Choji Akimichi

Rank: Genin (Original Series), Chuunin (Shippuden Series)
Teammates: Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara
(Twenty Platoons): Ino Yamanaka, Raido Namiashi, Aoba Yamashiro
Sensei: Asuma Sarutobi
Specialties: Multi-Size technique
First Appearance: Naruto manga ch.39, Naruto ep.1 Affiliations: Konoha
Age: 12 (Original Series), 15 (Shippuden Series)
Birthday: May 1,????
Height: 5.13 ft
Weight: 150.6 lb
Blood Type: B
Chakra Type: ?

Biography:



Choji isn’t what you would normally imagine when you think of the word ‘ninja.’ He is rather round and has an insatiable appetite for food, and often eats during the middle of missions, making stealth tactics somewhat difficult. He is a member of Team 10 under Asuma and forms the Ino-Shika-Cho trio with teammates Ino Yamanaka and Shikamaru Nara. The name 'Choji' means "butterfly" and there are many instances in the series where Choji is seen with butterflies. Choji has been best friends with Shikamaru ever since their childhoods. Shikamaru befriended Choji when all the other kids would not let him play because he was chubby. Choji will unquestionably follow Shikamaru’s leadership and becomes angry when anyone insults his friend.

Choji is very sensitive about his size and becomes very aggressive whenever someone calls him “fatso.” People like Naruto and Shikamaru who grew up with Choji know this well, and do everything they can to stop others from making this same mistake before things get messy. However, in a combat situation, this method may be helpful to get Choji into fighting mode quickly. Choji prefers to call himself big-boned and one his favorite cheers is "Poccharikei Banzai" (Hurray for the Chubby). Another way to get Choji motivated is to use food. Choji is often seen chomping down on bags of potato chips, but his favorite food is yakiniku (Japanese/Korean BBQ). Asuma had the habit of rewarding his team with yakiniku whenever they successfully complete a tough mission; but with Choji on his team this often results in Asuma emptying out his wallet.

As a member of the Akimichi clan, Choji uses his large size to his advantage in combat. His most basic technique is Multi-Size jutsu and it allows him to increase the size and strength of certain parts or his entire body by increasing chakra output. This makes Choji primarily taijutsu type fighter, but his attacks depend more on raw physical power than precision strikes. Choji’s purely offensive jutsus make him an ideal teammate to Ino and Shikamaru who can set the enemy up for his attacks using their support jutsu.

Ino Yamanaka

Rank: Genin (Original Series), Chuunin (SHippuden Series)
Teammates: Choji Akimichi, Shikamaru Nara
(Twenty Platoons):Choji Akimichi, Raido Namiashi, Aoba Yamashiro
Sensei: Asuma Sarutobi
Specialties: Mind control jutsu, Medical Ninjutsu
First Appearance: Naruto manga ch.39, Naruto ep.1 Affiliations: Konohagakure
Age: 12 (Original Series), 15 (SHippuden Series)
Birthday: September 23,????
Height: 4.90 ft
Weight: 84.2 lb
Blood Type: B
Chakra Type: ?

Biography:


Ino is a member of the Yamanaka clan and she helps her family runs a flower shop in Konoha. She is somewhat superficial and likes to judge people based on their beauty and appearance. Her teammates are Choji Akimichi and Shikamaru Nara. Together they form the Ino-Shika-Cho trio much like their parents had done when they were teammates. Even though she is often critical of Choji and Shikamaru’s appearances, Ino does genuinely care about her teammates and the three are close friends.


Those of the Yamanaka bloodline are famous for their mind controlling techniques. It is primarily a support type jutsu, but more advanced users can use the techniques offensively. Ino often uses her jutsu as part of the Ino-Shika-Cho combo where Shikamaru holds the target in place while she gains control of the body, then returning to her body just before Choji’s attack.

Ino and Sakura Haruno were good childhood friends; Ino helped the shy Sakura gain confidence in herself. When both of them developed crushes for Sasuke, Sakura and Ino became rivals and competed against each other in everything they did. Ino's name actually means "boar", which is what Sakura often calls her to insult her. After learning that Sakura began training as a medical ninja, Ino sought Tsunade’s help as well. Part of the reason may be to compete with Sakura, but Ino also wanted to become more useful to her teammates. Ino showed interest in Sai when they first met because he resembled Sasuke. She may have developed some feelings for him after Sai called her a “beautiful lady.”

