Highlights
- The Hokage Guard Platoon serves to protect the Hokage and has other responsibilities such as assisting in assassinations or assaults.
- The three members of the Hokage Guard Platoon were trained by Minato Namikaze and have access to the Hokage at all times.
- The Hokage Guard Platoon has played a significant role in important events, showcasing their skill and embodying the Will of Fire.
The expansive world of Naruto has many facets that are usually overlooked, even those that have played a pivotal role in the series. The Hokage Guard Platoon is one such lesser-known aspect of the Hidden Leaf’s shinobi system, though it’s due to the nature of this squadron that it often goes unnoticed. The Hokage Guard Platoon was assembled by the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, to serve as his personal bodyguards.
The notion of an all-powerful shinobi such as the Hokage having a unit of personal bodyguards may seem redundant, yet the purpose of this unit goes beyond merely protecting its leader. The members of this unit are skilled in specialized arts, serving as a support squadron directly under the Hokage. Since the Hokage Guard Platoon was formed to primarily service Minato, the squad’s screen time has always been rather limited, yet its impact has remained pronounced.
The Purpose Behind the Hokage Guard Platoon
As the name suggests, the Hokage Guard Platoon serves the purpose of protecting the Hokage at all times, though several other duties also come under this unit’s responsibilities. The unit must be aware of the Hokage’s location at every minute, assisting their leader in cases of assassinations or assaults. The three designated members of this squad are Raido, Genma, and Iwashi, with the former two being more prominent throughout the series.
The Hokage Guard Platoon is special for another reason, as these three shinobi were specifically trained by Minato Namikaze. They were taught his signature technique, the Flying Raijin Technique, essentially granting them access to the Hokage at all times. The seal of the Flying Raijin was placed on the Hokage’s body, meaning the Hokage Guard Platoon could reach the Hokage at any time, no matter where they may be.
While the Hokage Guard Platoon was initially conceived for the Fourth Hokage’s protection, the unit was later utilized by the Third and Fifth Hokage as their personal bodyguards. However, the platoon’s services aren’t limited to the Hokage, as they can also be sent on escort missions for the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, or any other high-ranking official.
The Hokage Guard Platoon’s Role in the Series
The Hokage Guard Platoon is a lesser-known concept, since the unit was never properly utilized by any of the latter Hokage. However, the squad has played a crucial role in several significant events, embodying the concept of the Will of Fire to its fullest. During the Chunin exams, the squad relayed crucial information to the Hokage during the initial battles, and Raido later confronted the Sound 4 who were disguised as the Kazekage’s bodyguards.
During the Sasuke Recovery Mission in part 1 of Naruto, Genma and Raido tried to bar the Sound 4 from leaving the Land of Fire with Sasuke. The two were initially unaware of what the Sound 4 were transporting, but their suspicious movement became a giveaway. The two put up a fight initially, but they were defeated and severely injured after the Sound 4 activated the second level of their Cursed Seals.
The unit was also deployed to support Asuma’s squad during the Akatsuki Suppression Mission, and while the Hokage Guard Platoon couldn’t make it in time to save Asuma’s life, Raido was able to save Kotetsu and Izumo from Kakuzu’s suppression. The squad played a crucial role in saving Shikamaru and the other members of Asuma’s squad, and Raido was able to reclaim Asuma’s body and record his last words. During the Fourth Great Ninja War, the Hokage Guard Platoon utilized the Flying Raijin Jutsu to transport the Fifth Mizukage to the battlefield. Their mastery over the Flying Raijin aided the unit in transporting the other Kage to the battlefield locations as well.
The Hokage Guard Platoon is Made Up of Incredibly Skilled Ninjas
As elite bodyguards of the Hokage, it comes as no surprise that each member of the Hokage Guard Platoon is an exceptionally skilled ninja. While Iwashi has always been sidelined and has never been witnessed in action, there are several accounts of Genma and Raido’s strength.
Genma’s first confrontation was during the Chunin exams after he was able to fight off Baki, an elite Jonin of the Hidden Sand. Genma was also able to take on the Sound 4 in their initial Cursed Seal form, despite being fatigued from a previous mission. He was able to force the Sound 4 to activate their second stage, an impressive feat for a fatigued shinobi taking on two opponents.
Raido is arguably the strongest of the Hokage Guard Platoon, boasting a position as one of the Leaf’s most skilled assassins. Raido’s specialization lies in stealth and assassination, taking his enemies by surprise. His biggest feat was witnessed during the Akatsuki Suppression Mission, where he caught Kakuzu off-guard, even injuring him with his poison-laden ‘Kokuto.’ While all three members have their own strengths, simply being part of the Hokage Guard Platoon is itself a testament to their prowess.
Naruto is available to stream on Prime Video.
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