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== Background ==
 
== Background ==
 
[[File:Kurenai child.png|thumb|left|Kurenai as a genin.]]
 
[[File:Kurenai child.png|thumb|left|Kurenai as a genin.]]
As a child, Kurenai met [[Asuma Sarutobi]] during the [[Academy]] entrance ceremony and graduated at age 9. In the anime, during [[Chūnin Exams]], Kurenai was placed in a team with Asuma and [[Raidō Namiashi]].<ref name="ship386">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 386</ref> She later was cheering for her classmates during the third round of the Chūnin Exams.<ref name="chpt599">Chapter 599, pages 2-3, 11</ref> Eventually becoming a [[chūnin]] at age 13, Kurenai became a jōnin shortly before the start of the series.<ref>Chapter 43, page 4</ref>
+
As a child, Kurenai met [[Asuma Sarutobi]] during the [[Academy]] entrance ceremony and graduated at age 9. In the anime, during the [[Chūnin Exams]], Kurenai was placed in a team with Asuma and [[Raidō Namiashi]].<ref name="ship386">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 386</ref> She later was cheering for her classmates during the third round of the Chūnin Exams.<ref name="chpt599">Chapter 599, pages 2-3, 11</ref> Eventually becoming a [[chūnin]] at age 13, Kurenai became a jōnin shortly before the start of the series.<ref>Chapter 43, page 4</ref>
   
 
{{ImgRight|Kurenai and the young protesters.png|A young Kurenai protesting.}}
 
{{ImgRight|Kurenai and the young protesters.png|A young Kurenai protesting.}}
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== Appearance ==
 
== Appearance ==
[[File:Kurinai.jpg|thumb|left|Kurenai's full appearance.]]
+
[[File:Kurenai full.png|thumb|left|120px|Kurenai's full appearance.]]
 
[[File:Kurenai The Last.png|thumb|right|120px|Kurenai in ''The Last: Naruto the Movie''.]]
Kurenai is a fair-skinned woman of slender build. She has long, black, shoulder-length untamed hair, and very unique eyes that are red in colour, with an additional ring in them. She wears make-up consisting of red lipstick and purple eye shadow. Her regular outfit consists of a red mesh armour blouse with only the right sleeve visible. Overall, this is very broad material which resembles bandages with a pattern on it similar to those of rose thorns. Her hands and upper thighs are also wrapped in bandages and she wears the Konoha [[forehead protector]] and regular shinobi sandals.
+
Kurenai is a fair-skinned woman of slender build. She has long black untamed hair reaching her upper back, and very unique eyes that are red in colour, with an additional ring in them. She wears make-up consisting of red lipstick and purple eye shadow. Her regular outfit consists of a red mesh armour blouse with only the right sleeve visible. Overall, this is very broad material which resembles bandages with a pattern on it similar to those of rose thorns. Her hands and upper thighs are also wrapped in bandages and she wears the Konoha [[forehead protector]] and regular shinobi sandals.
   
[[File:Kurenai The Last.png|thumb|right|150px|Kurenai in ''The Last: Naruto the Movie''.]]
 
 
In a flashback, it was shown that Kurenai used to wear the standard Konoha shinobi outfit with a [[flak jacket]] and a simple sleeveless red outfit underneath it.<ref name="ch78">Chapter 78, page 10</ref> During her pregnancy, she wore a long, loose fitting maternal dress with a simple blouse underneath and after giving birth she was seen in a simple kimono. As a genin, she wore a similar outfit to the one she wears currently with the signature thorn pattern on it with a simple sash around her waist.<ref name="chpt599" /> These thorns were pink in colour when she was a child, and red when she got older.<ref>Chapter 604, pages 3-4</ref>
 
In a flashback, it was shown that Kurenai used to wear the standard Konoha shinobi outfit with a [[flak jacket]] and a simple sleeveless red outfit underneath it.<ref name="ch78">Chapter 78, page 10</ref> During her pregnancy, she wore a long, loose fitting maternal dress with a simple blouse underneath and after giving birth she was seen in a simple kimono. As a genin, she wore a similar outfit to the one she wears currently with the signature thorn pattern on it with a simple sash around her waist.<ref name="chpt599" /> These thorns were pink in colour when she was a child, and red when she got older.<ref>Chapter 604, pages 3-4</ref>
   
In ''[[The Last: Naruto the Movie]]'', two years after the Fourth Shinobi World War, she returned to her previous slender frame before the pregnancy. She also wears a dark shade of grey coloured long sleeve shirt under a burgundy sleeveless shirt with three red-orange stripes on it. She wears a light shade of grey pants with tan brown sandals. Her hair is also shoulder-length. Several years later, Kurenai developed minor wrinkles at the corner of her mouth, and wears a red kimono with a white belt.
+
In ''[[The Last: Naruto the Movie]]'', two years after the Fourth Shinobi World War, she returned to her previous slender frame before the pregnancy. She also wears a black-coloured long-sleeved shirt under a burgundy sleeveless shirt with three red-orange stripes on it. She wears a light shade of grey pants with tan brown sandals. Her hair is also shoulder-length. Several years later, Kurenai developed minor wrinkles at the corner of her mouth, and wears a red kimono with a white belt.
 
