Senju Hashirama

Senju Hashirama (千手柱間) renowned as the God of Shinobi (忍の神, Shinobi no Kami), was a legendary ninja who hailed from the Senju clan that together with the Uchiha clan, established the first shinobi village: Konohagakure. He would later go on to become the village's First Hokage (初代火影, Shodai Hokage; Literally meaning "First or Founding Fire Shadow").

Background
As a child during the Warring States Period, Hashirama first came across Madara Uchiha at the edge of a river where the young Uchiha was attempting to skip a stone all the way across. Easily getting a rock to the other side, Hashirama introduced himself to Madara as his rival in stone skipping, and noted that he was clearly leading.[3 ] Neither Hashirama nor Madara revealed their surnames, as it was unwise in such an era.[4 ] Unbeknownst to them, their clans had been in a bloody feud for ages, hired constantly by opposing factions to counterbalance the other.[5 ] The two knew that the only way for them to survive was to befriend their enemies. As they skipped stones together, the two boys discovered the corpse of a member of the Hagoromo clan.[6 ]

Soon afterward, Hashirama attended the burial of his younger brother, Kawarama, who had been murdered by members of the Uchiha clan.[7 ] Saddened by Kawarama's passing, Hashirama got into a brief altercation with his father over what he considered to be the pointless death of his brother.[8 ] That moment convinced Hashirama, with his brother, Tobirama's support, that there would have to be peace amongst ninja. Not long passed before Itama, Hashirama and Tobirama's other younger brother, also fell to the perils of war.[9 ] The event led Hashirama to return to the riverbank, where he met with Madara once more, and with him discussed the death of Itama.[10 ] Finding solace in each other's company, the two continued to meet by the river, where they sparred, shared techniques and talked over prospects for the future.[11 ] It was during one of these meetings that Hashirama revealed his dream to create a new village where people could live in peace, and more importantly, where children could grow up and study together.[12 ] It would be a place where shinobi would be assigned missions based on their level of skill and not out of necessity to fill a battlefield with forces, learned or not.[13 ] Madara agreed, and the two children decided to build their dream village below the very cliff where they talked.[14 ]

However, Hashirama's friendship with the young Uchiha was not long to last, as Butsuma soon discovered from Tobirama that his son had been meeting with Madara.[15 ] Revealing to Hashirama that Madara was in fact an Uchiha who had killed several of the Senju's strongest shinobi, he ordered his son to use his meetings with Madara to spy on him and, if necessary, to kill him.[16 ] Still, Hashirama could not stand to betray his friend; when the two boys met again they warned each other that a trap had been set for the other, but as they fled, they looked back in shock to find their fathers and younger brothers standing across from each other, fully ready for combat.[17 ]

After Hashirama and Madara intervened to protect their respective younger brothers, Hashirama was devastated to see Madara end their friendship and declare them mortal enemies.[18 ] As the years passed, Hashirama was forced to battle his once-friend many times before they eventually became the leaders of their clans.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-18">[19 ] Hashirama attempted repeatedly to convince Madara to cease fighting, but Madara objected.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">[20 ] After Madara obtained his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, Hashirama defeated the jaded Uchiha and approached him once more to create peace between their clans; however, Madara once again refused to accept, and stated that he would not trust the Senju unless Hashirama either took his own life, or that of his younger brother.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-20">[21 ] Choosing suicide, Hashirama asked his brother to accept the Uchiha as allies and end their feud, but was stopped by Madara, who then accepted the truce.

After the truce, the Uchiha and Senju made preparations for their village to finally be founded.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-22">[23 ] Hashirama expressed his desire for Madara to be made the first Hokage, and even carve his likeness onto the cliffside overlooking the village.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-23">[24 ] Tobirama, however, convinced him that the villagers would never follow Madara, and that the should be given the choice of who should lead them.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-24">[25 ] Hashirama reluctantly agreed.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ch625_21-1">[22 ] The villagers selected Hashirama over Madara for the title of First Hokage.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-25">[26 ] Afterwards, Hashirama and Madara met at the Naka Shrine, where Madara expressed his fear of Tobirama becoming the Second Hokage, and announced his plan to make his dream become a reality.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ch625_21-2">[22 ] At one time point, Hashirama gained control of several tailed beasts.

Some point after becoming Hokage, Hashirama convened the very first meeting of the five Kage, accompanied by his brother and future successor Tobirama. Overwhelmed that the leaders of the Five Great Shinobi Countries actually attended the meeting, Hashirama lowered his head thankfully to his equals and while admonished by his brothers and peers alike, he noted he could not help it. As the meeting got under-way and Tobirama explained that the Kage would have to pay for the tailed beasts they would receive, Hashirama questioned his brother asking whether giving them away for free wasn't all right. Silenced by his brother, he listened on as the proceedings continued. As infighting broke out among the Kage due to what they believed to be the First Kazekage's brazen demand, Hashirama made his plea to them to preserve the future of their children. He also expressed concern that the peace agreement between the five of them would not last long but he dreamed of a future where everyone would be united under one cause.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-26">[27 ] Eventually, he shared the tailed beasts to other villages in an attempt to maintain peace and equalise the power between the nations thus ending the dispute between them.

