Summary
Hotaru is the granddaughter of En no Gyōja, the former leader of the Tsuchigumo clan. She was initially attacked by ninja hunting for Utakata, who saved her but was injured in the process. Hotaru retrieved help from her fort, saving Utakata’s life and earning his gratitude. To avoid detection, he assumed the role of her master. Although Utakata was irritated by her use of the title shishō, claiming that such bonds are unreliable, he reluctantly began training her. He doubted her ability to master the Water Walking Exercise, yet she succeeded after training overnight. He then taught her Water Release: Violent Water Wave, expecting failure due to her lack of water-natured chakra, only to discover she possessed it. She later demonstrated her mastery of the technique to a surprised Utakata. When ninja sought the Tsuchigumo clan's kinjutsu, Tonbee ordered Hotaru and Utakata to absorb the forbidden jutsu to prevent its retrieval. During their journey, Utakata grew angry again at her address of him as master. Naruto arrived, mistaking the interaction for an attack. Hotaru intervened, and Utakata departed, leaving Team 7 to protect her. As he floated away in a bubble, she pleaded for him to stay, but he refused. On the way to the clan’s secret village, Naruto argued with Hotaru until Yamato devised a plan to secure her acceptance of their protection. Sai used his jutsu to summon mountain leeches onto Hotaru, causing her to panic and agree to Team 7’s care. Upon reaching the village, Team 7 left Hotaru with the Tsuchigumo clan, and she thanked Naruto before he departed. Curious about the villagers' expressions, Naruto returned to investigate.
