With power comes responsibility and Naruto takes it to extremes, especially with Tobirama Senju. The Second Hokage as we all know invented broken and top-tier jutsu that were classified as S-rank and forbidden for the most part. But their true purpose may have a diabolical reason behind it.
In other words, the Second Hokage may have developed this overpowered jutsu to immortalize his brother, according to this theory. His hate for the Uchihas has more to do with his actions throughout the series. But, this also points to the jutsu’s exploitation as well as its pitfalls in the later arcs.
Tobirama’s diabolical goal behind immortalizing Hashirama
Fear makes people do crazy things and sometimes blinds you with hatred, as seen in Tobirama Senju’s case. His indifference toward the Uchiha clan fuelled a cycle of hate that passed down to Danzo Shimura. It eventually led to the clan being annihilated on the whole.
Interestingly, his extreme measures were also tied to his loyalty and patriotic sentiment toward Konoha. Being the Second Hokage, he epitomized the Will of Fire during his fight with Kinkaku and Ginkaku. But his sacrifice isn’t the reason he was looked up to by future generations.
During his time as a shinobi, he invented several techniques and jutsu that were considered dangerous and forbidden. Some of these were prohibited yet, ninjas gained access to them. But his lethal jutsu may have a disturbing reason behind this according to this theory.
Edo Tensei is one of the most dangerous and powerful kinjutsu, which was revealed in Part 1. While it was created to minimize casualties of Leaf Shinobi, he may have ultimately created it to immortalize Hashirama. It also makes sense considering his paranoia regarding the village.
Now, he didn’t want Uchihas to hold the reins in any case. His actions and motives make it pretty much clear but his immortalizing his brother makes one thing certain. It could potentially ensure long-term stability and peace for Konoha. However the jutsu isn’t exempt from its share of pitfalls.
Edo Tensei’s unsavory aftermath in Naruto
It is widespread knowledge that Edo Tensei is one of the deadliest yet, unparalleled jutsu in Naruto. It was first used by Orochimaru during his fight with Hiruzen and later during the Fourth Shinobi World War. The motive and its significance changed drastically, considering its unsavory aftermath.
Unsurprisingly, this isn’t the first time Tobirama’s decisions started a vicious cycle in the series. The xenophobia is one thing, but him leaving Edo Tensei unfinished opened a Pandora’s box which only made things worse as the plot progressed.
Little did Tobirama know that his jutsu would encourage unethical practices. From grave digging to robbing and even live sacrifices, Edo Tensei has a dark history and trajectory. The jutsu itself may be powerful but it entailed several shinobi, including genin to be sacrificed.
Fu Yamanaka’s death is one such horrifying example where he was used as a live sacrifice by Kabuto. To prove a point he was mercilessly unalived as a component of the jutsu. This is also evident in Team Dosu’s death where Orochimaru used the genin to resurrect First and Second Hokage.
To say the least, the jutsu was eventually misused by the Snake Sannin and his protege. This isn’t to say it is a worthless technique but rather, it is a double-edged sword in every sense.
Naruto is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app.
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