Land of Sound

The Oto no Kuni (音の国, "Land of Sound") is a geographical feature in the Naruto anime and manga series. It was likely named after the Otogakure no Sato, (音隠れの里, literally "Village Hidden in Sound" a.k.a. "Hidden Sound Village") which Orochimaru founded, and both refer to what could be considered as one political entity.

Oto no Kuni

Name: Oto no Kuni, 音の国, "Land of Sound"

Oto no Kuni, along with Otogakure, is relatively new and was founded by Orochimaru. It conspired with the Kaze no Kuni to launch a surprise attack and hopefully destroy Hi no Kuni. Instead of using elemental jutsu, the sound ninja use jutsu that uses sound vibrations.

In the anime, the country in which Orochimaru established his Otogakure is named the "Land of Rice Fields" or "Rice Field Country" (Ta no Kuni, 田の国). It is possible that Orochimaru renamed it after taking over.

Otogakure no Sato

Name: Otogakure no Sato, 音隠れの里, literally "Village Hidden in Sound" a.k.a. "Hidden Sound Village"

Leader: Orochimaru

Otogakure was founded by Orochimaru as a part of Oto no Kuni, and is run by him. Not much is known about it: what is certain is that it actually consisted of a series of lair, located both within Sound country and away, and was rotated every week (and thus, may actually made what established in anime possible, seeing as it is but one of the many lairs). Other than that and the fact that its ninja specialize in techniques involving manipulation of sound waves, as well as using a curse seal to turn them into a demonic form. Although he is not officially a kage, Orochimaru is sometimes called Otokage (音影, Sound Shadow) by fans.

Villagers

Orochimaru

Main Article: Orochimaru

The leader of the village and country. In fanon, he is sometimes called the Otokage (although the village does not have a recognized kage) due to his kage-level power and knowledge. Orochimaru is also a legendary Sannin from Konoha. Though he is essentially the military dictator of the Sound village he does not live in it. For most of the series he was seen using a secret underground base as his headquarters. After Sasuke joins him, Kabuto mentions that they move into a new base every week.

Uchiha Sasuke

Main Article: Uchiha Sasuke

Orochimaru Ichimi (Orochimaru gang)

The Orochimaru Ichimi (大蛇丸一味, "Orochimaru gang/clan") are the loyal followers of Orochimaru. They act as his bodyguards, advisors, and personal assistants.

Yakushi Kabuto

Kabuto

Name: Yakushi Kabuto, 薬師カブト
Age: 20²
Rank: None, Nukenin (Missing-nin) (his last known rank was Genin)²
Height: 176,2 cm²
Weight: 65 kg²
Birthday: February 29
Blood Type: AB
Registration #: 012140
Affiliation: Orochimaru gang, Otogakure (Hidden Sound), formerly Akatsuki
Signature Abilities: Shōsen Jutsu (Mystical Palm Technique), Nehan Shōja no Jutsu (Temple of Nirvana Technique), Shikon no Jutsu (Dead Soul Technique), In'yu Shōmetsu (Secret Healing Wound Destruction), Kawarimi no Jutsu (Body Replacement Technique) (anime only), Meisai Gakure no Jutsu (Hiding Camouflage Technique) (anime only)

Kabuto disguised as an ANBU Elite

Kabuto was raised by a Jōnin member of the Konoha Medical Unit Squad, who found him at the battle of Kikyō Pass when he was still a little boy. He was later recruited as Orochimaru's right hand man, but the manga has hinted at an ulterior motive, casting some doubt on his purported loyalty.

His main role was to keep an eye on other talented ninja, specifically Uchiha Sasuke, in order to support the next phase in Orochimaru's plan. He resided for some time in Konohagakure with Akadō Yoroi and Tsurugi Misumi in order to collect information. By intentionally failing the Chūnin exam seven times (over a four year period) he masked his true skill and downplayed his presence in the village.

During the Chunin exams Kabuto showed another mysterious side. After being attacked and having his glasses knocked off, his eyes became blood shot and red. Kabuto noted to himself after retiring from the third test's preliminaries that: "Bad blood may start boiling again."

Kabuto's red eyes

Although technically a Genin level ninja, Yakushi Kabuto is capable of matching even Hatake Kakashi in battle. During his fight with Tsunade, she commented that his sense of jutsu and sharpness exceeded even her own in her prime.