Madara departed the village.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-27">[28 ] Soon afterwards, Konohagakure began to prosper as Hashirama and Madara had dreamed it would in childhood, causing other nations to adopt Konoha's Shinobi Nation system.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-28">[29 ] Later, Madara returned, having acquired control over the Nine-Tailed Fox, intent on challenging Hashirama once again.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-29">[30 ] During the battle Hashirama attempted to reason with Madara to stop fighting and come to his senses, but realising that Madara would not back down, Hashirama entered Sage Mode to end the battle.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-30">[31 ] With his augmented power, Hashirama was able to destroy Madara's Susanoo and subdue the Nine-Tails, forcing Madara to confront Hashirama directly.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-31">[32 ] The battle waged on well into the night, leaving both Shinobi battered and exhausted.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-32">[33 ] In a final clash, Madara was the last one standing.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-33">[34 ] Looking back at Madara, Hashirama tried one more time to reason with Madara, noting how far their former shared dream had come.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-34">[35 ] When Madara scoffed at the remarks, Hashirama resolved to finish Madara off, revealing himself behind Madara and stabbing him through the chest.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-35">[36 ] As Madara realised the Hashirama he had clashed with was a clone, Hashirama bitterly accepted that Madara had truly relinquished his ties to their village, and declared that he would always protect it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-36">[37 ] Madara vowed that one day the village would become shrouded in darkness before finally collapsing.

In the aftermath of intense battle, the defeated Madara faked his death and went into hiding,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-38">[39 ] while Hashirama's wife, Mito Uzumaki, became the Nine-Tails' first jinchūriki by sealing the beast within herself.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-39">[40 ] The devastation to the terrain which ensued from this battle were so great that it created an entire land formation that eventually became known as the Valley of the End.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-c234_40-0">[41 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-41">[42 ]

During his time as Hokage, Hashirama came into possession of a scroll filled with — amongst other skills — various kinjutsu, which he sealed away in order to keep the techniques within it a secret.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-42">[43 ] At some point in time, he also defeated Kakuzu, who had been sent to assassinate him by Takigakure.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-43">[44 ] Thinking about the future of Konoha, he also trained the young Hiruzen Sarutobi, one of his brother's team members. He lived long enough to meet his first grandchild, Tsunade, and noted that he had spoiled her a great deal, even going as far as to teach her how to gamble.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-c619p4_44-0">[45 ] Hashirama died some time after the founding of Konoha in one of the many wars that were raging during this revolutionary era, but not before passing on the title of Hokage to Tobirama.

Personality
Hashirama was a kind and caring person with a deep sense of loyalty, great charisma, and skill in negotiation. He saw the people of Konoha as a part of his own family, and his legacy took a firm root in the village. He was also shown to be a very wise and insightful man, as he passed on great teachings to Hiruzen. It was he who first believed that all Konoha shinobi should show true loyalty to each other, and that a Kage must be willing to put his life on the line for his village to set an example for all others. This belief of his is known as the "Will of Fire". Hashirama also seemed to have a sense of honour regarding his opponents and, despite their rivalry, possessed great respect for Madara Uchiha, and considered him a friend, even a brother.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-46">[47 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-47">[48 ] Hashirama even referred Madara as a "long-time friend" when expressing joyous curiosity about what Madara has been up to all this time,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-48">[49 ] and even greeted Madara with jovial banter rather than with hostility.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-49">[50 ] When they were kids, Hashirama and Madara cared about each other so much that they purposely leaked information to each other about a trap that their respective clans laid out.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-50">[51 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-51">[52 ] He went on to offer a truce after already defeating the Uchiha and forbade Tobirama from finishing Madara, even asking what would it take for Madara to trust him again.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-52">[53 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-53">[54 ] Due to the chaotic era he underwent as a child, Hashirama disagreed on children being sent to the battlefield and cultivated the ideals of a shinobi Academy and a shinobi organisational system in order to avoid having children as meaningless war casualties.

