Tayuya is a fictional character in the popular manga and its anime adaptation, the Naruto series, written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto.
Disclaimer: This article will contain details revolving around Tayuya and might contain spoilers for some viewers. Readers are advised to proceed at their own discretion.
Tayuya is a Naruto series character who first appeared in Naruto Episode 68, "Zero Hour! The Konoha Crush Begins!" Tayuya was a kunoichi of Otogakure, also known as the Village Hidden in the Sound.
She was also a member of the Sound Four, a group of powerful shinobi who serve Orochimaru, the main antagonist of the series. Tayuya is known for her exceptional skills in sound-based genjutsu and her ability to control and manipulate her opponents using her flute. She possessed a cursed seal and fought using her musical abilities to create powerful and deadly sound-based attacks.
Name | Tayuya |
Alias | Tayuya of the North Gate |
First Appearance in Anime | Naruto Episode 68: Zero Hour! The Konoha Crush Begins! |
Japanese Voice Actor | Akeno Watanabe |
English Voice Actor | Kari Wahlgren |
Birthdate | February 15 |
Gender | Female |
Status | Deceased |
Affiliation | Otogakure (Village Hidden in the Sound) |
Team | Sound Four |
Clan | NA |
In the Naruto anime, the Sound Four had a slightly different backstory than in the manga. Originally, they were prisoners held captive by Orochimaru, the sinister rogue ninja. Orochimaru would pit these prisoners against each other in brutal battle royales, where they were forced to fight to the death. By surviving their respective matches, the Sound Four proved themselves to be the strongest among Orochimaru's prisoners, earning them a place as his personal bodyguards.
However, the dynamics of the group changed when Kimimaro, a highly skilled shinobi with a rare Shikotsumyaku ability, joined them. Due to his exceptional powers and loyalty to Orochimaru, Kimimaro was appointed as the leader of the group after he defeated the Sound Four with his unique abilities, and they became known as the Sound Five.
Kimimaro's bone-manipulating abilities made him a prime candidate to become Orochimaru's next host body, as Orochimaru sought to transfer his consciousness into a new vessel to extend his life.
Under Kimimaro's leadership, the Sound Five worked closely with Orochimaru, assisting him in various missions and acts of sabotage. One notable mission was the assassination of the Fourth Kazekage, the leader of the Hidden Sand Village. The Sound Five also played a role in disrupting the Chūnin Exams held in Konohagakure, the Hidden Leaf Village, where they were involved in the deaths of several shinobi, including Shiore's team.
However, during these events, Kimimaro fell gravely ill due to a terminal illness that had afflicted him for some time. This forced him to withdraw from the group and put a halt to Orochimaru's plans of using him as a vessel. The specifics of when Kimimaro became ill were not explicitly mentioned in the anime.
Tayuya, along with the rest of the Sound Four, had their initial appearance during a critical event in the Naruto anime. The incident took place during the battle between Orochimaru, the rogue ninja, and Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of Konohagakure, the Hidden Leaf Village.
As Orochimaru engaged in a fierce confrontation with the Third Hokage, Sakon, Ukon, Jirobo, Kidomaru, and Tayuya, the members of the Sound Four, erected a powerful barrier. The barrier's purpose was to prevent anyone from interfering in the epic battle between their master and the revered Hokage.
During the intense clash, Orochimaru succeeded in defeating the Third Hokage and ultimately took his life. However, Orochimaru's victory came at a great cost. As a consequence of Hiruzen’s forbidden technique, the Reaper Death Seal, Orochimaru's arms suffered from severe necrosis, rendering them useless for combat. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Orochimaru ordered the Sound Four, including Tayuya, to retreat and escort him back to Otogakure, the Hidden Sound Village.
Understanding the gravity of their master's condition, the Sound Four facilitated his return to Otogakure, where Orochimaru could seek the necessary medical assistance and plan his next moves.