Shikamaru Nara

Rank: Genin (part I), Chuunin (part II)
Teammates: Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi
(Twenty Platoons): Asuma Sarutobi, Kotetsu Hagane, Izumo Kamizuki
Sensei: Asuma Sarutobi
Specialties: Shadow Possession jutsu
First Appearance: Naruto manga ch.39, Naruto ep.1 Affiliations: Konohagakure
Age: 12 (Original Series), 15 (Shippuden Series)
Birthday: September 22,????
Height: 4.99 ft
Weight: 94.6 lb
Blood Type: AB
Chakra Type: ?

Biography:



Shikamaru is definitely one of the most intelligent shinobi to have come from Konoha, yet he is probably also one of the laziest. Shikamaru is a member of the Nara clan, who are famous for raising deer and making medicine from their antlers. He chose to become a shinobi because he thought it would be interesting and allow him to live an easy life, but has since realized it’s a lot more work than he had originally anticipated. One of his favorite catchphrases is “what a pain.”

That said, when Shikamaru puts his mind to it, he becomes a strategy genius and is able to generate and analyze hundreds of possible moves in mere moments. According to Asuma, Shikamaru has an IQ of over 200. Even though he just taught Shikamaru how to play Shogi (Japanese chess), Asuma has never managed to win a game against his student. Shikamaru’s brilliance makes him a natural team leader, even though he often tries to back out of the role. Out of the eleven Konoha genin who entered the Chunin Exam, Shikamaru was the only one to advance to the Chunin rank.

Because of his mother’s bossy behaviour, Shikamaru has come to view all women as troublesome. Ironically, nearly all of his opponents so far in the Naruto series have been female. Shikamaru is also often seen with Temari, making some fans speculate that there may be a relationship between the two.

Like his father, Shikamaru is also skilled in the use of Kagemane or Shadow Imitation jutsu. Although it is not entirely clear how the jutsu works, it is known that it uses chakra to manipulate shadows at the will of the user. Once an opponent’s shadow is in contact with the user’s shadow, his body will be force to copy the exact movements of the user. In its most basic state, the Kagemane is a support type jutsu, but more advanced techniques such as the Kage Nui can use the shadows for offensive purposes as well.

Asuma Sarutobi

Rank: Jonin
Team Consists Of: Choji Akimichi, Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka
Specialties: Close quarters combat, Fire jutsus
Affiliations: Konohagakure, Twelve Shinobi Guardmen (former)
Age: 27 (Original Series), 30(Shippuden Series)
Birthday: October 18,????
Height: 6.26 feet
Weight: 180.0 lb
Blood Type: O
Chakra Type: Fire, Wind

Biography:



Asuma is the team leader of Team 10 consisting of Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka and Choji Akimichi. He is generally a laid back individual, but is highly loyal to his friends and comrades and will do all he can to protect them. He is the son of the Third Hokage which also makes him an uncle of Konohamaru. In his youth, Asuma left Konoha after a dispute with his father to join the Twelve Shinobi Guardsman, the elite escorts of the Daimyo of the Country of Fire. While in their service, Asuma apparently accumulated a bounty of 35 million ryous on his head in the criminal underground. Asuma eventually left the Twelve Shinobi Guardsmen and returned to serve Konoha, but he still wears the red sash with the Fire emblem inscription indicating of his affiliation with the Guardsmen.

After becoming the leader of Team 10, Asuma showed an interest in Shikamaru. Asuma became a friend as well as a tutor for the young shinobi and the two often play Shogi together, though Asuma has never beaten Shikamaru before. Asuma is almost always seen with a cigarette in his mouth. He is a chain smoker and only quits for a time when something serious occurs. It seems Shikamaru may have picked up on the habit from his sensei. Although both adamantly deny it, Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi have had a relationship since the beginning of the series. It was revealed in Naruto part II that Kurenai is actually pregnant with Asuma’s child. Sadly, Asuma was killed by the Akatsuki member Hidan. Shikamaru has pledged that he will protect the child in Asuma’s place.

