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Meet Genma Shiranui in Naruto. The senbon wielding tokubetsu jonin who acted as Hokage bodyguard. More than meets the eye.
There are many characters in Naruto whose names most people don’t even know, but once they see them, they recognize them. The character appearing here is one of the coolest among them and the strongest Hokage bodyguard of all time, Genma Shiranui. He is the guy who wears his headband backward and always has a toothpick in his mouth.
Fandom might remember Genma as the proctor who replaced Hayate Gekko during the final rounds of the Chunin Exams. His calm demeanor and professional attitude made him perfect for maintaining order during these high-stakes battles. He showcases his importance despite not being a main character in the Naruto universe. He is a tokubetsu jonin.
Genma’s Early Days in Naruto
Long before we meet him as a proctor in the Naruto series, Genma had quite an interesting backstory. As a genin, he was part of Team Choza, alongside future taijutsu master Might Guy and the strict shinobi instructor Ebisu. This team was led by Choza Akimichi, father of Choji. In the Chunin Exams, Team Choza confronted Team Minato, which was comprised of future Hokage Kakashi, the late Obito, and Rin Nohara. This early face-off gave him exposure to skills and combat approaches.
Perhaps one of the most brutal experiences in Genma’s early career was when his team faced a generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, elite warriors from Kirigakure. They were only saved by the unimaginable sacrifice of Might Duy, Guy’s father.
During his assistance under the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, Genma learned a combined jutsu that would later prove crucial during the Fourth Great Ninja War. This specialized training illustrates how trusted Genma was, being commissioned with such an influential role as part of the Hokage Guard Platoon at a young age.
As a shinobi, Genma took on increasingly important positions and finally evolved into a tokubetsu jonin—a specialized jonin with expertise in certain areas. His early ventures formed the basis for his later capabilities and devotion to Konoha.
Skills and Abilities of Genma
As a tokubetsu jonin in Naruto, Genma has professional talents that set him apart from common shinobi. Genma in Naruto is known for carrying out tough tasks, illustrating his credentials as a veteran ninja. He displayed amazing combat skills by holding his own against Baki, an elite jonin from Sunagakure, during the attack on Konoha.
One of the most uncommon skills Genma displays in Naruto is his ability to use his trademark senbon as a lance and a tool. He can spit this needle from his mouth with fantastic precision and force—enough to deflect incoming kunai. This bizarre fighting style makes Genma unpredictable in combat situations, giving him an edge over opponents who might not expect such attacks.
Possibly Genma’s special ability is the Flying Thunder Formation Technique, which he learned directly from the Fourth Hokage. This combined jutsu allows them to teleport themselves and others to places tagged with special seals. During the Fourth Shinobi War, they used this technique to transport the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, to the battlefield to confront Madara Uchiha.
Notable Missions and Moments
While not a major character in Naruto, Genma surfaces at crucial moments throughout several primary storylines. His role often denotes the steady, reliable backbone of Konoha’s military network. In the Tsunade Search arc, Genma, along with Aoba, was assigned to declare Tsunade’s inauguration as the Fifth Hokage. This ceremonious role stresses how Genma was entrusted with official duties designating Konoha.
Another significant mission involving Genma occurred during the Sasuke Recovery arc. Alongside Raido Namiashi, Iwashi Tatami, and Shizune, Genma encountered the Sound Four while returning from a mission. Despite being exhausted from their prior assignment, Genma and Raido fought valiantly against Orochimaru’s elite guards.
During Pain’s invasion of Konoha, Genma was among the jonin who aided in rebuilding the village after the attack. His optimistic words to Kotetsu Hagane—reminding him that while buildings had been demolished, the people of Konoha remained—affirmed his deep sense of what truly makes a village.
Perhaps Genma’s most important mission came during the Fourth Shinobi World War. He was initially appointed to protect the daimyo at their safe house. Later, he was involved in the Flying Thunder Formation Technique to transport the Fifth Hokage to the battlefield, playing a necessary role in the Allied Shinobi Forces’ plan.
Genma’s Personality and Character Traits
Genma in Naruto exhibits a distinct personality in the series. He’s described by his extremely calm and collected behavior, rarely showing signs of being flustered even in the messiest situations. During the Chunin Exams and the succeeding invasion, Genma kept his poise, making level-headed decisions that displayed his trustworthiness as a Konoha shinobi.
Despite his serious duties, Genma has a rather casual approach to his work. He’s frequently seen with a relaxed posture and an ever-present senbon in his mouth, giving him a carefree impression. However, this casual demeanor shouldn’t be mistaken for carelessness—Genma in Naruto is deeply committed to his village and missions. According to the databooks, Genma mainly despises Orochimaru for “power-playing,” affirming that he has a strong sense of justice and hatred for those who abuse their abilities.
Interestingly, Genma also has a cheerful side to his character. He’s known to be prone to wisecracking. It was something that Shikaku Nara was well aware of when he contacted Genma during the Fourth Shinobi War. Shikaku specifically told Genma not to make jokes because they were in “dire straits,” implying that humor might be Genma’s usual response even in tight situations.
Conclusion
Genma Shiranui may not be the character that instantly comes to mind when considering the Naruto series, but his consistent presence in the series proves otherwise. Genma in Naruto is even represented as the backbone of Konoha’s Shinobi system. While flashier characters may grab more attention, Genma reminds us that a village’s strength comes from all its shinobi.
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