Sarutobi Hiruzen has held the leadership position of Hokage for two whole times. This happened because after the death of the legendary Fourth Hokage, it was decided through a meeting to bring Hiruzen back to the post, as he was still alive and highly respected among the villagers.
The third Hokage dies at the hands of Orochimaru at the end of episode 79 of season 1 (137 manga chapter).
Contents
Some Information About theThird Hokage
The third adhered to the philosophical teaching that the villagers of Hidden Leaf (Konoha) are one big friendly family, and the Hokage himself is only its protector. Throughout his tenure Sarutobi believed in this philosophy and was available to all his people when needed. Hokage tried to make only those decisions that would provide good for the majority, and he also shared his wisdom with all the people, and especially with his students.
Hiruzen’s disciples were the three legendary Sanin – Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru, and it was the very capable Orochimaru the Third had a particular affinity for and believed that he could make a special contribution to Konoha. However, Orochimaru was not destined to live up to Hiruzen’s hopes, and he stepped on the wrong path. Sarutobi, being a very kind and warm person, blamed only himself for Orochimaru becoming a criminal and leaving Konoha.
How the Third Hokage Died?
Many years after his escape from the village, Orochimaru returns and tries to kill the Third Hokage. Their fight lasts a very long time (for about 10 episodes). Unfortunately, the elderly Hiruzen is not destined to defeat his beloved former apprentice, and dies at his hands at the end of the 79th episode of the 1st season, and already in the 80th episode his funeral takes place. The third one fails to kill Orochimaru, but takes away his ability to use techniques, causing the traitor to have to leave the village alone and retreat.
With a smile on his face, Hiruzen heroically dies protecting his family, his home village.