The Worst Hokage: The Case Against Hiruzen Sarutobi

Discussions about the worst Hokage often revolve around Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. Despite his positive legacy, his actions and inactions during critical moments of the Naruto universe are often questioned. This article delves into the reasons why Hiruzen is seen as one of the worst Hokage and why his leadership falls short of expectations.

Introduction

In the vast landscape of Naruto, the Hokage hold the powerful position of leader for the Hidden Leaf Village. While many leaders are celebrated, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, is often scrutinized. This article examines why he is considered one of the worst Hokage for his failures in leadership and decision-making.

Neglect of Naruto

One of the most significant criticisms of Hiruzen's leadership is his neglect of Naruto Uzumaki. As the container of the Nine-Tails, Naruto was not only an object of fear but also a burden. Hiruzen allowed the mistreatment of Naruto by the villagers and ignored the young boy's emotional and psychological state, which was a grave oversight. This neglect extended to the Chunin Exams, where the safety and well-being of the Genin were compromised, yet no measures were taken to prevent such tragedies.

Enabling Danzo

Hiruzen's relationship with Danzo, a rogue ANBU commander, is another point of contention. Danzo operated under the guise of "serving the village," but his actions were often misguided and ruthless. Hiruzen’s decision to allow Danzo to influence the Village's affairs led to countless tragedies, including the Uchiha Massacre. The destruction of an entire clan, without any semblance of due process, and the spread of fear and paranoia within the village are direct consequences of Hiruzen's leniency.

The Uchiha Massacre

The Uchiha Massacre stands as one of the most significant events in the Naruto canon, and Hiruzen's inaction during this time is widely criticized. Itachi Uchiha, driven by a desire for peace, was ordered to eliminate all members of the Uchiha clan. However, Hiruzen failed to intervene or understand the true intentions behind Itachi's actions. This decision played a crucial role in the development of Sasuke Uchiha, leading to his eventual descent into darkness and his quest for revenge against his brother.

Allowing Orochimaru's Departure

Hiruzen's inability to address the threat of Orochimaru is another black mark on his tenure as Hokage. Orochimaru, an S-class missing-nin, posed a significant threat to the Hidden Leaf Village. However, instead of confronting the issue head-on, Hiruzen allowed Orochimaru to leave, believing he had nothing to gain. This decision proved to be a significant oversight, as it gave Orochimaru the opportunity to manipulate events from the shadows, ultimately leading to further chaos in the village.

Conclusion

While Hiruzen Sarutobi's legacy is filled with positive achievements, his inactions and misguided decisions during critical moments have led to widespread criticism. From neglecting Naruto's well-being to enabling the ruthless actions of Danzo, and allowing the Uchiha Massacre and Orochimaru’s departure, Hiruzen's leadership is often seen as subpar. It is important for aspiring leaders, both in fiction and reality, to learn from his mistakes. Join us in the upcoming discussion about the important lessons from the best and worst Hokage.

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