Why Did Orochimaru Want to Become Hokage and Why Wasn't He Allowed to?

Orochimaru, a complex and enigmatic character from the popular anime and manga series Naruto, aspired to rise to the position of Hokage for a variety of reasons rooted in his desires for power, immortality, and recognition. However, his ultimate failure to achieve this ambitious goal was due to his moral corruption, betrayal of the village, and the conflict with other candidates.

Desire for Power and Immortality

One of the primary motivations behind Orochimaru's desire to become Hokage was his unwavering pursuit of power and immortality. Orochimaru was driven by a deep-seated fear of death, and he believed that becoming the Hokage would provide him with the authority and resources necessary to explore the forbidden realms of jutsu and achieve eternal life.

Recognition and Validation

In addition to his desire for power, Orochimaru also sought recognition and respect within the village. His aspiration was to validate his abilities and demonstrate that he was a worthy successor to the legacy of the village. His ambition was not just to become Hokage but to prove that he was the most qualified and capable individual for the role.

Controlling His Fate

Beyond recognition, Orochimaru's ultimate goal was to control his own fate and that of the village. He believed that by holding the position of Hokage, he could manipulate events to suit his own needs and desires. His vision of power was not just personal but also bound up in his desire to shape the future of the Hidden Leaf Village according to his own blueprint.

Why Was Orochimaru Not Allowed to Become Hokage?

Despite his ambitions and qualifications, Orochimaru was ultimately denied the opportunity to become Hokage for several critical reasons. These reasons encompassed moral corruption, betrayal, and competition from other candidates.

Moral Corruption

Orochimaru's path to becoming Hokage was fraught with moral dilemmas and unethical choices. His relentless pursuit of forbidden knowledge and his experiments involving the manipulation and harm of others earned him a reputation as a dangerous and untrustworthy individual. The village leaders recognized that his ambitions were deeply selfish and did not align with the well-being of the village. His actions demonstrated a disregard for the values and principles that defined the Hidden Leaf Village.

Defection and Betrayal

Another significant factor in Orochimaru's failure to become Hokage was his betrayal of the Hidden Leaf Village. His defection and subsequent attempts to harm and destroy the village further alienated him from the possibility of becoming Hokage. His lack of loyalty and commitment to the village's values and safety were clear indicators of his unsuitability for the position.

Conflict with Other Candidates

During the time Orochimaru aspired to become Hokage, other candidates like Hiruzen Sarutobi (the Third Hokage) and later Tsunade were more aligned with the village's ideals and had proven their loyalty and competence. This competition and the alignment of other potential leaders with the interests of the village further marginalized Orochimaru's chances.

Is It True That He Wanted to Be Hokage Simply Because He Admired Hiruzen?

While it is true that Orochimaru admired Hiruzen Sarutobi and sought to emulate him, his ambitions went far beyond this admiration. His desire to become Hokage was rooted in a much deeper need for power, recognition, and control. The key drivers of his ambition were not just admiration for Hiruzen's authority but a complex and multifaceted quest for immortality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Orochimaru had the ambition to become Hokage, his methods, lack of integrity, and betrayal of the village ultimately prevented him from achieving this goal. His pursuit of power and immortality, combined with his moral corruption and betrayal, created a perfect storm that denied him the opportunity to lead the Hidden Leaf Village.