesses a Three-Tomoe Sharingan and can use the Great Fireball Technique at eight years old, he briefly shows killing intent, but offers Kei Konoha's backing and recruits him into the Anbu instead. 10 13

He publicly opposes Danzo's repeated attempts to eliminate Kei and Naruto, though his hesitation allows Danzo and Root to retain considerable influence. Hiruzen recognizes Kei's Jonin-level chakra and believes Root's planned force would fail against him. He later admits that Root could not have operated within Konoha without his permission, describing Danzo as his own “dark side.” 32 37 162

Three years later, Hiruzen has visibly aged, with completely white hair. He continues to oversee Konoha's next generation, addressing Academy graduates as the village's future and leading the village creed. 43 46

Hiruzen's later confrontation with Senju Tobirama reveals the extent of his political ambition. He claims that, after initially being disregarded as Hokage, he and Danzo initiated the Second Shinobi War to eliminate rivals, weaken opposing clans, and consolidate his authority. He further admits to orchestrating the deaths of Senju Nawaki and Dan Katō, whom he regarded as obstacles to his plans. 162 163

Following the Yang Organization crisis and Konoha's rejection of his leadership, Hiruzen loses the Hokage position to Uchiha Itachi. He becomes a rogue shinobi and allies himself with Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, seeking enough power to rebuild the Shinobi World under Konoha's domination. 105 122 161 162

Appearance

An elderly man with white hair who habitually smokes a pipe. By the events three years later, his hair is described as completely white. 6 43

• Often seated behind the desk in the Hokage's office. 6 10
• Wears the Hokage hat during public ceremonies. 46
• Frequently uses a pipe, including during political discussions and mission briefings. 6 31 37
• During his rogue period, he appears in black robes and is identified as the mysterious black-robed man. 161 162
• After accepting the Evil God's power, his pupils become completely black and his chakra takes on a dark, malevolent appearance. 209

Personality

Hiruzen presents himself as calm, benevolent, and protective of Konoha's younger generation. He argues that Naruto and Kei are still children, stops Danzo's attempts to kill Naruto, and permits Kei to undertake an outside mission only after being moved by Kei's ambition. 6 31 32

His major weakness is indecision. He recognizes both Kei's potential threat and value to Konoha, repeatedly blocks Danzo without decisively resolving the conflict, and struggles to relinquish control over Kei once the child seeks independence. 31 37

Kei considers Hiruzen's public benevolence partly performative and attributes anti-Uchiha public opinion to his leadership. In Kei's account to Minato's soul, Hiruzen is portrayed as intensely power-seeking and implicated in events surrounding Minato's death; Minato's death specifically remains an allegation rather than an independently verified fact. 9 28

Later revelations confirm that Hiruzen's desire for power extends far beyond Kei's suspicions. He resents the clans and civilians who initially failed to support him, deliberately pursues wars and political schemes to protect his rule, and refuses to accept Konoha's rejection of him. He ultimately justifies colluding with the Ōtsutsuki Clan as necessary for Konoha's rise. 162 163

Despite this corruption, Hiruzen retains flashes of his former sense of duty. During the Yang Organization's invasion, he continues fighting to defend Konoha even after suffering serious injuries. He also shows guilt when confronted by Tobirama, Minato, and his former students, though this remorse does not prevent him from continuing down his chosen path. 91 162 163

Abilities & Skills

Kage-Level Chakra

Hiruzen releases Kage-level chakra when Kei's Space-Time Mission causes an eerie disturbance in Konoha. 15

• His pressure immediately halts the confrontation between Kei and Danzo in the Hokage's office. 37
• Danzo considers a force composed of elite Jonin, Chunin, and special Genin sufficient to severely injure Hiruzen. 32
• Even in old age, Hiruzen fights directly during the Yang Organization's invasion, although his stamina and reaction speed have declined significantly from their prime. 91

Chakra Sensing

Hiruzen can assess chakra levels accurately enough to identify Kei's Jonin-level chakra. 32

Ninjutsu

Hiruzen is a versatile elemental ninjutsu user capable of rapidly forming hand seals and employing multiple chakra natures.

• Uses Shadow Clone and Substitution Technique to evade attacks during the Yang Organization's invasion. 91
• Uses Earth Style: Earth Flow River to turn the ground beneath enemy combatants into flowing mud. 91
• Uses Earth Style: Earth Flow Return to create a massive earthen wall that crushes opponents. 91
• Uses Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu against the young Uchiha Kei during his trip into the past. 188
• Uses Water and Wind Release in his attempted assassination of Kei. 188
• Launches Fire Release: Great Flame Technique at civilians during the conflict surrounding Hidan and the Evil God's descent. 208

Time Plow

While allied with Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, Hiruzen gains access to the Time Plow, an Ōtsutsuki artifact capable of traveling through time. 163 186

• Travels to Konoha's past with the intention of killing Uchiha Kei before his rise to power. 186
• After failing to alter the past, he returns the Time Plow to Isshiki, who dismisses him as no longer useful. 205

Evil God's Dark Chakra

After witnessing Hidan's Blade Will and learning of the Evil God's existence, Hiruzen becomes desperate to obtain power for himself. 205 208

