CLAN IN KONOHAGAKURE

Senju Clan

SENJU HASHIRAMA

Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Jutsu Classification: Hidden Technique
Member Appearances: Senju Hashirama, Senju Tobirama, Senju Touka
Signature Abilities: Mokuton (Shodai only)
See also: Tsunade

Senju (Thousand Arms) of the Forest were one of the founding clans of Konoha. Under Senju Hashirama, they allied with other clans including the Uchiha, to found the Fire Country's ninja village. It is unknown if Senju retains a clan structure in the current Konoha. Tsunade is the only known living descendant of founding clan of Konoha.

SENJU TOBIRAMA

SENJU TOUKA

DANZOU/SIXTH HOKAGE
After Tsunade exhausted herself saving the village when Akatsuki leader Pain attacked, she fell into an unconscious state. Danzou then made his move to convince the Fire Country Daimyou that he was the best choice to be the next Hokage. The Daimyou approved of Danzou through hypnosis, though Danzou did not have the full approval of the Leaf Jounin. When Danzou was killed and Tsunade returned from her coma, she returned to power as Godaime Hokage.

TSUNADE/FIFTH HOKAGE

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 149
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 85
Name Meaning: A mooring rope, Wife of Jiraiya in mythical tale
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Hokage
Age: 54
Notable Features: Legendary Sannin, Summons slugs, Bad gambler
Notable Quotes: "From now on, I too shall bet my life!"
See also: Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Third Hokage, Shizune

HISTORY:

One of the Legendary Sannin, Tsunade left Leaf Village to devote her time to her gambling addiction. She has a blood contract with slugs and calls upon them as needed.

The granddaughter of the First Hokage, Tsunade was taught by the Third Hokage when she was a Genin. Later in life she would lose her younger brother Nawaki and her boyfriend Dan in battles. These two events made Tsunade distraught. Both men had stated before they died that they dreamed of becoming Hokage. This made her feel such a desire was foolish, driving people to take actions they shouldn't. As she aged Tsunade began to use jutsu to alter her appearance and always appear in her twenties.

She and her apprentice Shizune left Konoha behind and traveled the Fire country to satisfy Tsunade's gambling addiction. It was during this period she was approached by Orochimaru for help. Orochimaru told her that in exchange for her healing his damaged body, he would bring her boyfriend and little brother back from the dead. Tsunade was given a week to determine what she wished to do, during this period she was tracked down by Jiraiya and Naruto to ask her to be the new Fifth Hokage.

She felt the position was not worth the trouble and that it is only a fools desire to take the job. Tsunade was tempted at first to help Orochimaru, but the honesty and determination Naruto exhibited in facing Orochimaru and his strong desire to become Hokage reaffirmed her loyalty to Leaf. It quickly became a three-way Sannin brawl with Orochimaru, Tsunade and Jiraiya fighting. Orochimaru was defeated and he retreated. Tsunade then accepted the offer and became the Fifth Hokage. She thanked Naruto and challenged him to never give up his dream to replace her some day.

When Tsunade formally became Hokage she and Naruto shared a tenuous relationship. Naruto often became frustrated with the respect she gave him when assigning missions; however she never really lost faith in the boy. When Naruto came back to Konoha after training with Jiraiya, her advisors recommended Naruto be kept within the village to protect him from Akatsuki. Tsunade believed Naruto could handle himself and his history as a Jinchuuriki meant he was best suited to help others like him in the world. Only time will tell whether this important decision as village leader will be the best for Konoha...

NAMIKAZE MINATO/FOURTH HOKAGE

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 1
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
Name meaning: Fourth Fire Shadow
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Real Name: Namikaze=Wind and waves, discord; Minato=Harbor, a name
Rank: Kage
Current Status: Deceased
Notable Features: Nicknamed "Konoha's Yellow Flash"
See also: Third Hokage, Uzumaki Naruto, Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Obito, Rin

HISTORY:

The Fourth Hokage, born Namikaze Minato, sacrificed his life to seal the Kyuubi demon inside Naruto.At the age of ten Minato graduated from the Academy. Shortly afterwards he became the student of Jiraiya alongside two fellow team members. Under the Ero-Sennin he would greatly increase his skills and impress Jiraiya with his tenacity. Jiraiya would select Minato to carry on the heritage of toad summoning. His skills would further grow with the development of Rasengan and Hiraishin. The latter technique would grant him the nickname "Konoha's Yellow Flash" because of the way he and his bright yellow hair would flicker out of existence to appear elsewhere.

As the years passed Minato became Chuunin and later Jounin. As a Jounin he became sensei of the team of Hatake Kakashi, Rin and Uchiha Obito. As a gift for Kakashi's advancement to Jounin, Minato gave him a unique kunai marked with one of the Hiraishin transportation markers. Later in one particular battle, this technique allowed four Leaf ninjas to throw teleportation kunai at 50 Rock-Nin. Using the transportation technique, he was able to move from kunai to kunai while they were in the air, to wipe out all 50 with little trouble. After this battle, his student Rin used Kakashi's kunai to bring Minato to her location to protect her and an unconscious Kakashi from Rock ninja. Unfortunately by the time he arrived Uchiha Obito was already dead, he managed to save Kakashi and Rin though. They would later go on to fulfill their mission and help repel the Rock invasion.

In the months to come Minato would be selected by Sandaime Hokage to follow him as village leader. His first choice Orochimaru failed to live up to his expectations. The village was in very good hands however. Minato's love of his friends and the village would inspire all those around him. It was around this time he apparently fathered Naruto with Uzumaki Kushina, a kunoichi from the former Whirlpool Country. Minato then made the ultimate sacrifice when the Kyuubi came calling. Using one final technique he had developed, the sacrificial Shiki Fuujin, he managed to stop the beast and seal its spirit in the body of his newborn son Naruto. Though this resulted in Minato's death, he managed to save the village.

Years later during the invasion of Leaf by Sand and Sound, Orochimaru attempted to use the forbidden jutsu Edo Tensei to bring the bodies of the previous Hokage's back to fight for him. Minato's coffin was apparently close to emerging when the Third Hokage managed to stop its arrival. And with that Minato's heritage could continue to protect the village in the people he inspired and his son Naruto.