Supposedly, Kabuto is a spy, working for the Akatsuki member Sasori. Although it's currently unknown where Kabuto's true loyalty lies. Deidara mentions that one of Sasori's spies has become a traitor. In a recent chapter of the manga, however, it appears that Kabuto is that traitor. At this point, Kabuto also appears loyal to Orochimaru, who had freed him from Sasori's hypnosis. He serves as Orochimaru's top assistant, taking care of him in his weakened state. He also conducts experiments for Orochimaru, resulting in the extention in Kimimaro's life. His complex nature and tendancy to do good things (such as healing Hinata at the Chūnin exam, though in disguise, and offer to heal Sakura after she was injured by Naruto as Four-tail Kyūbi, though he said Akatsuki is the main enemy to be dealt with) have made him possibly the most mysterious character in the series.

Recently, Kabuto seems to exhibit signs of jealousy (as evident from his comment " Hmph...Trying to belittle me...A-types are more suited to being underlings, that's what Orochimaru is trying to say..."). In the latest chapter of the manga, he was very forthcoming with information about Orochimaru's lair, and seemed almost sad when he informed Naruto that Sasuke was not the same as he used to be.

Trivia

His family name, Yakushi, is the Japanese name of the Medicine Buddha Bhaisajyaguru.
Kabuto is the last part of the Japanese name for aconite (Torikabuto, 鳥兜), a plant which can either alleviate pain or kill, an apt description for his character.
A kabuto means a samurai's helmet or headplate.
Together with Akado Yoroi ("armor") and Tsurugi Misumi ("sword"), they form an armor-helmet-sword trio.
Kabuto's team is notable for being the only three-man team to all wear glasses or sunglasses.
Kabuto is considered one of the most mysterious characters in Naruto. While he does carry out Orochimaru's desire, he does, from time to time, assist people from the good side; for example, he healed Hinata's hacking cough during the Chunnin exam, and as mentioned before, he also provided much information for Naruto during the second arc. His true nature is still shrouded in mystery.
Among some fans there is a rumor that Kabuto might be the one who finaly kills Orochimru, because his changing personality.

Sound Five

Originally known as the Sound Four, but due to Kimimaro's addition, it was changed to the Sound Five. These five were Orochimaru's elite bodyguards. They were also specialists in barrier jutsu and each has a level 2 Cursed Seal. Each one of them also had a cardinal direction associated with them; this is probably a reference to their positions when performing shield jutsu as a group. They were all defeated and killed by Naruto and his comrades in the Sasuke Retrival Arc. It is unknown if Orochimaru has replaced any of them as of yet.

Jirōbō

Jirobo

Name: Jirōbō, 次郎坊
Age: 14 (deceased)²
Rank: ?
Height: 181,3 cm²
Weight: 97,3 kg²
Birthday: June 26
Blood Type: B
Gate: Nanmon, 南門, "Southern Gate"
Affiliation: Orochimaru gang, Sound Four, Otogakure (Hidden Sound)
Signature Ability: Rakanken (Achiever of Nirvana Fist), Doton Kekkai: Dorōdōmu (Earth Release Barrier: Dungeon Chamber of Nothingness), Shishienjin (Four Violet Flames Battle Encampment), Chakura Kyūin Jutsu (Chakra Absorption Technique), Shikokumujin (Four Black Fog Battle Formation), Doton: Doroku Gaeshi (Earth Release: Earth Shore Return), Doton: Doryū Dango (Earth Release: Earth Mausoleum Dumpling), Konbi Henge (Combination Transformation), Kekkai Hōjin (Barrier Encampment Method)

Jirōbō's fighting style consists mostly of basic physical strikes supplemented with the ability to use his chakra to hold the earth solid. His physical strength is unbelievable, and he is even able to hold up a mountain-sized Akimichi Chōji when in Cursed Seal Level 2 form. He tears boulder-sized chunks of dirt out of the ground to throw, creates barriers by tearing up massive sheets of rock, and can apparently drain chakra with his Doton Kekkai: Dorōdōmu jutsu. He dislikes it when Tayuya badmouths him and he always criticizes her when she does. When in Cursed Seal Level 2 form, his skin is red, his hair becomes a mane down his back, his eyes turn black, and he has ten times his normal strength in this form. He is defeated by Akimichi Chōji during the Sasuke Retrieval arc. According to the other members of the Sound Four, Jirōbō is the weakest member of the group.

As he uses a variety of earth techniques, and as Orochimaru often recruits ninja from other villages, it is possible he came from the Hidden Rock Village.

