Naruto

Biodata

Name	Hokage
Original Name	火影
Alias(es)	“Naruto” in some translated passages; Lord Hokage
Type	Title; village leadership office
Affiliation	Konohagakure
Occupation/Role	Leader of Konoha; responsible for village administration, mission assignments, and defense
Current Holder	Naruto Uzumaki, the Seventh 379 380
Known Previous Holders	Hashirama Senju; Tobirama Senju; Minato; Hiruzen Sarutobi; Tsunade; Kakashi Hatake 36 129 158 283 285
Status	Active 379 389
First Appearance	Chapter 1, mentioned

Background / History

Identity and Significance

The Hokage is Konoha's village leader. Some translated passages render the title as “Naruto,” including references to the “Third Naruto,” “Lord Naruto,” and the “Naruto position.” In these usages, the word denotes the Hokage office rather than Naruto Uzumaki personally. 5 20 29 34

The office is widely regarded as a prestigious ambition. Ishikawa describes becoming Hokage as everyone's dream in the village, while Naruto repeatedly declares that he intends to attain the position and gain acknowledgment. Sen, however, associates the office with exhausting paperwork and a loss of personal freedom. 1 7 39 138

Known Holders and Succession

Designation	Holder	Developments
First	Hashirama Senju	Associated with Konoha's founding and legendary Wood Release. When resurrected, he celebrates Sen's strength as a promising continuation of the Senju legacy. 111 129
Second	Tobirama Senju	Appears alongside the resurrected First and analyzes the apparently impossible natural-energy control underlying Sen's abilities. 129
Lord Third	Hiruzen Sarutobi	Leads Konoha during Sen's Academy years and early missions. Survives Orochimaru's attack and announces his intention to step down afterward. 5 36 49 137
Fourth Hokage	Minato	Identified as Kakashi's teacher; Naruto later describes the Rasengan as the Fourth's signature move. 36 201
Fifth Hokage	Tsunade	Returns to Konoha and is formally inaugurated after Sen rejects Hiruzen's nomination. Later announces that she is resigning and attempts to make Sen her successor. 137 158 280 281
Sixth	Kakashi Hatake	Becomes Tsunade's successor after Sen redirects the appointment toward him. Represents Konoha at the Five Kage Summit and helps oversee wartime preparations. 283 285 288 293
Seventh	Naruto Uzumaki	Eventually realizes his childhood ambition. His tenure includes heavy administrative work and renewed threats involving Kara and the Ōtsutsuki. 379 380 389 391

Hiruzen's Proposed Successor

Hiruzen recognizes Sen's potential early and offers the prospect that the Hokage position will eventually be his. Unlike Naruto, Sen is unmoved by the promise. 20

Two days after Orochimaru's attack, Hiruzen announces that he can no longer shoulder the office's responsibilities. He nominates twelve-year-old genin Sen as his successor, citing his Wood Release, his defense of Konoha, and his rescue of Hiruzen. Homura and Koharu object to Sen's age and the departure from protocol, but Hiruzen argues that proven protective strength matters more than seniority. Sen flatly refuses, interpreting the nomination as an attempt to burden him after he saved Hiruzen's life. 137 138

Sen subsequently accompanies Jiraiya and Naruto to find Tsunade, partly because her return as Hokage would divert the village leadership's attention away from him. Tsunade ultimately accepts the position and is inaugurated as the Fifth Hokage. 148 158

Tsunade's Resignation and Kakashi's Appointment

After Sen defeats Pain and returns with the rescued Gaara, Tsunade responds to his request for compensation and leave by announcing her resignation and declaring that he will become Hokage. Sen again rejects the office. 280 281

Sen instead promotes Kakashi as the appropriate successor, pointing to his reputation, experience, and greater willingness to follow instructions. Tsunade acknowledges Kakashi's ANBU background and connection to the Fourth Hokage as strong credentials. Kakashi becomes the Sixth despite protesting that he cannot even manage his own team properly. 283 285

Naruto Uzumaki's Pursuit of the Office

Naruto attended the Konoha Ninja Academy alongside Sen Senju and Sasuke Uchiha. He was immediately impressed when Sen accidentally released an enormous amount of chakra during their first chakra-extraction lesson. 4

