Unraveling the Tragic Death of Naruto’s Second Hokage: What Really Happened?

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This article contains spoilers from the Naruto series.

Summary

  • Tobirama Senju was chosen as Hokage before the First Great Ninja War.
  • Tobirama died during the First Great Ninja War protecting Konoha’s future.
  • Tobirama strived for unity among clans but couldn’t prevent the First Great Ninja War.

In the realm of Naruto, Tobirama Senju, often referred to as the Second Hokage of Konoha, holds significant importance. Living during the Warring States Era, an era marked by constant clashes and bloodshed among clans, Tobirama stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his brother throughout these turbulent times, playing a crucial role in establishing the village of Konoha. After this pivotal event, Tobirama devoted his life to the growth and advancement of Konoha; however, it’s worth noting that he was also responsible for some questionable actions.

After Hashirama Senju, Tobirama was selected as the Hokage of the village, a choice that raised some skepticism. While it’s true that Tobirama contributed to the development of the village, his tenure as Hokage unfortunately led to more turmoil and violence within the village. This escalated to the tragic Uchiha Clan Massacre. Regrettably, these troubles occurred after Tobirama had passed away, leaving a difficult situation for his successor to handle.

How Tobirama Senju Became The Second Hokage

  • Tobirama Was Chosen To Be Hokage Prior To The First Great Ninja War
  • Tobirama Went On To Aid His Village

As a die-hard Naruto fan, I can’t help but marvel at the towering figure that is Tobirama Senju. Born into the prestigious Senju clan, I always knew my destiny was intertwined with my brother’s, as we were groomed to lead our people. Side by side with Hashirama, my battles were fewer, for he was undeniably stronger than me, serving more as a shield than a sword.

However, when it came to standing beside Hashirama during the formation of Konohagakure, I admit, I harbored doubts. In fact, I had hoped Hashirama would end Madara in their previous encounter and showed no mercy towards Izuna. But as time unfolded, the small clans rallied around the mighty Uchiha and Senju, giving birth to Konoha – a beacon of peace that still stands strong today.

Brother, let’s kill him, here and now! — Tobirama Senju on Madara Uchiha

Over time, Konoha thrived and inspired other nations to create their own ninja villages, leading to the emergence of major ninja settlements. This growth brought about increased competition and tension among countries, particularly along borders, frequently escalating into wars. When these conflicts reached critical mass, Hashirama Senju felt compelled to act. He initiated the Five Kage Summit, a historic first, as well as fostering cooperation between the nations. He also strategically distributed Tailed Beasts among the villages. However, tensions continued to rise and land disputes intensified near borders, eventually leading to minor skirmishes that escalated into the First Great Ninja War.

When the First Great Ninja War broke out, Hashirama Senju had already passed away, and his fate remains unknown. Prior to his death, Hashirama entrusted Tobirama Senju with the position of Hokage, instructing him not to mistreat the Uchiha. It was under Tobirama’s leadership that he faced a large-scale war.

The Truth Of Tobirama Vs The Gold And Silver Brothers

Tobirama Sacrificed Himself For The Next Generation

Over the years, Masashi Kishimoto has kept fans guessing about the deaths of the initial two Hokage. While the specific circumstances surrounding these deaths have not been shown, events leading up to them have been hinted at throughout the narrative. The demise of the First Hokage is somewhat ambiguous, with different accounts circulating. However, the death of the Second Hokage is more explicitly described and even suggested within the manga itself. After assuming the role for a significant period following the First Hokage’s death, the Second Hokage aimed to demonstrate to the village’s people that their clans, despite their importance, should not be prioritized above the village as a whole.

After all, we all know that the Uchiha is a clan possessed by evil. — Tobirama Senju

Tobirama, driven by a desire for unity among the clans, exerted great effort in creating establishments such as the Konoha Academy, ANBU, and instituting the Chunin Exams. However, his mistrust towards the Uchiha led him to set up the Konoha Police Force, which ultimately contributed to their isolation within the village. Despite his numerous contributions to Konoha, he couldn’t prevent it from being embroiled in the First Great Ninja War. In an attempt to maintain peace, Tobirama visited Kumogakure; unfortunately, he was ambushed by the Gold and Silver Brothers during this visit, barely escaping with his life. It’s often debated among fans that these two were responsible for Tobirama’s death in this encounter, but it should be noted that they didn’t actually kill him.

Tobirama indeed sustained severe wounds during his battle with Kinkaku and Ginkaku, but it was not their blows that ultimately took his life. Instead, Tobirama Senju succumbed during the initial stages of the First Great Ninja War. In his final moments, he symbolically removed his cloak, signifying the end of his tenure as the Second Hokage of Konoha, and passed on the mantle to the upcoming generation of ninjas who would lead the village forward.

How Tobirama Senju Died

The Second Hokage of Konoha Died In War

In the midst of the First Great Ninja War, I bore witness to an unfortunate event that deeply affected the village of Konoha. This was Tobirama Senju’s demise, which occurred as he and his team found themselves encircled by a formidable force from Kumogakure, specifically the Kinkaku unit. Overwhelmed by their numbers, Tobirama selflessly chose to engage them alone, giving his students an opportunity to flee. This act mirrored the fierce spirit of the Fire Dynasty within him, as he defended what he held dear – the village and its future generations.

Before succumbing to his wounds, Tobirama entrusted the role of Hokage to Hiruzen Sarutobi, a young individual at the time. Remarkably, Hiruzen rose to the occasion and became Konoha’s longest-serving Hokage. Meanwhile, Tobirama encountered the Kinkaku Squad and there, he met his end. He valiantly fought to save the children under his care while simultaneously defending his own village. In a fierce battle against some of Kumogakure’s strongest, Tobirama made the ultimate sacrifice for Konoha.

To this point, the narrative has yet to depict Tobirama’s final battle. However, readers are well aware that it was in this encounter where Tobirama met his demise, thus concluding his service to Konoha. Here’s hoping the author revisits Tobirama’s death in future installments of Naruto, particularly since significant events like the deaths of the first two Hokage often warrant exploration. Readers would certainly appreciate such developments.

You can access Naruto on MangaPlus and the Shonen Jump application, allowing you to read the authorized version of the manga. By doing so, you are also contributing to the author’s success.

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2025-02-27 02:04