SARUTOBI HIRUZEN/THIRD HOKAGE

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 1
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
Name meaning: Third Fire Shadow
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Real Name: Sarutobi=Flying Monkey [Also a legendary ninja], Hiruzen=A name
Rank: Kage
Age: 69
Notable Features: Nick-named "The Professor" for knowing thousands of jutsu
Notable Quotes: When they are protecting something important, that's when a shinobi's true strength appears...
See also: First Hokage, Second Hokage, Fourth Hokage, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Tsunade

HISTORY:

The Third Hokage, born Sarutobi Hiruzen, became Hokage again after the Fourth Hokage sacrificed his life to imprison the Kyuubi demon.

Leading Konoha long past his prime, Sandaime Hokage was the beloved leader of Konoha. At a young age he trained under the tutelage of Shodai and Nidaime Hokages, the founders of Konoha. They instilled in the young Sarutobi the ideal of protecting Konoha to the fullest extent with ones very life. As Sarutobi grew he was up for the position of Sandaime Hokage against a man named Danzou, who led the ANBU Root group, who wanted a more militaristic future for the village. Sarutobi eventually was selected and he became Sandaime Hokage.

In this position he would take on three young students, Tsunade, Jiraiya and Orochimaru. These three gifted ninja would become renowned for their skill and abilities. They would be called the "Sannin" or legendary three ninja. Two of the three would be instilled with Sandaime's hopefulness and ideals. While the other, Orochimaru, would grow to despise the compassion and connections Sandaime hoped everyone to make. It was around this time he may have fathered Sarutobi Asuma.

Eventually Sandaime saw that with his age, someone of the younger generation would be better set to lead the village. His first choice was his pupil Orochimaru, but when he learned Orochimaru was conducting brutal experiments he was heart broken. He then selected a young Jounin sensei who lead the team of Hatake Kakashi, Rin and Uchiha Obito to follow him. This man would become Yondaime Hokage and carry on Sandaime's legacy. His tenure would not last long however, as the Kyuubi attacked and Yondaime had to give up his life to stop the beast.

Sandaime thus took up the position of Hokage once again, ruling over Konoha and continuing to influence the young minds who would lead the village in the future. When his student Orochimaru returned to Konoha hell-bent on its destruction, Sandaime faced him and gave it his all to stop him. Age and rust did little to stop him, but the battle eventually began to wear him down when Orochimaru summoned the corpses of Shodai and Nidaime Hokages to battle for him. Sandaime saw their usage as an insult to their legacy. Thinking of Yondaime and the way he had given up his life to protect the village, Sandaime knew what he had to do. Using the same technique Yondaime used to stop the Kyuubi, Sandaime removed the souls of Shodai and Nidaime, and then attempted to remove Orochimaru's soul and stop him once and for all.

Unfortunately he did not possess the needed strength to stop Orochimaru for good. Seeing his life near its end he chose to do what he could and remove Orochimaru's spiritual arms, which removed his ability to use jutsu. A shocked and furious Orochimaru could only scream at his mentor. Sandaime could do little to hear his former student though, for he collapsed dead. Orochimaru fled and the ninja of Konoha gathered to pay their last respects for their fallen leader. Though Orochimaru had let him down, Sandaime's legacy and ideals were carried on when his pupil Tsunade was selected as Godaime Hokage.

SENJU TOBIRAMA/SECOND HOKAGE

irst Manga Appearance: Chapter 118
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 69
Name meaning: Second Fire Shadow
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Real Name: Senju Tobirama (Senju=A name, sen=thousand ju=hands; Tobirama=The space between two doors)
Rank: Kage
Notable Features: Younger brother of Shodai Hokage, Uses Suiton techniques (though they may just be one facet of his jutsu arsenal)
Current Status: Deceased
See also: First Hokage, Third Hokage

HISTORY:

The Second Hokage, born Senju Tobirama, helped found the village of Leaf with the help of his older brother the First Hokage. After the death of his brother he inherited the Hokage title and developed the infrastructure of the village.

During his tenure as Hokage, Nidaime used a sword in battle called the "Raijin" sword. The sword emitted a short blade made of a hard lightning-like material. After his death the sword would remain in the village until Leaf ninja Aoi betrayed the village and had it stolen and delivered to Hidden Rain as a gift. Aoi would use the Raijin in battle, and the blade eventually broke after the combined effects of a Chidori and Rasengan. It is unknown what happened to his sword after Aoi's defeat.

During the invasion of Leaf by Sand and Sound, Orochimaru used the forbidden jutsu Edo Tensei to bring the Second Hokage back from the dead to fight for him. The Third Hokage had to utilize the Fourth Hokage's Shiki Fuujin technique to remove the Second's soul and send him back to the beyond.

HOKAGE

SENJU HASHIRAMA/FIRST HOKAGE

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 118
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 69
Name meaning: First Fire Shadow
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Real Name: Senju Hashirama (Senju=A name, sen=thousand ju=hands; Hashirama=The space between two pillars)
Rank: Kage
Notable Features: Older brother of Nidaime Hokage, Has calm and collected mind
Current Status: Deceased
See also: Second Hokage, Third Hokage

HISTORY:

The First Hokage, born Senju Hashirama, helped found the village of Leaf with the help of his younger brother the Second Hokage.

Shodai was the leader of the Senju Clan of the Forest, a family of ninja who were hired by countries to fight in their wars. Along with the Uchiha, the Senju was one of the top shinobi clans. For a time the two clans battled but they later aligned with the Uchiha under Uchiha Madara. Together they founded Konoha. Unfortunately, a dispute arose between the two men and they did battle at an area later known as the Valley of the End. A statuary monument was later erected on that spot in their honor.

The First Hokage was the grandfather of the Sannin Tsunade. He was unique in his ability to use Mokuton (Tree Element) techniques. Shodai was also said to be able to control the Bijuu (tailed beasts) to his will. This power was coveted by Orochimaru, and he sought out Shodai's tissue and infused his genes into the bodies of 60 children. All but one of the children died. The survivor would go on to become a skilled ANBU code-named "Yamato." He would inherit Shodai's ability to control Mokuton and the Bijuu.

Later during the invasion of Leaf by Sand and Sound, Orochimaru used the forbidden jutsu Edo Tensei to bring the First Hokage back from the dead to fight for him. The Third Hokage had to utilize the Fourth Hokage's Shiki Fuujin technique to remove the First's soul and send him back to the beyond.

