Tenten Overview

The name "Tenten" means here and there. Repeating the same syllable twice is a popular naming scheme for pandas; her odango hairstyle also resembles panda ears. "Tenten" can also refer to the small double marks that appear on Japanese hiragana and katakana to change the pronunciation of certain characters (for example, "ta" [た] becomes "da" [だ] with the addition of "tenten").

In an interview in the Second Official Databook, Kishimoto stated that, out of the four central Konoha kunoichi, Tenten would be his type "because [he likes] her design."

Background Information

Originally a Genin level ninja who graduated the academy a year before Naruto did, Tenten is a student of Might Guy together with Rock Lee and Neji Hyuga. Not much is known about her techniques, other than that they involve the mastery of weaponry – Tenten is an expert in the use of many kinds of melee and throwing weapons, which she summons from scrolls when needed. Might Guy has stated that she never misses with her weapons. In fact, in a senbon needle-throwing practice exercise, she hit the bull's-eye 100 out of 100 times. Her favored method of attack is to throw her scrolls in the air in such a way as to cause them to spin above her, then jump between them and toss a myriad of weapons at her opponent in rapid succession, otherwise known as Twin Rising Dragons. She also uses strings to control and guide the direction of her weapons. However, this technique is useless against opponents who use wind attacks, as seen in her short and arguably pointless battle against Temari.

Tenten feels very strongly about both her teammates, speaking highly of Neji's talent and natural 'genius', and could be seen staring with pride at Lee during his training with Guy on one occasion. She showed worry for Lee's safety during the Chunin Exam, though she roughly shakes him awake as a method of helping him. She often trains with Neji by testing her weapons against his Eight Trigram Palms Heavenly Spin

One of the implications of Guy's team is that they are the archetype of the "Chinese rivals," a common staple in Japanese anime and manga. Lee bears a strong resemblance to Bruce Lee, several of Neji's techniques have Chinese aesthetics to them, and Tenten is the most overtly Chinese with her outfit, hairstyle, name, hobbies, favorite foods, and high-pitched voice (a stereotype of young Chinese girls).

Tenten's goal as a kunoichi is to be as great as Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin, and she trains hard to achieve her dream. She is considered one of the best female ninja in the village. Tenten also strongly believes that female ninja are just as good as male ninja.

Tenten's hobby is astrology (fortune-telling and horoscopes). Her favorite food is Chinese food and sesame dumplings (sesame dango). She dislikes umeboshi (pickled ume fruit).