Why did the Third Hokage abandon Naruto? Explained

Despite the conclusion of the Naruto series in 2017, fans still do not have a clear explanation for the Third Hokage’s treatment of Naruto. Despite Minato and Kushina’s tragic deaths and Hiruzen’s role as Naruto’s guardian, it was eventually revealed that the main character was essentially neglected during his formative years.

Despite not being addressed in the story, this issue has sparked fan theories as to why Hiruzen did not take any action regarding Minato and Kushina’s son. Some speculate that the 3rd Hokage kept the identity of the Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki hidden, while others believe it was simply due to neglect.

Please note: This article includes spoilers for the Naruto series.

Explaining Naruto’s Origins

Minato as shown in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite facing a difficult upbringing, Naruto Uzumaki, the son of Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, and Kushina Uzumaki, one of the few remaining members of the Uzumaki Clan, persevered. Tragically, his parents passed away while protecting the village by sealing the Nine-Tailed Fox inside their newborn son.

Despite the heroic sacrifice, Mintato’s son grew up unaware of his parentage and the reason for his mistreatment as the villagers kept it a secret. He was shunned and discriminated against, with the villagers blaming him for the destruction caused by the Nine-Tailed Fox. Living in a rundown apartment, he received a meager monthly allowance to cover his basic needs, leaving him isolated and alone.

Kushina as shown in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite facing hostility from the village, the protagonist found solace in the kindness and care shown to him by two individuals – his academy teacher Iruka Umino and the owner of Ichiraku Ramen, Teuchi. Despite the challenges of his difficult childhood, these rare acts of kindness served as beacons of hope, providing him with the perseverance and motivation to strive for recognition from the village. Iruka, who understood the protagonist’s loneliness, and Teuchi, who offered free meals and warmth, played crucial roles in shaping his dreams and determination.

Why Did Hiruzen Believe That Naruto Would Be Better Off Living Alone?

The Third Hokage as shown in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite widespread speculation, the exact reasons and circumstances that led to Naruto living alone were never revealed in the series. While many believe that the Third Hokage left him to protect him from danger, there could have been various factors that influenced Hiruzen’s decision to have Naruto live on his own.

It is likely that Hiruzen’s intention behind this was to teach Naruto the value and significance of relationships, although the likelihood of this being true is low. Another potential motive could be that having a Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki living with any orphanage or foster family would put them in danger.

Despite the fact that the residents of the Hidden Leaf treated the protagonist differently and that most families would not have accepted him as a regular person, this could have been the driving factor in Hiruzen’s choice to have Minato and Kushina’s son live independently.

How Hiruzen Still Helped Naruto Despite Abandoning Him

Kakashi as shown in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Although the majority of the fan community believes that Hiruzen did not assist the protagonist, there are several notable moments throughout the series where Hiruzen played a direct role in shaping him into a praiseworthy individual. One crucial example is when Hiruzen orchestrated the introduction between Kakashi and the Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki, which ultimately led to significant events in the protagonist’s life. Additionally, Hiruzen provided him with financial support during his formative years.