Who Is Dosu in Naruto?

Meet Dosu in Naruto, the enigmatic Sound Shinobi. His bandaged face and tragic tale are key highlights in the series’ story.

Who is Dosu in Naruto?
Who is Dosu in Naruto? (Source: Studio Pierrot)

Dosu Kinuta in Naruto is a scheming shinobi from Otogakure (Hidden Sound Village). He acted as the unofficial leader of Team Dosu during the Chunin Exams. He first appeared in chapter 35 of the manga and episode 21 of the anime. With his sound-based capabilities and mysterious appearance, Dosu added a new dimension to the shinobi world of Naruto. He showcased how sound itself can be exerted as a deadly weapon.

Background and Appearance of Dosu in Naruto

Dosu Kinuta as seen in Naruto
Dosu Kinuta as seen in Naruto (Source: Studio Pierrot)

Dosu in Naruto delivers a memorable figure in the series. His most unusual feature is the comprehensive bandaging that hides most of his face, leaving only his left eye and eyebrow seeable to the world. The character’s appearance is additionally defined by his large cape with long sleeves. Also, complemented by a snake-patterned scarf around his neck and a straw raincoat protruding from the back of his scarf. Perhaps most notably, Dosu carries a large amplifier on his right arm, which functions as the cornerstone of his combat abilities.

The 14-year-old shinobi’s hunched stance causes him to appear smaller than his actual height, often leading to his opponents to underestimate him. His short black buzzcut hair and the minimal visual features of his face give off a creepy and weird aura. As a shinobi of Otogakure, his appearance resembles the secretive nature of his village, while his general presentation operates as a perfect complement to his sound-based fighting style. Despite his young age, Dosu’s appearance commands respect and attention, marking him as a significant presence whenever he appears in Naruto.

Dosu’s Combat Abilities and Fighting Style

Dosu using his Sound Jutsu
Dosu using his Sound Jutsu (Source: Studio Pierrot)

In Naruto, Dosu Kinuta’s combat abilities stand out for their unique focus on sound manipulation. His primary weapon, the Resonating Echo Speaker, is on his right arm, allowing him to generate and control sound waves with great precision. This device isn’t merely a tool but an attachment to his fighting style, helping him to launch devastating attacks that target the inner ear of his opponents. The effects of these attacks are brutal, causing fierce disorientation, dizziness, and sickness in those unlucky enough to face him.

This expertise extends beyond combat, as demonstrated during the written portion of the Chunin Exams, where he could decipher other candidates’ answers simply by listening to their pencil strokes. His tactical approach to combat shows in his ability to use sound waves to penetrate defenses that would typically be effective against physical attacks. This was notably demonstrated in his fight against Choji, where he could bypass the protection of the Human Bullet Tank technique by conducting sound through the water in Choji’s body.

Dosu’s intelligence complements his sound-based abilities perfectly. He rarely rushes into battle without first analyzing his opponent and the situation. His fighting style represents a perfect blend of precision and power in the early parts of Naruto.

His Role in the Chunin Exam

Dosu attacking Lee during Chunin Exam
Dosu attacking Lee during the Chunin Exam (Source: Studio Pierrot)

During the Chunin Exams arc, Dosu in Naruto reveals himself as more than just another participant. His exams begin with a confrontation with Kabuto Yakushi, where he displays his sound-based abilities by attacking Kabuto for dismissing the Hidden Sound Village. This initial display of power and loyalty sets the tone for his participation in the exams. Throughout the various stages, Dosu shows exceptional leadership qualities, guiding Team Dosu.

In the Forest of Death, Dosu’s actual mission comes to light, i.e., the elimination of Sasuke Uchiha under Orochimaru’s orders. His tactical prowess shines during this phase as he successfully sees through Sakura’s traps and confronts Rock Lee. Even when faced with Lee’s tough taijutsu skills, Dosu manages to turn the tide of battle through the clever use of his sound techniques. His performance during the preliminary rounds gave him a reputation as a capable fighter, particularly in his decisive victory over Choji Akimichi.

The exams also showcase Dosu’s capacity to adjust and think strategically. Throughout this arc, Dosu proves himself to be not just a powerful warrior but also a savvy planner who can read situations and respond accordingly.

Tragic Turn in Dosu’s Character Development

Team Dosu
Team Dosu (Source: Studio Pierrot)

The most compelling aspect of Dosu’s story in Naruto emerges when he discovers the truth about his role in Orochimaru’s plans. He initially appeared as a loyal soldier of the Sound Village. However, Dosu’s character takes a dramatic turn upon realizing that he and his team are merely pawns in Orochimaru’s scheme to test Sasuke’s abilities. It transformed him from a devoted servant into a disillusioned warrior seeking to forge his own path.

The depth of his character becomes apparent in his reaction to this betrayal. Rather than accepting his role as a disposable tool, Dosu demonstrated remarkable agency by deciding to challenge Gaara before their scheduled match. This decision, while ultimately fatal, reveals his determination to break free from Orochimaru’s manipulation. His loyalty to his teammates, particularly his vow to avenge Zaku after his defeat by Shino shows that despite the Sound Village’s reputation for sacrificing teammates, Dosu maintained his own moral code.

Conclusion

Dosu Kinuta in Naruto, though he appeared briefly in the series, created an impression of a complex character who exemplifies the harsh reality of the shinobi world. His transformation made him one of the more impressive antagonists in the early part of the series. He generated his own path in a world overpowered by powerful figures like Orochimaru.


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