• Submits to the Evil God in exchange for power, authority, and status. 209
• His chakra changes from dark blue to a powerful, evil black chakra. 209
• The blessing raises him beyond Kage level and to the threshold of the Sage of Six Paths level, though this remains insufficient against Uchiha Kei. 209

Political Authority

As Hokage, Hiruzen assigns missions, recruits personnel into the Anbu, and presides over village policy. 13 31 37

• Recruited Kei into the Anbu's Ninth Squad. 13 14
• Authorized Kei's investigation of the Twilight Ninja Village massacre. 31 32
• Assigned Team Seven to protect Tazuna of Wave Country. 50
• Proposed placing Hyuga Hanabi on Team Seven following Sakura's departure, intending to use a potential accident to provoke conflict between the Uchiha and Hyuga clans. 83
• Attempted to deploy the Hyuga Clan as Konoha's vanguard against the Yang Organization before accepting a combined Uchiha-Hyuga force. 89
• His authority is repeatedly challenged by Danzo, particularly regarding Root and Naruto. 32

Relationships

• Shimura Danzo — Political rival, longtime associate, and Hiruzen's self-described “dark side.” Danzo pressures Hiruzen to eliminate Naruto and Kei, openly challenges his authority, and condemns his indecision. Despite their conflicts, Hiruzen repeatedly shields Danzo from consequences and later admits that Root existed with his consent. 6 10 32 37 88 162
• Uchiha Kei — Anbu recruit and exceptionally gifted young ninja whom Hiruzen both values and fears. Hiruzen initially tries to keep Kei within Konoha's protection and later uses missions to probe his true strength. Following his fall, Hiruzen blames Kei for destroying his status, travels into the past to murder him, and is ultimately killed by Kei after accepting the Evil God's power. 13 31 37 50 186 209
• Uzumaki Naruto — Konoha's Nine-Tails jinchuriki. Hiruzen protects Naruto from Danzo's proposed execution, yet privately regrets Naruto's isolated upbringing. In his rogue period, Naruto is forced to protect civilians from Hiruzen's Fire Release. 6 32 208
• Namikaze Minato — The Fourth Hokage. Hiruzen reflects on failing Minato and hopes Minato's spirit will protect Konoha; Kei later alleges that Hiruzen had a role in the circumstances of Minato's death. Minato subsequently confronts Hiruzen when he tries to give the Time Plow and Void to Isshiki. 6 28 163
• Senju Tobirama — Hiruzen's former teacher and the Second Hokage. Tobirama chose Hiruzen as his successor because of his seemingly selfless heart, but later condemns him for abandoning Konoha, colluding with the Ōtsutsuki, and pursuing domination. 162
• Uchiha Itachi — A rising Uchiha leader whose popularity and political influence Hiruzen views as a threat. They clash over Danzo's treatment of the Uchiha Clan, and Itachi later succeeds Hiruzen as Konoha's Fifth Hokage. 43 88 97 122
• Hyuga Hiashi — Clan head whose relationship with Hiruzen deteriorates after Hiruzen proposes sending six-year-old Hanabi into Team Seven and later attempts to use the Hyuga as Konoha's vanguard. 83 89
• Umino Iruka — Academy instructor whose judgment Hiruzen seeks when Kei applies for early graduation. 10
• Hatake Kakashi — An Anbu associate who delivers Kei's Anbu expulsion notice. Kakashi later leaves Konoha after Itachi exposes Hiruzen and Danzo's past actions. 49 105
• Orochimaru — Former Konoha ninja whose pursuit of ninjutsu and immortality Hiruzen could not tolerate. Orochimaru later confronts Hiruzen alongside Jiraiya and Tsunade over his crimes. 40 163
• Jiraiya and Tsunade — Hiruzen's former students. They confront him over his betrayal of the Shinobi World and his responsibility for Dan Katō's and Senju Nawaki's deaths. 163
• Ōtsutsuki Isshiki — Hiruzen's former ally. Hiruzen supports Isshiki's plan to overturn the Shinobi World in hopes of establishing Konoha's dominance, but Isshiki later discards him after his failed temporal assassination. 162 163 175 205
• Hidan — Isshiki's replacement assistant whose Blade Will and devotion to the Evil God inspire Hiruzen to seek the same source of power. 205 208 209

Story Role / Major Arcs

Danzo's Campaign Against Naruto and Kei

Danzo uses surveillance of Naruto and Kei to convince Hiruzen that they threaten Konoha. Hiruzen initially argues that they have done nothing, but becomes uncertain after hearing concerns about Naruto's unstable chakra and Kei's sudden display of talent. 6

After Root's Anbu attack on Kei fails, Danzo confronts Hiruzen again. Their argument reveals Danzo's resentment toward Hiruzen's rule and ambition to become Hokage. 10

Kei's Graduation and Anbu Recruitment

Hiruzen observes Kei's graduation examination and later confirms that Kei's Sharingan has awakened. Impressed by Kei's stated loyalty to Konoha and his talent, Hiruzen personally invites him into the Anbu. 11 13