In combat, Asuma wields dual trench knives which can be imbued with his Wind chakra to extend the range and cutting power of his blades. Asuma’s fight style also makes him a natural close quarters brawler. Asuma also specializes in Fire based jutsus which complements his short range attacks with mid-range offensive techniques.

Shino Aburame

Rank: Genin (Original Series), Chuunin (Shippuden Series)
Teammates: Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuga
Team Leader: Kurenai Yuhi
Specialties: Kikaichu Bug host, Insect attacks, Stealth, Tracking
First Appearance: Naruto manga ch., Naruto ep. 1 Affiliations: Konoha
Age: 12 (Original Series), 15 (Shippuden Series)
Birthday: January 23,????
Height: 5.12 ft
Weight: 101.0 lb
Blood Type: AB
Chakra Type: Unknown

Biography:



Shino is one of the more mysterious members of the original “Konoha 11” genins. From the outside, Shino appears very quiet and emotionless. He speaks bluntly and logically, and his actions also reflect these characteristics. Although these traits may sometimes cause people to see him as “cold” or “creepy”, Shino’s teammates, Hinata and Kiba, know him as a strong individual who cares for the wellbeing of his friends and prefers to solve conflicts non-violently. Shino is highly intelligent and remains calm even in the midst of battle. Like Shikamaru, he is a gifted strategist and stays several steps ahead of his enemy in order to control the battle.

As a member of Konoha’s Aburame clan, Shino’s body has been specially infused with Kikaichu
Bugs (Destruction Bugs) that literally use his body as their nest. The Aburame clan are famously known for their symbiosis with insects and their ability to use them in combat. The Kikaichu Bugs are especially interesting in that they consume the chakra of the enemy and effectively incapacitate the enemy. They are directly under the control of their host, and in return they survive on the host’s chakra when not in combat.

Kiba Inuzuka

Rank: Genin (Original Series), Chuunin (Shippuden Series)
Teammates: Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuga
Team Leader: Kurenai Yuhi
Specialties: Hand-to-hand combat, Tracking
First Appearance: Naruto manga ch., Naruto ep. 1 Affiliations: Konoha
Age: 12 (Original Series), 15 (Shippuden Series)
Birthdate: July 7,????
Height: 5.00 ft
Weight: 98.5 lb
Blood Type: B
Chakra Type: Unknown

Biography:



Kiba is a member of Konoha's Inuzuka clan who are characterized by their highly symbiotic relationships with their dog companions. His name “Kiba” means fang and it reflects his wild appearance. Kiba is always seen with his young dog, Akamaru, who often rides on his head or is carried in the front of his jacket. Kiba is highly devoted to Akamaru and is the only one who can understand his barks. In part II, Akamaru has grown enormously and is large enough for Kiba to ride on.

In combat, Kiba is a close ranged brawler and uses many techniques aimed at inflicting raw physical damage quickly. Akamaru often fights by his side and can even transform into Kiba’s form to confuse the enemy. Outside of combat, Kiba is also a valuable tracking expert. By focusing chakra to his nose, he can magnify his sense of smell a thousand times. Kakashi has stated that Kiba's tracking skills even outrank his own Nin Dogs.

Hinata Hyuga

Rank: Genin (Original Series), Chuunin (Shippuden Series)
Teammates: Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame
Team Leader: Kurenai Yuhi
Specialties: Hand-to-hand combat (Gentle Fist), Byakugan (Bloodline Limit), Tracking
First Appearance: Naruto manga ch., Naruto ep. 1 Affiliations: Konoha
Age: 12 (Original Series), 15 (Shippuden Series)
Birthdate: December 27, ????
Height: 4.83 ft
Weight: 83.6 lb
Blood Type: A
Chakra Type: Unknown

Biography:



Hinata is the daughter of Hiashi Hyuga, the leader of the main branch in the Hyuga clan. She is the successor to the clan, but her father had at one time believed her to be a failure and turned his efforts to training her sister, Hanabi, instead. Hinata is timid and lacks confidence in herself. These traits hampered her advancement as a genin, but Hinata continued to try to improve herself. Hinata has had a crush on Naruto ever since their days at the Ninja Academy, but has never had the courage to confess to him. However, it is Naruto ‘s determination and confidence which have inspired. Her attempts to change herself are not only for self-improvement, but are also an effort to impress Naruto.