Under Orochimaru's orders, Tayuya, along with the rest of the Sound Four, embarked on a mission to Konohagakure with the aim of persuading Sasuke Uchiha to align himself with Orochimaru. As they arrived, Tayuya initially participated alongside her teammates in testing Sasuke's abilities. However, she ultimately chose to step aside and observe as her comrades swiftly overwhelmed Sasuke in combat, showcasing their formidable skills.
After the battle concluded, Tayuya took the opportunity to extend an offer to Sasuke. She presented him with the chance to join Orochimaru's side, emphasizing the potential for him to acquire the same power that they possessed. Tayuya reminded Sasuke of his burning desire to defeat his older brother, Itachi Uchiha, and suggested that aligning with Orochimaru would grant him the strength necessary to accomplish that goal.
Having delivered their proposition, Tayuya and the Sound Four left Sasuke to contemplate their offer. That night, they patiently awaited Sasuke's arrival outside the village. Upon his appearance, Tayuya and her teammates bowed, acknowledging Sasuke as their new leader, symbolizing their submission to his authority.
Once Tayuya and her fellow Sound Four members were a considerable distance away from Konoha, they presented Sasuke with the Mind Awakening Pill. This potent drug was intended to accelerate the maturation of his cursed seal, pushing it to a stronger and more advanced stage. To facilitate the adjustment process, they performed the Four Black Fogs Formation, inducing an unconscious state in Sasuke while his body adapted to the effects of the pill.
However, their plans were interrupted when they encountered Konoha ninjas Genma Shiranui and Raidō Namiashi. The vigilant pair noticed the Sound Four's departure towards Konoha and confronted them. A fierce battle ensued, with Tayuya and her comrades activating the second level of their cursed seals to gain the upper hand against their opponents. The intense clash left Genma and Raidō defeated, but it also left Tayuya and the Sound Four physically drained and exhausted.
Realizing the need to regroup and regain their strength, the Sound Four hastily set up traps in the surrounding forest. Despite their frustration with the limited time available, they paused to rest and recover their energy. Little did they know that the Sasuke Recovery Team, tasked with retrieving Sasuke, had located their whereabouts.
As the Sound Four were discovered by the pursuing team, they fell victim to Shikamaru Nara's Shadow Imitation Technique, which momentarily immobilized them. However, Ukon, Sakon's brother, launched a surprise attack from the concealment of the trees, breaking Shikamaru's hold on the rest of the Sound Four. Taking advantage of the chaos, Jirōbō, another member of their group, trapped the members of the recovery team using his earth-based techniques, allowing the Sound Four to proceed on their mission.
After being pursued by the Sasuke Recovery Team once again, the Sound Four encountered a setback when Chōji Akimichi stayed behind to confront Jirōbō. Kidōmaru volunteered to handle the remaining members of the recovery team while passing the barrel containing Sasuke to Tayuya for transportation. However, by the next day, the recovery team managed to outmaneuver Tayuya and Sakon, successfully seizing the barrel from them.
In the midst of the struggle to regain possession of the barrel, Sakon and Ukon became separated from Tayuya, leaving her to retrieve it alone. As she attempted to do so, Tayuya was taken aback when she noticed her former leader, Kimimaro, appearing behind Naruto Uzumaki and Shikamaru Nara. Kimimaro, unimpressed with the Sound Four's failure, reclaimed the barrel himself. He warned Tayuya of her impending fate, noting that he spared her life solely because she had an unfulfilled duty to complete. With that, Kimimaro left the Konoha ninja for Tayuya to contend with.
Filled with anger at her team's shortcomings, Tayuya found herself face-to-face with Shikamaru. In an attempt to undermine his efforts in reclaiming Sasuke, who had willingly joined Orochimaru, Tayuya criticized the sacrifices Shikamaru and his team had made. She mocked the futility of their endeavors, attempting to belittle their determination. However, her words fell on deaf ears as Shikamaru remained resolute in his mission.
Naruto, seizing an opportunity, cleverly tricked Tayuya and managed to bypass her, taunting her before swiftly chasing after Kimimaro. Tayuya felt a sense of embarrassment as Naruto effortlessly outwitted her, undermining her pride as a shinobi.