Twilight Ninja Village Mission

Hiruzen initially refuses Kei's request for an outside mission because he does not want the boy beyond his control. He changes his mind after Kei argues that strength cannot be gained under protection, assigning him to investigate the destruction of Twilight Ninja Village. 31

When Danzo insists that the mission must be completed even at the cost of Kei's life and approves Naruto's participation, Hiruzen reacts angrily. He later reveals that he had stopped Danzo's planned ambush because Kei's chakra had reached Jonin level. 32

Escalating Conflict with Danzo

Following Kei's return, Hiruzen intervenes when Kei nearly attacks Danzo in the Hokage's office. He reprimands both parties, acknowledges Kei's achievements, and again refuses Danzo's demand to have him killed because Kei has not yet harmed Konoha. 37

Academy Graduation and Team Seven

Hiruzen presides over the Academy graduation ceremony three years later, declaring the graduates Konoha's future. He assigns Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura to Team Seven under Uchiha Kei. 46 47

He later assigns Team Seven the mission of protecting Tazuna until the Wave Country bridge is completed, while using the suspiciously dangerous assignment as another opportunity to gauge Kei's strength. 50

After Sakura leaves Team Seven, Hiruzen attempts to install six-year-old Hyuga Hanabi as her replacement. His hidden objective is to exploit any harm to Hanabi to turn the Hyuga Clan against Kei and the Uchiha Clan. 83

Yang Organization Crisis

When the Yang Organization resurfaces, Hiruzen discusses its threat with Kei and Mei Terumi. Kei manipulates the discussion into placing Danzo in charge of confronting the organization, leaving Hiruzen confused as Danzo eagerly accepts the responsibility. 75

Hiruzen later prevents Danzo from sending Itachi and Kei against the Yang Organization, believing the organization's force of hundreds of Jonin would make the assignment suicidal and would destroy Itachi's heroic public image if it failed. 81

After Danzo returns gravely injured, Hiruzen refuses Itachi's call to abandon him despite Danzo having provoked the Yang Organization. His defense of Danzo deepens the Uchiha Clan's distrust of his leadership. 88

Defense of Konoha and the Uchiha Rupture

During the Yang Organization's invasion, Hiruzen personally fights Yin Masks with Earth Release despite his age and injuries. 91

After the battle, he tries to accuse Uchiha Izuna and the Uchiha Clan of orchestrating the invasion in order to safeguard his Hokage position and avoid accountability for protecting Danzo. The accusation fails to gain decisive public support because of the Uchiha Clan's heavy wartime sacrifices. 97

The political collapse that follows eventually leads to Uchiha Itachi becoming the Fifth Hokage. On Itachi's first day in office, the crimes committed by Hiruzen and Danzo are exposed to the public. 105 122

Alliance with Ōtsutsuki Isshiki

As the black-robed rogue shinobi, Hiruzen allies himself with Ōtsutsuki Isshiki and seeks power to restore his authority. In his confrontation with Tobirama, he reveals that he wants the Ōtsutsuki Clan to overturn the Shinobi World so that Konoha can rise as its sole ruling power. 161 162

Hiruzen agrees to hand the Time Plow and Void to Isshiki despite Minato's intervention and the Sannin's condemnation. He openly admits his responsibility for the deaths of Dan Katō and Senju Nawaki and refuses to regret his actions. 163

After Kei frightens Isshiki with a soul attack, Hiruzen escapes with Isshiki through a spatial rift. 175

Time Plow Assassination Attempt

Using the Time Plow, Hiruzen travels into Konoha's past to kill Kei before the latter becomes powerful. He approaches the young Kei and Naruto under a false pretense, but Kei senses danger. 186 187

Hiruzen attacks Kei with Water Release after realizing that Kei has deceived him to gain time for Naruto to escape. The past Hiruzen arrives after Naruto seeks his aid, forcing the future Hiruzen to withdraw. 188 189

The future Hiruzen later appears before his past self and urges him to kill Kei, exposing Kei's future rise and Itachi's eventual position as Fifth Hokage. 193

Evil God's Blessing and Death

After Isshiki dismisses him for failing to kill Kei, Hiruzen encounters Hidan and learns that Hidan's Blade Will was bestowed by the Evil God. Hiruzen becomes interested in worshipping the deity for power. 205

During Hidan's defeat and the Evil God's descent, Naruto protects civilians from Hiruzen's Fire Release, further demonstrating the divide between Hiruzen's former ideals and his rogue actions. 208

Hiruzen submits to the Evil God and gains dark chakra that elevates him to the threshold of the Sage of Six Paths level. He immediately attacks Kei, but Kei kills him with a single slash. As his body turns to ash, Hiruzen peacefully reflects that witnessing Kei's growth “isn't so bad.” 209

Notable Quotes

“They haven't done anything.” 6

“Konoha can shelter you from the wind and rain for now; I can ensure you grow steadily!” 31

“Regardless, Uchiha Kei has not done anything harmful to Konoha so far.” 37

“Where the leaves dance. A fire will also continue to burn!” 46

“This is not extremism. This is the only way for Konoha to rise.” 162

“I refuse to accept this!” 162