Could Third Hokage Hiruzen Defeat Itachi Uchiha?

Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, a powerhouse ninja renowned for his immense skill and experience, faced a daunting challenge when it came to stopping the Uchiha massacre. This article delves into the factors that would have influenced such a confrontation, including Itachi's formidable abilities, Hiruzen's age and condition, and the political ramifications.

Itachi's Skills and Abilities

During the time of the Uchiha Massacre, Itachi Uchiha possessed advanced skills and techniques that would have made him a formidable opponent for even the most experienced ninja. His mastery of the Sharingan allowed him to utilize highly complex and potent abilities such as genjutsu and his renowned TM technique, Amaterasu. Furthermore, Itachi's prowess in ninjutsu, particularly his potential to use powerful techniques like Susanoo, contributed to the challenge he posed.

Hiruzen's Age and Condition

By the time of the Uchiha Massacre, Hiruzen was significantly older and had stepped down from his leadership role as Hokage. His physical capabilities and stamina would have been affected, likely meaning he was not at his peak performance level. While still formidable, Hiruzen would have faced limitations due to his age and condition.

Political Context

The political climate of the time played a crucial role in the ability of Hiruzen to intervene. The Uchiha clan was seen as a potential threat to Konohagakure, and tensions existed due to past grievances. Hiruzen's ability to thwart the massacre would have been constrained by the need to maintain village stability and the decisions of higher authorities.

Itachi's Intentions

Itachi's motivations during the Uchiha Massacre were complex and multifaceted, driven by a mix of loyalty to the village and a desire to protect his younger brother, Sasuke. Even if Hiruzen had confronted Itachi, the latter's mixed feelings might have limited his willingness to fight Hiruzen to the full extent.

Would Hiruzen Really Defeat Itachi?

Considering these factors, it appears that defeating Itachi would have been challenging for Hiruzen. However, the situation might have taken a different turn depending on the circumstances:

If Itachi Does Not Have Mangekyo

Assuming Itachi did not possess the Mangekyo Sharingan at the time, Hiruzen would have had a much greater advantage. Hiruzen's extensive experience and mastery of various jutsu would have allowed him to counter the developed skills of his opponent. Additionally, Hiruzen's specific set of armor would have provided physical protection, further enhancing his chances.

If Itachi Does Have Mangekyo

If Itachi had already awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, the fight would have taken a more unpredictable turn. The Mangekyo's powers, particularly Amaterasu, would have presented a significant challenge. It is theorized that Itachi could have accidentally used Amaterasu before realizing his new abilities. This unexpected element, paired with the lack of prior knowledge of this jutsu, could have tipped the scales in favor of Itachi.

The Armor's Role

Despite the potential for unexpected jutsu usage, Hiruzen's armor would have provided a critical advantage. During battles, Hiruzen donned specialized armor that would have helped him survive an Amaterasu attack. His ability to remove the armor after being hit, while analyzing the jutsu, would have given him valuable time to understand this new threat.

Knowledge Advantage

Hiruzen's extensive experience would have given him a significant edge. He would have detailed knowledge of Itachi's abilities and strategies, while Itachi, lacking direct experience against Hiruzen, would have relied on second-hand accounts. Furthermore, Hiruzen's mastery of all five elements of Yin/Yang and his possession of the Monkey King Enma/Adamantine staff (a powerful weapon in combat) would have been advantageous.

Given these factors, it is highly unlikely that Hiruzen would have succumbed to Itachi's Mangekyo without an unexpected development. Unless Itachi managed a lucky shot using Amaterasu or Tsukuyomi, Hiruzen would have been able to overcome Itachi, leveraging his wisdom, abilities, and battle prowess.

Conclusion

The challenge facing Third Hokage Hiruzen would have been multifaceted, influenced by Itachi's advanced abilities, Hiruzen's advanced age, the political climate, and Itachi's complex intentions. While it would have been a difficult task, Hiruzen's experience and strategy would have been sufficient to defeat Itachi, provided he managed to avoid certain jutsu-related risks.