{{-}}
 
{{-}}
   
 
== Abilities ==
 
== Abilities ==
Kurenai's skills quickly caused her to be recognised as one of Konoha's elite [[jōnin]], despite her being relatively new to the rank. As such, [[Kakashi]] entrusted her and [[Asuma]] to face the likes of the [[Akatsuki]], showing how capable she was. She has shown some taijutsu skill, being able to react fast enough to defend herself from [[Itachi Uchiha]]'s attacks despite only recently breaking out of her own reflected genjutsu.
+
Kurenai's skills quickly caused her to be recognised as one of Konoha's elite [[jōnin]], despite her being relatively new to the rank at the time. As such, [[Kakashi]] entrusted her and [[Asuma]] to face the likes of the [[Akatsuki]], showing she's a capable kunoichi.
   
 
=== Genjutsu ===
 
=== Genjutsu ===
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=== Other Skills ===
 
=== Other Skills ===
In the anime, it was shown that she is even able to enter the subconsciousness of a person to see their ''true nature''. She was also seen using [[Hair Camouflage|her hair]] to cover her entire body, allowing her to freely travel through objects by seemingly merging with them. She also seems to be very proficient at using [[fūinjutsu]] as seen when she used the [[Evil Sealing Method]] to seal [[Yakumo]]'s [[kekkei genkai]].
+
She has shown some taijutsu skill, being able to react fast enough to defend herself from Itachi Uchiha's attacks despite only recently breaking out of her own reflected genjutsu. In the anime, it was shown that she is even able to enter the subconsciousness of a person to see their ''true nature''. She could use [[Hair Camouflage|her hair]] to cover her entire body to mask her prescence, further supplementing the technique by [[Hiding in Surface Technique|travelling through objects]], allowing for a better approach. She also seems to be very proficient at using [[fūinjutsu]] as seen when she used the [[Evil Sealing Method]] to seal [[Yakumo]]'s [[kekkei genkai]].
 
{{-}}
 
{{-}}
   
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=== Search for Tsunade ===
 
=== Search for Tsunade ===
[[File:Kurenai_vs_Itachi.png|thumb|left|Kurenai clashes with Itachi.]]
+
[[File:Kurenai vs Itachi.png|thumb|left|Kurenai clashes with Itachi.]]
Soon after Konoha proved successful in defending the village, Kurenai and Asuma discovered that the [[Akatsuki]] members, [[Itachi Uchiha]] and [[Kisame Hoshigaki]], had infiltrated the village. The two pairs engaged each other in battle, and Kurenai was able to trap both men in her [[Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death]] technique. As she was about to land the deadly blow on Itachi from above, however, the [[Uchiha]] [[Demonic Illusion: Mirror Heaven and Earth Change|turned her genjutsu against her]]. Biting her lip, Kurenai was able to cancel the genjutsu in time to deflect Itachi's physical attack. As the battle takes to the water, Kisame's [[Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique]] is countered by one of Kakashi's own. When Kakashi attempted a covert attack on Itachi, Kurenai prepared to ambush him from behind but is stopped by Kakashi who forced Kurenai down to avoid the [[Shadow Clone Explosion|explosion]].
+
Soon after Konoha proved successful in defending the village, Kurenai and Asuma discovered that the [[Akatsuki]] members, [[Itachi Uchiha]] and [[Kisame Hoshigaki]], had infiltrated the village. The two pairs engaged each other in battle, and Kurenai was able to trap both men in her [[Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death]] technique. As she was about to land the deadly blow on Itachi from above, however, the [[Uchiha]] [[Demonic Illusion: Mirror Heaven and Earth Change|turned her genjutsu against her]]. Biting her lip, Kurenai was able to cancel the genjutsu in time to deflect Itachi's physical attack. As the battle takes to the water, Kisame's [[Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique]] is countered by one of Kakashi's own. When Kakashi attempted a covert attack on Itachi, Kurenai prepared to ambush him from behind but is stopped by Kakashi who forced Kurenai down to avoid the [[Clone Great Explosion|explosion]].
   
 
Further into the battle, Itachi activated his [[Mangekyō Sharingan]], leading Kurenai and Asuma to shut their eyes on Kakashi's directives but the latter is affected by Itachi's [[Tsukuyomi]]. When Itachi instructed Kisame to kill them because they knew too much about their organisation, [[Might Guy]] arrived and intercepted Kisame's attack. Afterwards, she is tasked with taking Kakashi to the [[Konoha Hospital|hospital]] while their opponents, not wanting to start a war, fled.
 
Further into the battle, Itachi activated his [[Mangekyō Sharingan]], leading Kurenai and Asuma to shut their eyes on Kakashi's directives but the latter is affected by Itachi's [[Tsukuyomi]]. When Itachi instructed Kisame to kill them because they knew too much about their organisation, [[Might Guy]] arrived and intercepted Kisame's attack. Afterwards, she is tasked with taking Kakashi to the [[Konoha Hospital|hospital]] while their opponents, not wanting to start a war, fled.
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Later, Kurenai is seen attending [[Tsunade]]'s inauguration ceremony as the new [[Hokage]], alongside several other villagers.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 100</ref>
 
Later, Kurenai is seen attending [[Tsunade]]'s inauguration ceremony as the new [[Hokage]], alongside several other villagers.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 100</ref>
   
=== Pre-Shippūden Filler Arcs ===
+
=== Mizuki Tracking Mission ===
 
In the anime, Kurenai and Asuma were dispatched by the Fifth Hokage to bring the [[chūnin]] criminal [[Mizuki]] in for questioning, regarding his suspected involvement with [[Orochimaru]]. The pair arrived at the Leaf Village Maximum Security Prison, only to be greeted by a swarm of released inmates, including the [[Legendary Stupid Brothers]] [[Fūjin]] and [[Raijin]]. Outnumbered, the two were beaten into unconsciousness, and were quickly rushed to the Leaf Village hospital for medical treatment.
==== Mizuki Strikes Back Arc ====
 
In the anime, Asuma and Kurenai were dispatched by Fifth Hokage Tsunade to bring the criminal [[chūnin]] [[Mizuki]] in for questioning, regarding his suspected involvement with [[Orochimaru]]. The pair arrived at the Leaf Village Maximum Security Prison, only to be greeted by a swarm of released inmates, including the [[Legendary Stupid Brothers]] [[Fūjin]] and [[Raijin]]. Outnumbered, the two were beaten into unconsciousness, and were quickly rushed to the Leaf Village hospital for medical treatment.
 
