Waraji
CharacterA Land of Waves swordsman with a taste for killing, Waraji signed on with his partner Zōri as a personal bodyguard to the crooked magnate Gatō. He lives for the rush of a fight and met his end at Naruto's hands during the clash over Tazuna's bridge.
Appearance
Tall in build, Waraji sports an eye-patch on his right eye and gathers his three-parted brown hair into a fancy topknot. A detailed tattoo sprawls over the whole of his left flank and inner thigh, while stitched scars mark one side of his forehead and one corner of his mouth. His kimono is worn loosely and against custom, its top dropped to circle his waist so his torso stays bare, and he rounds things off with bandages bound at the middle, plain sandals, and a fairly long blade.
Personality
By all appearances Waraji lives for the thrill of bloodshed and combat, eager to cross blades with anyone who can quicken his pulse. Cruel and spoiling for a fight, he kills merely to relieve boredom; heading toward Tazuna's house he cut down trees and animals along the way and spoke of wanting to skin Tsunami.
History
The blade is his instrument, and Waraji trained in kenjutsu and the samurai style of Iaijutsu, drawing and slashing in a single smooth motion; he once split a wall with one clean stroke, supposedly managing the feat even from a formal seated posture. Strong as well, he cut down a giant boar en route to Inari's house, and the anime shows him besting a number of Naruto's shadow clones. He and Zōri turn up together when Gatō arrives to scold Zabuza for botching the job of killing Tazuna. The pair move on Zabuza but are called off, and their attempt on Haku ends with their own weapons pointed back at them. Gatō then sends them to seize Tsunami so her father, the bridge builder Tazuna, will abandon his work; Waraji menaces her boy Inari, yet once Tsunami swears to kill herself and Gatō's men judge a single hostage sufficient, they spare Inari and haul her off toward the span. Naruto reaches them in time to rescue Tsunami, and the two hired blades are thrashed by his shadow clones, trussed up, and abandoned. An anime flashback later reveals the duo stayed behind in the Land of Waves seeking payback, grabbing Inari, Akane, and several other youngsters, only to be foiled all over again, this time by the villagers and Team Kakashi rising up to oppose them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Waraji in Naruto?
Waraji is a swordsman from the Land of Waves who works as a mercenary bodyguard for the crime lord Gato alongside his partner Zori. He fights purely for the thrill of battle and is defeated by Naruto during the clash over Tazuna's bridge.
Who does Waraji work for in Naruto?
Waraji serves as a personal bodyguard for Gato, the corrupt businessman who controls the Land of Waves. He and his partner Zori are hired blades rather than trained shinobi.
How does Waraji die in Naruto?
Waraji is beaten by Naruto's shadow clones while trying to capture Tsunami and drag her to Tazuna's bridge. He and Zori are defeated, tied up, and left behind after the fight.
What fighting style does Waraji use?
Waraji trained in kenjutsu and the samurai technique of Iaijutsu, drawing and slashing his sword in a single smooth motion. He was strong enough to cut down a giant boar and split a wall with one clean stroke.
Who is Waraji's partner in Naruto?
Waraji's partner is Zori, a fellow swordsman also hired by Gato as a bodyguard. The two work together throughout their appearances, including their attempts to capture Tsunami and Inari.
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Sources & Information
Looking for more on Waraji? The Naruto Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Naruto anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byMasashi Kishimoto
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Anime, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
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