Kidōmaru

Kidomaru

Name: Kidōmaru, 鬼童丸
Age: 14 (deceased)²
Rank: ?
Height: 159,2 cm²
Weight: 56,2 kg²
Birthday: December 16
Blood Type: A
Gate: Tōmon, 東門, "Eastern Gate"
Affiliation: Orochimaru gang, Sound Four, Otogakure (Hidden Sound)
Signature Ability: Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique) (Spiders), Amagumo (Rain of Spiders), Kumo Shibari (Spider Bind), Kumo Mayu (Spider Cocoon), Kumo Nento (Spider Sticking Spit), Kumo Nenkin (Spider Sticky Gold), Kumo Senkyū: Susaku (Spider War Bow: Terrible Split), Kumo Sōiki (Spider Web Area), Kumo Sōka (Spider Web Flower), Kumo Sōkai (Spider Web Unfold), Nenkin no Yoroi (Armour of Sticky Gold), Shishienjin (Four Violet Flames Battle Encampment), Shikokumujin (Four Black Fog Battle Formation), Konbi Henge (Combination Transformation), Kekkai Hōjin (Barrier Encampment Method)

Kidōmaru's skills are spider-like; he possesses six arms, three eyes (the third is covered by his headband), and the ability to make webs. He enjoys playing with his enemies before he kills them. If his spider like abilities aren't enough, he is an excellent tactical analyzer capable of figuring out his enemy's weak point quickly and efficiently. Kidōmaru uses his webs to protect the Sound Four and Orochimaru. The webs can be used both defensively and offensively. He makes his webs through a special type of golden liquid that is created by infusing body liquid with chakra. He can also harden this substance at will, into a golden metallic solid. This hardened material can be fabricated into body armor, kunai, or his especially deadly bow and arrow. His abilities are not a bloodline limit, but clan-related. The name of his clan is unknown. When in Cursed Seal level 2, he becomes even more spider-like. His skin becomes darker and he grows long, white hair. He also gains the ability to control the path of his arrows with chakra. He is defeated by Hyūga Neji during the Sasuke Retrieval arc.

Sakon

Name: Sakon, 左近
Age: 14 (deceased)²
Rank: ?
Height: 155,1 cm²
Weight: 45 kg²
Birthday: June 20
Blood Type: AB
Gate: Seimon, 西門, "Western Gate"
Affiliation: Orochimaru gang, Sound Four, Otogakure (Hidden Sound)
Signature Ability: unnamed kekkei genkai, Tarenken (Multiple Connecting Punches), Tarenkyaku (Multiple Connecting Kicks), Sōma no Kō (Double Demon Attack), Kuchiyose: Rashōmon (Summoning: Rashōmon), Fūkoku Hōin (Black Sealing Method), Shishienjin (Four Violet Flames Battle Encampment), Shikokumujin (Four Black Fog Battle Formation), Konbi Henge (Combination Transformation), Kekkai Hōjin (Barrier Encampment Method)

Sakon is very twisted and enjoys bad-mouthing the opposition. Sakon possesses amazing power and speed but these are not the only things he has at his disposal. From behind, one can see what appears to be another head hanging from his back. This is his older brother Ukon. Due to their unique bloodline, Ukon is able to merge his body with that of Sakon. Ukon generally stays asleep in Sakon's body unless needed in combat, effectively doubling the strength of Sakon's physical attacks. Each brother can independently activate a curse seal. In Cursed Seal Level 2, the brothers look like oni (ogres) and possess increased healing abilities, armor, and can split apart for extended periods of time. He (and Ukon) fight Inuzuka Kiba and Akamaru during the Sasuke Retrieval arc, and nearly defeat them. However, Kiba and Akamaru are rescued by Kankurō, who kills the two brothers.

Both Sakon and Ukon's names are also the names of the two connected sticks of a nunchaku.

Trivia

The way to tell Sakon apart from his twin brother Ukon is that Sakon's hair falls to the right, while Ukon's falls to the left. Also, Sakon wears a necklace of beads, and Ukon does not.
Ukon means 'right', while Sakon means 'left'.

Ukon

Name: Ukon, 右近
Age: 14 (deceased)²
Rank: ?
Height: 155,1 cm²
Weight: 45 kg²
Birthday: June 20
Blood Type: AB
Gate: Unknown, possibly: None or Seimon, 西門, "Western Gate"
Affiliation: Orochimaru gang, Sound Four, Otogakure (Hidden Sound)
Signature Ability: unnamed kekkei genkai, Kisei Kikai no Jutsu (Parasite Demon Demolition Technique), Tarenken (Multiple Connecting Punches), Tarenkyaku (Multiple Connecting Kicks), Sōma no Kō (Double Demon Attack), Konbi Henge (Combination Transformation), Kuchiyose: Rashōmon (Summoning: Rashōmon)

Ukon generally stays within his younger brother Sakon's body unless needed in combat. He seems to be more impatient then his brother, as seen by telling Sakon to finish Kiba quickly and activate curse seal level 2 when Sakon wanted to play around more. When he comes out, he effectively doubles the strength of Sakon's physical attacks. Similarly to how he lives inside Sakon's body, Ukon can use his Kekkei genkai ability, Kisei Kikai no Jutsu (Parasite Demon Demolition Technique) to enter and slowly take over an opponent's body. Each brother can independently activate a curse seal. At Cursed Seal Level 2, the brothers look like oni (ogres) and possess increased healing abilities, armor, and can split apart for extended periods of time. He (and Ukon) fight Inuzuka Kiba and Akamaru during the Sasuke Retrieval arc, and nearly defeat them. However, Kiba and Akamaru are rescued by Kankurō, who kills the two brothers.

