The Naruto Character Who Surprisingly Lasted Through The Series

Masashi Kishimoto's "Naruto" is regarded as one of Shonen Jump's most successful series, spawning a myriad of video games, toys, movies, and a hit anime series. With close to 250 million copies sold, it currently sits as the fourth best-selling manga of all time, just slightly behind other juggernauts like "Dragon Ball" and "One Piece" (via Money Inc). From its striking action scenes to its unforgettable cast, "Naruto" has so much to offer as a series. This is especially true when considering its plot and where its lovable characters end up.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Naruto."

In the Shonen genre, dangerous antagonists and dire obstacles make for a compelling story. Naturally, "Naruto" is a series brimming with hazardous threats to its powerful protagonist and the residents of Konoha Village, whether it be the slithering Orichimaru or the Fourth Shinobi World War. With that said, it's no surprise that not everyone manages to make it through the series alive. 

Fans have had their hearts broken with the loss of characters such as Neji Hyuga and Asuma Sarutobi. But the series has presented quite a few characters who have had close calls knocking on the afterlife's door, including Kakashi Hatake and Might Guy. Surprisingly, there's another Konoha Ninja that managed to last throughout the series mostly unscathed.

The man simply known as Ebisu is a trainer of elite ninjas. In the second episode of the anime, he's already training Konohamaru, the grandson of the Third Hokage. In manga chapter 90 (via Viz), he's chosen by Kakashi to help train Naruto. He's not a major character in the series, so it's a bit unclear why Kishimoto kept him alive, especially considering the unfortunate fates of other fan favorites from the series. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, the series final main story arc, he's seen alive communicating with the villagers on what's happening in the battles.

The closest Ebisu comes to meeting his end is during Pain's attack on his village. The Six Paths of Pain asks him of Naruto's location in "Naruto: Shippuden" Episode 161, but Ebisu refuses to tell and instead tries to fight (via VRV). It's a significant moment that showcases how much Ebisu had come to respect Naruto, particularly when Ebisu initially thought so little of him at the beginning of the series. It also would have served as a heroic death or sacrifice, but his pupil Konohamaru saves him thanks to a surprise Rasengan. 

As for Ebisu's whereabouts past "Naruto," that is currently unknown. As noted by Screen Rant, the character has yet to show up or be spoken of in "Boruto." Perhaps he's living a quiet life as a retiree, reminiscing about his various brushes with the afterlife.