   
==== Kurama Clan Arc ====
+
=== Yakumo Kurama Rescue Mission ===
[[Yakumo]] resurfaced after Kurenai had sealed her [[kekkei genkai]] away several years ago which ultimately proved unsuccessful. After Yakumo created the illusion of the [[Academy]] being struck by lightning (something everyone believed to have actually happened), Kurenai took a temporary leave from Team 8 so that she could deal with the problem. Naruto confronted her about her involvement with Yakumo, but she simply used a genjutsu on him to keep him occupied.
+
In the anime, [[Yakumo]] resurfaced after Kurenai had sealed her [[kekkei genkai]] away several years ago which ultimately proved unsuccessful. After Yakumo created the illusion of the [[Academy]] being struck by lightning (something everyone believed to have actually happened), Kurenai took a temporary leave from Team 8 so that she could deal with the problem. Naruto confronted her about her involvement with Yakumo, but she simply used a genjutsu on him to keep him occupied.
   
[[File:Bean String.jpg|thumb|right|Kurenai seemingly trapped in an enemy's genjutsu.]]
+
[[File:String Bean Illusion1.png|thumb|right|Kurenai seemingly trapped in an enemy's genjutsu.]]
 
As she approached Yakumo's cabin, Kurenai appeared to be trapped in a rebel's genjutsu. In actuality, she had attacked her attacker in a genjutsu. She discovered that these attackers were in fact Kurama clan members, who were intent on kidnapping Yakumo. From this point, she and the opposing ninja basically fought with nothing but pure [[genjutsu]] technique, such as the [[Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death]] and the [[String Bean Binding Illusion]]. Kurenai ended up successful until the final encounter, where she was caught and couldn't escape from his genjutsu, and so she took a kunai and stabbed herself in the shoulder to break out and used [[Genjutsu: Flower Petal Escape]] to trap him in her own genjutsu. But he saw the blood from her wound and managed to hit her with a shuriken.
 
As she approached Yakumo's cabin, Kurenai appeared to be trapped in a rebel's genjutsu. In actuality, she had attacked her attacker in a genjutsu. She discovered that these attackers were in fact Kurama clan members, who were intent on kidnapping Yakumo. From this point, she and the opposing ninja basically fought with nothing but pure [[genjutsu]] technique, such as the [[Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death]] and the [[String Bean Binding Illusion]]. Kurenai ended up successful until the final encounter, where she was caught and couldn't escape from his genjutsu, and so she took a kunai and stabbed herself in the shoulder to break out and used [[Genjutsu: Flower Petal Escape]] to trap him in her own genjutsu. But he saw the blood from her wound and managed to hit her with a shuriken.
   
[[File:Kurenai hair 2.jpg|thumb|left|Kurenai enters the Kurama mansion.]]
+
[[File:Kurenai Hair 2.png|thumb|left|Kurenai enters the Kurama mansion.]]
 
Kurenai was saved by the arrival of her team, along with Naruto, Sakura, and [[Might Guy]]. Later, when explaining to Team 8 the reasons for her departure, she claimed that the village "doesn't need any genjutsu masters other than herself". This was her supposed reason for sealing Yakumo's abilities, but Shino recognised that she was lying. Yakumo, on the other hand, believed Kurenai did so in order to eventually wipe out the Kurama clan. She trapped her former sensei, Naruto, [[Sakura]], and Team 8 in a genjutsu-created replica of the village which appeared to have been ravaged by war. Unkai was also in the illusion. Unkai, concerned by the powers Yakumo had, and her continually degrading mental state as a result of being unable to control them, freed Naruto from the illusion so that he could kill Yakumo. Everyone else was freed as well, except for Kurenai. Yakumo kept her trapped in the illusion in the hopes of getting revenge and answers about her past.
 
Kurenai was saved by the arrival of her team, along with Naruto, Sakura, and [[Might Guy]]. Later, when explaining to Team 8 the reasons for her departure, she claimed that the village "doesn't need any genjutsu masters other than herself". This was her supposed reason for sealing Yakumo's abilities, but Shino recognised that she was lying. Yakumo, on the other hand, believed Kurenai did so in order to eventually wipe out the Kurama clan. She trapped her former sensei, Naruto, [[Sakura]], and Team 8 in a genjutsu-created replica of the village which appeared to have been ravaged by war. Unkai was also in the illusion. Unkai, concerned by the powers Yakumo had, and her continually degrading mental state as a result of being unable to control them, freed Naruto from the illusion so that he could kill Yakumo. Everyone else was freed as well, except for Kurenai. Yakumo kept her trapped in the illusion in the hopes of getting revenge and answers about her past.
   
 
Naruto and the others headed back to the mountain villa and Naruto re-entered Yakumo's genjutsu world to help Kurenai. Yakumo learned that a monster named Ido that lived within her subconscious mind was the one who killed her parents. With Kurenai's help, she overcame the monster in her heart and freed Kurenai from her genjutsu. With her final mission from the Third Hokage completed, Kurenai reassigned herself as the jōnin leader of Team 8.
 