YAMANAKA INO

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 34
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
Name Meaning: Yamanaka=Among the Mountains, Ino= Boar or a Sign of the Zodiac
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Chuunin - Team 10
Age: 16
Jounin Master: Sarutobi Asuma
Signature Abilites: Shintenshin no jutsu
Notable Features: Sasuke-Idiot, Sakura's rival
Notable Quotes: "I won't let you be the only one who gets to look good in front of Sasuke-kun!"
See also: Akimichi Chouji, Nara Shikamaru, Sarutobi Asuma, Yamanaka Inoichi

HISTORY:

A Genin from Leaf Village, Yamanaka Ino considers herself the only one worthy of Uchiha Sasuke's love. Because she is not the only one who shares that view, she is the rival of Haruno Sakura.Ino and Sakura weren't always rivals. When they were little young, Sakura did not have much self-confidence in herself. It wasn't until Ino became friends with her and encouraged her to not be afraid of the taunts of the other children that Sakura grew out of her shell. Their friendship ended though when they both took an interest in Sasuke. Their rivalry came to a head in the third prelimiary round of the Chuunin Exam, as the two young women were placed against each other in fight. Both gave it their all but in the end there was a double knock out. This resulted in both Ino and Sakura being unable to move on to the third round.

Ino would later watch her teammate Shikamaru in the Exam's third test. She was excited and hoped he would knock out his opponent Temari. When he quit his match for tactical reasons she was shocked. She was later rendered unconscious when Kabuto put the stadium audience to sleep. Over the following years Ino would greatly increase her skills and eventually pass the Chuunin Exam. After Naruto returned from his training with Jiraiya, she welcomed him back. Ino would later take a fancy to Naruto's new teammate Sai. The socially clueless Sai always said what was on his mind. When he called Sakura ugly she made him pay for it. When he met Ino he decided he should say the opposite, calling her beautiful. The blushing Ino didn't know what to say.

AKIMICHI CHOJI

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 34
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
Name Meaning: Akimichi="Autumn Road" | Chou="Butterfly" ji=can mean child or love
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Chuunin - Team 10
Age: 16
Jounin Master: Sarutobi Asuma
Signature Abilities: Baika no Jutsu, Choudan Bakugeki, Nikudan Sensha
Notable Features: Big boned, Often seen eating or hungry, Best-friend of Nara Shikamaru
Notable Quotes: "Akamaru sure looks tasty."
See also: Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, Sarutobi Asuma

HISTORY:

A Genin from the village of Konoha, Chouji hails from the Akimichi clan know for their ability to control the size of their body.

Chouji participated in the Chuunin Exam taking place in Konoha Village. By passing he would attain the Ninja rank of Chuunin. He and his team were able to pass the first and second tests. Chouji then fought in the preliminaries for the third exam test, but he ends up losing to Kinata Dosu from Hidden Sound.

Chouji spends the following weeks cheering for his friend Shikamaru during his match in the third test of the Exam. During this period Chouji was neglecting training as hard as he could, preferring to spend most of his time eating. When Chouji was asked by Shikamaru to help retrieve Sasuke he joined along. During their tracking of the Sound Four, they were trapped by Sound ninja Jiroubou. Chouji took Jiroubou's insults to his weight and to his friend Shikamaru's leadership abilities to heart. He demanded his friends continue on while he fought Jiroubou alone. Chouji managed to force Jiroubou into his level two cursed seal form. On his last legs, Chouji ingest the third and final of the secret Akimichi soldier ration pill. The pill boosted the ingester's chakra immensely but put a huge price on the person's life. The power gave Chouji the ability to defeat Jiroubou, but he passed out afterwards from all the pain.

Leaf medical ninja were able to find Chouji's body shortly afterwards and rush him back to Konoha for treatment. It was only the high medical training of the Hokage Tsunade that countered the affects of the pill and saved Chouji's life. Afterwards Chouji felt he had wasted his time before in not training properly. So he demanded his Jounin sensei Asuma train him to make up for lost time.

Chouji later served on a brief mission to apprehend the Stupid Brothers, Fuujin and Raijin, escapees from a ninja correctional facility. His training had now given him the ability to use Bubun Baika no Jutsu (Partial Multi-Size) without the use of his pills.

NARA SHIKAMARU

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 34
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
Name Meaning: Nara (Prefecture), Shika=Deer, Maru=Boys name
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Chuunin - Team 10
Age: 16
Jounin Master: Sarutobi Asuma
Signature Abilites: Kagemane no Jutsu
Notable Features: Lazy, Finds everything to be troublesome
Notable Quotes: "How troublesome."
See also: Akimichi Chouji, Yamanaka Ino, Sarutobi Asuma, Nara Shikaku, Nara Yoshino

HISTORY:

A Genin from Leaf Village, Shikamaru hails from the Nara Clan, known for their ability to control their shadow.

Though Shikamaru appears a young man bored with life and his job as ninja, he holds a firm respect for his job and his duty to protect his friends and teammates. And though he is lazy and had low grades at the Ninja Academy, Shikamaru is highly intelligent with an I.Q. of over 200. A young age he became friends with Akimichi Chouji, and their friendship would extend later into life as teammates in Team 10 under their Jounin sensei Sarutobi Asuma. Shikamaru would rather relax and look at the clouds, than expend any energy doing school work. His general desire is to make a good living and be able to retire, successful and happy with himself.

Shikamaru studied under his father Nara Shikaku and learned many of the kage (shadow) manipulation jutsu. As the years passed, Shikamaru has added many shadow attack variations to his arsenal. Shikamaru's mother wanted the best for her son and pestered him constantly, which led him to be cynical of women and their supposed bossiness. His troubles with women would extend to many of the battles he faced, having to combat Tsuchi Kin, Temari and Tayuya. His testy relationship with Temari would extend over the years, with the two ninja becoming friends. Though Naruto would accuse the two of being something more than friends, both Shikamaru and Temari would deny such a relationship.

Alongside his team Shikamaru participated in the Chuunin Exam. After the third test preliminaries and the final third test itself, he was the only one to be acknowledged as worthy Chuunin material. From this point on he was able to don the Chuunin flak jacket with honor. Though the mission to return Sasuke failed and Shikamaru felt horrible for the near deaths of his team, the words of Temari and his father helped him realize that if he stopped being a ninja, someone else would have to look out for his friends instead. This caused him to reevaluate his feelings and reaffirm his desire to become a better ninja.

Over the next years Shikamaru would further develop his skills and be selected as a Chuunin Examiner when the exam returned to Konoha. Alongside Sand kunoichi Temari who acted as an advisor, they would begin preparations for the new exam.

