10 best anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi from Naruto

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village Konohagakure, sets an example of wisdom and mentorship that many other anime characters embody as well. Known for his monkey summon Enma, the Adamantine Staff technique, and mastery over various elemental jutsus and sealing techniques, Hiruzen left an indelible impact on Naruto lore.

Many other anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi in manga and anime series exhibit the same fire-forged wisdom, unwavering care for their people, and supreme mastery in combat that defined Hiruzen Sarutobi across his long lifetime. Here are 10 of the best anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi who share resonant traits with the venerable Third Hokage.

Disclaimer: The article contains the writer's opinion.

Master Roshi, Genryusai Yamamoto, and 8 anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi

1) Master Roshi - Dragon Ball Z

Like Hiruzen, Master Roshi is an elderly yet incredibly powerful martial arts master. He trained famous pupils like Goku and acted as a father figure and source of wisdom for them. Despite his advanced age, Master Roshi is still able to hold his own against powerful foes thanks to his centuries-long training and discipline.

His guidance was instrumental in making Goku the great defender of the Earth. Dragon Ball Z’s Turtle Hermit embodies the same dedication to passing knowledge to the next generation as Hiruzen did when training the Legendary Sannin Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru.

Both proved that physical strength and character tenacity need not diminish, but rather improve with age. This makes Master Roshi one of the notable anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi.

2) Genryusai Yamamoto - Bleach

Genryusai Yamamoto (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Head Captain Yamamoto from Bleach exhibits similar traits as Hiruzen Sarutobi when it comes to leadership. As the Captain-commander of Gotei 13, Yamamoto is highly respected for both his immense power and wisdom.

Age has made him fiercely determined to protect Soul Society, much like how Hiruzen resolutely defended Konoha whenever it faced danger. Yamamoto trained Soul Reaper prodigies like Shunsui Kyoraku and Jushiro Ukitake, similar to how Hiruzen mentored the Legendary Sannin Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru.

Despite these disappointments in their pupils, neither Yamamoto nor Hiruzen lost their commitment to guiding the next generation. Yamamoto stands out among anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi due to his strong leadership qualities.

3) Joseph Joestar - JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Joseph Joestar (Image via David Production)

While more easygoing than Hiruzen, Joseph Joestar shares the Hokage’s ability to outsmart opponents who overpower him. With his clever tricks and cunning plans, Joseph can get himself out of many lethal situations through wits alone.

Like Hiruzen using strategic methods against stronger foes like Orochimaru, Joseph survives run-ins with evil beings like the Pillar Men by outthinking them when he stands little chance physically. Joseph also cares greatly about passing his knowledge on to descendants like Jotaro to help them against future threats.

Both characters act as mentors and anchor their own stories with their aged yet strong presence. This strategic thinking places Joseph Joestar among anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi.

4) Lordgenome - Gurren Lagann

As the ruthless ruler of the surface with tyrannical control over humans, Lordgenome exploits and limits mankind in Gurren Lagann. However, viewers later learn Lordgenome did this to save humans from extinction by the Anti-Spirals.

His sacrifice of connection to people for a greater purpose mirrors how Hiruzen put duty above all else, even his loved ones. Lordgenome actions, although manipulative, ultimately aim to prepare the next generation to defeat enemy threats.

Ultimately, in perhaps tragic fashion, Lordgenome and Hiruzen share how personal loss often comes from protecting the overall future of those they watch over. Therefore, Lordgenome is one of the anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi.

5) Netero Isaac - Hunter x Hunter

Chairman Isaac Netero mirrors Hiruzen Sarutobi in many ways through his status as one of the pinnacle combatants in his universe’s power system, though his continuous search for greater challenges is a unique aspect of his character. Despite achieving ultimate power in his prime, Netero constantly challenges himself against freakishly strong beings.

Hiruzen similarly never let his skills deteriorate despite already reaching Kage status. As head of the Hunter Association, Netero also understands the finer nuances needed to govern much like the Third Hokage rules Konoha with thoughtful care.

Overall they represent the ideal sage warrior king that can both shake the Earth and benevolently nurture society around them. Netero stands out as one of the anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi.

