sannin

Sannin, also known as the Three Legendary Ninjas, is a term in the Naruto series referring to three Konoha ninjas: Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade. They rose to prominence during the late First and early Second Shinobi Wars and are celebrated for extraordinary combat prowess, influence, and longevity. The label is used to denote their exceptional status within the village and the wider shinobi world.

The origin of the title is linked to a defining confrontation with Hanzo the Salamander of Amegakure. After their encounter with Hanzo, they were recognized for their strength and became popularly known as the Sannin, a moniker that signifies their legendary standing in shinobi history.

All three were long associated with Konohagakure's leadership at various points and were trained under Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. They are often depicted as a triad whose combined feats helped shape Konoha’s history during the wars and in peacetime diplomacy, even as their paths diverged over time.

Each member followed a distinct trajectory after their peak of activity. Orochimaru pursued forbidden knowledge and immortality, ultimately defecting from Konoha and founding his own organizations. Jiraiya became a renowned sage, author, and mentor to many ninjas, including Naruto Uzumaki. Tsunade became the Fifth Hokage, contributing to medical ninjutsu development and governance to stabilize the village.

The Sannin’s legacy persists in the series as a symbol of extraordinary power and complex mentorship. The term is used both within the story to describe these three ninjas as a unit and in broader fan and canonical contexts to reference their shared status and individual arcs.