Shukaku Hoshigaki

*This article is for the Hoshigaki Clan member you may be looking for the One Tail Shukaku*

**Shukaku Hoshigaki** (*星垣秀鶴, Hoshigaki Shukaku*), renowned as **"Nohkan"** (*能管, Nōkan*) and **Arikurin** (ありくりん) and often nicknamed **Shu** (シュウ), is a sage Jōnin, a  high-ranking member of Konohagakure's former disbanded ANBU Root faction, and a former member of the Peacekeepers. Shukaku serves as a missing nin between Kirigakure and Konohagakure, and he is the head of Kirigakure's ANBU.

## Background

### Part I

Shukaku was born in Kirigakure. Not long after his birth, Shukaku's mother was forced to abandon him in order to save him from the Followers of Shiin who were searching for suitable vessesl for Shiinshiki Otsutsuki. He was later found without his memory on the outskirts of Konoha.

Raised in Konoha's Orphanage, Shukaku learned the basics of medical Ninjutsu and was often visited by Danzō Shimura, because of Shukaku's early signs of advanced chakra control. During wartime, the orphanage also helped out Konoha shinobi, acting as a medical center where they would come for treatment. Once old enough, the children of this orphanage could train as Konoha shinobi. When Shukaku reached age 5, he was permitted to join the academy.

While at the Academy, Shukaku easily scored high grades and continued to improve his level of chakra control—something that he used to amplify his sense of hearing. Training under his teachers refined his already impressive chakra control. By rapidly building up chakra and concentrating it into his fists or other body parts, his attacks are strong enough to destroy buildings or upend the earth, increasing with greater input of chakra. Such exact use of his chakra allows her to perform a jutsu with maximum efficiency without wasting much chakra. At the mere age of 6, Shukaku was able to summon shadow clones by using the correct hand signs.

### Part II

As he developed his sage ability, Shukaku used this to initiate genjutsu. One night, Danzo Shimura observes him training alone in the woods. Not long after this, Arikurin was recruited to join Konoha's ANBU Root division.

### Anbu Career

With no close family members, Shukaki joined Root under the code name "Nohkan". Having high hopes for Arikurin Danzō began to personally train him as a Root operative. The young Root operative in training quickly learned the organisation's kenjutsu, even beating out senior operatives in sparring matches. When on duty, Invaders would often be caught in his Genjustu before ever reaching the borders of the village. It wouldnt be long until other villages around Konoha came to know him as the "*Sage of the Leaves and the Mist."*

Disguised members of Root attempt to assassinate the Third Hokage
## Personality

Like all other members of the ANBU faction, Root, Shukaku rarely speaks unless spoken to due to the gruesome training regime Danzō had his subordinates undergo. During his early time with Root, Shukaku learned to seal away any emotional memories with his clans secret jutsu. He calls upon these when needed and use their "Emotional Energy".

Despite the teachings of Root, Shukaku is typically a laid-back individual with a blunt personality; he doesn't get himself involved in things unless absolutely necessary, or unless he's been asked specifically for assistance. Composed and highly observant, he thinks very quickly and remains calm in a fight, enabling him to respond to situations with maximum efficiency and with the smallest likelihood of making unfortunate miscalculations.

## Trivia

* Shukaku's favorite meal while on missions are sashimi and sushi