Tayuya

Name: Tayuya, 多由也
Age: 14 (deceased)²
Rank: ?
Height: 148,2 cm²
Weight: 38,2 kg²
Birthday: February 15
Blood Type: A
Gate: Hokumon, 北門, "Northern Gate"
Affiliation: Orochimaru gang, Sound Four, Otogakure (Hidden Sound)
Signature Ability: Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique) ({Doki (Angry Demons)}, Mateki: Mugen'onsa (Demonic Flute: Dream Sound Chain), Mateki: Genbusō Kyoku (Demon Flute: Illusionary Warriors Manipulating Melody), Makyō no Ran (War of Evil Men), Shishienjin (Four Violet Flames Battle Encampment), Shikokumujin (Four Black Fog Battle Formation), Konbi Henge (Combination Transformation), Kekkai Hōjin (Barrier Encampment Method)

Tayuya is the kunoichi of Orochimaru's Sound Four. She may be foul mouthed and ill tempered but she is very powerful. Her main weapon is her flute. With it, she can summon three powerful demons and control them to fight for her. Tayuya is also very smart and can think of excellent strategies and battle tactics. She can also perform genjutsu with her flute. Her preference for sound-based long-range combat with her flute makes her vulnerable at close-range combat. When in Cursed Seal level 2, her hair grows longer, her skin turns dark brown, and she grows several horns on her head. She is killed by Nara Shikamaru and Temari during the Sasuke Retrieval arc.

Kaguya Kimimaro

Name: Kaguya Kimimaro,家具店君麻呂
Age: 15 (deceased)²
Rank: ?
Height: 166.1 cm²
Weight: 49.8 kg²
Birthday: August 21
Blood Type: A
Affiliation: Orochimaru gang, Otogakure (Hidden Sound)
Signature Ability: Shikotsumyaku (Dead Bone Pulse), Tsubaki no Mai (Dance of the Camellia), Tessenka no Mai: Hana (Dance of the Clematis: Flower), Tessenka no Mai: Tsuru (Dance of the Clematis: Vine), Karamatsu no Mai (Dance of the Larch), Yanagi no Mai (Dance of the Willow), Sawarabi no Mai (Dance of the Seedling Fern), Teshi Sendan (Finger Bullet Drill)

Kimimaro is the fifth member of the Sound Four, as it was revealed in the anime, the latter being forced to accept this, as his combat abilities are vastly superior to even all four of them. He is the sole survivor of the Kaguya Clan (Kaguya Ichizoku, かぐや一族), the clan who can manipulate their bodies' skeletal frame. The Kaguya clan was wiped out when they attacked the Hidden Mist Village and were slaughtered. Kimimaro was the most powerful member of this clan, so he was locked away in a steel cage for most of his life, released only to fight other clans. He retreated from the fight with the Mist Village which is why he is the only survivor. He is well suited for close combat fighting and distance fighting. Since he can regenerate and make new bones, he has an endless supply of bones he can use against his opponent. Kimimaro's only weakness is the sickness that he constantly suffers from. The sickness seems to have been recently developed, as he was once a prime candidate for Orochimaru's next host. He has a strong devotion towards Orochimaru, as Orochimaru was the only person to care for and inspire him. His dances included the Yanagi no Mai (Dance of the Willow), a dance using spikes of bone projecting from the palms, elbows, and knees, and the Karamatsu no Mai (Dance of the Larch), which involved sprouting a great number of bone "horns" from across his body and spinning at high speed. When in Cursed Seal level 2 form, his appearance is similar to that of a dinosaur, with dark grey skin and a long bony tail, while remaining bipedal.

Kimimaro died in his fight with Rock Lee and Gaara. While he was evidently more powerful than Gaara, who appeared as a result of renewed relations between Sunagakure (Hidden Sand) and Konohagakure (Hidden Leaf), he succumbed to his illness just before finishing Gaara in a surprise attack. Gaara came to the conclusion after the fight that no one can defeat loneliness, even if it means to care for an evil person like Orochimaru.

Kimimaro is much like Haku in many ways, even to the point that young Haku says that he had the same eyes when they once met during childhood in the anime. It is evident that he is a bit younger than Haku.

