Naraku

Biodata

Attribute	Details
Name	Naraku
Original Name	奈落
Alias	Uchiha Nara; Fourth Hokage; Daimyo of the Land of Fire
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Konohagakure; Uchiha Clan; Land of Fire
Positions	Uchiha Clan Head; former Captain of the Konoha Military Police Force; Fourth Hokage; Daimyo of the Land of Fire
Classification	Shinobi; Uchiha; Chimera Technique user
Kekkei Genkai	Sharingan; Mangekyō Sharingan; Dark Release; Storm Release; Shikotsumyaku; Wood Release
Nature Transformations	Fire Release; Wind Release; Lightning Release; Earth Release; Water Release; Yin Release; Yang Release
Summoning Contract	Dark Ninja Cat Realm
Known Summons	Kozunmaru; Matatabi; ninja cats of the Dark Ninja Cat Realm
Weapons	Chakra-conductive longsword; divine kusarigama
Partner	Tsunade
Status	Alive

Personality

Naraku's personality is defined by a potent combination of strategic calculation, unshakable composure, towering ambition, and a pragmatic ruthlessness that underpins his every action. His strategic mind manifests most clearly in his dealings with other powerful figures, such as his careful negotiations with Orochimaru, where he remains perpetually cautious and skeptical, withholding full trust even while pursuing a mutually beneficial exchange for cursed seal data — a calculated approach that seeks to extract maximum value while exposing himself to minimal risk 171. This same calculating nature drives his methodical pursuit of power: rather than relying on brute force, he meticulously experiments with esoteric techniques, first mastering the Wood Release techniques recorded by the Root organization and then building his own forbidden research, such as the stable cursed seal derived from Hero Water that allows him to absorb natural energy without bodily mutation 242 256. His calm temperament is evident in his solitary practice sessions atop the Hokage Rock, where he introspectively evaluates his own abilities and calmly sets new goals, and in the clinical detachment with which he orders his Anbu guards to set up experimental seals, never betraying excitement or anxiety even when testing dangerous new transformations 242 256. Underneath this calm lies an insatiable ambition: he expresses a clear desire to learn space–time ninjutsu like the Flying Thunder God to expand his dimensional space, plans to capture the Sages of the Three Sacred Lands, and throughout his collaboration with Orochimaru reveals that his true interest lies in mastering natural energy itself — a drive to surpass conventional limits that borders on obsessive 171 242 256. His ruthlessness, however, is what tempers every other trait. He shows no moral hesitation in using the cursed seal on himself, deliberately entering Level 2 and liquefying his own chakra — a process that would devastate lesser shinobi — and he displays no qualms about cooperating with Orochimaru despite the latter's gruesome experiments on living subjects, treating the entire partnership as merely a means to an end 171 256. He also orders Anbu guards into potentially lethal experimental roles without visible concern, and his ultimate goal of capturing the Sages implies a willingness to subjugate ancient, sentient beings for his own advancement 256. In sum, Naraku is a coldly rational, intensely driven figure whose calm exterior masks a ferocious ambition and a complete lack of sentimentality in the pursuit of power.

Naraku nevertheless possesses a controlled sense of public responsibility and compassion that he employs both sincerely and politically. Early in his career, he recognized that the Military Police Force's brutality had alienated Konoha's civilians and planned to redistribute public-security and village-management work among civilian shinobi and other clans, reducing both Uchiha overreach and public resentment 7 16. After later becoming Hokage, he implemented reforms that prevented the Uchiha from monopolizing the police, opening its ranks to civilian ninja and smaller clans 236. He also donated ten million ryo to Konoha's orphanage, funded its yearly needs, and articulated a version of the Will of Fire centered on nurturing Konoha's children 182. His concern extends to those he considers his own: he built Yuho City as a refuge and power base for the Uchiha, expresses appreciation for its residents' labor, and has repeatedly supported his loyal subordinates' advancement 80 288.

His ambition ultimately expanded from becoming Hokage to consolidating political authority over the entire Land of Fire and eventually unifying the shinobi world. He privately concluded that a nation could not endure under two sovereigns, recruited Kazuma to eliminate the Daimyo's imperial bloodline, and later accepted elevation to the Daimyo's throne after the existing ruler's death 327 328 445. While capable of mercy—such as sparing the defeated Uchiha Zensui's life at Uchiha Kyo's final request—Naraku remains willing to exile, manipulate, imprison, or eliminate anyone he judges to be a threat to his authority or his broader designs 270 271.