Naruto and the others headed back to the mountain villa and Naruto re-entered Yakumo's genjutsu world to help Kurenai. Yakumo learned that a monster named Ido that lived within her subconscious mind was the one who killed her parents. With Kurenai's help, she overcame the monster in her heart and freed Kurenai from her genjutsu. With her final mission from the Third Hokage completed, Kurenai reassigned herself as the jōnin leader of Team 8.
   
  +
=== Time-Skip ===
 
==== In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths ====
 
==== In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths ====
Two years after [[Sasuke]] defected from the village, to help the village restore its reputation after [[Orochimaru]] ruined the previous Chūnin Exams, Konoha decided to host an early Chūnin Exams alongside [[Sunagakure]]. After the first exam was finished being held in Konoha, Kurenai and Asuma acted as the next exam's supervisors, informing the genin participants that weren't part of the first 30 to arrive at the checkpoint, that they already lost and couldn't participate in the second round. The duo was later present to oversee the second exam begin with the other examiners.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 398</ref> Later, Asuma and the other Konoha proctors received word from Tsunade to be on guard for potential assassins towards Gaara as many still rejected Gaara as Kazekage.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 399</ref>
+
In the anime, about two years after Naruto departed from the village with [[Jiraiya]] for training, Konoha decided to host an early Chūnin Exams alongside [[Sunagakure]] to help the village restore its reputation after [[Orochimaru]] ruined the previous one. After the first part of the exams finished held in Konoha Kurenai and Asuma acted as the second exam's supervisors, informing the genin teams that weren't part of the first 30 teams to arrive at the checkpoint, that they already lost and couldn't participate in the second round. The duo was later present to oversee the second exam begin with the other examiners.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 398</ref> Later, Kurenai and the other Konoha proctors received word from Tsunade to be on guard for potential assassins towards Gaara as many still rejected him as Kazekage.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 399</ref>
   
 
== Part II ==
 
== Part II ==
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At the hospital, before Asuma could speak with Kakashi, Kurenai arrived and the two had to leave, telling Kakashi that they would have to talk later. Later, as Asuma and his team from the [[Nijū Shōtai]] mobilised, he lingered staring at an apartment window before mobilising. Inside, it's revealed that it was Kurenai's apartment. She senses something, but when she turned to look out the window, Asuma and his team were already gone. Returning to watering the flowers that were given to her by Asuma, one of the petals falls off its stem, and she has a feeling of foreboding.
 
At the hospital, before Asuma could speak with Kakashi, Kurenai arrived and the two had to leave, telling Kakashi that they would have to talk later. Later, as Asuma and his team from the [[Nijū Shōtai]] mobilised, he lingered staring at an apartment window before mobilising. Inside, it's revealed that it was Kurenai's apartment. She senses something, but when she turned to look out the window, Asuma and his team were already gone. Returning to watering the flowers that were given to her by Asuma, one of the petals falls off its stem, and she has a feeling of foreboding.
   
[[File:Asuma's_funeral.png|thumb|right|Kurenai paying her respects at Asuma's funeral.]]
+
[[File:Asuma's funeral.png|thumb|right|Kurenai paying her respects at Asuma's funeral.]]
 
When Shikamaru returned from the mission, he was the one to break the grim news of Asuma. Kurenai stared on in shock and then collapsed to her knees devastated. During Asuma's funeral, Kurenai laid flowers on his grave. After Team Asuma avenged their sensei's death, Shikamaru found her at Asuma's grave in the [[Konoha Cemetery|cemetery]]. Kurenai asked him if he'd be lonely now that his shōgi partner was gone. Shikamaru stated Asuma taught him both important and stupid stuff, and that he had always brushed off responsibility and whined when he was young, because Asuma was there to protect him. Shikamaru noted that Asuma was the coolest adult he knew, and he told Kurenai, when she had her baby, it would be his turn to become a cool adult too, and protect that child.
 
When Shikamaru returned from the mission, he was the one to break the grim news of Asuma. Kurenai stared on in shock and then collapsed to her knees devastated. During Asuma's funeral, Kurenai laid flowers on his grave. After Team Asuma avenged their sensei's death, Shikamaru found her at Asuma's grave in the [[Konoha Cemetery|cemetery]]. Kurenai asked him if he'd be lonely now that his shōgi partner was gone. Shikamaru stated Asuma taught him both important and stupid stuff, and that he had always brushed off responsibility and whined when he was young, because Asuma was there to protect him. Shikamaru noted that Asuma was the coolest adult he knew, and he told Kurenai, when she had her baby, it would be his turn to become a cool adult too, and protect that child.
   
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==== The Last: Naruto the Movie ====
 
==== The Last: Naruto the Movie ====
 
{{Main|The Last: Naruto the Movie}}
 
{{Main|The Last: Naruto the Movie}}
Kurenai was first seen with the villagers heading to the safety area away from the meteor's with her daughter. She was last seen with Mirai at Naruto and Hinata's wedding, proud of Hinata for finally achieving her dream.
+
Kurenai was first seen with the villagers heading to the safety area away from the meteor's with her daughter. She was last seen with Mirai at Naruto and Hinata's wedding, proud of Hinata for finally achieving her dream of being with Naruto.
   
 
== Epilogue ==
 
== Epilogue ==
[[File:Kurenai_and_his_child.png|thumb|right|Kurenai and her daughter Mirai.]]
+
[[File:Kurenai and his child.png|thumb|right|Kurenai and her daughter Mirai.]]
 