TEAM 10

SARUTOBI ASUMA

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 34
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 20
Name Meaning: Sarutobi=Flying Monkey [Also a legendary ninja]; Asuma=A name
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Jounin
Age: 31
Notable Features: Always seen smoking a cigarette
Notable Quotes: "I guess we were bound to meet in the future. Now I have the task of taking you on!"
See also: Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, Akimichi Chouji

HISTORY:

A Jounin master, he is the leader of Team 10 (Nara Shikamaru, Yamaka Ino, Akimichi Chouji). Although normally seen smoking, Asuma can quickly dispatch his foes with his knives when the situation warrants.Earlier in his life Asuma was one of the Twelve Elite Guardians of the Fire Country Daimyou. He left Konoha and his father Sandaime Hokage behind to seek his own path but returned at some point before the series start. He still wears the "Fire" loincloth of this elite group.

Asuma tries to look out for the best interests of his Genin team, though Chouji largely seems to ignore his pleas to train more. After the invasion of Konoha, Asuma was able to appear at the last instant to save Shikamaru after he was acting as a road block to nine Sound ninjas. He later assisted assisted Kakashi alongside Kurenai when Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame came to Konoha. Over the next few years, Asuma would form a bond with Kurenai and they would develop a relationship. When Konoha sought to hunt down Akatsuki, Asuma and his team found Hidan and Kakuzu. Asuma was killed in battle. Afterwards Team 10 sought the Akatsuki duo. Shikamaru faced off against Hidan and used his battle planning to blow up Hidan and neutralize him. Shikamaru imagined Asuma passing on his Will of Fire to him and accomplished his task. Later Shikamaru set out to look out for the next generation, by promising to look out for Kurenai and the child she and Asuma had.

ROCK LEE

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 36
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 21
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Chuunin
Age: 17
Jounin Master: Might Guy
Signature Abilities: Konoha Senpuu, Omote Renge
Notable Features: Crush on Haruno Sakura, Unable to use Genjutsu or Ninjutsu.
Notable Quotes: "Sakura... Love." *winks hearts at Sakura much to her disgust*
See also: Hyuuga Neji, Ten-Ten, Might Guy

HISTORY:

A Genin from the village of Konoha, Rock Lee wanted above all else than to become a ninja. Unfortunately Lee was unable to use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, forcing him to train and excel in hand to hand Taijutsu. Being placed on the same team as the Bloodline genius Hyuuga Neji also motivated Lee. Neji saw those with a genius ability as better than a normal ninja. This motivated Lee to prove that hard work and training could overcome genius and make him the better ninja.Rock Lee participated in the Chuunin exam with his teammates Neji and Ten-Ten. He made it to the preliminaries of the third round but was defeated by Gaara of the Sand. Lee was forced to use a Kinjutsu forbidden technique to try and beat Gaara, however he pushed his body beyond its limits and damaged his muscles. He was then further injured by the crushing jutsu of Gaara's, which badly damaged his bones.

After the match Lee was told he would be unable to become a ninja due to the extent of the injuries. When Tsunade returned to Leaf Village she examined Lee's injuries. She determined that surgery was possible to repair the damage, however, there was also a 50% chance the surgery could result in Lee's death. Lee decided fulfilling his ninja way was worth the risk so Tsunade operated on him. The surgery proved to be a success and Lee was able to continue his ninja training.

Lee then hurried after Team Shikamaru as they rushed to return Sasuke. Lee arrived just in time to assist Naruto fight Kimimaro. Unfortunately when Lee left the hospital he grabbed Tsunade's sake bottle instead of his medicine. When he ingested the sake he got inebriated and used Suiken to confuse Kimimaro. Though he managed to connect several times, Kimimaro began to get the upper hand, until Gaara arrived. Sent alongside his siblings to help the group, Lee watched as Gaara put Kimimaro away for good. The two young men also had the opportunity to connect and put the past behind them.

Lee and the rest would return to the village unable to save Sasuke. Over the following years Lee advanced his skills and his rank, passing the Chuunin Exam. Shortly after Naruto returned to the village after training with Jiraiya, a new mission came in. Gaara had been abducted by Akatsuki and Team Gai was sent to help Team Kakashi. Lee helped his team fight the faux-Kisame and also battled their doppelgangers. Fortunately Naruto managed to save Gaara and Sand ninja Chiyo gave her life to bring him back to life. Lee then returned to Konoha with his team to await their next mission.

TEN TEN

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 36
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 21
Name Meaning: Moving about, spot
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Chuunin
Age: 17
Jounin Master: Might Guy
Notable Features: Idolizes the Sannin Tsunade, Deadly accurate when throwing edged weapons.
See also: Hyuuga Neji, Rock Lee, Might Guy

HISTORY:

A Genin from the village of Konoha, Tenten has deadly accuracy with her kunai and shuriken.TenTen made it to the preliminaries of the third round but was defeated by Temari from Hidden Sand. Though Tenten had great accuracy, Temari's fan blew away any weapon thrown at her. Temari then used her cycling winds technique to hold and slice Tenten. The injured Tenten then fell through the air and landed back first on Temari's folder fan. Unconscious, Tenten was eliminated from the Chuunin Exam.

She later watched her teammate Neji in the Exam's third test. She complemented Naruto's strength but felt there was no way he could lose to Naruto. She was surprised when he eventually did get defeated, but recognized Naruto's strength. She and her team continued to train and she assisted Neji in pushing himself even further. As the years passed she and her team eventually passed the Chuunin Exam. When a request came in from Hidden Sand to help rescue their Kazekage Gaara, Guy and his team were sent to help. TenTen and her team faced off against Hoshigaki Kisame. Kisame managed to get the drop on the team and imprison TenTen, Neji and Lee in water prisons. Neji broke them free and Guy managed to eventually defeat their opponent, who would turn out to have been a lower powered Kisame in a different body.

The team then proceeded on to Akatsuki's base. When they removed the seal guarding the cave, they were faced with doppelgangers who emerged from the earth itself. The team managed to eventually defeat the guardians and assist Naruto and Kakashi, who were chasing the fleeing Deidara. TenTen's team stopped Deidara and gave Kakashi enough time to send the Akatsuki member to another location using his Mangekyou. With Deidara stopped, they took control of Gaara's corpse, which allowed elder Sand kunoichi Chiyo to use her resurrection technique to revive Gaara. They returned to Sand, then wished their comrades goodbye and returned to Konoha.

