Orochimaru

The Sannin who traded morality for immortality and now guides a new generation from the shadows.

Orochimaru is a former Konohagakure ninja and one of the Legendary Sannin, renowned for his expertise in warfare which earned him his title before he turned to terrorism in his quest to cheat death. Created as a main antagonist based on Japanese mythology to represent values opposite to the protagonists, he features snake-like traits designed to signal his villainy to readers. While initially driven by a desire to learn every jutsu through forbidden body-transfer experiments, his character evolves significantly over the series. By the events of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, he has seemingly redeemed himself and has sent his artificial son Mitsuki to Konoha.

Quick Facts

Series: Naruto
First: Naruto chapter 45: The Second Exam (2000)

Lore & Background

Originally introduced by Masashi Kishimoto's superiors to boost popularity during the Chunin Exams arc, Orochimaru was intended to be a 'flamboyant' villain with a powerful aura. His design emphasizes a 'pasty and sickly' face to enhance his scary looks, drawing inspiration from the Japanese folktale Jiraiya Gōketsu Monogatari where he opposes Jiraiya. Orochimaru later escaped when Sasuke was weakened by his fight with Itachi, but Itachi sealed him away. Following Kabuto's defeat, Sasuke used a Cursed Seal on Anko Mitarashi to release Orochimaru, granting him a new body made from Jugo and absorbed Kabuto flesh. He subsequently joined Sasuke's quest for answers, helping revive the first four Hokages before aiding the Allied Shinobi Forces against the Shinju.

Reader's Guide

Orochimaru's primary motivation is obtaining immortality by transferring his consciousness between host bodies every three years, a limitation that drives his pursuit of Sasuke Uchiha for his genetic heritage. His nature types are fire, earth, and wind, and he specializes in summoning snakes to battle while keeping himself safe. Key abilities include the forbidden jutsu to steal bodies, the Yamata no Orochi technique (re-imagined from mythology where Susanoo defeats Yamata no Orochi), and creating Cursed Seals.

In Boruto, his focus shifts to raising Mitsuki, an artificial human he considers a son, whom he sends to Konoha. While praised as a premiere villain for his lack of redeeming qualities in early arcs, he becomes a complex figure who aids the village from the outside. Merchandise featuring his likeness includes action figures, posters, and plush dolls, reflecting his enduring popularity among fans.

Did You Know?

Masashi Kishimoto originally planned to make Orochimaru look androgynous but changed him to be creepier to emphasize his role as a strong antagonist.
Orochimaru is voiced by Kujira in the Japanese version and Steve Blum in the English dub.
Among Naruto readers, Orochimaru has ranked within the top twenty in several popularity polls.