Hiruzen was one of the most powerful shinobi in history. In fact, he was so powerful that he was admired as the God of Shinobi (忍の神, Shinobi no Kami) in his prime. According to Iruka, he was said to be the strongest Hokage that Konoha ever had as well as the strongest of all the five Kage during his era.[6] Even in his old age, Kabuto Yakushi considered him the strongest of the Five Kage at the time of his death.[7] Enma commented on his battle with Orochimaru, saying that it was "miserable" compared to his prime, even though he had clearly been able to hold his own against Orochimaru and two former Hokage without losing his composure. Even in his old age, his chakra was noted for being very strong, causing a dense effect on the atmosphere when released;[8] furthermore, he was known for having immense reserves of chakra in his youth.[9] He was also the longest living and longest reigning Hokage. Hiruzen also had keen senses, being able to track down the Hokage under Hashirama Senju's Bringer-of-Darkness Technique.
Ninjutsu Edit
Hiruzen's Dead Demon Consuming Seal.
Hiruzen was called The Professor (プロフェッサー, Purofessā), due to his mastery of all forms of shinobi combat, and his vast knowledge of techniques, purportedly knowing all the techniques within Konoha. The first technique he was seen using was the Telescope Technique, which allowed him to observe others through his crystal ball over long distances.[10] With Roof Tile Shuriken, he could launch nearby tiles at an opponent with varying intensities. By throwing a single shuriken at an opponent, he could create a thousand clones of it in an instant to surround the opponent, making it extremely difficult for the enemy to evade them all. This method also meant that he doesn't have stock up on a lot of shuriken.
Orochimaru showed some surprise that he didn't use more of the Shadow Clone Technique during their battle. An ANBU agent watching the battle scene from nearby mentioned that Hiruzen's chakra levels had dropped to a point where he couldn't use it as much. While this might contradict the large amount of techniques he used in his battle with Orochimaru, it could also show his great chakra control, needing only the minimum amount of chakra to use each technique.
Nature Transformation Edit
Hiruzen using Fire Release.
Sarutobi was highly skilled in elemental ninjutsu, using Fire Release and Earth Release. Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet allowed him to exhale a stream of fire from his mouth. Earth Release: Earth Flow River created a river of mud beneath the opponent to throw them off balance, and he could use the mud with Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet, which creates a dragon's head that launches mud balls at an opponent. He had also been shown to be adept in combining elemental techniques, as seen when he ignited the mud ball projectiles with Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet, creating a stream of lava that can melt nearly anything. Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall allowed Hiruzen to spit a stream of mud that solidifies into a protective shield.