As Hokage, Naraku also displayed a selective commitment to institutional accountability. Following Danzō's death, he ordered the public release of evidence of Danzō's human experimentation, assassination missions, and collusion with rogue ninja, while removing material concerning Sharingan theft to avoid provoking further incidents 379. He subsequently stripped Sarutobi Hiruzen and Utatane Koharu of their advisory offices due to their association with Danzō, though he retained them as heads of the Departments of Education and Finance rather than removing them entirely 380.

Abilities and Powers

Power Progression

Period	Advancement	Details
Early career	Three-Tomoe Sharingan and elite jōnin-level ability	Naraku awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan at thirteen and was already recognized as the “Copy Ninja,” with strength comparable to top-tier jōnin 7 57.
Early career	Chimera Technique mastery	After coercing Hiruko into providing increasingly complete versions of the technique, Naraku memorized its authentic form with his Sharingan and began planning the acquisition of bloodline limits 48 49 57.
Early career	Dark Ninja Cat Realm contract	Naraku subdued Matatabi and obtained a broad summoning contract permitting him to summon ninja cats from the Dark Ninja Cat Realm 50 51.
Third Shinobi World War	Dark Release	Naraku used the Chimera Technique on Nakagiri Ko of Kirigakure, gaining the power to absorb and return ninjutsu 70.
Third Shinobi World War	Storm Release and Shikotsumyaku	He acquired Storm Release and later absorbed a Kaguya shinobi's Shikotsumyaku after defeating him with Storm Ghost Dragon 99 121.
Third Shinobi World War	Mangekyō Sharingan	Naraku awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan after the Kikyo Mountain conflict and its aftermath 152.
Later career	Spirit Transformation Technique	He mastered the S-rank soul-projection technique on his first attempt, gaining a means to attack souls, possess targets, and remotely transfer chakra 82.
Later career	Space-time ninjutsu and inner alternate space	Naraku cultivated an other-dimensional space, integrated a space-time technique into his body, and later mastered Flying Thunder God 233 237 351.
Later career	Cursed Seal and natural energy	Through Orochimaru's research, Jugo enzymes, Hero Water, and his own experimentation, Naraku developed a stable cursed seal that absorbs natural energy without the normal Level 2 mutation 233 256.
Later career	Wood Release and First Hokage Cells	Naraku mastered Root-recorded Wood Release techniques and incorporated the power of the First Hokage Cells, further strengthening his body, chakra, and ocular endurance 242 452.
Later career	Time-based Mangekyō dōjutsu	His left eye's Stars Shift reverses recent events within a designated range, while his right eye's Ten Thousand Years Like Emptiness accelerates time and can alter a target's age by up to thirty years 208 269 285.
Later career	Rasengan mastery	Naraku mastered the Rasengan and began attempting to integrate nature transformation into the technique 298.
Daimyo era	Sage-like cursed-seal state	Naraku refined a reserve of natural energy in his dantian and could enter a sage-like state whose chakra pressure made even minor movements affect the surrounding environment 276 286.

Chimera Technique

The Chimera Technique is a forbidden art originally created by Hiruko, which Naraku refined and used to absorb the bodies and souls of other ninjas, thereby gaining their Kekkei Genkai and memories. Naraku recognized the technique's immense potential but also its flaws—Hiruko's method required favorable timing, location, and environmental conditions during the later stages, which Naraku understood as the use of natural energy. By combining the Chimera Technique with the Dark Release, Naraku likened it to a metaphysical "star-sucking" ability with near‑infinite possibilities. However, he also saw the need to improve the technique through the study of soul‑related ninjutsu, noting that Hiruko lacked exposure to Konoha's most powerful forbidden arts. The technique operates by first collecting biological samples (blood, hair, nails, tissue) before performing the hand seals and the "Chimera!" activation, fully absorbing the target's soul and body.

Naraku initially obtained three versions of the technique from Hiruko. The first concealed its dangers, the second was a more complete experimental version, and the third was provided after Hiruko's genuine submission; Naraku regarded the final version as the authentic technique and committed it to memory with the Sharingan 48 49. His later refinements shortened the time needed to consume targets, though exceptionally powerful prey such as Uzumaki Akayuki could still overwhelm his body and require gradual integration 208 210.

