Board Thread:Naruto Discussions/@comment-27660682-20160128215222/@comment-734582-20160128220520

There's no real point in debating this. There's very little to go on, and the more you try to explain it, the more it sounds like grasping at straws, even when it's not.

It's clear that Kishimoto had no idea, concept or storyline for Hiruzen beyond merely being the professor and the grandfather type for the village. He was put under Edo Tensei only because Kishimoto needed Hashirama and Minato there for the battle.

It's interesting to note though that even though Orochimaru brought back Hashirama so strong that he couldn't control him, he didn't do the same for Hiruzen. (unless you want to imply that Hiruzen's prime was still in his 60's)