Hashirama was an idealist by nature, and always looked towards the prospect of peace and a time where children would not be sent to war because of it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-55">[56 ] He always gave people the benefit of the doubt witnessed when he proposed a truce with the Uchiha, considering them allies immediately, even when Madara attacked the village, Hashirama did not allow this to colour his view of the other Uchiha in the village even still considered Madara a brother. This put him in odds with his brother, who was more of a realist and was still wary of the Uchiha, seeing them as a threat to Konoha because of their unpredictable emotional states, despite the fact that Hashirama told his brother to not discriminate against the Uchiha countless times.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-56">[57 ] This was due to the fact that in Hashirama's vision for the creation of the village system, he believed that this would naturally break down the mentality that persons had to look out for their clans.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-57">[58 ] Hashirama was also very modest, and is by no means above praising other shinobi as he lauded Itachi Uchiha when told of his feats by Sasuke, and claimed Itachi to be a better shinobi than himself.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-58">[59 ] He also praised Hiruzen for raising Orochimaru by calling him a skilled shinobi, despite of the crimes he committed against Konohagakure and stopping Tobirama from leaving the shrine.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-59">[60 ] Later when Obito became the jinchūriki of the Ten-Tails, he remarked that he was stronger than him despite of his title as the God of Shinobi.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-60">[61 ] During the meeting between the Kage, Hashirama lowered his head thankfully to the other Kage, showing that he was very humble and treated others equally.

Contrasting somewhat with the expectations people had built up for the man known as one of the most powerful shinobi to have ever lived,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-62">[63 ] Hashirama is a quite jovial, laid-back, upbeat, carefree, emotional, sensitive and exuberant goof with an interest in gambling when not in the heat of battle. This was displayed after he was reincarnated a second time with his personality left intact as he was barely able to contain his excitement upon learning that there was a Fourth Hokage, taking it as a sign of his village's longevity,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-63">[64 ] and later when he actually saw the village once again.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-64">[65 ] He was later shocked, as well as worried when he learned that Tsunade had become the Fifth Hokage due to the fact he spoiled her as a child, even having taught her how to gamble.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-c619p4_44-1">[45 ] The dynamics between him and his brother Tobirama are also quite intense and inverted, as Hashirama usually succumbed to his more authoritative younger brother's orders, as well as being reprimanded often by Tobirama for being too soft.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-65">[66 ] While in the same breath when necessary, he was capable of being overbearing and not above using force to make his decision clear, as seen when he forcefully reprimand Tobirama to stop him from attacking Sasuke and his group,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-66">[67 ] and some time before to stop him from killing Madara.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-67">[68 ] Hashirama is also very considerate, as he chose to delay his departure to the battlefield to tell Sasuke the truth he requested, noting that their actions on the battlefield would mean nothing if another Madara would just appear in the world, as well as creating a wood clone to combat Madara while he was dealing with the Ten-Tails.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-68">[69 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-69">[70 ] He was also willing to sacrifice himself everything for the sake of the village, going as far as offering Madara the title Hokage and his own life to ensure peace between them.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ch625_21-3">[22 ]

Hashirama was also prone to sulking whenever he was shouted at, accosted, or didn't agree with something. However, he would not sulk for long, and would return in an instant to his regular high-spirited nature.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-70">[71 ] One such instance was when he just met Madara Uchiha and the two were skipping rocks. After Madara accosted Hashirama, he began to sulk and told Madara that to atone for it, he would allow Madara to skip him across the river, but then grinned and noted that he prayed that he would make it across.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-71">[72 ]

In battle, Hashirama is calm and collected, showing great instincts and leadership skills as the former Hokage and leader of the Senju clan, providing assistant to the entire Allied Shinobi Forces with his wood clones as well as pushing all of them to face the Ten-Tails without fear, despite its overwhelming power.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-72">[73 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-73">[74 ] Despite his free-spirited and peaceful nature, he was also willing to make difficult decisions that go against his usual nature when forced to. During his final battle in life with Madara, Hashirama resolved to kill his best and childhood friend for the sake of protecting the village without hesitation.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-74">[75 ]

Appearance
Hashirama was a tall man with tanned skin, dark eyes and waist-length black hair typically styled in a centre-parted fringe that framed his face, although sometimes he wore it combed-back with two single locks framing his face instead. In most cases, his attire took the form of the standard shinobi dress of his era, consisting of dark red traditional armour — similar to that of samurai — worn over a simple black suit. This armour was constructed from numerous metal plates, formed into multiple protective guards along his body, in particular: chest, shoulders, thighs and forearms. Each collar of his shoulder guards bore the Senju symbol emblazoned on them.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-75">[76 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-76">[77 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-77">[78 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-78">[79 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-79">[80 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-80">[81 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-81">[82 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-82">[83 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-83">[84 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-84">[85 ] For a time, he also wore a light-coloured cloth bearing his clan's symbol.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-85">[86 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-86">[87 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-87">[88 ] This clothing was accompanied by sandals and his village's forehead protector, after its formation. He often time also carried either a single large scroll strapped to his back or several large ones into battle.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-88">[89 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-C576_p_15_89-0">[90 ]

