Yamato

Yamato (ヤマト, Yamato?) is a fictional character in the anime and manga series Naruto created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is the temporary leader of Kakashi Hatake's Team 7, consisting of Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sai. "Yamato" is actually a codename given to him for the purposes of leading Team 7, his real name being Tenzo (テンゾウ, Tenzō?).[1][2] Yamato, however, seems to prefer going by his codename.

Background

Shortly after his birth, Yamato was one of 60 people kidnapped for the purposes of becoming a test subject of Orochimaru.[3] In Yamato's case, Orochimaru injected him with the First Hokage's DNA in the hopes that he could replicate the First's ability to use Mokuton techniques. Orochimaru was forced to flee Konoha before he could finish his experimentation, but believed that all of his test subjects had died. Yamato, however, was the lone survivor, and found himself endowed with the First's abilities.[3] Yamato would go on to join the ANBU, and for a time he would serve under the guidance of Kakashi Hatake. Yamato would also come to have the best performance record of any ANBU serving under the Third Hokage, leading the Third's successor, Tsunade, to have the utmost confidence in Yamato.

Personality

Like other ANBU members, Yamato projects a calm, stoic demeanor in stressful situations. Despite this, he can also be quite laid back when not on duty, and is not above using his Mokuton techniques for creature comforts such as making a house to "camp out" in.[5] While he has been good natured so far, Yamato claims to be a different sort of leader than Kakashi, one who is not above "ruling by the use of terror" when his team misbehaves.[6] Aside from his obviously intimidating skills as a ninja, however, this "terror" has so far primarily consisted of casting a creepy "ghoul-eyes" expression directed at his charges, which seems more humorous than terrifying. Naruto, however, is easily creeped out by it. Yamato also seems to have an attachment to money, and doesn't like to spend on others unless he has something to gain.

Abilities

Like other ANBU members, Yamato projects a calm, stoic demeanor in stressful situations. Despite this, he can also be quite laid back when not on duty, and is not above using his Mokuton techniques for creature comforts such as making a house to "camp out" in.[5] While he has been good natured so far, Yamato claims to be a different sort of leader than Kakashi, one who is not above "ruling by the use of terror" when his team misbehaves.[6] Aside from his obviously intimidating skills as a ninja, however, this "terror" has so far primarily consisted of casting a creepy "ghoul-eyes" expression directed at his charges, which seems more humorous than terrifying. Naruto, however, is easily creeped out by it. Yamato also seems to have an attachment to money, and doesn't like to spend on others unless he has something to gain.

Plot Preview

Since his introduction, Yamato has remained true to his original functions: leading Team 7 in Kakashi's place and suppressing the demon fox. During their first mission as a group he tries to help Naruto and Sakura get along with the group, though Sai is ultimately able to do that on his own. Now working as a team, Yamato leads the effort in trying to bring Sasuke Uchiha back to Konoha, though they are ultimately unsuccessful. After returning to Konoha he helps Kakashi oversee Naruto's development of a new jutsu, specifically in dealing with Naruto if he loses control of the demon fox. Once Naruto is able to create a usable attack, Yamato helps from the sidelines in the attack's usage and eventual defeat of Kakuzu. Now, he has joined with Team 7 and Team 8 in order to help search for Sasuke and Itachi Uchiha.