Orochimaru revives the Four Hokage in Naruto Shippuden episode 365, “Those Who Dance in the Shadows.” This pivotal episode marks a turning point in the Fourth Shinobi World War, shifting the balance of power and offering a glimmer of hope against the seemingly unstoppable Madara Uchiha.
The Significance of Episode 365
Episode 365 is not merely a spectacle of resurrected heroes; it’s a culmination of Orochimaru’s complex character arc and his long-standing ambition to understand the nature of power and immortality. The revival of the Four Hokage is a direct result of his atonement (or at least, a re-evaluation) spurred by Sasuke, and his desire to protect the world from the greater threat posed by Madara. The episode expertly blends action, emotional resonance, and strategic planning, making it a standout moment in the entire Naruto saga.
Understanding Orochimaru’s Motivation
Orochimaru’s initial goal was immortality and mastery over all jutsu. However, witnessing Itachi Uchiha’s overwhelming power and his own limitations, coupled with Sasuke’s subsequent transformation, led him to question his past actions. The revival of the Hokage is a calculated risk, utilizing Edo Tensei (Impure World Resurrection) to summon powerful allies who possess the knowledge and abilities necessary to combat Madara. His actions are driven by a desire to understand the truth of the world and, perhaps, a reluctant sense of responsibility.
The Impact on the Fourth Shinobi World War
The arrival of Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Minato Namikaze drastically alters the course of the war. Each Hokage brings unique skills and insights to the battlefield. Hashirama’s Wood Release and Sage Mode, Tobirama’s innovative jutsu, Hiruzen’s vast knowledge of ninja techniques, and Minato’s incredible speed and space-time ninjutsu contribute significantly to the Allied Shinobi Forces’ efforts. Their presence also serves as a powerful morale boost, inspiring hope in the face of overwhelming odds.
Analyzing the Edo Tensei Technique
The Edo Tensei is a forbidden jutsu developed by Tobirama Senju and later perfected by Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi. It allows the caster to summon the souls of the deceased and bind them to reanimated corpses, creating powerful and virtually indestructible warriors. While initially viewed as a weapon, in episode 365, Orochimaru uses it as a strategic tool to combat a far greater evil.
The Ethical Implications
The Edo Tensei raises serious ethical questions. It desecrates the deceased, strips them of their free will, and forces them to fight against their will. The Hokage, upon being resurrected, express their discomfort and regret at being brought back into the world in this manner. The jutsu highlights the moral compromises made during times of war and the potential for even the most powerful techniques to be abused.
Limitations of the Edo Tensei
Despite its power, the Edo Tensei has limitations. The summoned individuals are not truly alive and can be sealed away. They also retain fragments of their personality and memories, which can sometimes influence their actions. Furthermore, the caster must have a sample of the deceased’s DNA to perform the jutsu, and a living sacrifice is required to act as the vessel.
Connecting Episode 365 to Broader Themes
Episode 365 reflects several recurring themes in Naruto, including the cycle of hatred, the importance of legacy, and the potential for redemption. The Hokage represent different eras of the Hidden Leaf Village and embody the values of duty, sacrifice, and protecting the next generation. Their revival underscores the importance of learning from the past and working towards a better future.
Legacy and the Will of Fire
The concept of the “Will of Fire,” a philosophy emphasizing the importance of love, protection, and the belief that future generations are more important than the present, is central to the Naruto series. The Hokage embody this ideal, having dedicated their lives to protecting the Hidden Leaf Village and its inhabitants. Their resurrection reinforces the enduring power of their legacy and their commitment to safeguarding the world.
Redemption and Second Chances
Orochimaru’s actions in episode 365 suggest a shift away from his previous villainous tendencies. While his motivations remain complex and somewhat ambiguous, his decision to revive the Hokage demonstrates a willingness to confront his past mistakes and contribute to the fight against Madara. This reflects the theme of redemption and the idea that even those who have committed terrible acts can find a path towards atonement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Orochimaru’s revival of the Four Hokage:
FAQ 1: Why did Orochimaru revive the Hokage?
Orochimaru revived the Four Hokage to help the Allied Shinobi Forces fight against Madara Uchiha. He realized that Madara posed a greater threat to the world than he had previously anticipated and believed the Hokage’s power and knowledge were necessary to defeat him.
FAQ 2: What episode does Orochimaru release the Reaper Death Seal?
Orochimaru releases the Reaper Death Seal in Naruto Shippuden episode 364, “The Allied Shinobi Forces Jutsu!” This allows him to access his arms (which had been sealed) and perform the Edo Tensei.
FAQ 3: Who are the Four Hokage that Orochimaru revives?
The Four Hokage revived by Orochimaru are: Hashirama Senju (First Hokage), Tobirama Senju (Second Hokage), Hiruzen Sarutobi (Third Hokage), and Minato Namikaze (Fourth Hokage).
FAQ 4: How does Orochimaru perform the Edo Tensei?
Orochimaru uses a modified version of the Edo Tensei technique. He uses Zetsu spores to act as the vessels for the reanimated souls and performs the necessary hand seals to bind them. He released the Reaper Death Seal and used the masks of those that it consumed as vessels.
FAQ 5: Are the revived Hokage as strong as they were when they were alive?
The resurrected Hokage are incredibly powerful, but they are not exactly the same as they were in life. They possess their memories, skills, and jutsu, but their bodies are reanimated and controlled by the caster. However, their power is significantly reduced without control from the caster.
FAQ 6: What were the reactions of the Hokage upon being revived?
The Hokage expressed a range of emotions upon being revived, including surprise, confusion, and concern about the circumstances of their resurrection. They were also worried about the ongoing war and their responsibility to protect the world.
FAQ 7: How long did the Hokage remain on the battlefield?
The Hokage remained on the battlefield for a significant portion of the Fourth Shinobi World War, fighting alongside the Allied Shinobi Forces against Madara and Obito Uchiha.
FAQ 8: What was the First Hokage’s (Hashirama’s) role in the war after being revived?
Hashirama Senju played a crucial role in the war, engaging in intense battles with Madara and using his Wood Release and Sage Mode to protect the Allied Shinobi Forces.
FAQ 9: Did the revival of the Hokage change Orochimaru’s character?
While Orochimaru remained a complex and morally ambiguous character, the revival of the Hokage suggested a shift in his priorities. He seemed more concerned with the greater good and the survival of the world than with his own selfish ambitions.
FAQ 10: What happened to the Hokage after the war ended?
After the Fourth Shinobi World War concluded, the Edo Tensei was released, and the souls of the Hokage were finally able to return to the afterlife.
FAQ 11: Why was Minato Namikaze (Fourth Hokage) revived when he was previously sealed with the Reaper Death Seal?
Orochimaru released the Reaper Death Seal in order to gain access to the souls previously sealed within, including fragments of Orochimaru’s own soul that had been absorbed by Hiruzen Sarutobi. This allowed him to revive Minato.
FAQ 12: Did the other Kage object to the Edo Tensei use by Orochimaru?
Yes, many other Kage and members of the Allied Shinobi Forces voiced concerns about the ethical implications of using the Edo Tensei, but the urgent situation and the immense power of the revived Hokage ultimately led them to accept it as a necessary evil.