HYUUGA NEJI

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 36
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 21
Name meaning: Hyuuga=Towards the sun, Neji="Screw"
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Jounin
Age: 17
Jounin Master: Might Guy
Notable Features: Cousin of Hyuuga Hinata, Tends to act better than everyone else
Notable Quotes: "A loser, is always a loser."
See also: Hyuuga Hinata, Hyuuga Hiashi, Hyuuga Hizashi, Rock Lee, Ten-Ten, Might Guy

  

HISTORY:

A Genin from the village of Konoha, Neji is the heir to the Branch family of the Hyuuga clan. This clan is known for its ability to use the Byakugan, a unique eye ability that lets the user view the internal chakra highway of his or her opponent.

Hyuuga Neji carried an extreme hatred for the main family of the Hyuuga line. He grew up believing that the main family had killed his father as a demand of Lightning Country. The Lightning Country had demanded the body of the main family's Hiashi, what they got was the body of Hiashi's twin Hizashi. After Neji's loss to Naruto in the third test of the Chuunin Exam, Hiashi Hyuuga went to Neji to let him know the truth.

Seeing Neji's abilities Hiashi realized that Neji was ready to know what had really happened in the past. Neji was then told that his father himself made the choice to sacrifice his life. As a branch family member, Hizashi, like his son Neji, had a cursed seal placed upon his forehead which forced them to protect the main family or else they would face death. Hizashi saw the demand for his brother's body and asked that they use his body instead. He did it not because of love, but because by choosing death it would have been the first choice he could have freely made in protecting Neji, his family and the village. Taking his father words to heart to choose his own destiny and Naruto's similar words during their match, Neji changed his outlook on life and seeks to better himself with a brighter hope for the future.

Neji would join Naruto, Kiba, Chouji and Shikamaru in their mission to retrieve Sasuke from Sound. Neji would square off against Sound ninja Kidoumaru. The match proved difficult and bloody, with Neji having to sacrifice his body to finally take out his opponent. He pushed himself to live up to the ideal of what other ninja saw the Hyuuga as, the best of the best, and the greatest clan in Konoha. Luckily medical ninja soon found Neji and rushed him back to the village for care. With the expert treatment of Shizune and Tsunade, his body was repaired and his life saved.

In following years Neji would continue to push his limits and perfect his skill as a ninja. He would take the Chuunin Exam and pass, and then later advance to the rank of Jounin. When Team 7 needed help in rescuing Gaara from Akatsuki, he joined his fellow teammates Guy, TenTen and Lee in traveling to the River Country. There he helped fight Hoshigaki Kisame and later his own clone created through Akatsuki's protective sealing jutsu.

TEAM GUY

MIGHT GUY

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 38
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 22
Name Meaning: Might Guy
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Jounin
Age: 30
Notable Features: Bowl haircut, Has large bushy eyebrows
Notable Quotes: "Believe in yourself and run forward. Become a strong man I can look at and smile."
See also: Hyuuga Neji, Rock Lee, TenTen, Hatake Kakashi

HISTORY:

A Jounin master, he is the leader of Hyuuga Neji, Rock Lee and TenTen. Guy considers himself to be the eternal rival of fellow Jounin master Hatake Kakashi. Guy possess a strong fighting spirit and is prone to challenging Kakashi, though Kakashi often is aloof to Guy's boastful rantings.

Guy has tried to pass on his strong fighting spirit to his pupil Lee. To that end his has taught Lee advanced forbidden Taijutsu techniques only to be used when Lee has to protect a precious person. Though Guy appears strict with Lee and scolds him harshly when he acts incorrectly, he also is very emotional and doesn't hide his sympathetic feelings for Lee's growth into a man he can be proud of.

HYUUGA HINATA

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 34
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
Name meaning: Hyuuga=Towards the sun, Hinata=Sunny place
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Chuunin - Team 8
Age: 16
Jounin Master: Yuuhi Kurenai
Notable Features: Shy & timid, Has a secret crush on Naruto
Notable Quotes: "Naruto-kun!" *blushes*
See also: Uzumaki Naruto, Hyuuga Neji, Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba, Yuuhi Kurenai

HISTORY:

A Genin from the village of Konoha, Hyuuga Hinata is the heir to the main family of the Hyuuga Clan line.

Hyuuga Hinata is the heir to the main family of the Hyuuga Clan. When she turned three years old her cousin Neji had a cursed seal placed on his forehead. After the seal was placed upon Neji, he grew to resent the main family for that and for what he saw was the unjustified killing of his father by the main family. Neji directed his hatred for the main family against his cousin Hinata. In the third round preliminary matches of the Chuunin Exam, Hinata and Neji were matched against each other. Utilizing the Hyuuga Clan's gentle fist style, Neji and Hinata began to trade blows. Neji's level of skill utilizing the Byakugan bloodline ability outmatched Hinata's and she became injured.

Thinking back to how she had seen Naruto refuse to give up, Hinata tried to become a stronger willed person and leave some of her timidness behind. Saying she wouldn't go back on her words and give up, Hinata began to trade blows with Neji again. Though Neji continued to injure Hinata, she refused to give up. This angered Neji to the point where he was going to strike a killing blow against her. Before he could do so, the Jounin masters watching the match jumped in to stop him. Hinata then collapsed due to the internal injuries she was suffering. Medical attendants took Hinata away but from that point on she was a changed person.

Before the start of the third test of the Chuunin Exam, Hinata had gone to the Genin survival training area. While there Naruto also showed up much to her surprise. Naruto told her he was experiencing some doubts about his abilities. Hinata took the opportunity to tell Naruto to not doubt himself. She let him know she was inspired by his determination and sees herself as more assertive and self-assured than she has been in the past. Hearing her reassuring words, Naruto felt better about his chances and told Hinata to come see his match where he would beat Neji. Then Naruto told Hinata that he thought Hinata was a dark and timid person, but he said he was wrong. Naruto then told her something that stunned and flattered her, he liked people like her. Blushing, Hinata could only stand in shocked surprise as the boy she liked expressed feelings for liking people of her type.

As the years passed, Hinata began to further push her limits and abilities and attained the rank of Chuunin. When Naruto finally returned to the village, she was embarrassed and stunned. Though she had grown in a lot of ways, her bashful crush on Naruto remained.

