Gozu (Root)
CharacterGozu was a Root operative serving under Danzō Shimura. Together with his twin brother Mezu, he was surgically remade to pass as Kagen Uchiha, letting the pair spy on the Uchiha clan for years before Itachi Uchiha killed him and took his place to get near Danzō.
Appearance
Through surgery, Gozu was reshaped to mirror Kagen Uchiha, the disguise he wore whenever he entered the village. Off duty he hid behind a monkey-styled Root mask marked in red, identical in design to his brother Mezu's except for the colour, since Mezu's was blue.
Personality
The source reveals little of his character beyond his work as an infiltrator: a disciplined agent who spent years living a double life in Danzō's service.
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History
Gozu and his younger twin, Mezu, took turns impersonating Kagen Uchiha to watch the Uchiha clan from within, reporting their findings straight to Danzō over many years. In the months before the clan's downfall, the brothers also aided Itachi Uchiha as he worked to head off the Uchiha's planned coup. Once the clan had been wiped out, Itachi apparently killed Gozu so that he could assume his identity and draw close to Danzō himself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Gozu in Naruto?
Gozu, a Root operative who was surgically altered to impersonate Kagen Uchiha alongside his twin Mezu, was killed by Itachi Uchiha, who then took on Gozu's identity to get close to Danzo Shimura.
What are Gozu and Mezu?
Gozu and Mezu were twin Root operatives serving Danzo Shimura who were surgically reshaped to take turns impersonating Kagen Uchiha, spying on the Uchiha clan from within for years.
Who did Gozu impersonate as a Root spy?
As a Root operative, Gozu was surgically remade to pass as Kagen Uchiha, a disguise he wore whenever he entered the village to spy on the Uchiha clan for Danzo Shimura.
Who did Gozu serve as a Root operative?
Gozu served under Danzo Shimura as part of Root, reporting on the Uchiha clan's activities for years before the clan's downfall.
How did Itachi Uchiha use Gozu's identity?
After killing Gozu once the Uchiha clan had been wiped out, Itachi Uchiha assumed his identity in order to draw close to Danzo Shimura himself.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Gozu (Root)? The Naruto Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters 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 Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Studio Pierrot and Toho.
- Game pages: official box art for the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm games, credited to Bandai Namco.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
Official resources:
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