Tsunade

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Tsunade (纲手)
Alias(es)	Fifth Hokage; Lady Tsunade
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Konohagakure; Hokage faction
Occupation/Role	Fifth Hokage; medical-ninjutsu authority
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 28

Background / History

Tsunade was away from Konoha when the Konoha Crush claimed the life of the Third Hokage. After receiving information relayed through Sage Katsuyu that Root had remained inactive during the attack and that Danzo could exploit the crisis, she chose to return immediately. The Daimyo appointed her Fifth Hokage upon her arrival. 28

Her first act as Hokage was to confront Danzo over Root's inaction. With the Daimyo's backing, she reduced Root's funding by thirty percent and its personnel by ten percent, with Kakashi selecting the excess members; the decision damaged Danzo's political position and strengthened the Hokage faction. 28

Tsunade later learned from Uzuki Yugao that Su Yu possessed multiple Kekkei Genkai and may have fled Konoha because of Danzo's connection to his parents' deaths. Rather than treating him solely as a defector, she sent Yugao to remain beside him as protector, liaison, and observer, using Katsuyu for communication. She also entrusted Yugao with the First Hokage's necklace for Su Yu, framing it as an expectation that he might one day become Hokage while privately using it to test his loyalty. 29

When Su Yu returned with Temari after stopping Root's attack on her convoy, Tsunade accepted his proposed settlement with Sunagakure and arranged compensation and Anbu escorts for future supply transports. She also received his research on Wind Style: Rasenshuriken, Wind Release Chakra Mode, and Medical Ninjutsu. 40 41

After witnessing Su Yu produce Ice Release through the fusion of Wind and Water chakra, Tsunade reconsidered Konoha's failed bloodline research. She agreed to fund his Kekkei Genkai research and provide personnel, while requiring his help in creating a reserve Jinchuriki for Konoha. 41

Personality

Tsunade is direct and confrontational when Konoha's interests are threatened. She openly accused Danzo of failing the village during the Konoha Crush and imposed punishments that curtailed Root's resources and influence. 28

She is also politically calculating. Her deployment of Uzuki Yugao and the First Hokage's necklace was intended to assess Su Yu's allegiance, even though Yugao believed the gesture reflected sincere confidence in him. 29

Despite her suspicion of Su Yu, Tsunade recognizes exceptional talent and practical value. She was impressed by his medical research, new techniques, and Ice Release theory, and chose to support his work rather than dismiss it because it challenged established beliefs about Kekkei Genkai. 40 41

Tsunade occasionally avoids administrative work by drinking sake at the Senju compound and leaving Shizune to manage the Hokage Office, though she responds decisively when urgent matters arise. 40

Abilities & Skills

Medical Ninjutsu

Tsunade is regarded as the foremost medical ninja in the context, and her notes serve as a major source of medical knowledge for Su Yu and Yakushi Kabuto. 27 37

• Her research notes include explanations of Chakra Enhanced Strength and research into the Raikage's Lightning Release Chakra Mode. 32
• Su Yu considers her notes valuable enough to study thoroughly and later offers medical-ninjutsu insights derived from them to Tsunade. 36 40
• She recognizes Haruno Sakura as a possible assistant for Shizune after Su Yu recommends Sakura's medical potential. 40

Chakra Enhanced Strength

Tsunade's Chakra Enhanced Strength concentrates chakra in the fist and releases it instantaneously to create overwhelming striking force. 32

• It serves as the comparison point for Su Yu's improved Wind Release Chakra Mode. 40
• The technique requires highly precise chakra control. 32

Political Leadership

As Fifth Hokage, Tsunade consolidates the Hokage faction, manages inter-village tensions, and restricts Root's ability to act independently. 28 41

• Reduced Root's funding by thirty percent and personnel by ten percent following its inaction during the Konoha Crush. 28
• Approved compensation and ongoing Anbu protection for Sunagakure's supply exchange after Root attacked Temari's escort. 41
• Assigned Anko Mitarashi as Su Yu's subordinate, declaring that Su Yu's orders carried her authority. 46
• Funded Su Yu's Kekkei Genkai research and supplied personnel for it. 41

Equipment / Items

• First Hokage's Necklace — A relic Tsunade gives Uzuki Yugao to deliver to Su Yu; it represents her stated expectation that he could become the next Hokage, while also functioning as a test of his loyalty. 29
• Medical notes — Research notes kept among Konoha's collected records; Su Yu steals them during the Konoha Crush, copies them, and later gives the original to Yakushi Kabuto. 27 37

Relationships

• Su Yu — A powerful and unpredictable Konoha-affiliated operative whom Tsunade initially monitors through Uzuki Yugao; she later supports his research and relies on him to help manage the Sunagakure crisis. 29 40 41
• Danzo — Political adversary. Tsunade holds him responsible for Root's failure to defend Konoha and significantly reduces Root's funding and personnel. 28
• Uzuki Yugao — Hokage Direct Squad member sent by Tsunade to protect, contact, and monitor Su Yu; Yugao receives the First Hokage's necklace to deliver on Tsunade's behalf. 29
• Shizune — Trusted assistant who manages Hokage duties in Tsunade's absence and is described as Tsunade's direct disciple. 28 40
• Temari — Sunagakure representative whose safety Tsunade treats as essential to preventing war; Tsunade offers compensation and Anbu escort arrangements after Root's attack. 40 41
• Anko Mitarashi — Assigned by Tsunade as Su Yu's subordinate during the mission to Sunagakure. 46
• Haruno Sakura — A promising medical-ninjutsu student recommended to Tsunade as a potential assistant for Shizune. 40
• Sage Katsuyu — A Shikkotsu Forest sage connected to both Tsunade and Su Yu; Katsuyu relays information that prompts Tsunade's return to Konoha. 28

Story Role / Major Arcs

Return and Appointment as Fifth Hokage

Tsunade returns after the Third Hokage's death, becomes Fifth Hokage, and immediately prevents Danzo from capitalizing on Root's inaction during the Konoha Crush. 28

Su Yu's Defection and Monitoring

After Yugao reveals Su Yu's unusual bloodlines and possible motive for leaving, Tsunade sends Yugao to him with the First Hokage's necklace, balancing an offer of protection with surveillance. 29

Sunagakure Diplomacy and Kekkei Genkai Research

Tsunade meets Su Yu after his rescue of Temari, accepts measures to preserve Konoha's alliance with Sunagakure, and supports his research into artificially acquired Kekkei Genkai. 40 41

Roran Expedition

Tsunade orders Anko to accompany Su Yu during the supply-exchange journey toward Sunagakure and the Ancient Kingdom of Roran. 46

Notable Quotes

“If they are the elite, why weren't they sent to protect the Third Hokage?” 28

“This represents my expectations for him; I hope he can become the next Hokage.” 29