Many years after the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]], Kurenai continued raising Mirai, making sure she never forgot her father Asuma. Ultimately, Mirai also became a high-ranking kunoichi.
 
Many years after the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]], Kurenai continued raising Mirai, making sure she never forgot her father Asuma. Ultimately, Mirai also became a high-ranking kunoichi.
   

Revision as of 15:55, 19 March 2015

editKurenai Yūhi Camera font awesome Browse Information[1][2][3][4]
夕日紅 Yūhi Kurenai

  • Kurenai Sarutobi (猿飛紅, Sarutobi Kurenai)[5]
Debut
Manga Naruto Chapter #34
Anime Naruto Episode #3
Novel Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness
Movie Naruto Shippūden the Movie
Game Naruto: Konoha Ninpōchō
OVA Hidden Leaf Village Grand Sports Festival!
Appears in Anime, Manga, Novel, Game, Movie
Voice Actors
Japanese
English
Personal
Birthdate Astrological Sign Gemini June 11
Sex Gender Female Female
Age
  • Part I: 27–28
  • Part II: 31–32
Height
  • Part I: 169.1 cm1.691 m <br />5.548 ft <br />66.575 in <br />
Weight
  • Part I: 54.4 kg119.931 lb <br />
Blood type AB
Classification
Affiliation
Team
Clan
Rank
Ninja Rank
Ninja Registration 010881
Academy Grad. Age 9
Chūnin Prom. Age 13
Family
Nature Type
Jutsu

Kurenai Yūhi (夕日紅, Yūhi Kurenai) is a jōnin from Konohagakure. She is also the leader of Team Kurenai, which consists of: Hinata Hyūga, Shino Aburame, Kiba Inuzuka and Akamaru.

Background

Kurenai child

Kurenai as a genin.

As a child, Kurenai met Asuma Sarutobi during the Academy entrance ceremony and graduated at age 9. In the anime, during the Chūnin Exams, Kurenai was placed in a team with Asuma and Raidō Namiashi.[6] She later was cheering for her classmates during the third round of the Chūnin Exams.[7] Eventually becoming a chūnin at age 13, Kurenai became a jōnin shortly before the start of the series.[8]

Kurenai and the young protesters

A young Kurenai protesting.

During the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha, Kurenai, Kakashi, Asuma and Guy were amongst the young ninja that wanted to help in repelling the beast, but the group was barred from participating by the older shinobi, one of whom was her own father. Though she protested greatly about this, her father told her that this wasn't war but an internal village issue and as they were shinobi, their lives were brief and that she should live long enough to ensure that the next generation would come about that would inherit the Will of Fire.[9]

Kurenai Mission

Kurenai speaking with Hiruzen.

In the anime, because of Kurenai's natural talent for genjutsu, the Third Hokage tasked Kurenai with helping to train Yakumo Kurama, another talented genjutsu user who longed to be a ninja.[10] However, because Yakumo couldn't control her illusions and thus endangered those around her, Kurenai had to seal away her ninja abilities, preventing her from ever becoming a shinobi.[11] About twelve years after the Nine-Tails' attack, seeing her classmate fall into deeper self-pity from losing Obito Uchiha and Rin Nohara, Kurenai, along with Might Guy and Asuma decided to speak with the Third Hokage, voicing their disapproval of Kakashi being in Anbu with such bitterness and suggested instead that he be re-assigned as a jōnin sensei in the hopes of restoring Kakashi's kindness.[12]

Personality

Kurenai and child

Kurenai and her daughter Mirai.

Kurenai is a caring and brave woman. She shows great care and concern towards her students and takes a vested interest in their growth, especially in regards to Hinata due to knowing full well how Hinata was viewed by her father. When Hinata tried to offer Naruto some medicine after his fight with Kiba, Kurenai convinced Naruto to take it because she knew of her student's infatuation with him.[13] Her personality is unyielding, honest, and simple. She is also portrayed as the "big sister type".[3]

Throughout the series, it has been heavily hinted that Kurenai was romantically involved with fellow jōnin Asuma Sarutobi. Their marriage was not confirmed until later in the series.[5] The two appeared together in most of their scenes, and the other characters made it a point to note this fact on several occasions. When Kakashi Hatake found the two together at a dumpling shop, he asked if they were on a date, which made Kurenai blush and made an excuse that she was running an errand only.[14] During Asuma's battle with Akatsuki members, Hidan and Kakuzu, Kurenai was often shown wondering about his progress, appearing anxious. When she learned of his death, she fell to her knees in tears and disbelief, and later laid flowers on his grave during his funeral.[15] The truth of their relationship was made clear in Part II when Kurenai revealed that she is pregnant with Asuma's daughter, Mirai Sarutobi. Since becoming a single mother, Kurenai proved very capable, raising Mirai to be very cheerful and responsible.

Appearance

Kurenai full

Kurenai's full appearance.

Kurenai The Last

Kurenai in The Last: Naruto the Movie.

Kurenai is a fair-skinned woman of slender build. She has long black untamed hair reaching her upper back, and very unique eyes that are red in colour, with an additional ring in them. She wears make-up consisting of red lipstick and purple eye shadow. Her regular outfit consists of a red mesh armour blouse with only the right sleeve visible. Overall, this is very broad material which resembles bandages with a pattern on it similar to those of rose thorns. Her hands and upper thighs are also wrapped in bandages and she wears the Konoha forehead protector and regular shinobi sandals.

