For example, after the search for Tsunade, Naruto was angered by Sasuke's refusal to wear his headband during their fight. Ninja consider it an honorable, important part of their tradition, and make a point of wearing it at all times, especially when sparring with a comrade from the same village. The forehead protector is meant to symbolize pride in one's village, as well as a symbol of fealty.

Kakashi Hatake and Tonbo Tobitake wore theirs as makeshift eye-patches. Yagura uses a under-shirt in which is the protector of Kirigakure in the middle and Chōjūrō uses it like a badge on his chest. Tobirama Senju, Kisame Hoshigaki, Zaku Abumi and Yamato also wear a mask-style forehead protector that frames their faces, rather than a cloth wrapping around their heads. Genma Shiranui wears his forehead protector on the back of his head. For example, while the majority do wear theirs in the traditional manner, Sakura uses hers as a hair-band, Shikamaru has his on his upper arm, whereas Rock Lee and Might Guy wear theirs as a belt when they wear their green jumpsuits, while Temari and Hinata wears theirs as chokers. The forehead protector is received once a ninja graduates from the Ninja Academy, so only genin-level or higher ranked ninja possess them.ĭespite the name 'headband', it can be worn in many different styles. The Headband that is worn by almost every ninja, composed of a metal plate engraved with the symbol of the ninja's Hidden Village, and normally a band of blue cloth (although other colours have been seen).

Leaf shinobi headband