Tsunade

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Tsunade (纲手)
Alias(es)	Fifth Hokage; one of Konoha's Legendary Sannin
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Konohagakure
Occupation/Role	Hokage; medical ninja
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 135

Background / History

Tsunade left Konoha after the deaths of people close to her, including Nawaki, and after Hiruzen Sarutobi rejected her proposal to assign a medical ninja to every squad during wartime. The accumulated losses left her disillusioned with the village, and she eventually developed hemophobia despite being a renowned medical ninja. She spent her years away from Konoha traveling and gambling. 136

Following Hiruzen's death, Orochimaru sought Tsunade out to heal the damage the Reaper Death Seal had inflicted on his hands. He attempted to exploit her grief by claiming he could revive the dead, but Tsunade refused to be manipulated into helping him. 135

Jiraiya asked Tsunade to return to Konoha as Fifth Hokage. She initially refused, unwilling to surrender her freedom or be tied down by village duties. 136 138 Her encounter with Naruto, including the sudden cure of her hemophobia, renewed her willingness to protect Konoha and fulfill the wishes associated with her grandfather's legacy. 139 140

Appearance

Tsunade is a mature woman with a classical oval face, a voluptuous build, and a pale green gemstone set in the center of her forehead. Her appearance is described as remarkably youthful despite the passage of time. 135

• Loose gray top beneath a pale green coat. 135
• Black sash, loose black pants, and black low-heeled shoes. 135
• Pale green gemstone on her forehead. 135
• Often wears a pale green necklace, which she later gives to Naruto. 144

Personality

Tsunade is fiercely independent and initially rejects the Hokage position because she does not want to sacrifice her freedom to Konoha's bureaucracy. She is outspoken, competitive, and fond of drinking, gambling, and card games. 136 137

Behind her carefree and assertive demeanor, Tsunade remains deeply affected by Konoha's past and the people she lost. Her decision to return reflects a lasting sense of responsibility toward the village, even after years of resentment and isolation. 136 140

As Hokage, she is protective of Naruto and does not tolerate others threatening or mistreating him. She also shows concern for his safety during missions and personally intervenes when he returns to Konoha after disappearing. 149 161 171

Abilities & Skills

Monstrous Strength

Tsunade possesses overwhelming physical power capable of devastating terrain and structures with ordinary strikes.

• A punch meant for Orochimaru creates a massive crater where he had been standing. 141
• Her fist brushes a wall and blows it apart, alarming Orochimaru and Kabuto. 141
• She crushes a stone into powder with her bare hand while threatening Jiraiya. 171
• Her strength is formidable enough that Naruto considers even a restrained pat on the shoulder exceptionally heavy. 144

Medical Ninjutsu

Tsunade is an elite medical ninja whose expertise is sought even by Orochimaru when no one else can treat his sealed hands. 135

• Evaluates and successfully performs Rock Lee's high-risk leg surgery. 145
• Treats Kakashi Hatake and Sasuke Uchiha for the aftereffects of Tsukuyomi without surgery. 145
• Directs Shizune to reinforce Konoha's medical staff during a period of anticipated unrest. 149
• Previously suffered from hemophobia, a condition that prevented her from functioning normally around blood. 136 139

Hemophobia Recovery

Naruto exploits Tsunade's fear of blood during their sparring match, then makes physical contact while his hand is covered in blood. Shortly afterward, Tsunade discovers that she no longer fears blood. 139 140

• The recovery surprises Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Shizune. 140
• Tsunade suspects Naruto knows how the condition was cured and considers whether he has unusual medical talent. 140
• Her restored confidence contributes to her decision to return to Konoha. 140

Equipment / Items

• Pale green necklace — Worn by Tsunade before she gives it to Naruto during a late-night conversation. 144
• Pale green coat — Part of her usual attire when first encountered on Tanzaku Street. 135

Relationships

• Naruto Uzumaki — Initially meets him through Jiraiya; their relationship develops into mutual trust, teasing, and protective affection. Naruto helps cure her hemophobia, and Tsunade later supports and worries over him as Hokage. 135 139 140 161
• Jiraiya — Longtime friend and fellow Sannin. He persistently urges her to become Hokage, while she distrusts his behavior around Naruto and threatens him if he takes Naruto anywhere inappropriate. 135 136 171
• Orochimaru — Former comrade and enemy. Orochimaru seeks her medical help after killing Hiruzen, but Tsunade ultimately attempts to kill him instead. 135 141
• Shizune — Tsunade's assistant and close confidante. Shizune worries over Tsunade's hemophobia and later carries out her orders as Hokage. 135 139 149
• Rock Lee — Patient whose career-threatening leg injury Tsunade agrees to treat through a dangerous operation. 145
• Might Guy — Entrusts Rock Lee's treatment to Tsunade and accepts the risks she explains. 145
• Shimura Danzō — Political opponent who sends Root operatives to stop her return to Konoha; Tsunade responds by becoming more determined to claim the Hokage position. 144
• Utatane Koharu — A Hokage advisor whose confrontation with Naruto prompts Tsunade to publicly end the dispute, then privately comfort him. 159 161

Story Role / Major Arcs

Search for Tsunade

Tsunade is located on Tanzaku Street after Hiruzen's death. Orochimaru confronts her over his damaged hands, while Jiraiya and Naruto seek her return as Konoha's next Hokage. 135 136

Hemophobia Cure and Orochimaru Confrontation

After sparring with Naruto, Tsunade unexpectedly overcomes her hemophobia. She then pretends to agree to treat Orochimaru before attacking him, though Orochimaru and Kabuto ultimately escape. 139 141 142

Return as Fifth Hokage

Root members attempt to deter Tsunade from returning, but their attack instead hardens her resolve. She returns to Konoha and assumes the role of Fifth Hokage. 144 145

Early Hokage Duties

As Hokage, Tsunade oversees Rock Lee's operation, treats Kakashi and Sasuke, organizes the mission to restore Kazahana Koyuki to the Land of Snow, and responds to Sasuke's defection. 145 146

Protecting Naruto

Tsunade becomes increasingly concerned for Naruto's safety, rushing toward the Valley of the End after learning of the Nine-Tails-related destruction there. She later protects him from Koharu's escalating confrontation and authorizes his mission with Jiraiya and Hinata. 149 161 162

Puppet Shadow Clone Assistance

Naruto's Puppet Shadow Clone assists Tsunade with difficult and covert work in Konoha, reducing the burden of her Hokage duties. Tsunade later invites Naruto to eat and drink with her after their work. 202

Notable Quotes

“Don't bring up the Hokage matter again.” 136

“Since your skin is itching for it, I'll give you a good ‘treatment’ for free tonight.” 138

“You two scum of the village, you human trash—I’ll deal with you today!” 141

“It's good that you're back.” 161