• Applications: Allows the user to absorb and permanently acquire any Kekkei Genkai or secret technique from the consumed ninja; grants the user the target's memories, which can provide strategic intelligence; has the potential to combine multiple bloodline limits for unprecedented power; can be used to eliminate enemy bloodline holders while personally gaining their abilities.
• Limitations: The technique is a predatory forbidden art that, if leaked, would trigger a ninja‑world bloodbath and place all bloodline clans in mortal danger; it requires a preparation phase involving biological sampling before full absorption; the original method relied on specific environmental conditions (natural energy) for the later stages, though Naraku planned to circumvent this using foresight; the absorbed souls remain imprisoned via the Puppet Curse, slowing the digestion process and risking memory interference; the technique demands constant improvement—Naraku acknowledged its flaws and sought to master soul‑related ninjutsu from clans like the Yamanaka, Kato, or from Orochimaru to perfect it.
• Known absorptions: Naraku used the technique to gain Dark Release from Nakagiri Ko, Shikotsumyaku from a Kaguya shinobi, and the power of the red-haired Uzumaki Akayuki 70 121 208. He later fully digested the Kaguya shinobi's soul, while Akayuki's soul remained in a cocoon-like state during the prolonged integration process 351.

Dark Release

Dark Release is a Kekkei Genkai that Naraku obtained by using the Chimera Technique on a Kirigakure ninja named Nakagiri Ko. It allows the user to absorb an enemy's chakra and ninjutsu, store that energy for a short time, and then return the same ninjutsu back to the caster exactly as it was cast. Naraku found this ability particularly valuable because it renders most ninjutsu ineffective against him, dramatically boosting his survivability and defensive capabilities. He had previously expressed keen interest in Dark Release, ranking it alongside Storm Release and Wood Release as a high‑priority acquisition.

Naraku's palms bear connected diamond-shaped marks through which he can absorb frontal attacks. He can also absorb techniques through his mouth across an even wider angle, making direct ninjutsu attacks against him especially ineffective 70 142. He used this ability to absorb and redirect Suikazan Fuguki's chakra during their battle and to neutralize Pakura's Scorch Release 131 142.

• Applications: Can absorb incoming ninjutsu, nullifying enemy attacks; stored ninjutsu can be returned to the original caster with identical potency, effectively turning an opponent's technique against them; combined with the Chimera Technique, it creates a synergistic cycle of absorption and acquisition; drastically reduces the threat of enemy ninjutsu specialists, as most projectile or energy‑based attacks become harmless.
• Limitations: The storage duration for absorbed chakra and ninjutsu is short, requiring immediate counter‑use or loss of the stored energy; the technique is not described as having any inherent offensive power—it relies on reflected attacks or other ninjutsu for combat; it requires active chakra control and awareness to intercept incoming techniques; the Kekkei Genkai is extremely rare and was only obtained through deliberate kidnapping and soul‑absorption; the ability may be less effective against non‑ninjutsu attacks or opponents who rely solely on taijutsu or genjutsu.

Sharingan and Mangekyō Sharingan

As an Uchiha, Naraku possesses the Sharingan, which he developed to the Three-Tomoe stage by the age of thirteen. Its copying, perception, and genjutsu capabilities allowed him to defeat Uchiha Sanzang, memorize the complete Chimera Technique, resist Matatabi's genjutsu, and identify threats through chakra observation 10 49 50. His Sharingan-based genjutsu is sufficiently powerful to incapacitate opponents such as Ebizo and his party in seconds 144.

Naraku awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan after the Kikyo Mountain battle, gaining much greater ocular power and access to Susanoo 152. His Complete Body Susanoo overwhelmingly defeated Uchiha Zensui's Susanoo during the Nine-Tails Incident 269. He also possesses two time-manipulating ocular techniques:

• Stars Shift: Naraku's left-eye dōjutsu reverses recent events within a circular area. He used it to restore blood lost by Uzumaki Akayuki to the latter's body and to reverse Zensui's age to that of a five-year-old child 208 269.
• Ten Thousand Years Like Emptiness: Naraku's right-eye dōjutsu accelerates temporal flow. He used it to restore Zensui from childhood to adulthood, and its current maximum temporal control is thirty years 285.
• Limitations: Stars Shift places a tremendous burden on Naraku's ocular power, particularly when used over a wide area; after restoring Akayuki's blood, Naraku suffered pallor, eye bleeding, and visible exhaustion 208. The time-based techniques are constrained by his current ocular capacity, and repeated Mangekyō use previously caused eye pain and declining eyesight before the First Hokage Cells strengthened him 144 452.

Wood Release and First Hokage Cells

Naraku mastered several Wood Release techniques recorded in Root's archives, including Wood Release: Adamantine Summoning Wood and the Wild Lion's Mane Technique 242. He can create Wood Clones, merge through vegetation, and employ Wood Release for deception, infiltration, and combat 417. The power of the First Hokage Cells also strengthened his physical constitution, chakra reserves, and Mangekyō endurance, while improving the safety of his fusion of Uchiha and Senju-derived power 452.