Now left to confront Shikamaru, Tayuya engaged in verbal exchanges, attempting to undermine his resolve and mock his efforts. However, the determined Shikamaru remained undeterred, ready to face any challenges that lay ahead in their encounter.
Fully prepared for battle, Tayuya summoned her three demons, commanding them through the enchanting melody of her flute. Utilizing her musical prowess and the assistance of her summoned creatures, Tayuya quickly gained the upper hand in her confrontation with Shikamaru. Additionally, she activated the first stage of her cursed seal, enhancing her own abilities and further bolstering her advantage.
Shikamaru, unable to decipher the complex melodies produced by Tayuya's flute, found himself forced to retreat and devise a strategy that could neutralize her threat. As he carefully observed Tayuya's finger positions and the reactions of her summoned demons, Shikamaru analyzed the patterns and movements to gain insights into her techniques.
Building on his observations, Shikamaru employed his last remaining weapons, attempting to strike at Tayuya. However, she skillfully utilized her Doki, the demonic creatures under her control, to block his attacks and thwart his initial strategies. Undeterred, Shikamaru persisted, analyzing the interactions between Tayuya's finger movements and her Doki's responses.
Through his strategic analysis, Shikamaru managed to seize control of the three summoned demons using his shadow manipulation abilities. Drawing upon his analogy to the game of shōgi, where he could seize control of his opponent's pieces, Shikamaru unleashed the three demons against Tayuya, catching her off guard. In response, Tayuya was compelled to de-summon her creatures, momentarily believing she had successfully foiled Shikamaru's plan.
However, to her surprise, Tayuya soon found herself ensnared within Shikamaru's Shadow Imitation Technique. Recognizing Shikamaru's superior strategy, she grudgingly activated the second stage of her cursed seal, bolstering her own strength and resisting Shikamaru's control over her movements. Even when Shikamaru attempted to employ his Shadow–Neck Binding Technique to constrict her, Tayuya managed to defy his hold and lift her arms, displaying her tenacity and resilience. In a clever countermove, Tayuya cast a genjutsu on Shikamaru, ensnaring him and rendering him immobile, mirroring the earlier predicament she had found herself in.
In a desperate attempt to gain the upper hand, Tayuya reached for a kunai to slit Shikamaru's throat. However, her attack was abruptly halted as she was unexpectedly struck in the gut, causing her to gasp for breath. Once again ensnared by Shikamaru's shadow, Tayuya found herself immobilized and unable to escape his grasp.
To Tayuya's astonishment, Shikamaru revealed that he had deliberately broken his finger to break free from her genjutsu, pretending to be under its influence. He unveiled his true plan, explaining how he intentionally missed with the kunai, luring her in closer to him. Meanwhile, he had been preparing his Shadow–Neck Binding Technique, a move he unleashed upon Tayuya.
Attempting to strike her once again, Shikamaru found himself met with Tayuya's increased strength granted by her cursed seal. Despite his best efforts, she managed to resist his control to some extent, effectively blocking his attack. This turn of events led to a prolonged standoff, with both of them locked in a stalemate, each trying to push the other back. Tayuya brandished a kunai threateningly while Shikamaru strained to move his shadow upward to choke her.
The battle raged on, the tension mounting as they struggled against one another. However, Shikamaru's reserves of chakra began to wane, gradually depleting his strength. Unable to maintain his hold on Tayuya's shadow, he reluctantly released her, granting her freedom of movement once more. Tayuya seized this opportunity, her intent to eliminate Shikamaru growing stronger.
As the confrontation reached a critical moment, Temari made a dramatic entrance, arriving just in time to intervene. Unleashing a powerful gust of wind, she forcefully blew Tayuya away, effectively incapacitating her. Tayuya attempted to retaliate by employing her genjutsu, but Temari skillfully manipulated the wind to disperse the sound waves and damaged Tayuya's flute in the process.
Recognizing the imminent danger posed by Temari, Tayuya chose to retreat and hide, seeking to create distance between herself and her adversaries. Her intention was to remain safe and out of Temari's range, with the hope of launching a surprise genjutsu attack when the opportunity presented itself. Meanwhile, Shikamaru and Temari engaged in a brief discussion to assess their current predicament.