While belonging to a clan that loves killing, murder, and slaughtering — being the most powerful of this clan; Kimimaro is not truly violent because he never really knew the outside world, and thus, he does not know why he really fights (until he meets Orochimaru). He always wondered what really was accomplished through the fighting he knew. It may be the reason why he retreated from the final battle of his war-loving clan and The Hidden Mist Village. Somewhat like Uchiha Itachi, Kimimaro does not show any of much emotion, at any time (his last few moments in the fight against Gaara) which may indicate there is somewhat of a connection between the two (in personality).

Trivia

Many fans speculate that Orochimaru will use his Kuchiyose: Edo Tensei (Summoning: Impure World Resurrection) to bring back Kimimaro to life because he wields such a powerful Bloodline Limit.

Lesser Villagers

Gen'yūmaru

Genyumaru

Name: Gen'yūmaru, 幻幽丸
Age: 17 (deceased)²
Rank: ?
Height: 172 cm²
Weight: 57.3 kg²
Birthday: July 27
Blood Type: B
Gen'yumaru is Orochimaru's current body. He was told to have a fight to the death with the others that Orochimaru had kept captive, and the winner would be able to go free. Gen'yumaru defeated and killed them all, only to find out that he was the next vessel for Orochimaru. As his last wish, he asked Orochimaru to release his clan, which Orochimaru was holding captive for his experiments.

Fūma Clan

The Fūma clan (ふうま一族, Fūma Ichizoku), a shinobi clan from the Land of the Rice Field. This clan and its members only appears in the anime and not in the manga, therefore it is not considered canon by most fans. Some of their most powerful members were tricked by Orochimaru, who promised to restore their clan status, and were used in his Kinjutsu development experiments.

Arashi

Name: Arashi, アラシ
Age: ?(deceased^?)
Rank: Jōnin⁵
Height: ?
Weight: ?
Birthday: ?
Blood Type: ?
Affiliation: Otogakure (Hidden Sound), Fūma clan
Signature Ability: Jibaku Mandara (Self-Destruction Mandala), Shisha Kugutsu (Casualty Puppet), Shūshagan no Jutsu (Vanishing Facial Copy Technique)

Leader of the Fūma shinobi who were under Orochimaru's command, lost his mind after mastering and constantly using the Shisha Kugutsu to absorb his comrades of the Fūma clan in order to become more powerful. That same jutsu proved to be his ultimate doom, though he was able to return to his old self at the very end. It is unknown whether he died, but there is a good chance he did.

Arashi is a character that only appears in the anime. He is therefore not considered canon by most fans.

Hanzaki

Name: Hanzaki, ハンザキ
Age: ?
Rank: ?
Height: ?
Weight: ?
Birthday: ?
Blood Type: ?
Registration #: ?
Affiliation: Fūma clan
Signature Ability: Fūma Nin-ken Zanbatou (Fūma Nin-Sword Horse Slayer)

The leader of the Fūma clan's members who were not seduced by Orochimaru's power, a strong meelee combat based shinobi who fights with a giant blade called Zanbatō. After the Orochimaru's Lair incident, Sasame was placed under his care by Jiraiya.

Hanzaki is a character that only appears in the anime. He is therefore not considered canon by most fans.

Jigumo

Name: Jigumo, ジグモ
Age: ?(deceased^?)
Rank: Jōnin⁵
Height: ?
Weight: ?
Birthday: ?
Blood Type: ?
Affiliation: Otogakure (Hidden Sound), Fūma clan
Signature Ability: Kazagumo (Windmill Cloud), Utsusemi no Jutsu (Projection Technique)

One of the members of the Fūma clan who were betrayed by Orochimaru. He was one of a three members group who guarded Orochimaru's base on the Land of the Rice Field. Later, he was absorbed by Arashi's secret Kinjutsu along with one of his comrades.

Jigumo is a character that only appears in the anime. He is therefore not considered canon by most fans.

Kagero

Name: Kagrōu, カゲロウ
Age: ?(deceased^?)
Rank: Jōnin⁵
Height: ?
Weight: ?
Birthday: ?
Blood Type: ?
Affiliation: Otogakure (Hidden Sound), Fūma clan
Signature Ability: Daijigoku no Jutsu (Big Hell Technique), Doton: Dochū Eigyo no Jutsu (Earth Release: Underground Projection Fish Technique), Katon: Kasumi Engo no Jutsu (Fire Release: Covering Mist Technique), Shūshagan no Jutsu (Vanishing Facial Copy Technique), Chakra Ito: Shinzou (Chakra Strings: Heart), Utakata (Ephemeral Vengeance)

One of the members of the Fūma clan who were betrayed by Orochimaru. She was one of a three members group who guarded Orochimaru's base on the Land of the Rice Field. Though she was actually a young girl, she constantly disguised herself as a member of the opposite sex. Kagero died fighting Naruto while disguised as Kabuto.