While in the village, Hashirama tended to wear the traditional Kage attire consisting of the customary brown and white hat and haori over a full-length brown and white gown, along with a simple red headband.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-90">[91 ] Otherwise, he wore a light-brown, short-sleeved, kimono shirt with mesh armour underneath, held closed by a red sash, and navy blue pants. As a child, Hashirama's hair was shoulder-length and was more bowl-cut in style, hanging around his face. He wore a light-coloured attire with a short jacket, a light scarf around his neck, and a dark-coloured sash around his waist.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-91">[92 ]

In his youth, Hashirama had shorter hair which hung about his face. In terms of attire, he wore several different outfits which included the more traditional pinstriped kimono pants of his clan, with a dark kimono shirt and sleeveless haori, to a sleeveless kimono top and bottom with which he wore bandages on his arm. He also wore at times, a haori jacket as well as a full-length sleeveless one with a poncho-scarf around his neck.

Abilities
Hashirama is reputed as the most powerful shinobi of his era, his might being so vast that it earned him the title of "God of Shinobi",<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-shinobigod_1-1">[2 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-96">[97 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-97">[98 ] and having been called the strongest shinobi even by his enemy Madara Uchiha who, on countless occasions admitted his inferiority to the legend.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-98">[99 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-C576_p_15_89-1">[90 ] With his overwhelming power, he was able to tame several tailed beasts and unify multiple clans together into the village under his leadership. His strength was so greatly respected by the shinobi world that Madara himself claimed Hashirama was the one person whom he most admired and detested,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-99">[100 ] as well as the only person capable of stopping him,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-100">[101 ] something that dated even back to their childhood.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-101">[102 ] Madara mentioned that fighting all five current Kage was trivial compared to his battle with Hashirama, and that with only one of them present, the landscape would not change as drastically — a reference to the battle between the two that created an entire valley.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-102">[103 ]

Kabuto Yakushi claimed that Hashirama's might was so vast, that there aren't any living shinobi in the current era that could match his level of power.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-103">[104 ] It was such that many considered his prowess to be a mere fairy tale much like the existence of the Sage of the Six Paths.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-104">[105 ] The most common example was his ability to not only fight on equal footing with Madara despite the latter possessing an Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan and having control of the Nine-Tails, but also survive the battle and ultimately achieve victory against his former comrade and adversary.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-105">[106 ]

When Hashirama was later reincarnated during the Fourth Shinobi World War, he again clashed with Madara. Despite the legendary Uchiha gaining various enhancements since their last battle, including increased physical parameters well-beyond his prime, the Wood Release of strength comparable to that of the First Hokage, and even his possession and mastery of the Rinnegan, Hashirama was still able to fight on par against him, further attesting to Hashirama's legendary combat prowess.

Life force/Chakra Prowess
As a Senju, Hashirama inherited an extraordinary life force, as well as physical energy and stamina, so much so that he was able to fight Madara for 24 hours non-stop and still have enough energy to stand prime to deliver a final blow.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-107">[108 ] He was also able to resist the control of Orochimaru's Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation with relative ease when reincarnated with almost his full power, which greatly worried the Sannin.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-108">[109 ] Likewise, his chakra was also shown to be remarkably strong; a testament to its fortitude was witnessed through Hashirama's use of his chakra alone to deter his brother from attacking, which almost caused the Naka Shrine to collapse.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-109">[110 ] His chakra levels also made him suitable to learn senjutsu and enter Sage Mode. During the Fourth Shinobi World War after seeing Naruto, another shinobi known for unusually high reserves, distribute chakra to the entire Alliance, Hashirama's clone noted that the volume was on as impressive a level as his own.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-110">[111 ] Hashirama's chakra control is also shown to be very advanced, able to use various high-level and large-scale techniques with few to only a single hand seal.

Nature Transformation
Hashirama was arguably most famous for his unique Wood Release techniques, a kekkei genkai formed through simultaneous use of earth and water-natured chakra. By converting chakra into the source of life, he was able to create wood and plants from the ground of or his very being, causing them to grow to great sizes and manipulate them to diverse shapes and battle uses at will and in an instant, he could shape the entire battlefield for his own uses. This ability appeared to be exclusively his, as no other known member of his clan has ever displayed its use thus far. Even those who obtained this power through unorthodox means, such as Yamato, have stated that their use of Wood Release was much weaker in terms of raw power.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-111">[112 ]

He could create massive forests<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-112">[113 ] and gigantic flowering trees whose pollen can render a foe unconscious.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-113">[114 ] He could also make wood clones of himself. Madara later stated that he was the only one who could tell the difference between Hashirama and his wood clones with his ocular powers.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-114">[115 ] Hashirama could create a giant wooden dragon capable of restraining the Nine-Tails by using its immense serpentine body to constrict and absorb its chakra. He could also create a wood golem that works in conjunction with the dragon and is strong enough to catch a Tailed Beast Ball with its bare hands.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-115">[116 ] He could also create protective structures that are able to withstand the destructive force of a Tailed Beast Ball,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-116">[117 ] and could even create several giant wood hands that could block the sword of Madara's final Susanoo.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-117">[118 ]