Despite Shikamaru's suggestion of a strategic retreat, Temari dismissed the idea and instead decided to unleash her formidable Summoning: Quick Beheading Dance technique. With swift and precise movements, she initiated a devastating assault, obliterating a significant portion of the surrounding forest. As the destructive force of her attack reached the tree behind which Tayuya had taken cover, it sliced through the trunk, inflicting multiple deep wounds upon her body. Tayuya's agonized screams echoed through the air as she experienced excruciating pain.
To compound her misfortune, several severed sections of tree trunks came crashing down upon Tayuya, resulting in her lower half being crushed and her life being extinguished. In her final moments, her body reverted to its original form, lying lifeless on the forest floor.
In the anime adaptation, Tayuya and her Sound Four teammates were resurrected by Kabuto Yakushi as part of the Fourth Shinobi World War. Deployed alongside Jirōbō at the coast of the Land of Lightning, Tayuya found herself once again facing off against Shikamaru. Despite the enhancements granted by her summoner, she struggled to overcome Shikamaru's increased skills since their previous encounter.
Undeterred by her initial defeat, Tayuya quickly reconstructed herself and utilized the Space–Time Technique Formula: Underworld Turnover. This technique allowed her to teleport herself and Shikamaru to another location where their comrades had already engaged their respective opponents.
Rejoining her fellow Sound Four members within the confines of the Underworld Turnover barrier, Tayuya resumed her battles, swapping opponents with her teammates. Throughout the intense clashes, Shikamaru strategized and analyzed the situation. Despite their efforts, Tayuya revealed that the barrier would not be broken even if they were defeated.
The battles raged on as the Sound Four unleashed their deep-seated hatred upon the Konoha shinobi. Capitalizing on this animosity, Shikamaru cunningly provoked their hatred, aiming to lure Naruto to the barrier and free his comrades. As the souls of their most despised enemies were liberated, Tayuya and her comrades directed their animosity toward Naruto. However, their attempts were swiftly thwarted, and they were easily defeated, leading to their souls returning to the afterlife.
In his relentless pursuit of self-discovery, Kabuto Yakushi conducted experiments using the DNA of the Sound Five, including Sakon and Ukon. Through these experiments, he successfully integrated their kekkei genkai into his own body, granting him unique abilities.
Utilizing the power of Sakon and Ukon's kekkei genkai, Kabuto gained access to the DNA of the other Sound Five members. He manifested their constructs, which emerged from the base of his navel snake. These constructs represented the other Sound Five members and allowed Kabuto to tap into their respective powers.
Drawing upon Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku, Kabuto could create bone structures, including a bone flute. This enabled him to manipulate sound-based genjutsu, a skill reminiscent of Tayuya's abilities.
Tayuya possessed a complex personality characterized by her overbearing and abrasive nature. While she occasionally remained quiet, she was also known for being sharp-tongued and blunt, often using foul language when interacting with others, including her own teammates. Despite her confrontational behavior, her teammates seemed accustomed to her demeanor and usually responded with mild irritation rather than escalating the situation. Tayuya engaged in frequent arguments with Jirōbō, who often scolded her for her "unladylike" speech. In response, she would promptly retort by calling him "fatso."
Her belligerent and tough attitude earned Tayuya the observation from Orochimaru that she possessed a strong "doesn't-want-to-lose" mentality, which sometimes impacted the team's efficiency. She exhibited a masculine attitude, reflected in her mannerisms, speech patterns, and even her choice of clothing.
Tayuya's personality extended to her interactions with others as well. She held a disregard for authority and had a tendency to challenge those she perceived as weak. She often referred to her enemies as "trash" and displayed arrogance by believing she could defeat formidable opponents such as Kakashi. However, Tayuya also harbored fear towards Kimimaro, recognizing his immense power after he had effortlessly defeated her and the rest of her team in a previous encounter.