Naraku's own research into the First Hokage Cells was dangerous and frequently fatal to test subjects; those unable to withstand the cells transformed into trees 275. He later transplanted the cells into Uchiha Inabi and Uchiha Ruofeng, whose Mangekyō-related eyesight and chakra both improved after successful adaptation 452.

Storm Release and Shikotsumyaku

Naraku acquired Storm Release through the Chimera Technique and developed the powerful Storm Ghost Dragon, which he used to incapacitate a Kaguya shinobi 121. While highly destructive, he considered Storm Release insufficiently flexible as a large-scale offensive option and continued seeking stronger bloodlines and techniques 96.

Shikotsumyaku grants Naraku control over his skeletal structure, allowing him to harden his body and resist blades and taijutsu. Combined with Earth Style: Earth Spear and Dark Release, it makes him extraordinarily difficult to injure through either physical attacks or conventional ninjutsu 121. He demonstrated the bloodline during the East Coast battle, using its protection while continuing to employ elemental techniques 131.

Cursed Seal and Natural Energy

After receiving Jugo-derived enzyme research from Orochimaru, Naraku developed his own cursed seal experiments, initially using prisoners as test subjects. The early experiments produced high mortality rates and drove survivors into violent berserk states 233 252. Naraku eventually created a stable standard cursed seal based on Orochimaru's Heaven and Earth Cursed Seal, using Hero Water to allow natural-energy absorption while eliminating the physical mutation normally associated with Level 2 256.

When activated, Naraku's seal spreads flame-like markings over his body, briefly turning his skin gray-black before returning it to normal. This state allows him to draw in natural energy and manifest sage-like chakra of overwhelming density 276 286. He has accumulated refined natural energy in his dantian, and believes that fully using this reserve would make even minor techniques world-shaking 286.

• Applications: Absorbs natural energy; releases personal chakra limits; greatly enhances chakra volume, physical power, and the potency of ninjutsu; can be adapted into a control and enhancement tool for trusted subordinates 252 256.
• Limitations: Cursed-seal implantation remains extremely dangerous, especially when combined with other powers such as Wood Release; even powerful Uchiha such as Shinken died during the process 275 277. Absorbing cursed-seal chakra can provoke violent and destructive impulses, which Naraku experienced during experimentation 252.

Space-Time Ninjutsu

Naraku cultivated an internal alternate dimension through forbidden research and later integrated a space-time ninjutsu into his body 233 237. He can store weapons and objects in this inner space, as demonstrated when he stored and retrieved his fan and kusarigama 327. He later mastered Flying Thunder God, vanishing into his alternate space through the diamond-shaped marks on his palm 351.

Naraku seeks further space-type techniques to expand and more freely use his internal dimension, regarding the Flying Thunder God as especially valuable for this goal 242. His interest in space-time power also led him to investigate the sealed Dragon Vein beneath Roran; upon removing Minato's sealing kunai, he released its immense energy and triggered space-time distortions 399.

Chidori Series

Naraku developed his own original secret techniques based on the Chidori: the Chidori Current and Chidori Sharp Spear. These techniques are taught exclusively to the guards stationed by his side and serve as a reward for loyalty. The Chidori series provides a strong offensive boost, allowing Naraku to deliver high‑powered lightning‑based attacks that can pierce or stun opponents. However, these techniques are single‑target in nature and require close to mid‑range engagement.

• Applications: Delivers concentrated lightning chakra for devastating single‑target damage; the Chidori Current can presumably spread lightning along a surface or through contact, while Chidori Sharp Spear extends the reach of the attack; can be taught to trusted subordinates, creating a small cadre of elite guards capable of using these techniques; provides Naraku with a reliable finishing move against key enemies.
• Limitations: It targets only one enemy at a time, making it inefficient against groups; against an opponent focused solely on survival and using dirty tactics, the Chidori series may not guarantee a kill; the techniques are lightning‑based and could be countered by earth‑style defenses or similar immunities; they require hand seals and chakra concentration, leaving Naraku briefly vulnerable during execution; the techniques are not described as having long‑range capability, limiting their tactical use.

Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Survival Proficiency

Naraku demonstrates excellence across all three major ninja disciplines—ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu—but his true specialty lies in survival techniques. He has refined a wide array of substitution and evasive jutsu: the basic Substitution Technique, Earth Substitution, Water Substitution, Water Clone, Earth Clone, and Earth Style: Earth Spear, which hardens his body to resist physical damage. He is also proficient in Fire Style ninjutsu, though these are forward‑facing "cannon‑like" attacks with limited directional flexibility. Despite his formidable defenses and high survivability, Naraku notably lacks powerful offensive ninjutsu; his remaining attack options (Chidori series, Fire Style) are either single‑target or restricted in angle, and advanced techniques like Kirin require extensive setup (firing Great Dragon Fire Technique into the sky to create cumulonimbus clouds).