Along with his kekkei genkai, Hashirama also possessed a unique ability to control tailed beasts.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-118">[119 ] Of all his considerable talents, it was this ability in particular that made Hashirama unparalleled in the shinobi world, so much so that he is regarded as one of the few people capable of completely controlling a tailed beast.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-119">[120 ] This ability was greatly amplified by his crystal necklace, which Yamato suggested that he required to control even Naruto's partial lapses into tailed forms.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-120">[121 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-121">[122 ]

Bukijutsu
Hashirama was also extremely skilled in weapons use, especially in kenjutsu and wielded a myriad of swords, one such had a broad, cleaver-like blade.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-122">[123 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-123">[124 ] He also could wield giant shuriken. In the anime, he displayed a creative combination of his weapon skills with his Wood Release techniques, having several roots wrapped around his weapons, allowing him to attack from a longer range with different angles.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OVA_124-0">[125 ] Hashirama possessed several large scrolls that were roughly his height, presumably to store his weapons. His skill in weapons use was so great he could clash against Madara Uchiha, another highly-skilled weapons user at an equal level, forcing both to shift between using weapons and ninjutsu in order to break the stalemate.

Senjutsu

Hashirama's chakra reserves were immense; great enough that he could train in the art of senjutsu and also enter Sage Mode. In this mode, he gains markings around and under his eyes as well as one in the middle of his forehead reminiscent of a third eye.

Sage Mode greatly increased the strength and scale of his techniques. A testament to this, was his Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands technique, which created a gargantuan wooden statue that possesses a thousand hands which easily towered over mountains and even the Nine-Tails.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-125">[126 ] Then after creating it, Hashirama would then utilise the statue's thousands of hands to deliver a barrage of punches of such magnitude that they were able to completely destroy Madara Uchiha's final Susanoo, strip it off the Nine-Tails, while at the same time create a massive crater which became the Valley of the End.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-c234_40-1">[41 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-126">[127 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-127">[128 ] The statue possesses extreme durability, as it was able to withstand a barrage of unexploded Tailed Beast Balls combined with Madara's final Susanoo blades.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-128">[129 ] It also possesses notable strength, as it was able to easily grab the beast with one of its hands.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-129">[130 ] Hashirama can also perform Sage Art: Gate of the Great God, a technique that can bind a titanic creature such as the Ten-Tails, making it unable to move due to the bulk of its current form.

Other Skills
As the leader of the Senju clan, Hashirama held proficiency in a wide cross-section of shinobi skills, and possessed at least an understanding of those he did not. He was well-versed in genjutsu and could perform powerful illusions such as the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique, which locked the target in perpetual darkness for the duration of the technique.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-131">[132 ] According to Madara, Hashirama was also able to use medical ninjutsu. His skill with which was such that he could heal himself without forming seals, an ability directly compared to Tsunade's Strength of a Hundred Technique. However, Madara surmised that his prowess were also on an entirely different level than hers are.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-132">[133 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-133">[134 ]

He was also competent in the use of taijutsu, in his youth, he often sparred with Madara to hone his skills.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-134">[135 ] In the anime, Hashirama demonstrated great team-work in taijutsu with his brother, overwhelming Hiruzen with their prodigious speed and strength which forced him to summon Enma for assistance. He also showed great tactical skill and deceptive abilities, waiting until Madara became so exhausted that he couldn't maintain his Sharingan to create a wood clone for Madara to strike down so he could attack from behind without his opponent even realising it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-135">[136 ] He is also very knowledgeable in the history and abilities of the Sage of the Six Paths, as he was able to recognise the Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-136">[137 ]

In the anime, he displayed aptitude in the art of fūinjutsu, using the Contract Seal to break Madara's control over Kurama.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OVA_124-1">[125 ] Hashirama could use Summoning: Quintuple Rashōmon, which brings out five Rashōmon that can protect him from nearly any attack.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-137">[138 ] He is also adept at using barrier ninjutsu, capable of erecting a Kage-calibre barrier powerful enough to trap the Ten-Tailss

Chunin exam arc
He was seen in a photograph.

Invasion of Konoha arc
Both he and Tobirama were reincarnated by Orochimaru using the Impure World Reincarnation technique to fight Hiruzen during the invasion, although not at their full powers. While fully aware of what was going on, and saddened that he would have to fight his former student, Hashirama and his brother were robbed of their free will as a result of a seal employed by Orochimaru into the back of their heads. Hiruzen quickly resolved to kill his masters and used a very powerful fire technique that was easily countered by one of Tobirama's walls of water. It was then turned into an attack that was stopped by Hiruzen's own earth wall.

