Summary
Hanzou, also known as Hanzou of the Salamander, was a legendary ninja and the former leader of Amegakure. He was extremely security-conscious, maintaining a twenty-four-hour guard and subjecting anyone wishing to see him to thorough searches. His fame rose significantly during the Second Great Ninja War. Aside from his ability to ride a giant salamander, which was likely a summon, little is known about his techniques, yet he was powerful enough to fight off all three Sannin alongside his summon. Impressed by their strength after the battle, he offered to spare them if they accepted the title of Konoha's Legendary Three Ninja, effectively coining their moniker. His ability to defeat the trio head-on places him firmly at kage-level ninja status. His power was so immense that Jiraiya expressed intense shock upon learning Hanzou had been defeated by Pain. Hanzou’s insecurities eventually led to his downfall when a group of ninja led by Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan began an unorthodox quest to end war. Viewing them as a threat to his authority, Hanzou conspired with Danzō, the leader of the ANBU Root, to assassinate Yahiko through treacherous means. He was subsequently killed by Pain under unknown circumstances. The hatred Nagato harbored for causing Yahiko’s death was so profound that he systematically slaughtered anyone even remotely associated with Hanzou, sparing only Danzō, who managed to escape the carnage.