During her battle against Shikamaru, Tayuya's opinion of her opponent began to evolve. She gradually developed a begrudging level of respect for Shikamaru's tactical skills and subtly complimented him in her own backhanded manner. Additionally, Tayuya showcased her own moral code, criticizing Shikamaru's willingness to sacrifice members of his team to retrieve one individual who had voluntarily left with them. She expressed more concern for their leader, Orochimaru, than the fate of her fallen comrades.
In the anime, Tayuya's resurrection by Kabuto Yakushi fueled her deep-seated resentment toward those who had killed her. Determined to exact revenge, she joined forces with her comrades and focused her efforts on eliminating the Sasuke Recovery Team.
Tayuya possessed a unique physical appearance that set her apart from the other members of the Sound Four. She had fair skin and a slender build, making her the shortest among her teammates. Her face carried an expression of impassiveness, with her most striking features being her brown eyes, which were complemented by long, sweeping eyelashes that extended toward the corners of her eyes.
The defining aspect of Tayuya's appearance was her long, untamed hair, which was a dark pink color (depicted as red in the anime). Her hair fell freely past her shoulders, with long parted bangs framing both sides of her face and a single strand between her eyes. Her hair was an essential characteristic, often obscuring the circular cursed seal on the back of her neck. The cursed seal consisted of three hook-like markings arranged in a circular pattern, resembling a triskelion, and was typically concealed by her flowing hair.
Regarding her attire, Tayuya typically wore a black shirt underneath a tan tunic with elbow-length sleeves. The hem of the tunic bore the symbol of the Sound Four. She paired her top with black, form-fitting shorts. Additional components of her outfit included black arm warmers, traditional black shinobi sandals, calf-length leg warmers covered by bandages, and a purple, rope-like belt tied in an inverted bow around her waist. To manage her wild and unruly hair, Tayuya adorned a black hat with pipe-like stripes and bandaged sides. This hat helped keep her bangs in place while allowing the rest of her hair to flow down her back.
After being reincarnated by Kabuto Yakushi, Tayuya retained her appearance from when she was alive, with the exception of having gray sclerae, a common trait among all the ninjas brought back through the resurrection technique.
As a member of the Sound Four, Tayuya showcased impressive skills and abilities, establishing herself as a formidable kunoichi. She proudly proclaimed herself as the second strongest member of the Sound Four, second only to Sakon. This assertion was supported by her selection for reincarnation by Kabuto Yakushi, further attesting to her prowess. In fact, Shikamaru acknowledged that Tayuya possessed jōnin-level abilities, a testament to her combat skills and experience.
Tayuya's agility and speed were exceptional, allowing her to move swiftly and evade attacks with ease. She demonstrated remarkable acrobatic prowess, effortlessly performing leaps, flips, and agile maneuvers while simultaneously playing her flute during her intense battle against Shikamaru Nara. Despite primarily being a long-distance fighter, Tayuya exhibited above-average physical strength, enabling her to engage in close-quarters combat. This was evident when she intercepted Naruto Uzumaki in mid-air, delivering a well-timed punch that sent him flying backward.
In addition to her impressive physical abilities, Tayuya possessed a keen intellect. While not reaching the same level as Shikamaru, she showcased strategic thinking and was capable of devising effective battle strategies. Her intelligence allowed her to adapt to different situations and make quick decisions during combat, making her a formidable opponent.
Tayuya possessed a remarkable and distinct summoning ability, enabling her to call upon three eerie creatures known as Doki. These grotesque beings became extensions of her power, serving as her loyal guardians and engaging adversaries in physical combat on her behalf.
The Doki were remarkable creatures, exhibiting remarkable strength, durability, and surprising swiftness despite their immense size. Towering over their opponents, they acted as formidable shields, shielding Tayuya from direct harm and deflecting attacks with their massive frames. Their agility was unexpected, given their intimidating stature, allowing them to swiftly maneuver in battle and catch opponents off guard.
One of the most notable aspects of the Doki was their unique ability to weaken enemies. Stored within their monstrous forms were materialized spirits which they could release upon command. These spectral entities possessed the capability to sap the chakra, the life force and energy, of Tayuya's adversaries. By absorbing their targets' chakra, the Doki not only inflicted damage but also drained the strength and power of those unfortunate enough to face them.