In a flashback, it was shown that Kurenai used to wear the standard Konoha shinobi outfit with a flak jacket and a simple sleeveless red outfit underneath it.[16] During her pregnancy, she wore a long, loose fitting maternal dress with a simple blouse underneath and after giving birth she was seen in a simple kimono. As a genin, she wore a similar outfit to the one she wears currently with the signature thorn pattern on it with a simple sash around her waist.[7] These thorns were pink in colour when she was a child, and red when she got older.[17]

In The Last: Naruto the Movie, two years after the Fourth Shinobi World War, she returned to her previous slender frame before the pregnancy. She also wears a black-coloured long-sleeved shirt under a burgundy sleeveless shirt with three red-orange stripes on it. She wears a light shade of grey pants with tan brown sandals. Her hair is also shoulder-length. Several years later, Kurenai developed minor wrinkles at the corner of her mouth, and wears a red kimono with a white belt.

Abilities

Kurenai's skills quickly caused her to be recognised as one of Konoha's elite jōnin, despite her being relatively new to the rank at the time. As such, Kakashi entrusted her and Asuma to face the likes of the Akatsuki, showing she's a capable kunoichi.

Genjutsu

Demonic Illusion

Kurenai using the Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death on Itachi.

While the full extent of Kurenai's abilities are predominantly unknown, her skill with genjutsu is so vast that it is said to rival even those of Itachi Uchiha.[2] Most of her techniques focus around flora; primarily using large trees to bind opponents as well as flower petals for various reasons. She is also able to simultaneously affect multiple opponents with her techniques, as seen during her fight with Kisame Hoshigaki and his Uchiha partner. Itachi, a genjutsu master himself, has also praised her skills.[18] Furthermore, she could revert the effects of genjutsu to the caster.

Other Skills

She has shown some taijutsu skill, being able to react fast enough to defend herself from Itachi Uchiha's attacks despite only recently breaking out of her own reflected genjutsu. In the anime, it was shown that she is even able to enter the subconsciousness of a person to see their true nature. She could use her hair to cover her entire body to mask her prescence, further supplementing the technique by travelling through objects, allowing for a better approach. She also seems to be very proficient at using fūinjutsu as seen when she used the Evil Sealing Method to seal Yakumo's kekkei genkai.

Stats

Databook Ninjutsu Taijutsu Genjutsu Intelligence Strength Speed Stamina Hand seals Total
First 3.5 4 5 4 2 4 2 4.5 29
Second 4 4 5 4 2 4 2 4.5 29.5
Third 4 4 5 4 2 4 2 4.5 29.5

Part I

Chūnin Exams

Episode 47

Kurenai and the other jōnin stop Neji from attacking Hinata again.

During the Chūnin Exams, Kurenai watched her pupils from the sidelines. After Shino's battle, she commented on how it suddenly became cold in the room, in reference to his rather merciless defeat of Zaku Abumi. During Kiba's fight with Naruto, she thought to herself that Naruto couldn't possibly beat Kiba, only to be surprised again and again as Naruto took everything Kiba threw at him and finally defeated her student. She bore Naruto no ill will after this and even acknowledged him as a strong opponent. During Hinata's fight with her cousin, Neji Hyūga, she remembered the terrible relationship Hinata had with her father. She also noted the stark contrast between the current Hinata, who refused to give up, and the former Hinata, who would give up easily. When Neji was sent into a blind rage and tried to kill Hinata, Kurenai helped stop him along with Kakashi, Guy and Hayate.

During the one month after the preliminaries, she was seen along with Kiba training Shino in preparation for the final rounds. At the finals she sat next to Asuma and was surprised when Naruto successfully called upon the Nine-Tails' chakra to pull off a victory over Neji. She also doubted that Shikamaru had a strategy to win over Temari, and although the former decided to quit, the skills he had shown during the match made Kurenai think that Shikamaru may have the qualities of a chūnin after all.

Konoha Crush

After watching the final round matches a month later, Kurenai repelled the genjutsu that fell over the stadium and assisted with the village's defence against invading Suna and Oto ninja during the Konoha Crush. She later attended the Third Hokage's funeral.

Search for Tsunade

Kurenai vs Itachi

Kurenai clashes with Itachi.

Soon after Konoha proved successful in defending the village, Kurenai and Asuma discovered that the Akatsuki members, Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki, had infiltrated the village. The two pairs engaged each other in battle, and Kurenai was able to trap both men in her Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death technique. As she was about to land the deadly blow on Itachi from above, however, the Uchiha turned her genjutsu against her. Biting her lip, Kurenai was able to cancel the genjutsu in time to deflect Itachi's physical attack. As the battle takes to the water, Kisame's Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique is countered by one of Kakashi's own. When Kakashi attempted a covert attack on Itachi, Kurenai prepared to ambush him from behind but is stopped by Kakashi who forced Kurenai down to avoid the explosion.

Further into the battle, Itachi activated his Mangekyō Sharingan, leading Kurenai and Asuma to shut their eyes on Kakashi's directives but the latter is affected by Itachi's Tsukuyomi. When Itachi instructed Kisame to kill them because they knew too much about their organisation, Might Guy arrived and intercepted Kisame's attack. Afterwards, she is tasked with taking Kakashi to the hospital while their opponents, not wanting to start a war, fled.

