The Legacy of Kazekage in Naruto: A Look at the Fate of Each Leader

The role of Kazekage in the Land of Wind is highly esteemed, with only the strongest shinobi given the honor to lead Sunagakure. Throughout the Naruto series by Masashi Kishimoto, the Kazekage position holds great prestige and responsibility, shaping the village's history through the leadership of five different Kazekage.

Sunagakure's history is marked by conflict, struggle, and betrayal, leading to many Kazekage meeting their demise at the hands of their own people or enemies from rival nations. This has made being the Kazekage a challenging and dangerous role to undertake. Here, we will explore the fates of each Kazekage in the Naruto series.

First Kazekage

Assassinated By Enemy Shinobi

First Kazekage Reto Naruto - Assassinated By Enemy Shinobi

Reto was the first Kazekage from Sunagakure and attended the Five Kage Summit led by Hashirama Senju. Alongside his future successor Shamon, Reto tried to secure a better deal for his village since they already had the One-Tail, Shukaku.

Despite Hashirama's attempts to promote peace and prevent war, Reto's demands for a portion of the Land of Fire's territory and 30% of the tailed beasts payments were too steep for the other Kage to agree to. Sadly, Reto was assassinated during the summit, a fate that would befall many of his successors, leading to a belief in a curse on the role of Kazekage.

Second Kazekage

Killed By Assassins

Second Kazekage Shamon Naruto - Killed By Assassins

Shamon followed his mentor's path and became the Second Kazekage after Reto. He attended the first Five Kage Summit with Reto before taking over the position. Shamon focused on strengthening Sunagakure's military power by utilizing the village's renowned Puppet Technique.

As a likely puppet user himself, Shamon played a crucial role in fortifying the village by capitalizing on the challenging terrain surrounding Sunagakure. He also led research on the tailed beasts, particularly the volatile One-Tail, with the goal of controlling it. Unfortunately, like the First Kazekage, Shamon met his demise at the hands of assassins, perpetuating the belief in the Kazekage's post being cursed.

Third Kazekage

Kidnapped By Sasori And Turned Into A Human Puppet

Third Kazekage Naruto - Kidnapped By Sasori And Turned Into A Human Puppet

Regarded as one of the strongest leaders of Sunagakure, the Third Kazekage was known for creating the powerful Iron Sand Technique. By using his Magnet Release kekkei genkai, he could manipulate iron sand to make weapons and immobilize enemies by filling their joints with it. This technique made him immune to metallic weapons, giving him a unique advantage in battle.

Sadly, the Third Kazekage met a tragic end when he was kidnapped and killed by Sasori, a member of Sunagakure's Puppet Brigade. Sasori turned him into a human puppet to use his Magnet Release abilities, although the puppet version was not as powerful as the original. For years, the disappearance of the Third Kazekage remained a mystery until the time of the Fifth Kazekage revealed his fate.

Fourth Kazekage

Murdered By Orochimaru Before The Konoha Crush

Rasa Fourth Kazekage Naruto 2 - Murdered By Orochimaru Before The Konoha Crush

Rasa, another formidable shinobi, met a tragic end as the Kazekage. Despite his exceptional skills as a shinobi, mastering the Magnet Release kekkei genkai and creating his own technique with Gold Dust manipulation, he struggled to balance his family responsibilities with Sunagakure's declining status among the hidden villages.

During his reign, Rasa spent much of his time dealing with the destructive actions of the One-Tail, Shukaku, sealed within his son Gaara. Rasa's actions inadvertently contributed to Gaara's traumatic upbringing and initial cruel nature, driven by his desperate attempts to protect his village. However, his alliance with Orochimaru against Konohagakure ultimately backfired, leading to his betrayal and death at the hands of the Sannin, who then impersonated Rasa during the Chunin Exams to initiate the Konoha Crush.

Fifth Kazekage

The Current Leader Of Sunagakure

Gaara - The Current Leader Of Sunagakure - Fifth Kazekage

Gaara, a jinchuriki from birth, had a difficult upbringing as he was rejected by his village and family who feared him. His father, Rasa, even tried to assassinate him multiple times due to the destructive influence of Shukaku, the tailed beast sealed within him. This led Gaara to harbor resentment towards others, viewing them as threats to his existence.

During the Konoha Crush, Gaara encountered Naruto, another jinchuriki, who helped him realize the error of his ways. With Naruto's guidance, Gaara honed his Sand Manipulation Technique and climbed the ranks to become Kazekage at a young age. He later played a crucial role as the Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Shinobi Forces in the Fourth Shinobi World War, facing off against formidable foes like Kabuto Yakushi, Obito Uchiha, and Madara Uchiha. In the present day, Gaara continues to serve as Kazekage, working alongside Naruto and the other Five Kage to maintain peace in the shinobi world.

Editor's P/S:

The role of Kazekage in the Naruto series is a complex and dangerous one, often marked by tragedy and betrayal. The first four Kazekage all met untimely deaths, either by assassination or at the hands of enemies. This has led to a belief in a curse on the role, which has made it even more difficult for those who hold it.

Despite the challenges, the Kazekage have also been instrumental in shaping the history of Sunagakure. The Third Kazekage was a powerful shinobi who developed the Iron Sand Technique, while the Fourth Kazekage was a skilled manipulator of Gold Dust. The Fifth Kazekage, Gaara, has played a crucial role in the Allied Shinobi Forces and continues to lead Sunagakure to this day.

The Kazekage have faced many challenges, but they have also shown great strength and resilience. They have led Sunagakure through wars, natural disasters, and political turmoil, and they have always emerged stronger. The role of Kazekage is a demanding one, but it is also one of the most important in the shinobi world.