Naraku later overcame part of this offensive limitation through large-scale Fire Release techniques. His Fire Style Secret Technique: Heaven's End produced a volcanic eruption that devastated the Sunagakure force at Kikyo Mountain, while another Fire Release created a trench approximately twenty meters wide and fifteen meters deep across a distance beyond normal sight 143 144. He also developed the ultimate taijutsu technique Heaven and Earth Overlord Fist, which temporarily dispersed Uchiha Zensui's Susanoo 200. By his Hokage era, he had also mastered the Rasengan and was researching the addition of a nature transformation to it 298.

• Applications: Exceptional survivability in combat due to mastery of multiple substitution techniques and Earth Spear; can create elemental clones for distraction or reconnaissance; the Dark Release further amplifies his defensive capability, making most ninjutsu ineffective against him; his Earth and Water affinities allow him to adapt to various terrains and enemy elements.
• Limitations: Offensive power is comparatively weak—he has no guaranteed large‑scale or multi‑target attack; Fire Style ninjutsu only attacks forward, limiting tactical options; high‑end techniques like Kirin are impractical due to the prerequisite weather manipulation; his skillset is skewed toward evasion and defense rather than overwhelming firepower, which can prolong battles against durable opponents; he is heavily reliant on the Dark Release to compensate for his offensive shortcomings.

Weapons and Ninja Tools

Naraku is skilled with chakra-conductive weapons, though he often avoids drawing his blade when a display of swordsmanship would be politically inconvenient 213. He has used a chakra-conductive longsword enhanced by Wind Release chakra and Chidori Blade in battle 119 147.

He also received a divine kusarigama forged by Seimei. The weapon's chain can extend to approximately twenty meters, stiffen into a striking rod, and channel chakra into destructive blue energy slashes 277. As Daimyo, Naraku commissioned Seimei to create twelve advanced golden Chakra Armors for the Twelve Golden Guardian Shinobi, a personal guard force intended to balance the military influence of Konoha and the Capital City 451.

History

Military Police Reform

Before his ascent to national leadership, Naraku recognized that the Uchiha-dominated Military Police Force had become synonymous with brutality and fear among Konoha's civilians. He intended to reform its conduct, establish standards, and reduce the resentment created by abusive policing practices 7 9. He challenged his father, Uchiha Sanzang, for the captaincy and defeated him in a spar through superior Sharingan use and combat ability 10.

Naraku's broader plan was to transfer unpopular village-management and public-security responsibilities to civilian ninja and other clans while retaining strategically important police, prison, and special-force positions under Uchiha influence 16. This approach eventually became a lasting reform: the Police Department recruited civilians and members of smaller clans instead of remaining an exclusively Uchiha institution, substantially improving the clan's public reputation 236.

Hiruko and the Chimera Technique

Naraku first encountered Hiruko at Ichiraku Ramen and immediately recognized both the scientist's talent and the potential of his unfinished Chimera Technique 9. Rather than openly approach him at first, Naraku considered arresting Hiruko and securing his cooperation later 10. He eventually offered Hiruko protection, funding, and the prospect of returning to Konoha once Naraku gained sufficient authority, creating an initially cooperative relationship centered on completing the forbidden technique 28.

When Hiruko later attempted to use Puppet Curse to immobilize Naraku and seize the Sharingan, Naraku turned the situation against him and extracted increasingly complete versions of the Chimera Technique 48 49. This gave Naraku the foundation for his later campaign to acquire powerful bloodlines.

Dark Ninja Cat Realm

Naraku visited the hidden Ninja Cat Castle and used his Three-Tomoe Sharingan to bypass its defenses. He countered Matatabi's genjutsu with Mirror Heaven and Earth Change, compelling the powerful cat demon to accept a summoning contract 50. Naraku subsequently subdued Matatabi and created a large summoning scroll through which he could call ninja cats from the Dark Ninja Cat Realm 51.

The contract strengthened Naraku's intelligence network and gave him access to ninja cats such as Kozunmaru, a sensory specialist whom Naraku particularly favors 24 50.

