Hiruko (shinobi)
CharacterHiruko was a capable shinobi in life whose corpse became Sasori's prized human puppet after his death. He appears in the Naruto story chiefly as the disguise and weapon that Sasori operates from within.
History
What the record preserves of Hiruko is that he died and was afterward turned into a human puppet by Sasori, becoming the puppeteer's favorite among his creations. In the manga his body was never explicitly labeled a human puppet, so whether it began as an ordinary puppet or a converted corpse is left uncertain.
Abilities
During his lifetime Hiruko was reckoned a formidable ninja. The clearest measure of his strength is that Sasori, selective about his materials, chose to build a puppet from his remains at all.
Appearance
His design sheets list his height while he is positioned on all fours. The name Hiruko renders as 'leech child' and also points to Ebisu, a fisherman deity of Japanese folklore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hiruko in Naruto?
Hiruko refers to a human puppet crafted by Sasori from the body of a once-formidable shinobi, used as one of Sasori's favorite creations and as a disguise.
What happened to Hiruko in Naruto?
After dying as a shinobi, Hiruko's body was turned into a puppet by Sasori, who used it as both a disguise and a weapon throughout the series.
What does Hiruko mean in Japanese?
The name Hiruko translates to "leech child" and also points to Ebisu, a fisherman deity from Japanese folklore.
How did Sasori get Hiruko?
Sasori obtained Hiruko's body after the ninja died, converting his remains into a human puppet, though the manga never clarifies whether it started as an already-existing puppet or a converted corpse.
How strong was Hiruko as a shinobi?
While alive, Hiruko was considered a formidable ninja, a reputation reinforced by Sasori's choice to craft a puppet specifically from his remains, since Sasori was selective about his materials.
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Sources & Information
Looking for more on Hiruko (shinobi)? 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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