During the battle, he demonstrated great team-work and combination attacks with his brother. He also demonstrated his great Wood Release abilities using the Wood Release Secret Technique: Nativity of a World of Trees to completely alter the terrain they were sealed within. Before the branches can crush Hiruzen, however, he summoned Enma for assistance, and at the same time showed great taijutsu skills clashing with the Third at close range while the latter used the Adamantine Staff. His soul, along with his brother's, was eventually sealed by Hiruzen when he combined the Dead Demon Consuming Seal and the Shadow Clone Technique to extract both of their souls at the same time. Before his soul was completely removed, he and his brother apologised to their former student for the trouble they had caused him.

Searach for Tsunade arc
He was shown flashbacks, and was mention by Jiraiya.

Confiming the Jinchuriki arc
He was mention by Kushina, while she was explaing her past to Naruto.

Fourth Shinobi War arc
During Sasuke's quest to find answers, Hashirama's soul was freed from inside the stomach of the Shinigami, and subsequently reincarnated with the Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation by Orochimaru along with the other three Hokage that succeeded him using Zetsu's spore clones as sacrifices.

Reincarnated once more, Hashirama questions Tobirama as he curses Orochimaru before the two noticed Minato as he formally introduced himself to them, and was pleased that there was a Fourth Hokage. Learning that his granddaughter Tsunade is now the Fifth Hokage, he laughed off his apprehensions over if she is the right person to lead their village. He also learned of his younger brother's actions against the Uchiha Clan after his death and voiced his dismay towards both it and Tobirama's apparent disrespect towards Sasuke. It is not until he was addressed directly did Hashirama face Sasuke, who asked him what was the village and the purpose of shinobi.

Mulling over the question, and after hearing Sasuke declare that this would decide whether or not he sought revenge on the village, Hashirama was moved to forcefully stop his brother from attacking them, nearly collapsing the Naka Shrine in the process. Laughing off the event, Hashirama apologised before telling Sasuke that Itachi was a better shinobi even than himself.

Telling the young man that the story was a long one, Hashirama was exasperated to hear that the world was yet again plunged into another war with Madara leading the opposition. Though Orochimaru used his cells to strengthen his hold over the other reincarnated Hokage, Hashirama easily broke from his bonds while telling the wary Orochimaru that he first intended to answer Sasuke to ensure he would not end up like Madara before entering the battle. Taking a seat on the ground, Hashirama contemplated where to begin his story of his battle with Madara at the Valley of the End, and the history of their clans. Following the conclusion of his story, Hashirama noted that his decision influenced Itachi shouldering his burdens. Heavy-heartedly, Hashirama finally answered Sasuke's question by stating what his vision for the village was and that ninja are those who endured achieving their personal goals but may become entirely different people in the process.

Finishing his story, Hashirama inquired more about their passing mention of Madara. When told about the Infinite Tsukuyomi and the Eye of the Moon Plan, Hashirama listened on as his successors spoke and Sasuke came to his decision. Having decided to protect what his brother had sacrificed himself for, an elated Hashirama immediately signalled to Tobirama to prepare to transport them to the battlefield. However when his brother noted that with Orochimaru binding them, it would not be possible, with Orochimaru's cooperation, the group made their way outside the Naka Shrine. Barely able to contain his excitement upon seeing the village, Hashirama instructed his successors to their respective busts on the Hokage Monument, and as they prepared to make their way to the battlefield, Hashirama noted that he couldn't help but be curious as to what his long-time friend had been up to.

Arriving on the battlefield, Hashirama noted that they should begin immediately, and when Madara called out to him noting that he had been awaiting his arrival, Hashirama matched his rival's exuberance only to tell him that he would have to wait until they dealt with the Ten-Tails. Calling the other Hokage to action, they all took up their cardinal positions and was able to seal the beast within the Four Red Yang Formation. Entering Sage Mode, Hashirama also used the Sage Art: Gate of the Great God technique as an added measure to bind the beast. Later, when the young Konoha-nin had convened near him discussing Sasuke and his declaration to become Hokage, Hashirama reprimanded them, telling them that while he was glad there were so many possible Hokage candidates, now was not the time for that discussion and that they needed to mould their chakra in preparation for a concentrated attack.

Forming wood clones four of which moved to a side of the barrier, and the fifth to confront Madara, Hashirama tells the shinobi that he was going to make openings on the sides for them to attack. After the Ten-Tails sent out a barrage of clone minions, to defend its main body, Hashirama gave the signal to the others to attack. He watched on as Sakura Haruno decimated the battlefield, commenting on her fearsome strength. He himself later confronted several of these clones and was able to subdue them but noted that their numbers were a bit troublesome.