INUZUKA KIBA

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 34
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
Name Meaning: Inu=Dog zuka=A small hill, Kiba="Fang"
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Chuunin - Team 8
Age: 16
Jounin Master: Yuuhi Kurenai
Signature Abilities: Shikyaku no Jutsu, Juujin Bunshin, Gatsuuga
Notable Features: Animal familiar named Akamaru, Keen sense of smell.
See also: Inuzuka Clan, Akamaru, Hyuuga Hinata, Yuuhi Kurenai, Inuzuka Tsume, Inuzuka Hana

HISTORY: 

Kiba and the rest of Team 8 are entered into the Chuunin Exam. He makes it to the preliminaries of the third round but loses to Uzumaki Naruto. Several weeks after the invasion of Leaf Village by Sound and Sand, Kiba accompanies Naruto, Neji, Chouji and Shikamaru on a mission to find and return Uchiha Sasuke to Leaf Village. During the mission, Kiba and Akamaru were separated from the group and had to face off against the brothers Ukon and Sakon. Heavily injured, Akamaru and Kiba had to retreat downstream to escape the pair. Unfortunately the Sound caught up to the Leaf. When they moved to attack, Kiba was protected by the puppets of Sand ninja Kankurou, who had been dispatched to help. He quickly finished off the brothers. Kiba and Akamaru made a full recovery, and Kiba promised to never left Akamaru get that hurt again.

Over the next few years Akamaru would grow into an adult dog and both he and his master would further their skills. Kiba would become a Chuunin and continue on missions. When Team 7 sought to track down Itachi and Sasuke, Kiba and his team went to assist. Unfortunately the mission was a failure and the Leaf returned to Konoha.

ABURAME SHINO

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 34
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
Name Meaning: Aburame="Oil Woman" | Shino=Potentially meant to be same kanji as in "shinobi"
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Chuunin - Team 8
Age: 16
Jounin Master: Yuuhi Kurenai
Signature Abilities: Kikaichuu no Jutsu
Notable Features: Quiet demeanor, Always respecting of insect life.
Notable Quotes: "Even if our enemy is a small bug, we will not underestimate it."
See also: Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, Yuuhi Kurenai, Aburame Clan, Aburame Shibi

HISTORY:

A Genin from the village of Konoha, Shino hails from the Aburame clan know for their ability to control insects. These insects are introduced into the body of the Aburame clan at birth. The clan member and the insects then form a partnership. The insects will feed on the chakra of the ninja, in exchange for following the commands of the clan member when so desired.Shino participated in the Chuunin Exam taking place in Konoha Village. By passing he would attain the Ninja rank of Chuunin. He and his team passed the first and second tests. Shino then fights in the preliminaries for the third exam test and defeats Zaku from Hidden Sound, advancing him to the third and final round.

In the third and final round Shino was matched against Kankurou from Hidden Sand, when it came time for their match Kankurou gave up before the match could begin. Kankurou and his siblings were on a mission to help capture Uchiha Sasuke and his being missing for his own match forced Kankurou to panic and throw his match. This surprised Shino and caused him to tail Kankurou when the invasion formally began. Catching up to Uchiha Sasuke who had earlier fled in pursuit of the siblings, Shino told Sasuke to continue on after Gaara and Temari while he himself would take on Kankurou. Kankurou used his puppet to poison Shino, but not before Shino managed to send his bugs along the chakra puppet strings to attack the hidden Kankurou and defeat him. The poison knocked Shino out, but his father Shibi later found his son and used his own insects to remove the poison from Shino's body.

Shino would later go on a mission with his father and miss an opportunity to go on the mission to retrieve Sasuke. When his teammate Kiba later returned from this mission, he demanded that Kiba tell him everything that happened because he wanted to know all the details. Kiba surmised Shino was annoyed he missed out on such a dangerous mission.

TEAM 8

YUUHI KURENAI

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 34
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 20
Name Meaning: Yuuhi=Setting sun, Kurenai="Crimson"
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Jounin
Age: 31
Notable Features: Crimson colored eyes
See also: Hyuuga Hinata, Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba

HISTORY: 

A Jounin master, Kurenai is the leader of Team 8 (Hyuuga Hinata, Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba). Near the series start, Kurenai attained the rank of Jounin. She is highly trained in Genjutsu illusion techniques.After Kurenai was assigned her Genin team, she went to the Hyuuga family head Hiashi to ask if it was okay that the family's heir would be putting her life on the line everyday. Unimpressed with Hinata's progress, Hiashi dismissed his daughter’s abilities. Kurenai was surprised but she accepted his response. She then kept a watchful eye over Hinata, noting how she did poorly on their team missions. When Hinata later pushed herself more than ever before in the Chuunin Exam, Kurenai was greatly impressed by this newfound strength. When Neji was later enraged by Hinata's words, Kurenai jumped in alongside other Jounin masters to stop the young man.

Over time Kurenai would develop a close relationship with fellow Jounin Sensei Sarutobi Asuma. Though she would deny they were dating, the two did develop a bond. When Uchiha Itachi returned to the village, she did her part to subdue him. When she became endangered, Asuma jumped in to help. With the arrival of Might Guy, Itachi and his partner Kisame fled.

Over the next several years Kurenai would further train her students and watch as they finally passed the Chuunin Exam. Her relationship with Asuma would grow. With the grave dealings of Akatsuki coming to the forefront, Asuma would think over his place in Konoha and his relationship with Kurenai. When he was called away to track Akatsuki down, he made one final stop by Kurenai's apartment. He could not bring himself to talk to her though, by the time she noticed someone outside, he was gone.

SAI

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 281
First Anime Appearance: Shippuuden Episode 1
Name Meaning: As kanji can mean: Extreme, genius, planting, loan, rhinoceros, companion, a weapon, son, navel, smash, fine
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: - (ANBU, At Least Chuunin)
Age: 17
Notable Features: Pale in appearance, insults others, has trouble with his emotions, can bring his paintings alive
Notable Quotes: "Your power... it is weak. Do you even have a penis?"

  

HISTORY:

A young mysterious ninja, Sai became one of Naruto's teammates after the two and a half year time-skip. "Sai" is not actually the ninja's name either, being given that name by ANBU Root leader Danzou.Like other members of Root, Sai was an orphan who was taken in and molded to Root's ideals. That of a emotionless, highly trained killing machine. Early in his life he befriended another Root orphan and the two grew close. Sai eventually thought of him as a brother. Sai was a gifted painter and had an art book which featured his growth as a ninja in one half, and his brother in the other. In the following years Sai's brother died due to an illness, and Sai finished shutting himself off emotionally from the word. During this period he was tasked with many highly ranked missions. These included taking out foreign ninja who posed a problem to Konoha. Danzou was greatly impressed by Sai's skills and remarked he was the strongest of his generation.