6) Genkai - Yu Yu Hakusho

The psychic martial artist Genkai from Yu Yu Hakusho mirrors Hiruzen Sarutobi in embodying how age enhances rather than hinders a true master’s deadliness. Like Hiruzen remaining nigh unbeatable despite being long retired from his prime, Genkai can still defeat high-level demon beings using her finely-honed spiritual energy (reiki) skills.

She further passes on her wisdom by training Yusuke similarly to how the Third Hokage mentors the Legendary Sannin. Both Genkai and Sarutobi represent how elderly fighters gain more dangerous precision and refined application of power compared to untested youth.

Their sustained excellence positions them as reliable pillars of their respective worlds that never truly fade, much like timeless monuments of stone. Overall, Genkai’s progression in Yu Yu Hakusho mirrors how Hiruzen rules in Naruto. Genkai is another good example of anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi.

7) Silvers Rayleigh - One Piece

Silvers Rayleigh (Image via Toei Animation)

As the right hand of Gol D. Roger, the former Pirate King, Silvers Rayleigh exhibits the same supreme mastery in combat as Hiruzen Sarutobi even at his advanced age.

Despite decades in retirement, Rayleigh matches the strength of Navy Admirals and remains unmatched in swordsmanship, showcasing his peerless skills. Like Hiruzen, Rayleigh focuses on passing on his skills by training Luffy to use Haki to prepare him for the dangers of the New World.

As elder stalwarts of prior eras, both Rayleigh and Sarutobi represent the pinnacle of their world's combat ability while selflessly training the next generation. This makes Rayleigh one of the anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi.

8) Bang/Silver Fang - One Punch Man

The eminent S-Class hero Bang, known as Silver Fang, shares Hiruzen's trait of improving his martial arts with age. Originally considered too old for the Hero Association, Bang quickly proves his mettle by defeating many dangerous monster threats through a lifetime focus on honing his skills.

His ultimate technique: Abandonment, allows Bang to access full power, mirroring Hiruzen refining his skills for decades after becoming Hokage to remain deadly in combat.

Both act as respected mentors, with Bang training successors like Garou, showcasing the wisdom and inner strength only age can manifest to defend peace. Therefore, Bang is one of the anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi.

9) All Might - My Hero Academia

The Symbol of Peace hero All Might mirrors Hiruzen in serving as a pillar of strength safeguarding society in My Hero Academia.

Their unwavering heroic conviction and seemingly boundless power destroy all evil that threatens civilians. However, crippling injuries force All Might to pass his torch to Deku, while Hiruzen's death leads to Tsunade becoming his successor to protect future generations

Though reduced in capacity, All Might and the Third Hokage never lose their underlying heart to teach courage much like true superheroes. All Might is one of the prominent anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi.

10) Makarov Dreyar - Fairy Tail

As the long-time Guild Master of the Fairy Tail mage guild, Makarov Dreyar mirrors Hiruzen Sarutobi's role as a caring yet mighty leader.

Despite his diminutive size, Makarov possesses mountain-crushing magical power alongside peerless wisdom to guide Fairy Tail for decades, much like Hiruzen strategically leading Konoha to prosperity. This dedication earns both the Wizard Saint and Professor the utmost love and respect of their communities.

Another shared trait includes training successors - Makarov raising Laxus and the Thunder Legion mirrors Hiruzen teaching the Legendary Sannin. Though sometimes strict, both prioritize nurturing the next generation to uphold their guild/village's future. Thus, Makarov is among the anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Conclusion

Hiruzen Sarutobi stands out in Naruto lore for embodying the pinnacle of thoughtful mentorship fused with righteous combat ability.

While few can match his signature monkey summons Enma and Adamantine Staff techniques, many anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi reflect similar fire-forged wisdom and unwavering care for their people that defined this Kage as the Professor.

Truly, such resonant qualities across the series showcase the beloved imprint Hiruzen leaves upon the anime world just as he did in Konoha. It is clear that anime characters like Hiruzen Sarutobi serve as inspirational figures across various stories.