Hiruzen Sarutobi is one of the important characters in the anime and manga series Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto. Known as the Third Hokage (Sandaime Hokage) of Konohagakure village, he is revered as a wise leader, legendary ninja, and mentor to many of the main characters in the story. Here is the most complete description of the character Hiruzen Sarutobi, covering his background, personality, abilities, role in the story, and influence in the world Naruto.
Background
Hiruzen Sarutobi was born in the village of Konohagakure and comes from the Sarutobi clan, a famous ninja clan known for their bravery and loyalty to the village. He was trained by the two founders of Konoha, the First Hokage Hashirama Senju and the second Hokage Tobirama Senju, who made him an outstanding ninja from a young age. Hiruzen is a talented student who eventually inherits the position of Hokage from Tobirama after his death in the first Shinobi World War. He was nicknamed "Professor “due to his extensive knowledge of all ninja techniques in Konoha, and was also known as” Shinobi God" due to his incredible strength in his prime.
Hiruzen served as Hokage for several decades, making him one of the longest-serving Hokage. He briefly retired and handed over the position of Hokage to Minato Namikaze (the Fourth Hokage), but after Minato's tragic death, Hiruzen returned to serve as the Third Hokage to lead the village in difficult times.
Appearance
Hiruzen has an appearance that reflects his age as an elder in the story. When old, he is depicted as an old man with white hair tied back, a short beard, and a face full of wrinkles, showing his wisdom and life experience. He is often seen wearing a white Hokage cloak with red accents and a distinctive Hokage hat, as well as a traditional black ninja cloak underneath. In his youth (shown in flashbacks), Hiruzen had dark brown hair, a straighter body, and a more energetic appearance, reflecting his physical strength as a peak ninja.
Personality
Hiruzen is a wise, loving, and dedicated figure to the well-being of Konohagakure. He strongly believes in the “Will of Fire” philosophy, which is the belief that love, sacrifice, and protection of the village are the core of a Konoha ninja's life. He was known as a gentle and understanding leader, but also firm when needed. Hiruzen often seeks to resolve conflicts with diplomacy, but does not hesitate to fight for the protection of the village.
Though Wise, Hiruzen has a humanist side that makes him prone to mistakes. One of his biggest weaknesses is his indecisiveness in the face of his former student, Orochimaru, who ends up becoming a traitor. Hiruzen also feels guilty for some of his past decisions, such as the exile of the Uchiha Clan and the abandonment of Naruto Uzumaki in his childhood due to his busy life as Hokage.
Hiruzen is a loving mentor, especially towards Team 7 (Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura) and the rest of the younger generation. He also has a close relationship with his grandson, Konohamaru, whom he trains personally. His love for the village and the people in it made him willing to sacrifice his life in order to protect Konoha.
Abilities and powers
Hiruzen Sarutobi is known as one of the strongest Ninjas in Konohagakure history, especially in his prime. Here are some important aspects of his ninja abilities:
- Extensive Ninjutsu knowledge
Nicknamed” The Professor, " Hiruzen mastered almost all of Konoha's ninja techniques, including ninjutsu from the various elements of nature (Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, and lightning). He is able to use high-level techniques with incredible precision and strength. - Elements Of Nature
The five elements of nature (Appearance, Suiton, Doton, Raiton, and Futon), a rare feat that demonstrates his genius as a ninja. One of the typical techniques is Doton: Doryūheki (Earthen wall), which is used to create a solid defense. - Pemanggilan (Summoning): Enma, Raja Monyet
Hiruzen has a summoning contract with Enma, The Monkey King, who can transform into adamantine wands (Kongohoi) which is very strong and resilient. Enma is a loyal ally who helps Hiruzen in battle, both in stick form and as a living being. - SEAL Technique
One of Hiruzen's most iconic techniques is Fūinjutsu: Shiki Fūjin (Reaper's death seal), a forbidden technique that allows the user to summon Shinigami to seal the souls of enemies, at the cost of the user's own life. Hiruzen used this technique to seal Orochimaru's arm, although he failed to seal his entire soul due to his old age. - Physical ability and strategy
Although in old age his physical abilities decline, Hiruzen remains agile and skilled in taijutsu as well as the use of weapons such as kunai and shuriken. He is also an excellent tactician, able to quickly analyze the combat situation and find the enemy's weaknesses. - Intelligence and wisdom
Hiruzen is not only physically strong, but also has strategic intelligence and a deep understanding of the politics and dynamics of the village. He was able to maintain the stability of Konoha during difficult times, including after the Shinobi World War.
