Tsunade

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Tsunade (纲手)
Alias(es)	Lady Tsunade; Princess Tsunade; Fifth Hokage 43 232 233
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Konohagakure 40 232
Occupation/Role	Legendary Sannin; renowned Medical Ninja; Fifth Hokage 40 233
First Appearance	Chapter 43

History

Return to Konoha

Tsunade is located in Tanzaku Street by Jiraiya and his disciple, Naruto. A compulsive gambler, she interprets an unlikely jackpot as an omen of misfortune. Jiraiya asks her to return to Konohagakure and succeed the late Hiruzen Sarutobi as Hokage, but she initially refuses. 43

Orochimaru exploits her grief by offering to revive Dan Katō and Nawaki in exchange for her help. The prospect leaves her conflicted, while the sight of blood triggers the severe hemophobia she developed after being unable to save Dan. 44 45

Tsunade ultimately returns to protect Naruto and Shizune from Orochimaru's faction. She covers her eyes with a black cloth to keep her hemophobia from immobilizing her, then enters the battle and drives Yakushi Kabuto back with a ground-shattering kick. 47

After returning to Konoha, she initially refuses the Hokage post when the village advisors reverse their position. The threat posed by Akatsuki convinces her to accept the role on the condition that the village prepare for one year. 50

Leadership and War

Tsunade becomes integrated into Konoha's administration, reviewing promotions and supporting its medical-ninjutsu development. She personally approves Hinata Hyuga's advancement to Special Jonin after reviewing her mission record, examinations, Byakugan, and medical skills. 164

During Pain's assault on Konoha, she fights beside Jiraiya inside the Great Toad's body. Her close-quarters strength is used to pressure the Asura Path while she prevents the Preta Path from absorbing Jiraiya's ninjutsu. 175

As Fifth Hokage during later events involving Uzumaki Tenba, Tsunade is critically injured and exhausted before Tenba restores her through cellular reorganization. She subsequently accepts him as a bodyguard for the Five Kage Summit in exchange for Konoha issuing information requests on his behalf. 232 233

In the Fourth Shinobi World War, Tsunade summons Katsuyu and releases her Yin Seal to preserve Mei Terumī's life after a Dust Release attack. Even while Dan Katō's Spirit Transformation Technique assaults her mind, she refuses to surrender the Jinchūriki in exchange for the Daimyos' safety. 241

She resigns as Commander-in-Chief and recommends Tenba as her replacement after he saves her and the Daimyos, though he declines the role. 241

Appearance

Tsunade is typically seen with long light-colored hair, a gray high-collared dress, and a green gambling robe. Her appearance can be altered through transformation techniques. 236 240 256

• Diamond-shaped mark on her forehead when her Yin Seal is released. 241
• Often wears an open-fronted gray outfit beneath her green robe. 47
• Can disguise herself as an elderly woman by dispelling her appearance-altering technique. 256

Personality

Tsunade is blunt, proud, and quick to anger, especially when challenged or when others make claims about Konoha without evidence. She openly confronts the Raikage at the Five Kage Summit rather than tolerate his accusations. 235

Her gambling addiction and reluctance to accept office reflect a tendency to avoid the burdens associated with her past. Her losses—Dan, Nawaki, and the trauma surrounding their deaths—also leave her vulnerable to manipulation and blood-triggered paralysis. 43 44 45

Despite this, Tsunade repeatedly chooses responsibility over self-preservation. She returns to protect Naruto and Shizune, heals allies under battlefield pressure, and accepts political consequences for refusing to sacrifice the Jinchūriki. 47 241

Abilities & Skills

Medical Ninjutsu

Tsunade is a renowned Medical Ninja credited with saving countless lives during the Third Shinobi War. 40

• Uses the Mystical Palm Technique to treat Jiraiya's injuries. 47 78
• Can coordinate large-scale emergency treatment through Katsuyu. 241
• Evaluates medical-ninjutsu aptitude and identifies Hinata as a possible candidate for the Hundred Healings Jutsu. 78
• Her hemophobia can severely restrict her ability to act when blood is present. 45 47

Yin Seal and Hundred Healings

Tsunade bears a diamond-shaped seal on her forehead and can release its stored chakra in critical situations. 241

• Releases the Yin Seal to transfer chakra to Katsuyu and stabilize Mei Terumī after a catastrophic Dust Release wound. 241
• The Hundred Healings Jutsu is considered an advanced technique that Hinata may be capable of learning under Tsunade's guidance. 78
• Extended healing can leave Tsunade depleted enough that she cannot maintain her usual appearance. 232

Superhuman Strength and Taijutsu

Tsunade's fighting style centers on direct, overwhelming physical force.

• A single kick fractures the ground and sends a fissure toward Yakushi Kabuto. 47
• Her punches and kicks are described as surging like waves while fighting the Asura Path. 175
• Uses the Heavenly Foot in an attempt to strike Naruto during the final conflict. 278

Summoning Technique

Tsunade can summon Katsuyu, using the slug to distribute chakra and provide medical support across the battlefield. 241

Transformation Technique

Tsunade can conceal her usual appearance with a transformation technique.

• Dispels the technique to appear as an elderly woman while in captivity. 256

Relationships

• Jiraiya — Childhood companion and fellow Sannin. He repeatedly seeks her return to Konoha; their long-standing bond develops into mutual reliance in battle and administration. 43 44 164 175
• Shizune — Her student and close attendant. Shizune protects Tsunade during Orochimaru's approach and remains at her side through her recovery and Hokage duties. 43 44 47 164
• Uzumaki Naruto — Jiraiya's disciple, whose determination helps push Tsunade to confront her past. She returns to the battlefield to protect him and later gives him a pendant intended to suppress the Nine-Tails' influence. 43 47
• Uzumaki Tenba — A powerful traveler who heals Tsunade after she is critically injured and later serves as her bodyguard at the Five Kage Summit. Their relationship becomes increasingly personal during the war. 232 233 243 247
• Dan Katō — Her deceased former boyfriend. His death is central to Tsunade's hemophobia and remains a source of emotional vulnerability. 44 241
• Nawaki — Her deceased brother. Orochimaru uses the promise of reviving him, alongside Dan, to pressure Tsunade. 44
• Hinata Hyuga — A medical-ninjutsu trainee within Tsunade's circle. Tsunade recognizes her potential for Hundred Healings and approves her Special Jonin promotion. 78 164

Notable Quotes

“No matter what, we will not hand over the Jinchūriki! Even if you all... kill the Daimyo!” 241