With his attention turned towards Obito who had just reappeared on the battlefield, Hashirama noted that Obito was being controlled by Madara's chakra. Realising that Madara was intent on reviving himself. Calling out to Sasuke and Naruto, he told the pair to stop Obito as they were the closest. Creating six wood clones, Hashirama lamented not being able to create more while maintaining the barrier. As clones arrived where Madara was, Minato was able to incapacitate Obito, stopping Madara's revival.

Realising that Obito had in fact successfully sealed the beast within himself, he noted that the situation had become very troublesome. When the Four Red Yang Formation is ripped apart, he and the other Hokage are sent reeling from the explosion, Hashirama tells the shinobi to stay on their guard as this was only the beginning. He attempted to once again bind Obito using his Sage Art: Gate of the Great God technique, but even this proved futile against the new jinchūriki. Hashirama and the other later rallied to where Minato, Naruto, and Sasuke were where Hashirama bluntly expressed that even he was outclassed by Obito in this state. As they tried to create a strategy to handle the situation, Hashirama and his brother are taken by surprise by the young Uchiha and their bodies are partially destroyed in the attack.

Though severely incapacitated, Hashirama's wood clone was able to create branches to restrain Obito at Tobirama's behest, giving his younger brother enough time to attack jinchūriki with his Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags. Later, as Minato moved to create an opening for the others, the real Hashirama decided that he should also join the fray. However, his progression is hindered by Madara, who noted he would wait no longer on Hashirama. As their battle commenced, Hashirama exclaimed that Madara was in his way, but the Uchiha refused to back down noting that things had gotten out of hand and he needed to keep Hashirama a bit longer, much to the Senju's puzzlement. As Hashirama's battle continued with Madara, Hashirama beseeched that they pause their battle to deal with Obito's Tailed Beast Ball-firing tree. However, when the Uchiha refused to stop noting that they were merely reincarnated bodies, Hashirama's clone amongst the shinobi noted that he was still with them and began to formulate a strategy to deflect the attack. However, Obito, not ready to allow anyone to easily disrupt his plan, decided to barricade them with no escape.

After Naruto and Minato employed their strategy, Hashirama's clone watched on noting that the volume of chakra being distributed was as impressive as his own before realising what they intended to do. As the Shinju began to absorb the chakra of the shinobi around him sending the survivors spiralling even further into despair, Hashirama watched on as his original battled with Madara. After learning the role the Shinju would play in the Eye of the Moon Plan, Hashirama called for someone from the Yamanaka clan so he could inform everyone on the battlefield to which Ino responded. Connected to everyone telepathically, Hashirama is shocked when he realised that the five Kage were close by. Greeting his granddaughter, Hashirama pressed on with his message, passing on what he had learned while commanding the shinobi to not give up no matter what. While the shinobi still lamented their fate, Naruto's memories are conveyed to everyone via Ino's technique. Hashirama then watched on as Naruto and Sasuke prepared to launch another assault on Obito and the Shinju.

As the shinobi watched on as Naruto and Sasuke rushed forward still hesitant in their resolve, Hashirama decided to broadcast his own memories of the first meeting of the five Kage ever. When the memories of the meeting ended with Hashirama explaining his dream for a future where everyone was united, Hashirama called for all the shinobi to put all their burdens, fears, strength and resolve to help fight for that future. Almost as if in response to this, the five current Kage arrive on the battlefield once more, resolute in their decision to fight on.

After she healed some of the chakra-drained shinobi, Tsunade approached her grandfather where she began to apologise for the state of things. Hashirama however interrupted her, saying he was the only one at fault for the world turning out as it had. Acknowledging how Naruto's feelings reached everyone and hearing that his Will of Fire had also permeated this generation, Hashirama voiced his own feelings again to push everyone one. Hashirama later expressed shock as he witnessed Sasuke was able to not only develop a final Susanoo similar to Madara's but to also be able to equip it onto Kurama as Madara did in the past as well.

Legacy
Because of the heritage of the Senju — who are direct descendants of the Sage of the Six Paths — and the kekkei genkai that he possessed, Hashirama's DNA is highly coveted. During the battle at the Valley of the End where Madara Uchiha was thought to have died, the latter took the opportunity to collect his adversary's cells, using it to create a mindless living clone that produced the artificial life forms that became the White Zetsu Army. When he was reincarnated by Kabuto, Madara revealed that he had also integrated Hashirama's cells into himself which gained him access to the Wood Release kekkei genkai and the Rinnegan.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-140">[141 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-141">[142 ]

Orochimaru, desiring Hashirama's unique abilities, exhumed the First Hokage's body for his own experiments where he infused sixty child test subjects with cells harvested from his remains, hoping that one would prove able to use Wood Release. Only Yamato survived the process.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-142">[143 ] This act also provided Orochimaru with a genetic sample that he used to reincarnate Hashirama years later, before Hiruzen sealed his mentor's soul away.