Kagerō is a character that only appears in the anime. She is therefore not considered canon by most fans.

Kamikiri

Name: Kamikiri, カミキリ
Age: ?(deceased^?)
Rank: Jōnin⁵
Height: ?
Weight: ?
Birthday: ?
Blood Type: ?
Affiliation: Otogakure (Hidden Sound), Fūma clan
Signature Ability: Giant Pincers

One of the members of the Fūma clan who were betrayed by Orochimaru. He was one of a three members group who guarded Orochimaru's base on the Land of the Rice Field. Later, he was absorbed by Arashi's Shisha Kugutsu along with Jigumo.

Kamikiri is a character that only appears in the anime. He is therefore not considered canon by most fans.

Sasame

Name: Sasame, ササメ
Age: ?
Rank: ?
Height: ?
Weight: ?
Birthday: ?
Blood Type: ?
Registration #: ?
Affiliation: Fūma clan
Signature Ability: Makibishi

A young kunoichi of the Fūma clan, a shinobi family from the Land of the Rice Field. In search for her older cousin, Arashi, she helped Naruto, Sakura and Jiraiya in their invasion at the Orochimaru's lair on the Rice Field country. After the incident, she decided to join forces with the remaining members of the Fūma family to rebuild the clan's former glory.

Sasame is a character that only appears in the anime. She is therefore not considered canon by most fans.

Kabuto's teammates

Unknown Jōnin

Unnamed Jōnin

Yakushi Kabuto, Akadō Yoroi and Tsurugi Misumi are a three-man genin team that entered the exam. It is unknown whether or not they had a Jōnin in charge of their team. Since all the Konoha Rookie 1st years as well as Gai's 2nd year team do, it is very likely. If they had a Jōnin sensei, it is unknown whether or not this person was loyal to Orochimaru, or if he was a normal shinobi. During the third Chūnin exam preliminaries, all the Jōnin sensei are standing on a platform behind the Hokage. In the manga (vol.8, ch.65), the unnamed Jōnin pictured to the right was standing on the platform with them, suggesting that he was a Jōnin sensei as well. Since the sensei of the other teams are all known, he can only be the sensei of Kabuto's team. This is further supported by the fact that he wears glasses, like the rest (with the possible exception of Yoroi) As none of Kabuto's team makes it to the third exam, no further info was made available regarding who their Konoha Jōnin was, or if he may have been cooperating with them. This Jōnin was seen once again in episode 80 of the Naruto anime standing next to Kamizuki Izumo, Hagane Kotetsu, and Uzuki Yugao during the Sandaime Hokage's funeral, though this is not seen as canon by some fans.

Akadō Yoroi

Name: Akadō Yoroi, 赤胴ヨロイ
Age: 23 (deceased^?) ¹
Rank: Genin¹
Height: 180,0 cm¹
Weight: 70,0 kg¹
Birthday: February 21
Blood Type: O
Affiliation: Otogakure (Hidden Sound)
Signature Ability: Chakura Kyūin Jutsu (Chakra Absorption Technique), Magen: Jigoku Kōka no Jutsu (Demonic Illusion: Descending Hell Technique) (anime only), Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu (Art of the Water Doppelganger) (anime only), Suiton: Daibakure no Jutsu (Water Release: Huge Explosion Technique) (anime only)

Akadō Yoroi is a part of the three-man team of ninja from the Otogakure posing as ninja from the Konohagakure, along with Yakushi Kabuto and Tsurugi Misumi. He possesses an ability (possibly, though unlikely, a Kekkei genkai, although its true nature is unknown) that allows him to absorb his opponents' chakra. He used this ability against Uchiha Sasuke during the preliminary matches of the third Chūnin Exam, making it very difficult for Sasuke to keep his Cursed Seal under control. Despite this, Sasuke still defeated Yoroi, using his Shishi Rendan (Lion Combo).

Akadō Yoroi makes a second appearance with Tsurugi Misumi in the Kaima filler arc, where he is depicted as a research assistant to Orochimaru's scientist Amachii. He has taken off the cloth covering his lower face, appearing much older with a very defined facial structure. During the events of this arc, he is defeated twice by Aburame Shino. Upon his second defeat, he sinks beneath the water and does not visibly resurface. As he is not pursued, it can be assumed that Shino ascertained his death. He may have died from complete chakra drainage from Shino's Kikai bugs, or from drowning, being unable to resurface.

