Orochimaru’s tragic assassination of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, occurs during the Chunin Exams arc in the Naruto anime. Specifically, this pivotal event unfolds in Episode 80, titled “The End! And Then, The Beginning!”
The Fall of the Professor: A Deep Dive into Episode 80
Episode 80 of Naruto is a watershed moment, not just for the Chunin Exams but for the entire series. It marks the culmination of Orochimaru’s long-gestating plan to cripple Konoha and seize power. The episode is heavily laden with emotional weight, contrasting the initial excitement of the final tournament matches with the unfolding chaos and ultimate tragedy. The initial focus is on Naruto’s impressive (and unconventional) victory over Kiba Inuzuka, masking the ominous events unfolding elsewhere.
The episode gradually shifts its focus to the ongoing battle between the disguised Kazekage (actually Orochimaru in disguise) and the Third Hokage. This confrontation reveals Orochimaru’s true intentions and kicks off the devastating invasion of Konoha orchestrated alongside the Sound Village and the Sand Village.
The fight itself is a visual spectacle, showcasing the Third Hokage’s vast knowledge of jutsu and his valiant efforts to defend his village. However, the episode emphasizes Orochimaru’s ruthlessness and his mastery of forbidden techniques, including the Impure World Resurrection (Edo Tensei). This technique allows him to summon the souls of the First Hokage (Hashirama Senju) and the Second Hokage (Tobirama Senju), forcing Hiruzen to fight his own former mentors.
The emotional core of the episode lies in the Third Hokage’s unwavering determination to protect Konoha, even at the cost of his own life. He uses the Dead Demon Consuming Seal (Shiki Fujin) in a desperate attempt to seal away Orochimaru’s soul and the souls of the resurrected Hokage. While he successfully seals the First and Second Hokage, he lacks the stamina to fully seal Orochimaru, managing only to steal the use of his arms.
The episode ends with the Third Hokage’s death, a somber moment underscored by the grief and despair felt throughout Konoha. This event throws the village into chaos and uncertainty, setting the stage for the subsequent search for a new Hokage and the growing threat of the Akatsuki. The death is not merely a plot point; it’s a profound loss felt by the characters and the audience, shaping the future narrative and impacting the motivations of key characters like Naruto and Sasuke.
Orochimaru’s Motives: Beyond Simple Villainy
While often portrayed as a quintessential villain, Orochimaru’s motivations are more complex than simple malice. His relentless pursuit of power stems from a deep-seated fear of death and a desire to achieve immortality. He views jutsu as a means to transcend human limitations and unlock the secrets of life itself.
Orochimaru’s fascination with the First Hokage’s abilities, particularly his Wood Release, further fuels his ambition. He sees the First Hokage as the pinnacle of ninja power and believes that by mastering his techniques, he can achieve his goals of immortality and ultimate strength.
Furthermore, Orochimaru feels deeply betrayed by Konoha and his former sensei, the Third Hokage. He believes his genius was stifled and his research into forbidden techniques unjustly condemned. This sense of betrayal fuels his desire to destroy the village and prove his superiority.
However, despite his villainous actions, Orochimaru also possesses a certain level of intellectual curiosity and a detached scientific approach. He is fascinated by the workings of the human body and sees it as a subject of endless experimentation. This aspect of his character, while unsettling, adds layers of complexity to his motivations.
The Impact of Hiruzen’s Death: A Turning Point for Konoha
The death of the Third Hokage sends ripples throughout Konoha and the wider ninja world. It represents a significant loss of experience, wisdom, and leadership. His absence creates a power vacuum and leaves the village vulnerable to future threats.
The selection of the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, becomes a crucial task, highlighting the need for a strong and capable leader to guide Konoha through this turbulent period. Tsunade’s initial reluctance to accept the position underscores the weight of responsibility and the immense pressure placed upon her.