Storm Release Acquisition

Naraku's pursuit of kekkei genkai through his Chimera Technique began with a calculated operation against Kumogakure. Intelligence gathered by his cat, Kuro, revealed that Kumogakure had captured a Storm Release ninja, presenting an opportunity for Naraku to augment his offensive capabilities 99. At this time, Konoha was aware of Kumogakure's plans and had advised its jonin to prepare for battle, while Kirigakure's actions also posed a potential threat to the village 99. Naraku's strategic thinking led him to plan the capture of the Storm Release kekkei genkai to enhance his own arsenal, viewing it as a necessary preparation for the impending conflict 99.

• Naraku received intelligence from Kuro about Kumogakure's movements and the capture of a Storm Release user 99.
• Kumogakure's intentions and Konoha's defensive preparations were noted; Kirigakure's actions were also monitored 99.
• Naraku decided to capture the Storm Release kekkei genkai to improve his offensive abilities 99.
• Naraku met with Uchiha Zitie and his team, rewarding their service in the Military Police Force and offering promotions. He considered using the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal to ensure secrecy but chose not to, showing a rare moment of guilt and compassion 99.

The operation's exact details are not recorded in the available summaries, but Naraku's subsequent possession of Storm Release indicates that he successfully acquired it.

Dark Release Acquisition

Naraku tested the Chimera Technique at a secret base outside Konoha on Nakagiri Ko, a captured Kirigakure special jōnin with Dark Release 70. After taking samples of Ko's blood, nails, hair, and tissue, Naraku activated the technique and absorbed both his body and soul 70. The process gave Naraku Dark Release but also exposed the technique's crude soul-handling: Ko's memories intruded upon Naraku's consciousness, and Ko's remaining soul fragment persisted within him 70.

Naraku later mastered the Spirit Transformation Technique and used it to destroy Ko's soul after promising that Ko's final wish would be conveyed 82.

Yuho City Development

Naraku expanded Uchiha influence into the Land of Tea, where the Daimyo granted Uchiha Akabi authority over Yuho City and substantial annual funding 80. Recognizing the city as both a potential refuge for the Uchiha and a long-term strategic stronghold, Naraku dispatched medical ninja and teachers to establish a medical corps and Ninja Academy 80.

He later recruited surviving artisan ninja—Baogui, Suihu, Kujaku, and Longyan—to develop advanced ninja tools and Chakra Armor for Yuho City 84. Naraku deliberately kept the city from becoming too conspicuous in its early years, fearing that an overtly powerful new ninja center would provoke the Great Nations 83. Yuho City nevertheless grew into a major Uchiha-affiliated base with its own academy, hospital, security department, Anbu, and nearly a thousand ninja 252.

Shikotsumyaku Absorption

During the larger conflict (likely the Third Shinobi World War), Naraku encountered a white-clad Kaguya man on the battlefield. Using his Storm Ghost Dragon technique, Naraku severely injured the Kaguya man, who was left alive but unconscious 121. Naraku then used his Chimera Technique to absorb the man's kekkei genkai, Shikotsumyaku (the ability to manipulate bone structures) 121. This absorption further diversified Naraku's already formidable arsenal.

• Naraku deployed his Storm Ghost Dragon technique against the Kaguya man, causing severe injuries 121.
• The Kaguya man survived but was unconscious; Naraku found him alive 121.
• Naraku used the Chimera Technique to absorb Shikotsumyaku, the Kaguya clan's kekkei genkai 121.
• After the absorption, Naraku's guards reported powerful combat shockwaves from the right flank, where Might Duy was located. Naraku decided to investigate, showing respect for Duy's taijutsu skills 121.
• Naraku's indifference to his guards' well-being contrasted with his interest in honoring the Kaguya man's final wishes, hinting at a complex morality 121.

The acquisition of Shikotsumyaku added a powerful close-quarters and defensive ability to Naraku's repertoire, complementing his Storm Release and other techniques.

Third Shinobi World War

Naraku became one of Konoha's most formidable commanders during the Third Shinobi World War. On the East Coast, he fought Karatachi Yagura and Suikazan Fuguki, exploited Yagura's temporary underwater retreat to undermine Kirigakure morale, and used Dark Release to collapse Fuguki's water dragon 129 131. He later negotiated directly with Yagura rather than indiscriminately slaughtering the retreating Mist forces 133.

At Kikyo Mountain, Naraku confronted Pakura and Ebizo's Sunagakure forces. He neutralized Pakura's Scorch Release, devastated the enemy army with Heaven's End, captured Ebizo, Pakura, and Rin, and helped secure Konoha's victory in the conflict 142 143 144. The immense strain and events surrounding the battle culminated in his awakening of the Mangekyō Sharingan after a week-long coma 152.

