One of the biggest strengths of Narutoat least in the original series, is that even characters who seem somewhat minor typically get their fair share of development. Even if it's not always shown on-screen, the series does a wonderful job of getting viewers invested in even the most unsuspecting of characters, and Shizune is definitely one that comes to mind.

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Shizune is almost always seen at Lady Tsunade's side, as she was Tsunade's closest apprentice before she began training Sakura. The two are so inseparable and invaluable in one another's lives that it honestly comes off as a bit strange when they aren't seen together. Although it can be difficult at times to see much in Shizune's character besides being the fifth Hokage's apprentice, she's still her own person with a lot that can be easy to miss.

10 Reversed Roles

tsunade shizune drinking naruto

Shizune left the village with Tsunade after her uncle's death, as both her apprentice and assistant. One might assume that Tsunade would take on more of a guiding and watchful role within Shizune's life afterward, but it's actually the opposite. Due to Tsunade's problems with gambling as well as drinking perhaps a mite too much, Shizune instead takes on a pseudo-caretaker role in her master's life, ensuring that she doesn't go too overboard and worrying about her greatly.

9 Doesn't Let Anyone Insult Tsunade

shizune holding surgical knife naruto

Shizune has to deal with a lot when it comes to looking out for Tsunade, who can be reckless, impulsive, and incredibly hot-headed. It would be easy to think that she might get a chuckle out of someone saying something negative about Tsunade, if for no other reason than knowing first-hand just how true it could be. However, she's shockingly quick to defend Tsunade from any sort of ridicule. For example, when the Raikage called Tsunade 'unhinged' (which is a pretty apt descriptor for her, especially before she becomes Hokage)she didn't hesitate to throw an exploding insect at his feet.

8 Jealous Side

Shizune Is Confused In Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

After some episodes of Shippudena short omake will play, usually comedic bits that are far removed from the general plot of the show while explaining more about the world or characters. In the omake that plays after episode seventy-seven, Shizune gets drunk and complains to Kurenai, and she's shown to have a surprising jealous side.

Shizune actually harbors insecurities about her figure, as well as being too old to get married in her own eyes. She expresses to Kurenai that she's actually quite jealous of her ample figure as well as her relationship with Asuma, which is a surprising side of her.

7 Ethics Over Profit

shizune comforting sakura naruto

Although Shizune's primary role ends up being that of the Hokage's assistant (a duty which she extends to the sixth and seventh Hokages, as well) she's also an incredible medical ninja as well. She takes her medical duties very seriously and helps Sakura out at times with the children's mental health clinic that she ends up establishing.

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Shizune has an incredibly strong sense of ethics, and this carries over into her medical work, as well. Kido Tsumiki, a former ANBU member, tried to suggest that they give traumatized children expensive prescriptions to turn a profit, a vile idea which Shizune vehemently rejected.

6 Ninjutsu Capabilities

Shizune smiling in Naruto.

Shizune's primary abilities are in both her various uses of poison in combat as well as her skills as a medical ninja. However, she's actually also shown to be rather proficient in using ninjutsu, as she is able to create up to thirty-six clones using the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, the very technique that Naruto learned early on. It makes sense that she would be able to use something that requires immense amounts of chakra or skilled control over their chakra, as advanced chakra control is one of the traits that medical-nin have to possess.

5 Official Statistics

Shizune blushing in Naruto.

The various data books that came out for Naruto go more in-depth about the series's character statistics, giving each stat a numerical value from one to five. This includes characters that don't get as much screen time as others, and that includes Shizune!

Her three highest stats are hand seals, intelligence, and ninjutsu, which rank at a perfect five, and then two four-and-a-half, respectively. Her genjutsu and speed both sit at a four, stamina is an average three, her strength is two-and-a-half, and lastly, her taijutsu sits at a two. It's pretty cool to have confirmation that every single one of her stats is above the minimum, as things like her taijutsu skill are never really shown in the actual series.

4 Willingness To Kill

shizune shooting needles in combat naruto

Shizune isn't actually seen killing anyone on-screen, but she's actually surprisingly okay with pitching the idea of using such lethal force when she deems it necessary. It's a part of the more ethical medical-ninja that's a bit shocking, but given how horrible some of the threats within the series are, it's still completely understandable.

When Tsunade refused to heal Orochimaru's arms, he tried to use the offer of reviving her siblings to make her comply. Shizune reacted by trying to convince Tsunade that it would instead be much more beneficial for the Hidden Leaf overall if they were to simply kill Orochimaru, right then and there.

3 Caring Nature

shizune smiling in boruto naruto

It's no surprise that Shizune is incredibly protective over Tsunade and cares a great deal for her, but that concerned, considerate nature actually extends to others besides Tsunade as well. Especially after the latter becomes the fifth Hokage, Shizune begins to think about not only her master but about the rest of the village as well.

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This is shown most clearly in the interlude, about two years after Naruto and Jiraiya leave to train. Another round of Chunin Exams was to be held, with the secret goal of luring out the Akatsuki. After the meeting, Shizune voiced her concerns to Tsunade about using Naruto as bait, and she expresses similar concerns again in Shippuden when Naruto's team was sent to fight Sasori.

2 Video Game Roles

shizune and tsunade ultimate ninja video game naruto

Despite not being a main character, Shizune is available as a playable character in a surprising number of Naruto-related video games, being playable in a total of a whopping eleven games. In two others, Shizune was a support-only character that could be selected to help the player, but not as a playable character herself.

Her most common offensive technique involves creating two swords out of chakra, which she can use to not only physically and internally damage an opponent, but create a huge explosion as well. Tonton also assists in a large number of attacks, often transforming into Shizune and distracting the enemy so she can land her main attack.

1 Hidden Trivia

Shizune holds Tonton in Naruto Shippuden.

In addition to the second databook providing official statistics for Shizune regarding her physical and mental capabilities, it also touches on a few cute bits of trivia that most fans will miss, simply due to the books not being nearly as popular as the anime or manga. Her favorite hobby is listed as visiting cultural heritage sites, showing an interest in both travel and the beauty of nature. Her favorite food is listed as brown rice, while her least favorite is pork, which is a pretty cute nod to the relationship that her and Tsunade's pet pig, Tonton, share.

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