Zaku

Biodata

Background / History

Zaku was one of three Sound Ninja—alongside Dosu and Kin—sent by Orochimaru during the Chunin Exams. The group was ordered to watch Team Seven and act at dawn, though Zaku questioned why Orochimaru considered the target important enough to warrant such caution. 119

While observing Team Seven in the Forest of Death, Zaku and his teammates relied on firelight from several hundred meters away; they lacked specialized reconnaissance abilities and did not realize Team Seven was watching them in return. 120

Team Seven ambushed the Sound Ninja group and took their scrolls. Fighting broke out from Zaku's direction, followed by his scream and sudden silence. 120

Abilities & Skills

Wind Release Tool Augmentation

Zaku could activate Wind Release ninjutsu through tools installed within his body, allowing him to use the technique without forming hand seals. 126

• The body-installed mechanism made his Wind Release difficult for Sasuke to copy through ordinary observation. 126
• His technique was used in his preliminary-round match against Shino Aburame. 126
• The augmentation did not prevent severe injury; one of Zaku's arms was blown off during the match, while his other arm was left effectively unusable. 126

Relationships

• Dosu — Sound Ninja teammate who reminded Zaku of Orochimaru's instructions and later showed him some sympathy after his injury. 119 126
• Kin — Sound Ninja teammate assigned with Zaku and Dosu to observe and act against Team Seven. 120
• Orochimaru — Leader who dispatched Zaku's team during the Chunin Exams. 117 119
• Shino Aburame — Preliminary-round opponent who defeated Zaku. 126
• Team Seven — Targeted by Zaku's team in the Forest of Death; Team Seven ambushed the Sound Ninja and seized their scrolls. 120

Story Role / Major Arcs

Chunin Exams

• Watches Team Seven with Dosu and Kin in the Forest of Death under Orochimaru's orders. 119 120
• Is ambushed during Team Seven's operation to obtain the Sound Ninja's scrolls. 120
• Faces Shino Aburame in the second preliminary match. 126
• Loses an arm in the match and is carried out by a Konoha medical ninja; Shino is declared the winner. 126
• His injury is later noted as more severe than the wounds suffered by Kin and Tenten in their match. 128