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In the world of Naruto, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, is often remembered for his wisdom, leadership, and the controversial decisions he made during his tenure. However, one of the most fascinating aspects of his character is his bond with his personal summon, Monkey King Enma, a powerful and battle-hardened ally who played a crucial role in Hiruzen’s most defining moments. Enma is more than just a summon—he is a symbol of Hiruzen’s strength, wisdom, and the deep connections that define the ninja world.
The Legendary Monkey King Enma
Enma’s design and abilities are heavily inspired by Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King from Journey to the West. Like Sun Wukong, Enma wields a staff that can shrink and expand at will, mirroring the iconic Ruyi Jingu Bang. Additionally, Enma’s name is a nod to Yama, the ruler of the underworld in Buddhist mythology, further emphasizing his wisdom, strength, and regal presence.
Enma’s most notable ability is his Transformation: Adamantine Staff technique, which allows him to morph into an indestructible staff made of adamantine. This ability makes him an integral part of Hiruzen’s fighting style, providing the Third Hokage with a versatile and nearly unbreakable weapon. The staff’s durability, combined with its ability to extend and expand, gives Hiruzen a significant advantage in battle.
The Bond Between Hiruzen and Enma
Hiruzen and Enma shared a bond that spanned decades, rooted in mutual respect and loyalty. Enma first appeared during Hiruzen’s time as the mentor of the Sannin—Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru. Throughout their partnership, Enma often served as a voice of reason, questioning Hiruzen’s decisions and urging him to take decisive action, particularly when it came to Orochimaru.
Enma’s pragmatic nature contrasted with Hiruzen’s more sentimental approach, but his loyalty never wavered. He stood by Hiruzen in countless battles, including the defense of Konoha against the Nine-Tails. Enma’s instincts and wisdom were evident when he warned Hiruzen about Orochimaru’s growing darkness, a warning that proved tragically accurate as Orochimaru became one of the series’ most notorious villains.
Despite his occasional frustration with Hiruzen’s choices, Enma remained fiercely loyal. He was willing to go to great lengths to protect the Third Hokage, even attempting to break Orochimaru’s neck in retaliation for injuring Hiruzen during their final battle. Enma’s sense of duty extended beyond Hiruzen, as he also demonstrated a keen awareness of Konoha’s affairs, recognizing major threats like the Nine-Tails’ release during the attack on the village.
Enma’s Abilities and Combat Prowess
Enma was no ordinary summon. His physical strength, speed, and martial expertise made him a formidable opponent in hand-to-hand combat. He briefly overpowered the reanimated First and Second Hokage, showcasing his raw power and skill. However, his most iconic ability is his Transformation: Adamantine Staff, which grants him several advantages in battle:
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Extreme Durability | The staff is nearly impervious to damage, allowing it to withstand powerful attacks. |
| Extension and Expansion | Enma can elongate the staff at will, enabling Hiruzen to strike from a distance or sweep wide areas. |
| Independent Movement | Even in staff form, Enma retains mobility, producing eyes and limbs to maneuver or return to Hiruzen. |
| Adamantine Prison Wall | By cloning himself in staff form, Enma can create a cage-like defense, neutralizing powerful techniques like Hashirama’s Wood Release. |
Enma’s Key Battles in Naruto
Enma played a pivotal role in some of Naruto’s most intense battles, showcasing his strength and loyalty to Hiruzen.
Third Hokage vs. Orochimaru
During Orochimaru’s invasion of Konoha in the Chunin Exam Arc, Hiruzen summoned Enma to combat the reanimated Hokage brothers. Enma’s adamantine staff proved invaluable, allowing Hiruzen to hold his own against the legendary shinobi. When Hiruzen attempted to seal Orochimaru’s soul using the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, Enma intervened, preventing Orochimaru from landing a fatal strike. Though Hiruzen ultimately perished, Enma ensured his final act was completed, vanishing with a final show of respect.
Defense Against the Nine-Tails
Enma also played a role in defending Konoha from the Nine-Tails’ rampage. His immense strength allowed him to push the tailed beast back, showcasing his raw power and dedication to protecting the village.
Fourth Great Ninja War
Even after Hiruzen’s death, Enma made a brief return when the Third Hokage was reanimated during the Fourth Great Ninja War. He assisted in freeing Naruto from the Ten-Tails’ grasp and later helped destroy the tree form of the Ten-Tails alongside Hiruzen, proving that their bond transcended even death.
Conclusion
Monkey King Enma is more than just a summon—he is a symbol of Hiruzen Sarutobi’s strength, wisdom, and the enduring bonds that define the ninja world. His abilities, loyalty, and pragmatic nature make him one of the most memorable characters in Naruto, and his partnership with Hiruzen remains a testament to the power of trust and camaraderie. Whether in the heat of battle or the quiet moments of reflection, Enma’s presence reminds us that even in a world of chaos, there are allies who stand unwavering, ready to fight for what they believe in.