Eventually Sai was set to be placed on a squad with Naruto by Danzou. Danzou tasked Sai with a secret mission, to align himself with Orochimaru to smooth the takeover of Konoha by the Sannin. The squad's formal goal was to travel to Hidden Grass to meet Sasori's spy which operated in Orochimaru's camp. Before they left Sai sought to test Naruto by using his Choujuu Giga technique. This technique allowed his ink to come to life and form imitations of the creatures which were painted. Naruto moved in close to attack Sai but Sai mocked Naruto, asking if he even had a penis. A joke which he often lobed towards his "brother" years before. Sai then fled and officially joined the team. Sai met Naruto and Sakura and let them know they were now teammates. He told them he was just testing Naruto, and was not impressed. Sai then also took the opportunity to insult Sakura's looks after she suggested he should be nicer to people.

Sai journey with the new Team 7 to meet Sasori's spy. When Orochimaru and Naruto finished their battle, Sai revealed he wanted to join Orochimaru, providing him with the identities of Konoha's ANBU as proof. He returned with the group to their compound and received additional instructions from his superior Danzou. Danzou planned for Sai to join Orochimaru and spy on him and then assassinate Sasuke, to terminate Orochimaru's next vessel. Team 7 caught up with Sai and demanded to know what he planned. Naruto explained how he would never give up on Sasuke and retrieve him. Sai was surprised by the words and saw a bit of his brother in Naruto. He decided to help them rather than kill Sasuke. He helped them search the compound and he found Sasuke first. Sai told Sasuke he planned to save him but Sasuke would have nothing of it, eventually fleeing with Orochimaru. Sai had managed to regain his team's confidence and become a respected comrade. Sai continued on missions with Team 7 and began to express himself with emotions, much to Danzou's ire.

YAMATO/TENZOU

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 284
First Anime Appearance: Shippuuden Episode 34
Name Meaning: Ancient name for Japan
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: - (ANBU, Probable Jounin)
Age: 26
Notable Features: Wears Nidaime Hokage-esque forehead protector
Notable Quotes: "While I do prefer to interact with people in a gentle manner... I'm also not at all opposed to establishing my dominance in a reign of terror."

HISTORY:

"Yamato" as he was dubbed by Tsunade, was an elite ANBU who led Team Kakashi when Kakashi was fatigued from battle. Yamato led the team of Sai, Naruto and Sakura to the Grass Country. They were to meet Sasori's spy who was spying on Orochimaru.Yamato, whose real name is Tenzou, was an elite ANBU recommended by Kakashi himself for the mission. Yamato would leave behind his ANBU mask and gear and wear his flak jacket. Yamato wears a forehead protector similar in style to Nidaime Hokage. A further connection to the brothers Shodai and Nidaime Hokage was seen when he used a Mokuton (Tree Release) technique to threaten his team to calm down and stop their infighting.

Yamato is connected to the legacy of Shodai because he carries his genes within him. When Orochimaru was still a respected ninja within Konoha, he carried out experimental gene therapy on 60 village children. Orochimaru sought to gain Shodai's Mokuton and Bijuu controlling powers for his own. To that end he obtained genetic material and spliced it into 60 children. Orochimaru soon left and never saw the fruit of his labors. All but one of the children died. Yamato managed to survive and grow into a powerful ninja.

Yamato would get his chance to meet his "maker" on the bridge in the Grass Country. When Kabuto appeared alongside Orochimaru in the hopes of killing Sasori, Yamato and his team were given the opportunity to take out Orochimaru for good. When Naruto began to rampage in his tailed Kyuubi form, Yamato used another Shodai ability in controlling the bijuu. He was able to calm Naruto's wild mind and return him to normal. His group then pursued Orochimaru thanks to a tracking seed placed in Sai. Though they successfully infiltrated Orochimaru's compound and found Sasuke, the meeting did not last long. Before Yamato had a chance to get serious, the Sound ninja fled.

Yamato and his team returned to Konoha. They were given a new mission by Tsunade and further built their team dynamics. After the mission, Yamato would assist Kakashi in Naruto's new training regimen. By managing Naruto's Kyuubi powers, Naruto was able to use Tajuu Kage Bunshin and greatly reduce his training time. And with Yamato's Earth, Water and Wood elemental styles, he was able to further teach Naruto how to develop his own unique elemental jutsu.

HATAKE KAKASHI

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 3
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 3
Name meaning: "Dry field, Scarecrow"
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Jounin
Age: 30
Notable Features: Chronically late for meetings, Hides left eye under his forehead protector
Notable Quotes: "Sorry I'm late, I got lost on the road of life."

HISTORY:

A Jounin master, he is the leader of Team 7 (Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura). Although he appears aloof and disinterested, Kakashi is a highly skilled ninja known for the ability to utilize over a thousand jutsu.Though he is not a member of the Uchiha clan, Kakashi holds a Sharingan eye in his left eye. Kakashi received this eye as a gift from his dying teammate Uchiha Obito. Using this eye has gained him the nick name "Copy Ninja Kakashi." With the eye, he has copied over a thousand jutsu.

KAKASHI IN ACTION

HARUNO SAKURA

    First Manga Appearance: Chapter 3
First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
Name meaning: "Spring field, Cherry Blossoms"
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Chuunin - Team 7
Age: 16
Jounin Master: Hatake Kakashi
Notable Features: In love with Uchiha Sasuke, Excellent Student, Knack for Genjutsu
Notable Quotes: "Everyone, this time, get a good look at my back."
See also: Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Hatake Kakashi, Yamanaka Ino

HISTORY:

   A Genin from the village of Konoha, Sakura is a teammate of Uzumaki Naruto. Though Naruto has a crush on her, she does not return the feelings. She instead focuses all her attention on Uchiha Sasuke. But like Naruto to her, Sasuke finds Sakura more annoying than anything.  

Haruno Sakura participates with her team in the Chuunin Exam. During the second test, Orochimaru makes his move towards Sasuke and places a cursed seal on his neck. Naruto is also injured by Orochimaru in the process. It was then up to Sakura to protect them in the Forest of Death when the three Sound Genin began to attack. Sakura came to realize she hadn't been much help in previous missions but this time she could prove herself. She fought back against the Genin, but wasn't much of a match for them. After Ino and her team showed up, Sasuke awoke and was able to drive off the Sound Genin with his new cursed seal power. Later in the third round preliminary match, Sakura was placed against Ino for her match. Both young women had a deep rivalry between them, both longing for the affection of Sasuke. To that end they decided to go all out and fight each other, in the end though they both knocked each other out and scored a double K.O.. As a result they were both eliminated.