Role in the story
Hiruzen Sarutobi plays an important role in the storyline Naruto, although most of the action is seen through flashbacks or crucial moments early in the series. Here are some key points about his role:
- The Third Hokage
As Hokage, Hiruzen is responsible for the safety and well-being of Konoha. He led the village through various crises, including threats from other villages and internal conflicts such as the rebellion of the Uchiha Clan. - Mentor Orochimaru, Jiraiya, dan Tsunade
Hiruzen is the teacher of three legendary ninjas known as the Sannin: Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade. Although he was proud of their abilities, he also regretted his failure in preventing Orochimaru from becoming a villain. His relationship with Jiraiya and Tsunade remains close, and both have great respect for him. - Sacrifice Against Orochimaru
One of the most iconic moments in the story is Hiruzen's fight against Orochimaru during the invasion of Konoha by the villages of Sunagakure and Otogakure. Despite his old age, Hiruzen shows incredible courage and strength by fighting Orochimaru as well as the reincarnations of the first and second Hokage (through techniques Edo Tensei). He eventually used Shiki Fūjin to seal Orochimaru's arm, but sacrifices his life in the process. His death became one of the most emotional moments in the series. - Relationship with Naruto and Konohamaru
Hiruzen plays an important role in Naruto Uzumaki's life, although their relationship is not very close personally. He tries to protect Naruto as Jinchuriki Kurama, but also feels guilty for not being able to pay more attention to Naruto's lonely childhood. With Konohamaru, his grandson, Hiruzen has a warmer relationship and often trains him in person. - Flashback and legacy
In the background, especially in Naruto Shippuden, Hiruzen is shown as a very powerful ninja in his youth. His legacy as Hokage continues to influence subsequent generations, including Naruto, who eventually embodies Hiruzen's ideals of protecting the village.
Relationships with other characters
- Orochimaru: Hiruzen has a strong emotional bond with Orochimaru as his student, but he regrets his failure to prevent Orochimaru from falling into the path of darkness. Their final fight is the culmination of this emotional conflict.
- Jiraiya and Tsunade: These two Sannin have great respect for Hiruzen as their teacher. Jiraiya even refused the position of Hokage because he felt that he could not replace Hiruzen.
- Naruto Uzumaki: Hiruzen is a father figure to Naruto indirectly, although their relationship is full of regrets from Hiruzen's side.
- Konohamaru Sarutobi: As a grandson, Konohamaru greatly idolizes Hiruzen and seeks to follow in his footsteps as a powerful and loyal ninja to the village.
Interesting Facts
- Hiruzen is the only Hokage to have served two separate terms, demonstrating his dedication to Konoha.
- He has a habit of smoking a pipe, which is often seen when he is pondering or making important decisions.
- In flashbacks, Hiruzen is shown as a ninja who was much feared in his prime, even by other villages.
- The name “Hiruzen "is inspired by Mount Hiruzen in Japan, while "Sarutobi" refers to The Legend of Sasuke's ninja Sarutobi.
Legacy and influence
Hiruzen Sarutobi is a symbol of “Fire Will” and sacrifice for the sake of the village. His death became a turning point in the story Naruto, motivating characters such as Naruto and Konohamaru to become stronger and protect Konoha's legacy. Although he has flaws, such as his indecision towards Orochimaru and the Uchiha Clan, Hiruzen remains revered as one of the greatest Hokage due to his wisdom, strength, and love for the village.