Tayuya's control over the Doki was facilitated through the melodic power of her flute. As she played haunting tunes, the creatures responded to her command, executing her will in battle and acting as her loyal warriors. The harmonious connection between Tayuya and her flute allowed for seamless coordination, granting her an advantage by controlling not only the battlefield but also the engagement distance.
With the Doki at her side, Tayuya's combat strategy became multidimensional. She could rely on their formidable physical capabilities, using their strength and durability to her advantage while keeping herself out of immediate danger. Their presence on the battlefield created a significant psychological impact, as few opponents could withstand the sheer awe-inspiring sight of these monstrous entities.
Tayuya possessed a more unique and formidable fighting style among the members of the Sound Four, relying primarily on the power of sound as her weapon of choice. Central to her combat repertoire was her Demonic Flute, which she wielded with exceptional skill and mastery. The flute served as an extension of her own being, allowing her to manipulate sound waves and unleash devastating techniques upon her adversaries.
During her intense battle with Shikamaru, Tayuya's proficiency with the Demonic Flute was on full display. Despite the complexity of playing the instrument, she showcased remarkable dexterity and coordination, effortlessly dodging her opponent's attacks while simultaneously maintaining her melodic onslaught. This ability to multitask, honed through rigorous training and natural talent, highlighted her exceptional prowess in combat.
However, Tayuya's reliance on the Demonic Flute as her sole weapon also posed a vulnerability, particularly in close-range confrontations. Her specialization in sound-based techniques left her somewhat ill-equipped to handle foes who could effectively engage her in hand-to-hand combat. This limitation presented an exploitable weakness that astute opponents could capitalize on.
In the anime, following her resurrection, Tayuya recognized and rectified this vulnerability. Understanding the need to adapt and expand her combat repertoire, she sought to correct the mistake of relying solely on her flute. As a result, she underwent further training and skill development, broadening her arsenal and acquiring proficiency with additional tools and techniques.
By diversifying her fighting style, Tayuya aimed to address the shortcomings of her previous approach and become a more well-rounded combatant. This newfound versatility allowed her to better handle close-quarters engagements, effectively defending herself against opponents who sought to exploit her previous reliance on the Demonic Flute.
Tayuya's mastery of the Demonic Flute extended beyond playing melodies and engaging in combat. She utilized the flute for a multitude of purposes, each showcasing her unique abilities and augmenting her overall fighting prowess.
One notable application of the flute was her command over the Doki, formidable and grotesque creatures that served as her loyal companions. By playing specific tunes on her flute, Tayuya exercised complete control over these massive ogre-like beings. The Doki possessed incredible physical strength and the ability to absorb an opponent's energy through spectral worms generated by the creatures. This gave Tayuya a distinct advantage in battles, as she could drain the vitality of her enemies and weaken them, further bolstering her chances of victory.
Additionally, Tayuya harnessed the power of sound-based genjutsu, showcasing her proficiency in manipulating the minds and senses of her adversaries. One such technique was the Demonic Flute: Phantom Sound Chains. By channeling her chakra into the flute and playing haunting melodies, she could ensnare her targets in a web of illusory chains, trapping them within a world of auditory illusions. What made this genjutsu particularly potent was its long-range and wide area of effect. Even if Tayuya lacked precise knowledge of her opponents' whereabouts, the sound of her flute transmitted the genjutsu across vast distances, ensnaring unsuspecting victims and subjecting them to her control.
Following her resurrection, Tayuya's abilities underwent further refinement and augmentation. Shikamaru astutely observed that her range had significantly expanded, emphasizing the growth of her sound-based techniques. This enhancement allowed Tayuya to exert her influence over a wider area, amplifying the potency of her genjutsu and enabling her to manipulate a greater number of targets simultaneously.
The Sound Four, despite their turbulent relationships, possessed a formidable repertoire of Cooperation Ninjutsu techniques. These techniques allowed them to work together seamlessly, enhancing their abilities and achieving strategic advantages in battle. Among their notable cooperative techniques were the Combination Transformation, Four Violet Flames Formation, and Four Black Fogs Formation.
