Third Hokage

Biodata

Background and History

Hiruzen was chosen to succeed the Second Hokage. During the First Shinobi World War, the Second established an Elders Council partly out of concern that his young successor might be unable to prevent the Uchiha from taking power if he died 438. As Hokage, Hiruzen governed with the assistance of Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Shimura Danzō; he also authorized Danzō to form Root 24.

Hiruzen recognized Fugaku Uchiha’s talent early, praising his Three-Tomoe Sharingan while urging him to put Konoha’s interests alongside those of his clan 2 3. He promoted Fugaku to jōnin and assigned him to Hatake Sakumo’s Vanguard Force 7. Fugaku’s wartime successes later made Hiruzen wary of his strength and potential candidacy for Hokage. Hiruzen recalled him from the Land of the Moon front, though Konoha continued to rely on Fugaku as a commander 277 336.

The balance between them changed as the Uchiha gained influence. Hiruzen opposed needlessly testing the clan while relations were good and began preparing to retire 627. He selected his disciple Orochimaru as his preferred successor, secured Fugaku’s support, and announced an election in which Orochimaru was the sole candidate 634 635. Orochimaru subsequently succeeded him as Fourth Hokage 637 640.

Abilities and Skills

Elemental Ninjutsu

Hiruzen uses several chakra natures and combines techniques rapidly in combat 219 339.

• Against Ōnoki, he used Lightning Release to disperse a swamp, Water Release to attack an airborne target, and Wind Release to pressure him at range 219.
• Against the Third Raikage, he used Earth and Water Release to hinder and trap his opponent, though the Raikage repeatedly broke free 360.
• His Earth Release writings record years of revised theories about combining nature transformations 70.

Enma and the Adamantine Staff

• Hiruzen summons Enma, who transforms into an Adamantine Staff that can extend and change direction 219.
• He used the staff against Ōnoki and to strike the Third Kazekage’s Iron Sand barrier 219 348.

Relationships

• Fugaku Uchiha — A valued Konoha shinobi whose growing power and political influence troubled Hiruzen; their later cooperation included discussions of Hokage succession 277 336 618 634.
• Orochimaru — His disciple and preferred successor as Fourth Hokage 422 634 637.
• Shimura Danzō — A longtime companion and former Root leader. Hiruzen relied on his intelligence expertise but confined him amid accusations of wrongdoing 24 313 453.
• Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu — Advisers with whom he discussed village policy, the Uchiha, and succession 24 422 613.
• Jiraiya and Tsunade — Two of his disciples; Jiraiya’s return and proposed mentorship of Minato received Hiruzen’s support 155 429 430.

Story Role and Major Arcs

• War in the Land of Rain: Hiruzen directs Konoha’s commanders and fights Ōnoki to a stalemate while their armies battle 214 219.
• War against Sunagakure: He brings reinforcements to Fugaku’s camp, later fights the Third Kazekage, and arrives to support Fugaku’s duel with him 336 339 348.
• Conflict with Kumogakure: He duels the Third Raikage; neither can secure a quick victory before both exhausted armies withdraw 360.
• Succession: He weighs Orochimaru against other possible successors, then arranges a village vote and hands the office to his chosen candidate 613 618 634 635 637.

Notable Quotes

“The future belongs to you young people, after all. Think it over carefully.” 3

“The Tsuchikage's mastery of Dust Release is impressive. But Dust Release alone won't be enough to defeat Konoha.” 219