Later, Kurenai is seen attending Tsunade's inauguration ceremony as the new Hokage, alongside several other villagers.[19]

Mizuki Tracking Mission

In the anime, Kurenai and Asuma were dispatched by the Fifth Hokage to bring the chūnin criminal Mizuki in for questioning, regarding his suspected involvement with Orochimaru. The pair arrived at the Leaf Village Maximum Security Prison, only to be greeted by a swarm of released inmates, including the Legendary Stupid Brothers Fūjin and Raijin. Outnumbered, the two were beaten into unconsciousness, and were quickly rushed to the Leaf Village hospital for medical treatment.

Yakumo Kurama Rescue Mission

In the anime, Yakumo resurfaced after Kurenai had sealed her kekkei genkai away several years ago which ultimately proved unsuccessful. After Yakumo created the illusion of the Academy being struck by lightning (something everyone believed to have actually happened), Kurenai took a temporary leave from Team 8 so that she could deal with the problem. Naruto confronted her about her involvement with Yakumo, but she simply used a genjutsu on him to keep him occupied.

String Bean Illusion1

Kurenai seemingly trapped in an enemy's genjutsu.

As she approached Yakumo's cabin, Kurenai appeared to be trapped in a rebel's genjutsu. In actuality, she had attacked her attacker in a genjutsu. She discovered that these attackers were in fact Kurama clan members, who were intent on kidnapping Yakumo. From this point, she and the opposing ninja basically fought with nothing but pure genjutsu technique, such as the Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death and the String Bean Binding Illusion. Kurenai ended up successful until the final encounter, where she was caught and couldn't escape from his genjutsu, and so she took a kunai and stabbed herself in the shoulder to break out and used Genjutsu: Flower Petal Escape to trap him in her own genjutsu. But he saw the blood from her wound and managed to hit her with a shuriken.

File:Kurenai Hair 2.png

Kurenai enters the Kurama mansion.

Kurenai was saved by the arrival of her team, along with Naruto, Sakura, and Might Guy. Later, when explaining to Team 8 the reasons for her departure, she claimed that the village "doesn't need any genjutsu masters other than herself". This was her supposed reason for sealing Yakumo's abilities, but Shino recognised that she was lying. Yakumo, on the other hand, believed Kurenai did so in order to eventually wipe out the Kurama clan. She trapped her former sensei, Naruto, Sakura, and Team 8 in a genjutsu-created replica of the village which appeared to have been ravaged by war. Unkai was also in the illusion. Unkai, concerned by the powers Yakumo had, and her continually degrading mental state as a result of being unable to control them, freed Naruto from the illusion so that he could kill Yakumo. Everyone else was freed as well, except for Kurenai. Yakumo kept her trapped in the illusion in the hopes of getting revenge and answers about her past.

Naruto and the others headed back to the mountain villa and Naruto re-entered Yakumo's genjutsu world to help Kurenai. Yakumo learned that a monster named Ido that lived within her subconscious mind was the one who killed her parents. With Kurenai's help, she overcame the monster in her heart and freed Kurenai from her genjutsu. With her final mission from the Third Hokage completed, Kurenai reassigned herself as the jōnin leader of Team 8.

Time-Skip

In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths

In the anime, about two years after Naruto departed from the village with Jiraiya for training, Konoha decided to host an early Chūnin Exams alongside Sunagakure to help the village restore its reputation after Orochimaru ruined the previous one. After the first part of the exams finished — held in Konoha — Kurenai and Asuma acted as the second exam's supervisors, informing the genin teams that weren't part of the first 30 teams to arrive at the checkpoint, that they already lost and couldn't participate in the second round. The duo was later present to oversee the second exam begin with the other examiners.[20] Later, Kurenai and the other Konoha proctors received word from Tsunade to be on guard for potential assassins towards Gaara as many still rejected him as Kazekage.[21]

Part II

Akatsuki Suppression Mission

At the hospital, before Asuma could speak with Kakashi, Kurenai arrived and the two had to leave, telling Kakashi that they would have to talk later. Later, as Asuma and his team from the Nijū Shōtai mobilised, he lingered staring at an apartment window before mobilising. Inside, it's revealed that it was Kurenai's apartment. She senses something, but when she turned to look out the window, Asuma and his team were already gone. Returning to watering the flowers that were given to her by Asuma, one of the petals falls off its stem, and she has a feeling of foreboding.

Asuma's funeral

Kurenai paying her respects at Asuma's funeral.

When Shikamaru returned from the mission, he was the one to break the grim news of Asuma. Kurenai stared on in shock and then collapsed to her knees devastated. During Asuma's funeral, Kurenai laid flowers on his grave. After Team Asuma avenged their sensei's death, Shikamaru found her at Asuma's grave in the cemetery. Kurenai asked him if he'd be lonely now that his shōgi partner was gone. Shikamaru stated Asuma taught him both important and stupid stuff, and that he had always brushed off responsibility and whined when he was young, because Asuma was there to protect him. Shikamaru noted that Asuma was the coolest adult he knew, and he told Kurenai, when she had her baby, it would be his turn to become a cool adult too, and protect that child.

Pain's Assault

To help Naruto cope with Jiraiya's death, Shikamaru took him to the hospital where Kurenai was just leaving and explained her pregnancy to Naruto (because Naruto believed she had gotten fat). Kurenai insisted to Shikamaru that he did not need to check on her every time she went to the hospital but Shikamaru said he couldn't help it as Asuma told him to watch over her and the child.

Shikamaru Protects Kurenai

Shikamaru protects Kurenai.

In the anime, during Pain's assault on Konoha, as Kurenai wondered what was happening, Shikamaru then came to ensure her safety. One of Pain's summon, a Giant Centipede, appeared. Shikamaru told her to move back while he took care of the summon, killing it with his shadow. He then told her of how he couldn't face Asuma if something happened to her and the baby and advised her to go to the evacuation centre through the underground passage. She was then seen going to the evacuation centre falling in line with many other people.

