-> Extra Characters

Iruka Umino

Iruka Umino is an instructor at the Konoha ninja academy, characterized by the distinctive scar across his face that he has had since childhood. Introduced as Naruto Uzumaki's sensei, he and Naruto have a special connection. Iruka relates to Naruto since he also grew up as an orphan and was around Naruto's current age when his parents were killed by the demon fox; He was the first person to acknowledge Naruto as a person of value and show concern for him. Naruto cares deeply for him, and sees Iruka as a father figure.

Iruka's parents were killed by the demon sealed inside Naruto, but he doesn't blame Naruto for what happened since he knew Naruto was not the demon fox. Iruka regrets not doing more for Naruto, so he tends to be a little overprotective, often worrying that Naruto is being pushed too hard. As a result Iruka tends to underestimate Naruto's ability and determination during the many trials he goes through to become a great ninja.

Konohamaru

Konohamaru is the grandson of the Third Hokage, but feels he is unacknowledged for that reason. Although he had just begun training at the Ninja Academy, he constantly attempted surprise attacks on his grandfather so he could defeat him and acquire the acknowledgement of the Hokage name. Though Ebisu, his tutor, tried to discourage this, it is only through Naruto Uzumaki's influence that Konohamaru realized that there would be no shortcuts to becoming Hokage. Instead, it is a dream that would take many years of hard work and discipline to realize. Konohamaru commonly hangs out with his two friends, Udon and Moegi. Together, they call themselves the "Konohamaru Corps" ("Konohamaru Ninja Squad" in the English dub). After the time skip, the Konohamaru Corps have become Genin and are a team with Ebisu as their mentor and leader.

Konohamaru's biggest influence is Naruto himself, looking up to him as a role model (and calling him Boss to match). At various points Naruto and Konohamaru appear to have common bonds between them, such as use of the perverted jutsus, determination and a fiery attitude.

Inari, Tazuna and Tsunami

Inari

Inari is the son of Tsunami and the grandson of Tazuna. Inari's father died before he got to know him, but he came to see Kaiza as a father figure. Kaiza took a fatherly role in Inari's life and even became close to Tsunami. When Kaiza was put to death by Gato, Inari changed. He became a sad and angry boy, with little hope or optimism.

His outlook is changed after he meets Naruto, who had an even worse past but learned to deal with it. Naruto's unwillingness to quit and concern for others helped Inari to realize the power of will over fate, and that no risk is too great to protect something precious. He therefore grabbed his crossbow and rallied the townspeople, who proceeded to rise up against Gato's men. Along with Naruto and Kakashi Hatake, they were able to drive away Gato's thugs.

Tazuna

Tazuna is a master bridge builder, the father of Tsunami, and the grandfather of Inani. He resolved to build a bridge that would connect the Land of Waves to the mainland to help restore its economic stability, which was against Gato's interest. He knew that Gato would try to kill him, but couldn't afford proper protection. It is because of this that Tazuna hires Team 7 under the false pretense of protecting him from bandits (this was considered a C-Rank mission, thus reducing the cost).

Unlike most of his fellow citizens, Tazuna was brave enough to defy Gato's interests, though he's perfectly aware of the consequences. In honor of Naruto, for his example of courage, Tazuna names the bridge the "Great Naruto Bridge" after its completion. He tends to overuse the word "super," which is not reflected in the English version of the anime.

Tsunami

Tsunami is the daughter of Tazuna and the mother of Inari. Her husband died shortly after Inari's birth, and when Kaiza entered her life as a father figure for Inari, she couldn't help but invite him into her home. Like everyone else in the city, Kaiza's death broke her spirit.

In the years following, she tried to protect Inari from the painful memories of the loss of his friend and mentor. Tsunami is a woman of strong will. When Inari is in danger, she threatens to commit suicide, which would have left no hostage for Gato's men to take.

(Might) Gai Sensei

Might Gai is a Konoha Jonin who's notorious for his thick eyebrows, green jumpsuit, shiny bowl haircut, and exceedingly flamboyant personality. He graduated from the Academy at age seven, and became a Chunin at age eleven. He is the sensei of the ninja team consisting of Neji Hyuga, Tenten, and Rock Lee. Of the three, he has bonded with Lee the most, because Lee reminds Gai of himself when he was younger. Gai's guidance prompted Lee to start tapping into his potential, despite having been considered sub par in all ninja categories up until then. Gai believes that "hard work without believing in yourself is worthless", and though he uses the terms "youth", "power" and "explosion" a lot, he sadly notes that his own youthful power seems to have started fading. He first mentions this during training with Lee, who he can no longer keep up with.

Gai is perhaps the most emotional character in the series, and possesses several odd mannerisms accentuating this fact. The first and foremost of these is his "nice gai pose", which consists of giving the thumbs up and smiling with teeth so white they give the proverbial "ping". It's often used by both Gai and Lee to indicate commitment to whatever statement they just made, the highest form of a promise. His relationship with Lee also carries these overtones. When Lee makes any sort of infraction, Gai will punch him and give him some sort of ridiculous task. The two then burst into tears and embrace. When this happens, a beach at sunset, complete with crashing waves, usually appears behind them.