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Biodata
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kushimaru Kuriarare (粟霰串丸) |
| Alias(es) | Wielder of Nuibari; second among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen 50 |
| Gender | Male |
| Affiliation | Kirigakure |
| Occupation/Role | Member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist |
| Status | Deceased — killed by Jiogan during the Second Shinobi World War 147 |
| First Appearance | Mentioned in Chapter 50; appears in Chapter 99 |
Background
Kushimaru led a Kirigakure force of roughly fifteen shinobi alongside Jūzō Biwa on a covert mission toward the Land of Whirlpools. Their objective was to harm the Uzumaki Clan, apparently to obtain its sealing techniques. Jiogan uncovered and relayed the operation to Konoha while undercover in Kirigakure 50.
During Kirigakure's war against Konoha, Kushimaru and Munashi Jinpachi confronted Jiogan near the Kirigakure command post after Jiogan had defeated the Kaguya Clan's combatants. Kushimaru initially defended against Jiogan's Water Needle Technique by using Nuibari to flick the needles away 99.
Jiogan then targeted Kushimaru with an omnidirectional barrage of Water Needles. Kushimaru attempted to defend with Water Release, but his ninjutsu could not block every angle of attack; he collapsed after being riddled with needle wounds. Jiogan seized Nuibari and Shibuki as spoils of war 99.
Abilities & Skills
Swordsmanship
Kushimaru wielded Nuibari with enough precision to deflect Jiogan's Water Needles during their initial exchange 99.
- Used Nuibari to flick incoming water needles aside. 99
- His distinctive sword techniques were never displayed, as Jiogan's superior firepower prevented him from mounting an extended offense. 99
Water Release
Kushimaru could use Water Release defensively in combat.
- Raised Water Release defenses against Jiogan's surrounding barrage of Water Needles. 99
- His defensive ninjutsu was insufficient against attacks arriving from every direction. 99
Equipment / Weapons / Items
- Nuibari — Kushimaru's Longsword and one of Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swords. It was taken by Jiogan after Kushimaru's death. 99
- Nuibari's sealing scroll — Jiogan kept the sword sealed to prevent Kirigakure from recalling it through its secret summoning technique. 148
Relationships
- Jūzō Biwa — Fellow Seven Ninja Swordsman and participant in Kushimaru's covert force targeting the Uzumaki Clan. 50
- Munashi Jinpachi — Fellow Seven Ninja Swordsman; fought alongside Kushimaru against Jiogan and was defeated in the same encounter. 99
- Jiogan — Konoha adversary who killed Kushimaru and claimed Nuibari as a war trophy. 99 147
Story Role / Major Arcs
Planned Attack on Uzushio
Kushimaru is identified as the leader of a Kirigakure operation intended to target the Uzumaki Clan in the Land of Whirlpools. The intelligence reaches Konoha, prompting Hiruzen Sarutobi to dispatch Orochimaru and an Anbu squad to intervene. 50
Eastern Front Defeat
Kushimaru joins Munashi Jinpachi in confronting Jiogan during Kirigakure's retreat. Despite his skill with Nuibari, he is killed before he can use his unique sword techniques. 99
Legacy of Nuibari
Kushimaru's death is counted among the losses suffered by Kirigakure's direct forces during the war. Kirigakure later requests Nuibari's return from Konoha alongside Shibuki. 102 144