Trivia

The name "Akadō" means "a red armor" and "Yoroi" means "an armor" as well. This may be taken from a group of elite soldiers of Tokugawa Ieyasu who dressed in the red armor to instill fear to the enemy's heart.
Together with Yakushi Kabuto ("helmet") and Tsurugi Misumi ("sword"), they form an armor-helmet-sword trio.

Tsurugi Misumi

Misumi

Name: Tsurugi Misumi, 剣ミスミ
Age: 23 (deceased^?) ¹
Rank: Genin¹
Height: 174,7 cm¹
Weight: 61,4 kg¹
Birthday: November 30
Blood Type: A
Registration #: 011981
Affiliation: Otogakure (Hidden Sound)
Signature Ability: Nan no Kaizō (Soft Physique Modification), Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu (Art of the Water Doppelganger) (anime only)
Technically a Otogakure ninja, Tsurugi Misumi poses as a Genin level ninja from Konohagakure during the Chūnin exam, along with Yakushi Kabuto and Akadō Yoroi. To be more efficient in the gathering of information, his body has been altered to be able to fit into any space, with contortional abilities alike to Orochimaru's. This ability also has its benefits in battle by allowing Misumi to get impossible to escape holds on his opponent, with the ability to then constrict like a snake. He was defeated by Kankurō in the third battle of the Chūnin preliminary exams. The audible snapping sound by Kankuro's puppet snapping his neck (as Misumi had done on his puppet) lead many fans to believe that he died in this battle. However, due to the lack of intervention usually seen when a competitor was close to dying, death may have been unlikely.

Tsurugi Misumi makes a second appearance with Akadō Yoroi in the anime's Kaima filler arc, where he is depicted as a research assistant and bodyguard to Orochimaru's scientist, Amachi. He, like Yoroi, has taken off the cloth covering his lower face. During the events of this arc, he is restrained in the lab when it caves in. Due to his contortion abilities, the impact of the falling rocks would not likely have killed him, but he is presumed dead due to suffocation.

Trivia

Tsurugi Misumi means ("sword").
Together with Akadō Yoroi ("armor") and Yakushi Kabuto ("helmet") form an armor-helmet-sword trio.

Sound Genin

Sound Jōnin disguise

Orochimaru's Jonin disguise

The Jōnin for the Sound Genin, observing during the preliminary matches, was none other than Orochimaru acting as a Jōnin-sensei. As none of the Sound Genin were present to the third exam, no excuses for his absence where to be made, and he could later easily fill the role of the Kazekage without any suspicion.

This Jōnin was quite noticeably similar to Orochimaru's normal appearance, and it is confusing as to why he was not recognized, even after his confrontation with Kakashi in which he admitted that the Hidden Sound was his village. It can be assumed that, like Anko's knowledge, this did not result in the stopping of the exam and declaration of martial law due to Konoha's unwillingness to jeopardize relations with other nations, as well as Orochimaru's threat of reprisal against Konoha if the exam were halted. This was very likely a bad decision in the first place.

Dosu Kinuta

Dosu

Name: Dosu Kinuta, ドス・キヌタ
Age: 14 (deceased)¹
Rank: Genin¹
Height: 156.0 cm¹
Weight: 49.0 kg¹
Birthday: June 12
Blood Type: A
Affiliation: Otogakure (Hidden Sound)
Voice actor: John DeMita
Signature Ability: Kyōmeisen (Vibrating Sound Drill)

Dosu Kinuta is one of the three Genin from the Otogakure (along with Kin and Zaku) who entered the Chūnin exam not for becoming a Chūnin, but rather as a part of a mission from Orochimaru to assassinate Uchiha Sasuke (which in a twist turns out to merely be a mission of testing Sasuke's strength, having obtained Orochimaru's cursed seal). Dosu was equipped with a special speaker tied to his wrist which served to amplify sound waves and dramatically strengthen his sound-based attacks. Under the bandages he wears on his head, it is revealed that he has brown hair.

Dosu wounded both Rock Lee and Yakushi Kabuto (presumably Kabuto healed himself it with his medical abilities) during the first and second exams by directing his sound into their inner ears. Both later recovered for their fights. In the preliminary examination, Dosu easily defeated Akimichi Chōji. Dosu was largely a jealous person, attempting to kill Sasuke after realizing that Orochimaru's intentions were not as he had told them. Similarly, his attacking of Kabuto was a result of not being notified of Kabuto's affiliation. He seems to be loyal to his team-mates, as, after Zaku is maimed in the battle with Aburame Shino, he says he will avenge him.

Orochimaru treated him as largely a pawn, even though he was quite a powerful ninja. Dosu's undoing, however, was his own attempt to kill Sabaku no Gaara so that he could fight Sasuke earlier in the third Chūnin exam. Not realising the monstrosity he was actually going up against (which shocked and surprised him), his death was quick and unceremonious, only taking Gaara one strike to kill him.