Because of Naruto’s encouragement, Hinata was able to confront her cousin, Neji Hyuga, during the Chunin exam battles. Neji, at the time, bared a grudge against the main branch family and was far superior in skill compared to Hinata. Even so, Hinata persevered in the battle even though she received serious injuries and had no chance of winning. Even though she lost, it was a turning point for Hinata as afterwards she began to gain more confidence in herself and also improve her skills.

Kurenai Yuhi

Rank: Jonin
Team Consists Of: Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka
Specialties: Gengutsu
First Appearance: Naruto manga ch.36, Naruto ep. 21
Affiliations: Konohagakure
Age: 27 (Oeiginal Series) 30(Shippuden Series)
Birthdate: June 11, ????
Height: 5.55ft
Weight: 119.9 lb
Blood Type: AB
Chakra Type: Unknown

Biography:




Kurenai Yuhi is a Jonin rank shinobi of Konoha and is the team leader of Team 8 consisting of Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and herself. Kurenai was a Ninja Academy instructor for many years prior to becoming a Jonin. She prefers to use a supportive approach in training the Genins under her care. Kurenai is especially supportive of Hinata’s development after witnessing how she was looked down upon by her father, Hiashi Hyuga, at the beginning of the series. Kurenai not only guided Hinata in her development as a shinobi but also gave her encouragement with regard to her crush on Naruto Uzumaki.

Although the two always denied the fact, Kurenai and Asuma Sarutobi had a very close relationship since the beginning of the series. It's no coincidence that the two were always seen together whenever they were not on missions. In Naruto part II, the revelation that Kurenai was pregnant with Asuma's baby proved the extent of their relationship. Sadly, Asuma died in the line of action while fighting Hidan of Akatsuki. After revenging Asuma, Shikamaru Nara pledged to Kurenai that he will always be there to protect the child.

Kurenai is highly intelligent and this makes her a natural genjutsu user. Although she has not been seen in combat much in the series, the jutsus which she has performed are primarily genjutsu. Her Demonic Illusion: Tree Bind Death is a particularly high level genjutsu, even for a Jonin. Unfortunately, even such a high calibre technique proved ineffective against the infamous Itachi Uchiha. According to the anime filler Kurama Clan arc, prior to the her command of Team 8, Kurenai was a special tutor for Yakumo Kurama. Yakumo possessed a powerful genjutsu ability, but on the order of the Third Hokage, Kurenai sealed away Yakumo’s powers.

Kakashi Hatake

Rank: Jonin
Team Consists Of: Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, Sasuke Uchiha (Original Series), Sai (Shippuden Series)
Students: Sasuke Uchiha (Original Series)
Former Sensei: Fourth Hokage
Former Teammates: Obito Uchiha, Rin
Specialties: Sharingan, Chidori, Tracking skills
First Appearance: Naruto manga ch.3, Naruto ep.3 Affiliations: Konohagakure, ANBU
Age: 26 (Original Series), 29 (Shippuden Series)
Birthday: September 15, ????
Height: 5.94 ft
Weight: 148.8 lb
Blood Type: O
Chakra Type: Lightning, Fire, Water, Earth

Biography:


Kakashi Hatake is the team leader of team 7, originally consisting of Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke. He is one of Konoha’s elite Jonin ninja, having served in ANBU and having mastered many jutsus. Kakashi's father was the famed Sakumo Hatake, also known as the White Fang of Konoha. Kakashi is also known as Copy Ninja Kakashi and Sharigan Kakashi because of his left eye is a Sharigan eye. With the powerful abilities of the Sharingan, Kakashi is said to have copied over one thousand jutsus. However, even though the Sharigan is a bloodline ability of the Uchiha clan, Kakashi is not related to that family. He received the Sharigan surgically as a final gift from a dying teammate, Obito Uchiha. Because he is not of Uchiha lineage, Kakashi only has limited use of the Sharigan and prolonged use drains his chakra rapidly. Hence, Kakashi normally keeps his left eye covered with his headband and unveils the Sharigan only when it is absolutely necessary.
Kakashi usually has a lazy look about him and always seems to be tardy. Bust despite his appearances, Kakashi is a highly intelligent ninja with the skills to match. His belief is that your teammates come first before anything else during a mission, and has passed those values onto his own students.

