Orochimaru resurrects the four deceased Hokage in Naruto Shippuden episode 138, titled “The End.” This pivotal moment marks a turning point in the Fourth Shinobi World War, shifting the balance of power and providing vital support against Madara Uchiha and Obito Uchiha.
The Genesis of the Resurrection: A Gamble for Salvation
Orochimaru’s decision to revive the Hokage wasn’t a sudden act of altruism. Instead, it stemmed from a complex interplay of self-preservation, a growing realization of his past mistakes, and a nascent desire to contribute to the Allied Shinobi Forces’ fight against a world-ending threat. He recognized that the vast knowledge and power possessed by the previous Hokage were crucial in stopping Madara, a threat far exceeding anything he had previously encountered.
Kabuto’s Role: Perfecting the Impure World Reincarnation
Key to this resurrection was Kabuto Yakushi, Orochimaru’s former right-hand man. Kabuto had significantly improved the Impure World Reincarnation (Edo Tensei) technique, a forbidden jutsu developed by Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage. Kabuto’s advancements allowed for more powerful and controllable reanimations, which ultimately made Orochimaru’s plan viable. After being revived by Sasuke using the same Edo Tensei, Orochimaru then forced Kabuto to release the jutsu, thus freeing him to enact his plans.
Gathering the Necessary Components
The Impure World Reincarnation requires specific components: a sample of the person’s DNA, a living sacrifice to serve as a vessel, and the jutsu itself. Orochimaru had previously obtained samples of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, during his battle with Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. He used Zetsu clones as the sacrifices to bring back Hashirama, Tobirama, Hiruzen, and Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage.
The Impact of the Resurrected Hokage
The arrival of the resurrected Hokage dramatically altered the course of the war. Their combined knowledge, experience, and formidable abilities provided a crucial advantage against Madara and Obito.
Hashirama Senju: A Force of Nature
Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, possessed immense chakra reserves and the legendary Wood Release jutsu, which allowed him to manipulate vegetation and suppress the power of the Tailed Beasts. His presence alone instilled hope and confidence in the Allied Shinobi Forces. He directly confronted Madara, engaging him in a legendary battle that mirrored their clashes from the past.
Tobirama Senju: The Master Strategist
Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, was a brilliant strategist and inventor of numerous powerful jutsu, including the Shadow Clone Technique and the Impure World Reincarnation itself. He provided crucial tactical support and shared his vast knowledge of ninja techniques with the alliance. His analytical mind helped devise strategies to counter Madara’s abilities.
Hiruzen Sarutobi: The Professor
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, was renowned as “The Professor” for his mastery of nearly all known jutsu. Though physically older at the time of his death, his experience and versatility proved invaluable. He contributed his extensive knowledge and skills to the fight, supporting the other Hokage in their respective battles.
Minato Namikaze: The Yellow Flash
Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, was famed for his incredible speed and his mastery of the Flying Raijin Technique. His ability to teleport across vast distances made him a crucial asset for both offensive and defensive maneuvers. His strategic insights, coupled with his combat prowess, proved vital in coordinating attacks and defending against enemy offensives. He also finally got the chance to meet his son, Naruto, and impart words of wisdom.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Resurrection
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Orochimaru’s resurrection of the Hokage, providing further clarity and insights into this pivotal event.
FAQ 1: Why did Orochimaru revive the Hokage?
Orochimaru’s primary motivation was to understand the situation better and make an informed decision about his future. He sought answers from the Hokage, particularly Hashirama, regarding the nature of power, peace, and the true meaning of being a ninja. He also recognized their power could contribute to defeating Madara.
FAQ 2: Did Orochimaru become good after reviving the Hokage?
While not entirely “good,” Orochimaru’s actions suggest a shift in perspective. He demonstrated a willingness to contribute to the Allied Shinobi Forces’ efforts, signifying a move away from purely selfish ambitions. He even assisted Sasuke in ending the war.
FAQ 3: How did Orochimaru escape the Reaper Death Seal to revive the Hokage?
Orochimaru escaped the Reaper Death Seal by transferring his consciousness into cursed seals placed on various individuals. Sasuke, during his quest for vengeance against Itachi, absorbed Orochimaru’s chakra. Later, Sasuke used the Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Method to release Orochimaru from his own body.
FAQ 4: What episode does Sasuke bring Orochimaru back in?
Sasuke revives Orochimaru in Naruto Shippuden episode 135, titled “The Tattletale.”
FAQ 5: What made Kabuto’s Edo Tensei so powerful?
Kabuto’s improvements to the Edo Tensei included enhanced control over the resurrected individuals, increased power and durability, and the ability to imbue them with unique abilities, such as the Sharingan and Rinnegan. He used cells from Hashirama to further amplify the power of his reanimations.
FAQ 6: Was the Fourth Hokage, Minato, stronger when resurrected?
While the Edo Tensei grants enhanced durability and regenerative abilities, it also restricts the soul’s full potential. Therefore, it’s debatable whether Minato was stronger in raw power, but the Edo Tensei form granted him advantages, especially given he was able to use the Nine-Tails’ chakra granted to him by Naruto before his soul was released.
FAQ 7: How did the Hokage break free from the Edo Tensei control?
The Hokage possessed immense willpower and spiritual strength, allowing them to resist Kabuto’s control to varying degrees. Furthermore, Hashirama’s Wood Release was capable of suppressing the Edo Tensei’s effects. Ultimately, Itachi Uchiha forced Kabuto to release the Edo Tensei jutsu, freeing all the resurrected individuals.
FAQ 8: Did the Hokage know about Naruto before they were revived?
Hiruzen Sarutobi, as Naruto’s former teacher, was intimately familiar with him. Minato, being Naruto’s father, had an inherent connection. The other Hokage likely knew of Naruto through legends and stories circulating within the Hidden Leaf Village.
FAQ 9: Why weren’t other powerful ninja resurrected with Edo Tensei?
Several factors influenced who was resurrected. Obtaining DNA samples was a crucial requirement. Political considerations also played a role, as resurrecting certain individuals could have destabilized the war effort or created internal conflicts. Kabuto also wanted to keep certain “trump cards” hidden.
FAQ 10: What happened to the Hokage after the Edo Tensei was released?
Upon the release of the Edo Tensei, the souls of the Hokage returned to the Pure Land, the afterlife in the Naruto universe. Their contributions to the war effort were complete, and they found peace.
FAQ 11: Could Orochimaru have resurrected other Kage, like the Raikage?
Theoretically, yes. If Orochimaru or Kabuto had obtained DNA samples of other Kage, they could have been resurrected. However, the focus was primarily on the Hokage due to their historical significance and their intimate connection to the Hidden Leaf Village.
FAQ 12: Did the resurrection of the Hokage ultimately lead to peace?
While the resurrection of the Hokage was a significant turning point in the war, it was not the sole factor leading to peace. The combined efforts of the Allied Shinobi Forces, Naruto’s determination, and Sasuke’s eventual change of heart were all crucial in defeating Madara and Obito and achieving a lasting peace. The Hokage’s contribution provided vital support and guidance, but it was the actions of the living that ultimately secured victory.