Danzō Shimura, using a similar experiment to Orochimaru's, infused his right arm with Hashirama's cells, and then had ten Sharingan embedded on it. This synthesis not only allowed Danzō to access Wood Release, but also use Izanagi for extended periods, and regenerate Shisui Uchiha's Mangekyō Sharingan after using Kotoamatsukami within a relatively short span of time compared to the decade it would've normally taken.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-143">[144 ] Obito also noted that it afforded Danzō the ability to control the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-144">[145 ] Obito Uchiha, having been saved by Madara, was indirectly infused with Hashirama's DNA when the destroyed portion of the young Uchiha's body was replaced with artificial material from the living clone of Hashirama. Taking over for Madara, with the aid of the Akatsuki, Obito used the tailed beast chakra sealed within the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path as well as the DNA of Yamato who was later captured, to enhance the White Zetsu army prior to the start of the Fourth Shinobi World War.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-145">[146 ]

The most positive aspect of the legacy that Hashirama left behind is an ideal known as the Will of Fire, a belief held by most residents of Konohagakure. Through sharing Madara's disdain for him, Obito — while under the guise of Madara — admitted that he has a begrudging respect and admiration for Hashirama and saw Naruto Uzumaki as the heir to Hashirama's ideology while proclaiming that Sasuke Uchiha inherited their clan's hatred.

Video Games
Hashirama Senju is a playable character in the following video games: He is also featured as a support-only character in Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm.

Quotes

 * (To Hiruzen) "The fellow countrymen of the Konoha make up each part of my body… those of the village believe in me, and I believe in them… That's what it means to be Hokage!"
 * (To Madara) "No matter what happens I will protect our… no my village. I still believe that protecting the village is the best way to protect people, shinobi, and children…! Anyone who tries to harm it, whether they are my friends, siblings or my own children… I won't forgive them."
 * "Whenever you live, there will always be war."
 * (To Sasuke) "The village Madara and I originally desired was something that could connect clans. An important cornerstone to turn chaos into order and maintain it. Something to protect children and avoid useless quarrels… a place ruled by peace."
 * (To Sasuke) "Shinobi are people who endure to achieve their goals… but depending on what they choose as their goal they change… like Madara and I…"
 * (To the five Kage) "Indeed, so far we haven't been really been able to get along nicely. That's something we've been doing to protect our comrades and our clans. In some cases it was maybe unavoidable. Today… Even if our country agreement goes smoothly… I'm actually not sure how long it will last. But one day… In the future… I dream of a time when all shinobi will cooperate with each other… A time when everyone's hearts will be together regardless of their countries. That's my… dream of the future."
 * (To the Allied Shinobi Forces) "Please! Our dear children! Now, bring together your pain… Sufferings… Discouragement. Bring them together to show me… Our real dream!!"

Trivia

 * 'Hashirama' (柱間) is a Japanese word referring to the space between two pillars. This might be a play on the word 'pillar' (柱, hashira), as the Hokage is said to be the pillar that supports the village. '柱' is also the counter word for gods and buddhas.
 * His face on the Hokage Monument has a crack across the bridge of the nose. However, in flashbacks, no such scar is visible. This may be due to simple damage as Hiruzen's face on the monument suffered similar damage.
 * In the English dub version of the anime, his Wood Release was called "Secret Earth Jutsu" rather than "Wood Style". This was corrected in Shippūden with Yamato.
 * In many of the games they are present in, Hashirama and Tobirama bear each others respective English voice actors, with Hashirama being voiced by Peter Lurie, and Tobirama being voiced by Jamieson Price.
 * In the English version of Naruto Part I Hashirama is voice by Jamieson Price and Tobirama is voice by Peter Lurie, but in the English version of Naruto: Shippūden Hashirama is voice by Peter Lurie and Tobirama by Jamieson Price.
 * Hashirama is one of three people to hold the title of "God of Shinobi" (忍の神, Shinobi no Kami), the others being Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Sage of the Six Paths.
 * Hashirama, along with Tobirama, Minato, and the Konoha symbol, had his face appear in the ending omake of Shippūden episode 129 within the fireworks.
 * In the chapter 238 a portrait of Hashirama and the other Hokage is seen, showing him using a kerchief. They can also be briefly seen in chapter 94.
 * According to the databook(s):
 * His hobbies were bonsai and wood sculpting.
 * His desired opponent was Madara Uchiha.
 * His favourite food was mushroom mixed soup.
 * His favourite phrases were "The vast lands fertile" (大地豊饒, Daichi Hōjō) and "Heaven's garments are without seams" (天衣無縫, Ten'i Muhō). They refer to perfect beauty without any artificial elements.

Voice actors
Japanese voice actor : Takayuki Sugo

English voice actor : Jamieson Price (Part l), Peter Lurie (Part ll)