Hiruzen Sarutobi has some extremely overlooked feats in Naruto.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was a natural prodigy, trained by the First and Second Hokage.

The Third Hokage could use all five basic releases.

He defeated Orochimaru in a three vs. one battle in Naruto.

The Village Hidden in the Leaves was home to some of the strongest shinobis in Naruto. While most appreciate the feats of Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, and Naruto Uzumaki, many seemingly overlook the strength of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi in Naruto

Hiruzen was personally trained by the first and second Hokage. Obviously, The Professor was an extremely skilled ninja. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to be the longest-serving Hokage. So much so that some even blessed him with the title of God of Shinobi.

Why Was Hiruzen Sarutobi Called the God of Shinobi?

The God of Shinobi is an extremely rare title, and only two ninjas in the history of Konoha were given that. First was Hashirama Senju, and second was none other than Hiruzen Sarutobi.

While most are aware of the talents that Hashirama possessed as he was the person who laid the foundation of the Konoha village. He famously used the wood style and was a skilled user of the Saga mode.

Anyway, coming back to Hiruzen Sarutobi, he was a natural prodigy and became the Hokage approximately at the age of 20. Hiruzen possessed immense chakra reserves and had insane control over them.

Moreover, Sarutobi was a proficient Ninjutsu user, as he was able to perform every jutsu known to Konoha during his lifetime. It’s no surprise that Sarutobi was also known as The Professor. A key factor in Hiruzen’s title as the God of Shinobi was his ability to use all five basic nature releases.

Hiruzen Sarutobi in Naruto

In simple terms, the Third Hokage could attack and defend using Fire, Lightning, Earth, Water, and Wind releases. On top of that, Hiruzen also mastered Yin and Yang releases.

Impressed by his skills yet? If the above-mentioned skills weren’t enough for Hiruzen to win fights, he had a summoning contract with the Monkey King, Enma.

But the greatest ability that Hiruzen had in his arsenal was the Fūinjutsu. It allowed him to seal an opponent’s soul in exchange for sacrificing himself.

Hiruzen Sarutobi Defeated Orochimaru, Hashirama, and Tobirama in Naruto

Despite being considered the strongest Kage for years, The Professor’s prime years were spent during peaceful times. But it all changed when his former student and one of the three legendary Sannin, Orochimaru, decided to invade Konoha.

Orochimaru used the Reanimation Jutsu to revive the First and Second Hokage during his confrontation with Hiruzen Sarutobi. Sure, the previous Hokages were nowhere near their full strength, but it was still a great achievement by the Third Hokage to defeat them in his old age.

Hiruzen Sarutobi in Naruto

Moreover, Orochimaru was still in the prime of his life. Despite the odds stacked against him, Hiruzen emerged victorious, but he lost his life in the process.

All things considered, the Third Hokage was an extremely powerful character and Naruto fans always wish to see him in action in the prime of his life. Unfortunately, that wish cannot be fulfilled unless a spinoff series focused on Sarutobi is released.