The Combination Transformation technique was a skillful display of their coordination and synchronization. By utilizing this technique, the Sound Four could assume the appearance of Orochimaru's trusted bodyguards, effectively concealing their true identities and numbers. This clever disguise allowed them to move covertly and carry out their missions without arousing suspicion.
In the battle between the Third Hokage and Orochimaru, the Sound Four exhibited their mastery of the Four Violet Flames Formation. This technique created a powerful barrier, preventing anyone from entering or leaving its confines. The formation's violet flames acted as a deterrent, serving as a formidable defense against intruders and ensuring that their opponents remained trapped within the designated area.
During the mission to transport Sasuke to Orochimaru, the Sound Four employed the Four Black Fogs Formation. This intricate technique involved the creation of a specialized barrier that trapped the target in a temporary state resembling death. By subjecting the target to this state, it facilitated the adaptation of the Cursed Seal, making it easier to transport Sasuke while he adjusted to the seal's effects.
In addition to their impressive array of cooperative techniques, the Sound Four also possessed two distinct abilities that showcased their mastery over space-time manipulation and summoning.
One of their notable techniques was the Space-Time Technique Formula: Underworld Turnover. By employing this technique, they could transport both their own souls and the souls of their targets into a specially constructed barrier. Within this confined space, they had control over the environment and could engage in battles on their own terms. This technique allowed them to isolate their opponents and gain a significant advantage by manipulating the dimensions of the battlefield.
Furthermore, the Sound Four possessed the powerful Sound Four: Summoning: Four Beasts Encirclement Formation technique. This technique involved summoning their individual powerful summons simultaneously, trapping their opponents from all sides. The summoned beasts acted as a formidable force, creating an impenetrable barrier that restricted the movement and escape of their adversaries. This technique effectively limited the options available to their opponents and forced them into a disadvantageous position.
Tayuya, being one of Orochimaru's most trusted and formidable warriors, bore the mark of a cursed seal, symbolizing her allegiance and enhanced powers. When the seal was activated in Level 1, it spread across her entire body, manifesting as a series of straight lines that formed a jagged, zigzag pattern. This transformation signified the awakening of her hidden potential and unleashed her increased abilities.
In her Level 2 form, Tayuya underwent a dramatic physical transformation. Her once fair skin took on a dark, brown hue, while her eyes underwent a striking change. Her irises turned a vibrant shade of yellow, surrounded by deep black sclerae, giving her a menacing appearance. Two distinct black vertical markings appeared under her eyes, adding to her fierce countenance.
Furthermore, Tayuya's hair grew significantly, cascading down to her thighs. In the anime adaptation, her hair color shifted from its natural dark pink to a vibrant red, which then transitioned to a light pink hue in her Level 2 state. The transformation also resulted in the emergence of multiple horns atop her head, which grew in size and number as she exerted herself during battles.
In this elevated state, Tayuya experienced a substantial augmentation in her physical attributes. Her strength, stamina, and endurance were greatly enhanced, surpassing the capabilities of even formidable opponents like Shikamaru Nara. This newfound power allowed her to overcome various challenges and unleash devastating attacks, empowering her to confront adversaries with heightened confidence.
In the anime, Tayuya's cursed seal exhibited an intriguing aspect of amplifying her power when fueled by intense feelings of hatred and rage. This unique ability allowed her to tap into even greater depths of strength and abilities. Following her resurrection, the potency of her cursed seal was significantly heightened, showcasing the augmentation of her already formidable powers.
One notable aspect of this increased power was observed in the range of her sound-based genjutsu techniques. Previously, Tayuya had demonstrated proficiency in manipulating sound waves to cast illusions and manipulate her opponents' senses. However, with the amplified power of her cursed seal, the reach and effectiveness of her genjutsu were greatly expanded. This newfound range allowed her to ensnare a wider area and influence a larger number of adversaries, enhancing her control over the battlefield.