As a student, Naruto was regularly ostracized and bullied by other children and adults. After three older students beat him at the training ground, Sen's Wood Clone suspended the bullies from a tree with vines. Naruto declared the clone—and, by extension, Sen—his “big brother,” then asked to be taught its handless ninjutsu. 7

Naruto agreed to run errands, clean, and handle Sen's schoolwork-related chores in exchange for training. Sen subsequently protected him from further bullying and gave him food when he was hungry and being driven away from shops, cementing Naruto's attachment to him. 21 22

He initially failed the Ninja Academy graduation exam because he could not perform the basic Clone Technique. He later received his forehead protector from Iruka and became a genin. 33 37

Naruto was assigned to Team 7 with Sen, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno under Kakashi Hatake. During Kakashi's bell exercise, he was quickly captured, but called on Sen for help and witnessed Sen defeat Kakashi. 37 41 42 44

His desire to become Hokage initially centers on being recognized by those who reject him. He reiterates his ambition during Team 7's introductions and invokes it when demanding more challenging missions. 7 39 49

Naruto later leaves Konoha with Jiraiya for a planned three years of training, promising to return stronger, bring Sasuke back, and surpass Sen. He returns after two and a half years with improved abilities. Although he eventually accepts that he cannot catch up to Sen's strength, he ultimately becomes the Seventh. 180 200 201 280 379

Naruto's Tenure

As Seventh, Naruto struggles with paperwork, missed meals, and insufficient sleep. He visits Sen to complain and asks whether a Wood Clone could cover his duties. Sen refuses and insists that Naruto carry the responsibilities he voluntarily sought. Naruto clarifies that he is only complaining, not intending to quit. 379 380

His tenure also brings threats beyond the earlier Akatsuki conflict. Naruto recognizes Kara's name from intelligence supplied by Sasuke and prepares to fight when a spatial channel opens beneath Sen's manor. Later, reports of a machine claiming that the moon has been eaten prompt him to worry about Konoha, the wider world, and Hinata. 380 389

Appearance

Insignia and Ceremonial Clothing

The office is associated with ceremonial clothing, a distinctive hat, and Hokage-marked items. Hiruzen wears loose ceremonial robes in ordinary circumstances but changes into black combat clothing for private training. Kakashi wears a new Hokage robe after his appointment, while Naruto is later shown wearing his Hokage robe and carrying an insulated cup bearing the office's emblem. 19 120 281 285 288 380

Naruto Uzumaki

During his childhood pursuit of the title, Naruto is a blond, blue-eyed boy commonly seen in an orange jacket. Mud sometimes emphasizes the whisker-like marks on his face; later passages explicitly describe six whisker marks. 4 7 20 170 201

• Golden, spiky hair. 4
• Azure-blue eyes. 4 7
• Usually wears an orange jacket during his Academy years. 7
• Wears a Konoha forehead protector after graduating. 37
• Returns from training taller, with slight facial hair and an orange-and-black tracksuit. 201
• Wears a Hokage robe after becoming the Seventh. 380

Personality

Attitudes Toward the Office

The title does not imply a single personality. Hiruzen emphasizes protection and guidance, Tsunade takes a forceful approach to reform and crisis management, and Kakashi attempts diplomacy while openly struggling with the burden of leadership. Sen repeatedly refuses the position because he values independence and leisure more than authority. 36 137 159 283 285

Naruto's eventual experience illustrates the difference between aspiring to the title and performing its daily work. He becomes exhausted and envious of Sen's retirement, but insists that he does not intend to abandon his responsibilities. When danger becomes immediate, he shifts from complaints to preparing for combat. 379 380

Naruto's Aspirations and Character

Naruto is loud, impulsive, and intensely determined to earn acknowledgment from others. Even while being bullied, he refuses to accept being called a monster and declares that he will become Hokage. 7

He is deeply loyal to those who show him kindness. Naruto quickly becomes devoted to Sen after being protected and fed, repeatedly calling him “Big Brother,” defending him from Mizuki's mockery, and boasting about Sen's strength to other students. 7 22 23 31

Naruto also has a strong dislike of tedious work. He readily agrees to Sen's chores-for-training arrangement, yet later protests D-rank missions such as weeding and cat-catching because he wants more challenging ninja work. 21 46 49