Eliminated from the competition, Sakura was forced to watch Naruto and Sasuke participate in the third test from the stands. When Kabuto put the audience to sleep using his Genjutsu, Sakura had the where with all to use a canceling technique to avoid being knocked out. With the help of Shikamaru who also avoided the trap, they awoke Naruto and were sent on a mission by Hatake Kakashi to track and find Sasuke, who had taken chase after Gaara. When they caught up to Gaara, he used his mini-Shukaku form to hurl sand at her, trapping her against a tree. As the sand constricted, she began to lose consciousness. Seeing one of his precious people in harms way, Naruto fought and defeated Gaara in battle, saving Sakura.

After the invasion and appearance of Uchiha Sasuke's brother Itachi, Sasuke began to grow more angry and desperate for power. When Sakura learned he sought to leave Konoha and join Orochimaru, Sakura begged for him to stop. She pleaded that she could help him track down his brother and defeat him. Sasuke was moved in some small way by her words, but he was firm in his decision. He knocked out Sakura and then fled the village. Sakura chose to stay behind when a team of Genin was sent after Sasuke, having to hold faith in Naruto's promise to bring Sasuke back. Naruto failed and Sakura was distraught, but she began to question how useless she had been to her friends and Sasuke. Making a big life decision, she sought out Tsunade and asked to become her pupil.

Tsunade was aware of Kakashi's proud words about Sakura's strengths, so she warned Sakura the training would be tough. Sakura stated she was ready and began her path as the student of Godaime Hokage. Over the next three years Sakura would learn how to become a medical ninja and utilize her excellent chakra control to create a kind of "super" strength in a similar fashion to Tsunade's. She would use these new skills when she was sent to Hidden Sand to help them combat Akatsuki and learn Orochimaru's whereabouts.

                               

UCHIHA SASUKE

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 3 

First Anime Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
Name Meaning: Uchiha=wa/ha character switch to make "fan"; Sasuke= Name of legendary ninja
Hidden Village: Leaf Village
Rank: Genin - Team 7
Age: 16
Jounin Master: Hatake Kakashi
Signature Abilities: Shishi Rendan, Chidori
Notable Features: Number one rookie of his graduating academy class, Finds Sakura's constant affection annoying, Considered very handsome by every girl near his age
Notable Quotes: "I will kill that man."
See also: Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Itachi, Hatake Kakashi, Orochimaru

A Genin from the village of Konoha, Uchiha Sasuke is one of the last surviving members of the Uchiha clan. This clan is known for the genetic ability to use the Sharigan eye. This eye allows its users to copy any jutsu technique their opponent uses. Sasuke's clan was killed by his older brother Itachi, because of that he has devoted his life to killing his brother.

Sasuke's clan were wiped out by his older brother Itachi in a test of his own skills, and to help him attain the Mangekyou Sharingan Eye. Since this incident, Sasuke's life has been influenced towards revenge in almost every step he has taken.

When his brother returned to Konoha and mocked him and his development, Sasuke turned even more morose and focused on revenge. Sasuke had sworn to kill his brother and has hesitated to form friendships with anyone around him. This didn't stop Naruto though from viewing Sasuke as a brother. When Sasuke decided to leave Konoha behind and seek more power from Orochimaru, Naruto swore to stop him. The two engaged in combat and though Sasuke wanted to break any bonds they had, he chose not to kill Naruto.

Over the next few years Sasuke enhanced his skills and pestered Orochimaru to train him further. He joined Kabuto and Orochimaru as they moved to new hideouts to avoid detection. Naruto and Sakura never gave up on getting Sasuke to return to Konoha, and they will do anything to get him back...

CHARACTERS:TEAM 7

Uzumaki Naruto 

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 1

First Anime Appearance: Episode 1

Name Meaning: Uzumaki="Whirlpool", Naruto=A steamed fish-paste cake, also a maelstrom

Hidden Village: Leaf Village

Rank: Genin

Age: 15

Squad: Haruno Sakura, Hatake Kakashi/Yamato

Notable Features: Jinchuuriki host to Nine-tailed Demon Fox, Constant drive to become Hokage and be respected, Able to make connections easily with people

Notable Quotes: Until I become Hokage, I refuse to die!

Special Abilities: Rasengan, Usage of Kyuubi Chakra  

HISTORY:

A Genin from the village of Konoha, Uzumaki Naruto is the container for the Kyuubi Demon Fox. Shortly after he was born, the Kyuubi attacked the village. To stop the demon the Fourth Hokage was forced to imprison it into the body of the young baby Naruto. As Naruto grew up the adults in Leaf Village saw Naruto as the demon fox itself. This feeling was passed on to their children who also looked down on Naruto. Growing up Naruto did not have anyone who really cared him. Because of this Naruto has grown up seeking to have everyone recognize him as being a skilled ninja. To that end his goal is to surpass the Hokage. Though he did not have many friends early in life, Naruto gained many in his development as a ninja. His teammates Sakura and Kakashi still remain close to Naruto and he has grown close to the other ninja who he became Genin with. Naruto was a boy without clear direction until the Sannin Jiraiya entered his life to help him control the Kyuubi to his own needs. With that help, Naruto has been able to push his power to new heights, of recent though this power has potentially gotten the better of him. Naruto has remained a Genin due to his travels outside of Konoha with Jiraiya. His friends have advanced while he has remained stuck. Do not let this fool you though. While his rank may be low, his skill level remains high and his drive to one day become Hokage still remains strong.

What is Naruto?

NARUTO

KYUUBI

 


 

Naruto is a Shonen (teen male oriented) animated series and manga (Japanese comic) created by Masashi Kishimoto. Both the anime and the manga are ongoing in Japan at the moment. The series has been licensed abroad in various countries. You can find Naruto manga on American shelves and the animated series airing in the Philippines. The show takes place in a world populated by ninja villages. The ninja in the series serve as the armies for the countries that inhabit the world. Most of the countries have their own Hidden Village, which serves to train and manage the ninja of the country. Also the ninja in the series are able to utilize jutsu techniques, which are the secrecy, body and illusion arts of the ninja. These allow the ninja to perform many amazing skills such as the manipulation of the surrounding elements. The main character of the series is Uzumaki Naruto, a young boy who dreams of becoming the leader of his Hidden Village. It will be difficult though for Naruto, because when he was a baby an evil demon was placed inside him to stop its rampage. As Naruto grew the townspeople saw Naruto himself as the demon, even though he was merely its container. When the series begins the reader and viewer will begin their journey with Naruto on his path to become respected by the village.