Sasuke Uchiha

Rank: Genin (Original Series), Missing Ninja (Shippuden Series)
Former Teammates: Sakura Haruno (Original Series), Naruto Uzumaki (Original Series)
Teammates(Shippuden Series): Suigetsu Hozuki, Karin, Jugo
Sensei: Kakashi Hatake (Original Series), Orochimaru (Shippuden Series)
Specialties: Sharingan, Chidori, Grand Fire Ball, Genjutsu, Speed
First Appearance: Naruto manga ch.3, Naruto anime ep.3
Affiliations: Snake, Konohagakure (former), Sound (former)
Age: 12 (Original Series), 15 (Shippuden Series) (July 23)
Height: 156.2cm (Original Series), 168cm (Shippuden Series)
Weight: 42.5kg (Original Series), 52.2kg (Shippuden Series)
Blood Type: AB
Chakra Type: Fire, Lightning

Biography:




When Sasuke was attending Konoha's Ninja Academy, instructors often referred to him as the "Number One Rookie" becuase his skills far exceeded those of his classmates. Sasuke is one of two surviving members of the Uchiha clan, which was once the most powerful family in the Leaf Village. The other survivor is Sasuke's older brother, Itachi Uchiha, the man responsible for single-handedly killing all the other members of the Uchiha clan. For that reason, Sasuke has proclaimed himself as an avenger, his only goal in life is to become strong enough to kill his brother. Sasuke is a lone wolf, he initially saw his teammates, Naruto and Sakura, as hindrances. In many occasions, Sasuke took on enemies by himself instead of relying on team work. Sasuke is excellent in hand-to-hand combat, often using speed and agility to surprise his foes. For a shinobi of such a young age, Sasuke has mastered very complex jutsus as a genin.

At the end of part I, Sasuke's lust for revenge against his brother Itachi drives him to accept Orochimaru's offer. Although he knows Orochimaru only wants to use his body for his next host, Sasuke is willing to make the sacrifice as long as he gains the power needed to finally kill his brother. But nearing the day of the body transfer, in a surprising move, Sasuke turned on Orochimaru and defeated him in his own dimension. He then set about gathering members from Orochimaru's organization to form his own team, Snake. The four man team consists of Suigetsu, Karin, Jugo and Sasuke himself. Sasuke created the team for the sole purpose of helping him track down and killing Itachi.

Sakura Haruno

Rank: Genin (Original Series), Chuunin (Shippuden Series)
Teammates: Sasuke Uchiha (Original Series), Naruto Uzumaki (Original&Shippuden), Sai (shippuden Series)
Team Leaders: Kakashi Hatake, Captain Yamato (Shippuden Series)
Sensei: Tsunade
Specialties: Medical jutsu, Superhuman strength
First Appearance: Naruto manga ch.3, Naruto anime ep.3 Affiliations: Konoha
Age: 12 (Original Series), 15 (II) (March 28)
Height: 150.1cm (Original Series), 161cm (Shippuden Series)
Weight: 25.9kg (Original Series), 45.4kg (Shippuden Series)
Blood Type: O
Chakra Type: Unknown





Biography:
Sakura's prescence in Team 7 is usually overshadowed by the actions of Naruto and Sasuke. This is probably because Sakura has led the most normal childhood out of the three. Although Sakura does not possess any special ninjutsu or taijustu, she excels at manipulating chakra and is highly resistant to genjutsu (illusionary techniques). Her best traits are her intelligence and her excellent control of chakra. The latter ability makes her an ideal candidate as a medical ninja, which Tsunade has observed. Sakura does not excel at any particular type of jutsu, but is equally sufficient in each category. Her chakra control makes mastering new techniques easier. Sakura's intelligence and calmness often makes her the voice of reason in a group of hotheads.



At the end of part II, after seeing the beaten and injured Naruto from his failed mission to bring Sasuke back to Konoha, Sakura realizes she must stop relying so much on others for help. She begins training with Tsunade as a medical ninja and begins learning medical based jutsu as well as increasing her body's strength through the focussing of chakra.