His loyalty continues beyond his childhood ambition. He desperately asks Sen to help retrieve Sasuke, grieves over Jiraiya's near-fatal injuries, and urges Sen to save Yugito because she is a fellow jinchūriki. 169 170 224 225 236

As Hokage, Naruto takes threats to the village seriously. During Momoshiki and Kinshiki's arrival, he and Sasuke prepare to face the attackers and urge Sen to escape, arguing that Sen's survival would preserve hope for rebuilding Konoha even if they die. 391

Abilities & Skills

Authority and Administration

The Hokage's responsibilities include:

• Mission assignment — Hiruzen authorizes Team 7's Land of Waves escort mission, while Tsunade later directs urgent rescue operations. 49 50 200 227
• Personnel decisions — Hiruzen selects Kakashi to lead Team 7 and approves the proposed promotion of Sen to Special Jōnin. 36 78
• Village finances and reconstruction — Hiruzen's administration faces compensation and repair shortfalls after the invasion; Tsunade later uses financial incentives and taxation to secure Sen's cooperation. 137 200 203
• Oversight of village organizations — Tsunade audits Root, cuts its budget by 80%, subjects it to ANBU inspections, and confines Danzo during the investigation. 159
• Diplomacy and military coordination — Kakashi represents Konoha at the Five Kage Summit, supports the Allied Shinobi Force, and authorizes Sen's independent wartime action. 285 288 291
• Routine administration — Naruto's later complaints emphasize the extensive paperwork and daily demands of the position. 379 380 389

The Hokage works alongside advisers and other senior officials rather than exercising uncontested control. Hiruzen faces pressure over Sen's assignment and promotion, while Tsunade inherits financial and security problems that require direct intervention. 36 78 159

Defense and Combat

The office carries an expectation that its holder protect Konoha. Hiruzen prepares to fight Orochimaru after being taken hostage, Tsunade calls on Sen when Nagato's Demonic Statue threatens the village, and Naruto prepares to confront later Ōtsutsuki incursions. 120 264 380 391

The title itself does not grant a shared combat technique. Its holders possess different abilities: Hashirama is associated with Wood Release, Kakashi with his Sharingan and Copy Ninja reputation, and Naruto with the Rasengan and Nine-Tails chakra. 36 42 111 201 380

Naruto's Early Clone Technique

Before becoming Hokage, Naruto struggles with the Academy's basic Clone Technique.

• His attempts produce a limp, defective clone described as noodle-like rather than a proper illusion. 6 31
• This inability causes him to fail his initial graduation exam. 33 34
• He later graduates and receives a Konoha forehead protector from Iruka. 37
• During the Land of Waves battle, he uses the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique after the Nine-Tails' chakra erupts in response to Sasuke's apparent sacrifice. 67

Naruto's Later Combat Development

• Chakra-control training — Practices tree climbing under Kakashi and Sen's strict Wood Clone; his large reserves initially exceed his ability to control them precisely. 64
• Rasengan — Returns from training with Jiraiya boasting of an improved Rasengan and later attempts to use it against Zetsu. 200 201 222
• Wind Release: Rasenshuriken — Uses an enormous Rasenshuriken against Sasuke's tailed-beast-powered Susanoo at the Valley of the End. 355
• Nine-Tails chakra — Draws on it during early life-threatening encounters and later enters Nine-Tails Chakra Mode when the spatial rift beneath Sen's manor activates. 67 90 380
• Six Paths sealing — Cooperates with Sen and Sasuke to complete the sealing technique against Kaguya. 347
• Joint defense with Sasuke — A golden Nine-Tails fox head overlaps with Sasuke's purple Susanoo armor as they prepare to resist an Ōtsutsuki attack. 391

Persistence

Naruto continues pursuing strength and recognition despite repeated humiliation and setbacks.