Moreover, Hiruzen’s death serves as a catalyst for Naruto’s character development. Witnessing the loss of someone he respected deeply fuels his desire to become stronger and protect his friends and village. It reinforces his commitment to upholding the ideals of the Hokage and striving for peace.
The event also reveals the vulnerabilities of the village’s defenses and highlights the need for improved security measures. The invasion exposes weaknesses in Konoha’s surveillance systems and the effectiveness of its ninja forces, prompting reforms and adjustments to prevent future attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions regarding the death of the Third Hokage and Orochimaru’s actions:
1. Why did Orochimaru want to kill the Third Hokage?
Orochimaru sought to kill the Third Hokage for several reasons: to exact revenge for perceived mistreatment, to test his own power against a formidable opponent, and to destabilize Konoha so he could more easily achieve his ambitions. He also held resentment towards the Third Hokage for not choosing him as his successor.
2. What jutsu did the Third Hokage use to fight Orochimaru?
The Third Hokage utilized a wide array of jutsu, showcasing his vast knowledge. These included basic ninjutsu like Fire Style: Fire Dragon Bullet, Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet, and Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bullet. He also used more advanced techniques like the Adamantine Staff, and most importantly, the Dead Demon Consuming Seal (Shiki Fujin).
3. What exactly does the Dead Demon Consuming Seal do?
The Dead Demon Consuming Seal is a forbidden technique that summons a Shinigami (death god) to seal the soul of the target. The user’s soul is also consumed by the Shinigami, resulting in their death. In Hiruzen’s case, he intended to seal Orochimaru’s soul, but he lacked the strength to complete the process entirely.
4. Why didn’t the Third Hokage fully seal Orochimaru?
The Third Hokage was weakened by age and the battle against the resurrected First and Second Hokage. He also hesitated to kill his former student, leaving him with insufficient chakra to fully seal Orochimaru’s soul.
5. What happened to the First and Second Hokage after the summoning?
The souls of the First and Second Hokage were successfully sealed away by the Third Hokage using the Dead Demon Consuming Seal. This prevented them from causing further damage to Konoha.
6. What were the immediate consequences of the Third Hokage’s death for Konoha?
The immediate consequences included widespread grief and uncertainty, a weakened defense against the ongoing invasion, and the urgent need to find a new Hokage to lead the village.
7. How did Naruto react to the Third Hokage’s death?
Naruto was deeply saddened by the Third Hokage’s death. While initially struggling to comprehend the full gravity of the situation, it fueled his resolve to become stronger and protect Konoha, ultimately inspiring him to train harder and master new techniques.
8. Did Orochimaru plan the entire invasion, or was it a spontaneous decision?
Orochimaru meticulously planned the invasion of Konoha for years, using the Chunin Exams as a cover to infiltrate the village and execute his scheme. The alliance with the Sound and Sand Villages was also carefully orchestrated.
9. What role did Kabuto play in Orochimaru’s plan?
Kabuto Yakushi served as Orochimaru’s right-hand man and chief strategist. He provided medical support, gathered intelligence, and assisted in the resurrection of the First and Second Hokage using the Impure World Resurrection technique.
10. Did the Sand Village know about Orochimaru’s true intentions?
The Sand Village, initially, believed they were partnering with the Land of Sound to destabilize Konoha and regain political power. They were largely unaware of Orochimaru’s true goals and the full extent of his plans until the invasion began.
11. How did Orochimaru acquire the Impure World Resurrection technique?
Orochimaru likely learned the Impure World Resurrection technique through his extensive research into forbidden jutsu and his experimentation with senjutsu. His pursuit of knowledge, regardless of ethical boundaries, led him to master this dangerous technique.
12. What happened to Orochimaru after the battle with the Third Hokage?
After failing to fully seal Orochimaru, the Third Hokage was only able to seal his arms, preventing him from using hand seals and thus most ninjutsu. Orochimaru retreated from Konoha, seeking a way to heal his arms and continue his pursuit of power. This led him to search for a new vessel, eventually targeting Sasuke Uchiha.