Naruto Uzumaki

Rank: Genin
Teammates: Sakura Haruno, Sasuke Uchiha (Original Series), Sai (Shippuden Series)
Team Leaders: Kakashi Hatake, Captain Yamato
Sensei (Master): Jiryia
Specialties: Rasengan, Shadow Clones, Massive Chakra, Host of the Kyuubi (Nine Tailed Fox Spirit)
First Appearance: Naruto anime ep.1, Naruto manga ch.1
Home Village: Konohagakure (Hidden Leaf Village)
Age: 12 (Original Series), 15 (Shippuden Seires)
Birthdate: Oct. 10, ????
Height: 145.3cm (Original Series), 166cm (Shippuden Series)
Weight: 40.6kg (Original Series), 50.9kg (Shippuden Series)
Blood Type: B
Chakra Type: Wind


Biography:

Naruto was once described by Kakashi Hatake as Konoha’s “number one loudest, unpredictable, hyperactive knuckle headed ninja.” Naruto is always energetic and a prankster at heart. Although he might not be the most skilled ninja when it comes to any of the jutsu disciplines, his resourcefulness and cleverness has surprised many opponents in combat. He has repeated declared his own “Way of the Ninja” in the series; this is mostly comprised of never giving up and going back on his promises, as well as always using his strength to protect his friends and loved ones. But Naruto’s strong will can also turn into stubbornness and even brashness in battle. On more than one occasion, his teammates had to step in and stop Naruto from charging forward blindly in a fit of rage.

Naruto is the son of the late Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and a kunoichi from the former Whirlpool Country, Kushina Uzumaki. It has been commented by Tsunade and Jiraiya that although Naruto resembles his father the most, his personality and jutsu style are almost identical to his mother’s. In order to stop the rampaging Nine-Tailed Demon Fox Kyuubi from destroying Konoha, the Fourth Hokage sealed Kyuubi inside his own infant son, Naruto. However, Namikaze soon died from the process, leaving Naruto an orphan (it is presumed his mother passed away previously). Even though the Third Hokage forbid the adults from speaking about the demon sealed inside Naruto, most still feared and ostracized him. Even so, Naruto wouldn't let anyone stop him from his goal to eventually become Konoha’s Hokage.

Naruto took his first step towards his goal when he graduated from the Ninja Academy to become a genin level ninja. His mentor and closest person to a family was Iruka Umino, who despite having his own parents killed by Kyuubi, did not bear any grudge against Naruto. Because of the Kyuubi’s chakra off-balancing his own, Naruto had a hard time performing even basic jutsus and was often picked on by other kids. Iruka was always there to encourage him and often treated Naruto to ramen at Ichiraku’s to reward him for achieving certain goals.


After graduating, Naruto gained new friends in the form of his new sensei and teammates, Kakashi Hatake, Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha. Although it was rough at first, Naruto eventually made strong bonds with Sasuke and Sakura, and was willing to do everything he can to protect them. Naruto had a crush on Sakura, but she repeatedly had made it clear to him that she was only interested in Sasuke. It would not be until part II did Sakura’s feelings for Naruto began to surface. Naruto’s determination to become Hokage one day even affected Tsunade, who would become the Fifth Hokage. Because Naruto’s spirit resembled so much of her little brother Nawaki and her lover Dan (both killed in the Ninja Wars), Tsunade decided to pass on her amulet from the First Hokage to Naruto. The amulet will be crucial later in the series because it contains a special chakra crystal which allowed the First Hokage to tame tailed beasts.


During the Sasuke Retrieval arc, Naruto and other Konoha shinobi under Shikamaru’s leadership set out to bring Saskue back to Konoha. It ultimately led to Naruto facing Sasuke in a one-on-one battle at the Valley of the End. Naruto failed to defeat Sasuke, who went on alone to join Orochimaru’s organization. Naruto nearly lost his life in the battle, alive only because of Kyuubi’s regenerative abilities and the fact that Sasuke did not finish him off. Nevertheless, Naruto was not about to give up on Sasuke. Even as he sat in his hospital bed, he pledged to Sakura again to bring Sasuke back for her.