Hokage Ascension and Reforms

As the new Hokage, Naraku reorganized Konoha's governmental structure. He divided the Security Department, empowered the Department of Adjudication and Inspection, temporarily retained Sarutobi Hiruzen's supervision of the Anbu, and established the Jonin Council under Namikaze Minato 237. He also sought to integrate refugees and orphans into Konoha's governance and continued to centralize powerful techniques within the village's ninjutsu archives 237 352.

Naraku later appointed Minato Minister of the Department of Defense and Hatake Sakumo Anbu Captain, ordering Sakumo to purge Root influence from the Anbu and restore its training system 298. His political reforms combined genuine institutional modernization with a deliberate consolidation of his personal authority.

Nine-Tails Incident

During the Nine-Tails Incident, Naraku confronted Uchiha Zensui in Konoha's center while other forces fought the Nine-Tails. His Complete Body Susanoo effortlessly defeated Zensui's, after which Naraku used Stars Shift to regress him into a five-year-old child 269. He exposed Zensui as a participant in the attack and revealed Zensui's relationship to Uchiha Kyo 270.

When Kyo sacrificed himself to take responsibility for his grandson's crimes, Naraku honored his final wish by sparing Zensui's life but stripped him of the Uchiha name and banished him 271. Naraku subsequently intervened in the internal coup led by Uchiha Karasu through Ruofeng's loyalist forces 271.

Danzō's Fall and Administrative Purge

After Danzō died when First Hokage Cells consumed him and transformed him into a giant tree, Naraku took control of the political consequences 380. He reviewed the incriminating records recovered from Danzō's stronghold, suppressed information concerning Sharingan theft, and released evidence of Danzō's human experimentation, rogue-ninja collusion, and assassination operations to the public 379.

Naraku then removed Sarutobi Hiruzen and Utatane Koharu from their positions as Hokage Advisors because of their connection to Danzō. He permitted them to retain their departmental offices as heads of Education and Finance, respectively, while Mitokado Homura remained an advisor 380. The purge further curtailed the authority of the old Konoha leadership and strengthened Naraku's control over the village government.

Roran Dragon Vein Expedition

Naraku led a Konoha team to locate the ancient town of Roran in the Land of Wind after Sky Ninja scouts identified a suspicious settlement matching its location 399. Accompanied by Tsunade, Kakashi, Tekka, and Si Nong, he discovered the Roran Dragon Vein, whose immense power had been sealed by Namikaze Minato 399.

Despite warnings from Tsunade, Kakashi, and Tekka, Naraku removed Minato's sealing kunai himself. This released the Dragon Vein's power and caused severe space-time distortions, demonstrating both his willingness to take extraordinary risks for power and his continuing interest in space-time phenomena 399.

Daimyo Usurpation and Rule

Naraku privately concluded that the Land of Fire could not remain stable while the Hokage and Daimyo exercised parallel authority. After defeating Kazuma, he recruited him into a covert plan to remove the Daimyo's imperial bloodline over five years, providing a Ninja Cat summoning scroll for communication and promising further support 327 328.

After the Daimyo's death, Naraku concealed aspects of the operation through a Wood Clone-disguised corpse and allowed Kazuma to bear public blame 438 440. Land of Fire officials, Konoha leaders, and Uchiha Fugaku then publicly pressed Naraku to accept the Daimyo's throne; although he feigned reluctance, he was carried to the Daimyo's carriage and formally acclaimed as the new ruler 445. As Daimyo, he began constructing the Twelve Golden Guardian Shinobi, a Chakra Armor-equipped elite guard intended to secure the Capital City and balance Konoha's military influence 451.

Relationships

Orochimaru

Uchiha Nara and Orochimaru discovered a shared ambition to master every ninjutsu in the world, which laid the groundwork for a potential alliance. Orochimaru became especially interested in Uchiha Nara’s Lightning Release techniques and offered to teach forbidden techniques in return, forging a dynamic based on mutual intellectual curiosity and the exchange of esoteric knowledge. Their discussion underscored a pragmatic willingness to cooperate for the sake of advancing their respective arsenals 126.

Their relationship developed into a cautious exchange of forbidden knowledge. Orochimaru provided Cursed Seal research, Jugo-derived enzymes capable of absorbing natural energy, and space-time ninjutsu material, while Naraku granted Orochimaru an S-rank long-term mission that allowed him to operate publicly as a missing-nin for Konoha's benefit 171 233. Although Naraku values Orochimaru's genius, he remains wary of the scientist's manipulation and deliberately seeks to obtain knowledge without becoming dependent on him 171.