• Fights back against older students despite being outmatched. 7
• Seeks instruction from Sen's Wood Clone after witnessing its Wood Release. 7
• Remains eager for more demanding missions after Team 7 begins D-rank work. 46 49
• Refuses to stop pleading until Sen agrees to accompany the Sasuke pursuit squad. 170
• Continues trying to bring Sasuke home even after their final clash leaves both severely injured. 355
• Accepts that the Hokage's burdens are his responsibility and states that he does not intend to quit. 380

Equipment / Items

Office-Associated Items

• Hokage ceremonial robes and hat — Worn by officeholders; Hiruzen removes his ceremonial robe before fighting Orochimaru, and Kakashi travels to the summit in his new Hokage clothing. 120 281 285 288
• Mission scrolls and administrative documents — Used for assignments, reports, authorization, and routine village work. 49 50 78 291 379
• Hokage-emblem insulated cup — Carried by Naruto during the investigation beneath Sen's manor. 380

Naruto's Early Equipment

• Konoha forehead protector — Received from Iruka after achieving genin status. 37
• Large travel backpack — Packed with instant noodles and snacks for Team 7's Land of Waves escort mission. 50

Relationships

Village Leadership and Supporting Organizations

• Konoha's advisers — Homura and Koharu influence personnel and succession discussions, challenging Hiruzen over Sen's handling and opposing his nomination as Hokage. 36 78 137
• ANBU — Serve as messengers, guards, intelligence personnel, and agents acting directly under the Hokage. 10 19 120 264
• Danzo and Root — A recurring source of conflict within village leadership. Hiruzen refuses to surrender Sen to Root, while Tsunade later investigates its finances, abductions, and experiments. 36 159
• Sen Senju — Repeatedly proposed as Hokage but refuses the office. Despite rejecting formal leadership, he remains a decisive protector whom successive Hokage call upon during crises. 137 264 280 281 283
• Other Kage — Political counterparts in inter-village negotiations and military cooperation. Kakashi attends the Five Kage Summit as Konoha's representative. 285 288

Naruto's Personal Connections

• Sen Senju — Calls Sen his “Big Brother” after Sen's Wood Clone saves him from bullies; becomes Sen's errand-runner and fiercely admires him. Later asks Sen to cover his Hokage work, but receives a refusal and a reminder to fulfill his chosen responsibilities. 7 21 22 379 380
• Sasuke Uchiha — Teammate and frequent source of friction; Naruto boasts about Sen specifically to challenge Sasuke's pride. Their bond survives Sasuke's defection and final battle, and Sasuke later supplies intelligence relevant to Naruto's Hokage duties. 23 37 169 170 355 380
• Sakura Haruno — Team 7 teammate. She participates in his farewell before his training journey, and their familiar bickering resumes after his return. 37 180 201
• Kakashi Hatake — Team 7's jonin instructor; Naruto is captured during Kakashi's bell exercise. Kakashi later serves as the Sixth before Naruto's tenure as Seventh. 39 41 283 285 379
• Iruka Umino — Academy teacher who ultimately gives Naruto his forehead protector. 37
• Mizuki — Naruto refers to Mizuki with hostility after obtaining his forehead protector and reports that he defeated him. 37
• Jiraiya — Mentor who takes Naruto away from Konoha for extended training and protection from Akatsuki. Naruto is devastated when Jiraiya returns critically injured and relieved when Sen saves him. 180 200 224 225
• Gaara — Close friend whose capture and near-death repeatedly motivate Naruto. Gaara later objects to Sen's public humiliation of Naruto after the war. 200 217 280 360
• Boruto Uzumaki — Naruto's son and a member of New Team 7. Boruto has heard his father describe Sen as the shinobi world's strongest figure. 384
• Konohamaru — Formerly follows Naruto and is later identified as having received Rasengan instruction from him. 383 384

Story Role / Major Arcs

Academy Years

• Naruto watches Sen's chakra eruption and becomes impressed by his strength. 4
• Is bullied by older students before Sen's Wood Clone intervenes. 7
• Forms his “big brother” bond with Sen and begins doing errands for promised ninjutsu training. 7 21
• Fails the Clone Technique graduation test while Sen graduates. 31 33
• Hiruzen offers Sen the prospect of eventually becoming Hokage, establishing a contrast between Naruto's ambition and Sen's refusal of responsibility. 20

Formation of Team 7

• Naruto obtains his forehead protector and enthusiastically joins Team 7 with Sen, Sasuke, and Sakura. 37
• Relies on Sen after Kakashi defeats and restrains the rest of the team during the bell test. 41 42
• Begins D-rank missions, but demands a more difficult assignment after becoming frustrated with routine work. 46 49
• Hiruzen assigns the team a C-rank escort mission to the Land of Waves. 49 50