Paradise Life on a Boat

Main article: Paradise Life on a Boat

Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation

As Shikamaru remembers the "king" Asuma entrusted him with, he thought of Kurenai and his sensei's newborn daughter, Mirai.

Blank Period

The Last: Naruto the Movie

Main article: The Last: Naruto the Movie Kurenai was first seen with the villagers heading to the safety area away from the meteor's with her daughter. She was last seen with Mirai at Naruto and Hinata's wedding, proud of Hinata for finally achieving her dream of being with Naruto.

Epilogue

File:Kurenai and his child.png

Kurenai and her daughter Mirai.

Many years after the Fourth Shinobi World War, Kurenai continued raising Mirai, making sure she never forgot her father Asuma. Ultimately, Mirai also became a high-ranking kunoichi.

Movies

Naruto Shippūden the Movie

Kurenai made a small cameo before Team 7 was being called up, Team 8, except Shino, were seen running through the streets.

Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison

During Naruto's flashback to the members of the village when he was gathering natural energy to enter Sage Mode, Kurenai can been seen amongst the villagers.

Video Games

Kurenai Yūhi is a playable character in the following video games:

Game nameJapanese releaseEnglish release
Naruto Mobile20162016
Naruto Shippūden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 317 November 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 327 November 2008
Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! Special2 December 2010
Naruto Shippūden: Ninja Destiny 224 April 200815 September 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Ninja Destiny 328 April 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja 45 April 200724 March 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja 520 December 200727 November 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Blazing14 July 201624 August 2016
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 310 December 200911 May 2010
Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution 221 October 2008
Naruto: Shinobi Collection2014
Naruto: Shinobi Collection Shippū Ranbu27 July 2015
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 322 December 200525 March 2008
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Online14 April 201320 July 2016

Trivia

  • "Kurenai" means "crimson", and "Yūhi" means "evening sun".
  • Kurenai's red lipstick is, in a way, a pun on her own name. The kanji for "Kurenai" can also be read as "beni", which is a word used for red make-up used traditionally in Japan to colour the lips red.
  • In her first appearance her dress is red with white sleeves but every time she is seen after that it's the opposite.
  • In later episodes of Part II, she is usually seen with a ring on her left ring finger. It is unclear if this is a wedding ring, an engagement ring, or something else. The ring was first seen while Kurenai was worried about Asuma during his battle with Hidan. After Kurenai is revealed to be pregnant, she is always seen wearing the ring. The ring first appears in the manga after the reveal of her pregnancy.
  • During a question and answer session held at Tokyo's Jump Fest '09, Masashi Kishimoto stated that he was thinking of making Kurenai and Asuma's child a girl, which he follows through with.[22]
  • Although her eyes are very distinct, they are not a dōjutsu.
  • Kurenai is the only one of the four principal sensei (Asuma, Kakashi, Guy, and herself) who doesn't regularly wear a flak jacket; the only two times she is seen wearing one was in a flashback with Hiashi Hyūga and in a scene with her and Asuma. She can also be seen wearing it in Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja 5 and Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3.
  • According to the databook(s):
    • Her hobby is having evening drinks.
    • She wants to fight Asuma (first databook) and later she doesn't want to fight anyone (third databook).
    • Kurenai's favourite foods are shōchū (strong o-sake), vodka and takowasa (octopus and wasabi), her least favourite food is cake.
    • Kurenai's favourite phrase is "Glory like a violet blooming a single day" (菫花一日の栄, Kinka Ichijutsu no Ei).
    • Kurenai has completed 697 official missions in total: 152 D-rank, 158 C-rank, 235 B-rank, 138 A-rank, 14 S-rank.

Quotes

  • (To Hiashi) "I will be watching over Hinata from now on… but are you sure it's all right? Hinata is a member of the Hyūga main family… working as genin may cause her to be surrounded by death."[16]
  • (About Hinata) "Hinata… You used to be a quitter… But you began to try and change yourself. I know better than anyone, the tough training you put yourself through. But you'd always fail on missions, you were weak when it mattered most and quickly lost confidence. But today you're different… That child… I have never… seen her with eyes like that…"[23]
  • (About Hinata) "Hinata, that's enough… You may have lost but you have changed… Good job…"[24]
  • (To Shikamaru) "You lost your shōgi partner… you were Asuma's favourite. You must miss him too."[25]

References

  1. First Databook, page 132
  2. 2.0 2.1 Second Databook, page 163
  3. 3.0 3.1 Third Databook, pages 180-181
  4. Fourth Databook, page 199
  5. 5.0 5.1 Retsu no Sho, page 38
  6. Naruto: Shippūden episode 386
  7. 7.0 7.1 Chapter 599, pages 2-3, 11
  8. Chapter 43, page 4
  9. Chapter 503, page 7
  10. Naruto episode 203
  11. Naruto episode 205
  12. Naruto: Shippūden episode 360
  13. Chapter 77, pages 16-17
  14. Chapter 140, page 15
  15. Chapter 330, pages 9-10
  16. 16.0 16.1 Chapter 78, page 10
  17. Chapter 604, pages 3-4
  18. Chapter 144, page 13
  19. Naruto episode 100
  20. Naruto: Shippūden episode 398
  21. Naruto: Shippūden episode 399
  22. Chapter 700
  23. Chapter 80, pages 8-9
  24. Chapter 80, page 11
  25. Chapter 342, page 11