Trivia

"Dosu" is onomatopoeia for the sound of a sword piercing flesh.

Kin Tsuchi

Kin

Name: Kin Tsuchi, キン・ツチ
Age: 14 (deceased)¹
Rank: Genin¹
Height: 150 cm¹
Weight: 39 kg¹
Birthday: July 6
Blood Type: O
Affiliation: Otogakure (Hidden Sound)
Voice Actor: Stephanie Sheh
Signature Ability: Kage Senbon no Jutsu (Shadow Needle Technique), Suzu Senbon no Genkaku (Illusion Bell Needles) (anime only)

A Genin level ninja, not much is known about this Sound Ninja. She is in the Chūnin Selection Exam on a mission with her comrades to kill Uchiha Sasuke. In the process her body gets taken over by Yamanaka Ino's tecnique. She uses a combination of bells, strings and senbon to confuse her enemies. In the anime, the bells caused a genjutsu, further confusing and disorientating her opponent.

In the third stage preliminaries she is matched against Nara Shikamaru, who defeats her through his Kagemane no Jutsu ("The Art of Me-and-My-Shadow" or "Shadow Posession Jutsu") by contracting his shadow and sneaking it under the string attached to a needle she threw; she did not notice that a string at that height would not cast a shadow. Shikamaru used his jutsu to bring her head into the wall while he was a different distance away.

Kin is later betrayed and murdered by Orochimaru in order to be one of the sacrifices needed to summon the First and Second Hokages from their graves with his Kuchiyose: Edo Tensei (Summoning: Impure World Resurrection).

Trivia

Kin is named for the sound of metal clashing.

Zaku Abumi

Name: Zaku Abumi, ザク・アブミ
Age: 14 (deceased)¹
Rank: Genin¹
Height: 157,3 cm¹
Weight: 49 kg¹
Birthday: September 14
Blood Type: AB
Affiliation: Otogakure (Hidden Sound)
Voice actor: Sam Regal
Signature Ability: Zankūha (Decapitating Air Wave), Zankūkyokuha (Extreme Decapitating Air Waves)

Zaku Abumi was a Genin level ninja from Otogakure (Hidden Sound). He was part of the Otogakure team that took the Chūnin exam at Konohagakure (Hidden Leaf). Like many Sound Ninja, he has been physically altered with unnatural enhancements that enhance his abilities, in his case, hollow airtubes that extend through his arms and open through his hands, allowing him to propel a combination of air pressure and sound in various ratios, controlled by his chakra. Unlike his partners, a glance into his past and how Orochimaru recruited him was given, making him a far more dramatic character. It shows that he was a poor boy living on the streets. He stole some food, and was beaten for it. Orochimaru had told him he had potential in the manga and in the anime Orochimaru liked the strength in his eyes.

After saving his partner Dosu from Rock Lee's lotus attack, he brutally fought off Sakura who attempted to prevent him from killing Sasuke. When Sasuke awoke, he dislocated and greatly injured Zaku's shoulders. He was the only sound ninja to fight Sasuke. In his preliminary fight with Aburame Shino he overcame the injuries to his shoulders and was able to use his arms to defend himself against the pincer attack between Shino and his bugs. His arms were even more brutally crippled in a counterattack that prevented him from doing any damage in the future. In the manga his right arm falls off due to the beetles Shino used to clog Zaku's airtubes. He is seen murdered as he later appears as one of the corpses used by Orochimaru for the Kuchiyose: Edo Tensei (Summoning: Impure World Resurrection) for the Shodai and Nidaime Hokage against the Sandaime Hokage.

Trivia

Zaku's name is derived from "to cut," which relates to his "air cutter" attack. It is also the sound of a person walking on snow or sand. With the former name meaning, he and his two teammates have names relating to swords, fitting based on their aggressive behavior and deadly intentions. However, based on the latter meaning, he and his two teammates all have names that come from onomatopoeias, fitting since they come from the Hidden Sound Village. Their naming pattern (Slash, Clang, and Crunch) is similar to that of Snap, Crackle, and Pop.
The three symbols on Zaku's chest are all the kanji 死 ("Shi", death).

Sources

First Official Data Book (秘伝・臨の書キャラクターオフィシャルデータBOOK, "Hiden: Rin no Sho Character Official Data Book")
Second Official Data Book (秘伝・闘の書キャラクターオフィシャルデータBOOK, "Hiden: Tō no Sho Character Official Data Book")
Jump's 2nd Great Hero Book's Mini Data Book (秘伝・翔の書オフィシャルキャラクターデータBOOK mini, "Hiden: Shō no Sho Official Character Data Book mini")
Naruto manga chapters
Based on character's ability and status