Land of Waves and Chūnin Exam

• Naruto freezes during the Demon Brothers' ambush, then vows never to retreat out of fear again. 51 52
• Sasuke's apparent sacrifice triggers Naruto's Nine-Tails chakra and an unsuccessful mass-clone assault on Haku's ice mirrors. 67
• In the Forest of Death, Nine-Tails chakra helps Naruto remain standing under Orochimaru's killing intent until Sen intervenes. 90

Konoha Crush and the Fifth Hokage

• Orochimaru takes Hiruzen hostage and isolates him inside the Four Violet Flames Formation. 120
• Hiruzen survives the attack and proposes Sen as his successor, but Sen refuses. 132 137 138
• Jiraiya, Naruto, and Sen travel to find Tsunade. 148
• Tsunade returns and takes office as the Fifth Hokage. 158
• Her early administration includes an investigation and restriction of Danzo's Root organization. 159

Sasuke's Defection and Naruto's Training

• Naruto urgently seeks Sen's help after Sasuke leaves Konoha for Orochimaru. 169 170
• Sen reluctantly joins the pursuit after Naruto's persistent pleading and his own assessment that the genin squad is outmatched. 170
• Naruto departs with Jiraiya, reaffirming his Hokage ambition and promising to bring Sasuke back. 180
• Returns after two and a half years and joins the rescue mission for Gaara. 200 201

Akatsuki Conflict and the Sixth

• Naruto participates in efforts to rescue Gaara and reacts emotionally to Jiraiya's critical injuries. 217 222 224 225
• Accompanies Sen to rescue Asuma and Team 10 from Kakuzu and Hidan. 227
• After Pain's defeat, Naruto acknowledges that he cannot catch up to Sen's power. 280
• Tsunade attempts to make Sen Hokage; Sen refuses and redirects the position to Kakashi. 280 281 283
• Kakashi represents Konoha at the Five Kage Summit as the Sixth. 285

Fourth Shinobi World War and Its Aftermath

• Kakashi supports the formation of the Allied Shinobi Force and helps coordinate preparations. 288 291 293
• Naruto contributes tactical advice against Ten-Tails Obito, warning Sen that senjutsu is required. 323
• Naruto and Sasuke cooperate with Sen to seal Kaguya. 347
• After the war, Naruto and Sasuke resume their rivalry at the Valley of the End. Their final Rasengan–Chidori collision costs each an arm, and Sen stops their bleeding. Naruto's arm is subsequently shown regrown. 349 355 360
• Sen publicly punishes the pair for the destruction they caused before releasing them; Naruto helps Sasuke toward the hospital. 360

Seventh and New Ōtsutsuki Threats

• Naruto becomes the Seventh and discovers how exhausting his childhood ambition is in practice. 379
• Investigates the spatial anchor beneath Sen's manor, recognizes Kara from Sasuke's intelligence, and enters Nine-Tails Chakra Mode when the channel activates. 380
• Responds with concern to the mining-site machine's claims about the moon and a planetary reset. 389
• Prepares alongside Sasuke to face Momoshiki and Kinshiki, urging Sen to survive as a safeguard for Konoha's future. 391
• Witnesses Sen's continuing superiority as the later investigation exposes Kara's leader, Jigen, and Sen pulls him from his underground refuge. 392 393

Notable Quotes

“Being Hokage is everyone's dream in this village.” — Ishikawa. 1

“I'm not a monster! One day, I'll become Naruto and make every one of you acknowledge me!” — Naruto Uzumaki, with “Naruto” used for the Hokage title in the translation. 7

“I don't care! I've decided you're my big brother!” — Naruto Uzumaki to Sen. 7

“Don't worry, Big Bro! If you tell me to go east, I'll never go west!” — Naruto Uzumaki. 21

“I no longer have the strength to shoulder the Hokage's responsibilities. I've decided to step down.” — Hiruzen Sarutobi. 137

“All right, Kakashi-sensei. You're becoming Hokage today, whether you like it or not.” — Sen Senju. 283

“You chose this path yourself back then, and you're going to walk it to the end, even through tears!” — Sen to Naruto. 380

“I was just complaining a little. I wasn't actually going to quit.” — Naruto Uzumaki. 380

---