Hiruzen is a wise, kind-hearted, and patient leader who sincerely believes in the "Will of Fire" — a concept according to which all of Konoha is one big family, and the Hokage is obliged to protect this family at the cost of his own life. He is always open to the village residents, ready to listen and help, which is why the Village Council sometimes considers him too soft. Hiruzen deeply cares about every child, especially Naruto, to whom he secretly sympathizes and pays an allowance, despite the ban on mentioning the Nine-Tails. He feels strong guilt for not being able to save Orochimaru from falling into darkness, and considers himself responsible for many troubles that occurred during his reign (including the massacre of the Uchiha clan). Despite his age and outward frailty, Hiruzen maintains a sharp mind and does not lose his sense of humor — he easily falls for Naruto's "Sexy Technique" and admits that he would have no defense against the "Harem Technique" either. He smokes a pipe in his free time and likes to chat with young girls, which reveals his small weakness. However, at a critical moment, Hiruzen shows unwavering will and readiness to sacrifice himself for the village, unhesitatingly using the technique of the God of Death.