Tsunade

Naraku and Tsunade's relationship began with mutual trust and an awkward emotional closeness. Naraku used genjutsu connected to Dan Katō's apparent death and later sought Tsunade's introduction to Orochimaru, while also showing tenderness by wiping away her tears 58. Their bond deepened after the Third Shinobi World War, when Naraku showed concern for Tsunade during a shared drink after awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan 152.

Naraku later proposed to Tsunade, and she displayed unusual vulnerability in response 169. He trusts her with his ambitions to become Hokage and his stated wish to protect Konoha's children from war, while Tsunade remains one of the few people able to make him lower his habitual guard 177. Tsunade nevertheless remains willing to confront his recklessness, warning him against unsealing the dangerous Dragon Vein at Roran, though he disregarded her objections 399.

Hiruko

Naraku recognized Hiruko's scientific talent early and initially sought to cultivate him as a collaborator in completing the Chimera Technique 9 28. Their partnership became coercive after Hiruko attempted to take Naraku's Sharingan through Puppet Curse, leading Naraku to force him to surrender the technique's complete records 48 49.

Despite their history, Hiruko later became a loyal researcher in Yuho City. He leads the Flood Dragon Project on the Island of Oblivion and offered Naraku use of his Thunderbird Summoning Beast 288. Naraku continues to evaluate Hiruko's work critically, expecting Chimera-fused summoning beasts powerful enough to meet his exact standards 288.

Yagura

Naraku and Karatachi Yagura were opposing commanders during the East Coast conflict. Naraku briefly fought the Fourth Mizukage, then exploited Yagura's retreat beneath the sea to deceive Kirigakure's troops into believing their leader had abandoned them 131. Despite this, Naraku later boarded Yagura's ship to negotiate, recognizing Yagura's composure and dignity as a Kage 133.

Their later political collusion was inherently unstable, and Naraku felt no moral burden over undermining Yagura when doing so served his own interests 287.

Uchiha Akabi

Akabi is Naraku's long-serving personal guard captain and one of his most trusted subordinates. He led Naraku's four-man bodyguard squad and remained responsible for Naraku's safety during dangerous missions 21 51. Naraku entrusted Akabi with the initial expansion into the Land of Tea and governance of Yuho City, demonstrating substantial confidence in his loyalty and leadership 68 80.

Uchiha Inabi and Uchiha Ruofeng

Inabi and Ruofeng are among Naraku's closest Uchiha retainers. Ruofeng succeeded as captain of Naraku's Guard Corps after awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan, partly because Naraku wished to keep the comparatively naive Ruofeng close and protected 96. Inabi repeatedly demonstrated loyalty in dangerous missions, including suppressing Naraku's cursed-seal test subjects 252.

Naraku later entrusted both men with the First Hokage Cells, successfully strengthening their Mangekyō-related eyesight, ocular power, chakra, and access to Wood Release 452. They also volunteered for the Twelve Golden Guardian Shinobi, further cementing their role as members of Naraku's personal power structure 451.

Kazuma

Naraku initially defeated Kazuma but recognized that the Guardian Ninja's belief in a single ruler for the Land of Fire aligned with his own political vision 327. He recruited Kazuma to covertly eliminate the Daimyo's imperial line and promised him a historic place among the Guardian Shinobi Twelve 328. Naraku later used Kazuma as a scapegoat for the Daimyo's assassination, demonstrating that their ideological partnership never superseded Naraku's larger political calculations 438 440.

Shimura Danzō

Naraku's relationship with Danzō was defined by rivalry over Konoha's direction and the legacy of Root. After Danzō's death, Naraku made his crimes public, including human experimentation, covert assassination operations, and collusion with rogue ninja 379 380. While he withheld details concerning the theft of Uchiha Sharingan to prevent further instability, he used the scandal to remove Danzō's longtime associates Hiruzen and Koharu from the Hokage Advisory Council 379 380.

Trivia

• Naraku developed the Chidori Current 8.
• Naraku gained a general understanding of sealing ninjutsu scrolls from Uzumaki Nao 8.
• Naraku's strength was comparable to elite, top-tier jonin 8.
• Naraku was known as the “Copy Ninja” before rising to the highest offices of Konoha and the Land of Fire 7.
• Kozunmaru is Naraku's favored ninja-cat summon because of the cat's sensory ninjutsu 50.
• Naraku's plan to feign repeated refusal before becoming Daimyo was disrupted when his supporters carried him directly to the Daimyo's carriage during the first public invitation 445.
• Naraku removed Minato's sealing kunai from the Roran Dragon Vein despite repeated warnings from Tsunade and members of his expedition team 399.