Tayuya possessed the following jutsus in her arsenal of techniques:
Barrier Method Formation
Combination Transformation
Demonic Flute: Illusionary Warriors Manipulating Melody
Demonic Flute: Phantom Sound Chains
Four Black Fogs Formation
Four Violet Flames Formation
Revolt of the Demon World
Sound Four's Cursed Seals
Sound Four: Summoning: Four Beasts Encirclement Formation (Anime only)
Space–Time Technique Formula: Underworld Turnover (Anime only)
Summoning Technique (Doki)
In addition to the Naruto manga and its anime adaptation, Tayuya appears in other media formats of the Naruto franchise as well.
She also appears in a Naruto OVA (Original Video Animation), titled “Finally a clash! Jōnin vs. Genin!! Indiscriminate Grand Melee Tournament Meeting!!”
Tayuya made her debut in the gaming category with the release of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2. She is a playable character in the following games:
Game name | Japanese release | English release |
Naruto Mobile | 2016 | 2016 |
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja 4 | 5 April 2007 | 24 March 2009 |
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja 5 | 20 December 2007 | 27 November 2009 |
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Blazing | 14 July 2016 | 24 August 2016 |
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 | 4 February 2016 | 9 February 2016 |
Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections | 2023 | 2023 |
Naruto: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! 4 | 21 November 2005 | |
Naruto: Ninja Council 3 | 27 April 2006 | 22 May 2007 |
Naruto: Shinobi Collection | 2014 | |
Naruto: Shinobi Collection Shippū Ranbu | 27 July 2015 | |
Naruto: The Broken Bond | 18 November 2008 | |
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 | 30 September 2004 | 12 June 2007 |
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 | 22 December 2005 | 25 March 2008 |
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Online | 14 April 2013 | 20 July 2016 |
In the Naruto video games Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm, Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations, and Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution, Tayuya is only available as a support character.
(To Sasuke Uchiha) "In return for gaining power of the curse seal, we're bound to Lord Orochimaru. We no longer have freedom. To gain something...you must also give something up. What's your purpose? You gonna live in this worthless village with your friends? Keep licking each other's wounds? Trying to forget Itachi Uchiha...?"
(To Shikamaru Nara) "You fool. One little midget, what are you going to do? And also, look at what happened. Each time, in order to move forward, you sacrificed one of your members, didn't you? Is that guy Sasuke so precious to you? Just for the sake of one person… How many of your team members are you willing to lose? You mindless worm."
(To Shikamaru) "I'll play you a melody of death!"
(To Shikamaru) "For an idiot like you, to understand the complexity of the melody isn't too bad. But there is no way that you can completely comprehend this song."
"No one has survived the sound of my flute."
(About Shikamaru) "He's an amazing piece of trash."
(To Shikamaru) "You said this was your last hand, right? I'm afraid it's reverse checkmate, you damn rat!"
(To Shikamaru) "Screw the future, you lowlifes! And now, you're gonna come to join the rest of us in hell!!"
Tayuya was the second member to be created in the Sound Four group. Masashi Kishimoto created her with the intention of having a lone female character among the predominantly male group.
The flute melody utilized by Tayuya to control the Doki was later incorporated as background music in the Naruto anime.
In Naruto Shippūden episode 129, Tayuya made a cameo appearance in an omake. During the omake, she can be observed casually strolling around the festival.
According to the databook(s):
Tayuya's favorite phrase was "I alone am exalted" (唯我独尊, Yuiga Dokuson), which is a shortened version of "Throughout Heaven and Earth, only I am exalted" (天上天下唯我独尊, Tenjō Tenga Yuiga Dokuson). This phrase has its origins in the saying attributed to Gautama Buddha when he was born as Prince Siddhārtha. In modern usage, it refers to a conceited and arrogant person, which aligns with Tayuya's prideful nature.
Her hobby was playing the flute, highlighting her skill and affinity for using sound-based techniques in battle.
Tayuya has completed a total of 46 official missions, consisting of 20 D-rank, 15 C-rank, 8 B-rank, 2 A-rank, and 1 S-rank mission.