SHINO ABURAME - (油女シノ)

"THIS NEVER HAPPENED, OK?" - Shino Aburame

Shino Aburame is one of the supporting characters in the popular anime Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. Shino is a member of the Aburame clan and the son of Shibi Aburame. He’s also part of Team Kurenai—also known as Team 8—which includes Kiba Inuzuka (along with his dog Akamaru), Hinata Hyuga, and their sensei, Kurenai Yuhi.

From a young age, Shino has always been an introverted and mysterious individual. He’s calm and composed in almost any situation, rarely smiles, shows very little emotion, and often comes across as stoic.

A great example of this is during the early Chunin Exams. After succeeding in the preliminary rounds, instead of celebrating or accepting praise from his friends, he simply told them he expected them to do the same. That’s just Shino—quietly confident and driven.

He strongly believes in his abilities and often lets his opponents know that he intends to win—almost as a courtesy. While he doesn’t fight just for the thrill of it, he certainly doesn’t like missing the chance to prove himself in battle.

Despite his reserved nature, Shino genuinely cares for his teammates and wishes them nothing but success in all they do.

" While an ace in the hole is good, two aces are better. " -Shino Aburame

You might notice that when Shino speaks, he doesn’t say much at all. Do you think that’s part of the reason Naruto didn’t recognize him right away when he returned to the village?

Shino has a very peculiar way of speaking—he tends to overuse the word “because” and often answers questions that no one actually asked. It gives him a quirky, mysterious charm that makes his character so unique.

He’s also known for holding grudges!

When Naruto returned to the village, he immediately recognized Kiba and Hinata. But when he saw Shino, he referred to him as “the new teammate.” Needless to say, Shino was not pleased.

You could almost feel the tension—Shino was clearly offended, and Naruto definitely looked a little intimidated in that moment. While Shino still considers Naruto a friend, let’s just say he hasn’t forgotten that slip-up anytime soon!

"Even if our enemy is a small bug, we will not underestimate it." - Shino Aburame

Another thing Shino is well known for is his bravery.

He deeply regretted not being able to help his teammates during the mission to retrieve Sasuke. That regret fueled his determination to improve his teamwork with Hinata and Kiba. He dedicated himself to getting stronger as a team, and his efforts paid off—during a later mission, he was able to successfully protect his teammates, proving just how far he had come.

Shino also has a remarkable sense of awareness when it comes to his teammates. He knows them so well that he can pick up on even the smallest changes in their behavior. That kind of connection only comes from years of working closely together.

Despite his bravery, Shino has one unusual fear: insectivorous animals and plants. To him, it’s like psychological torture. His insects mean everything to him, and he’s been visibly distraught—even to the point of tears—at the thought of losing them. He’s even refused to complete missions to protect them.

As an adult, Shino found a new calling in teaching. Though it can be frustrating when students don’t listen or damage the Academy, he’s embraced the role wholeheartedly.

But don’t worry—Shino is still his calm, composed self 99.9% of the time. He enjoys life’s simpler moments and always carries that steady presence wherever he goes.

So What Does Shino Look Like?

Shino’s signature look usually includes dark sunglasses, a sea-green jacket, and a high upturned collar. He’s fair-skinned, very tall, and has thick, dark brown hair that adds to his distinct appearance.

After the Fourth Great Shinobi War, Shino updated his style a bit. He began wearing a flak jacket over the standard shinobi attire, along with a more modern-looking pair of sunglasses. His jacket now includes a hood that he keeps up most of the time, and his forehead protector was switched to a bandanna-style version for a fresh look.

As an adult, Shino’s outfit evolves again. He still wears the flak jacket, but this time it features two bug-like emblems at the neck. Underneath, he sports a full bodysuit. When he’s on duty, he trades in his usual sunglasses for a sleek, three-strip optic visor—giving him a more high-tech, tactical appearance.

What Do We Learn From Shino?

Shino teaches us that staying calm and composed—especially in high-stress situations—can make a big difference. His steady demeanor helps him think clearly and act wisely when it matters most.

Another important lesson from Shino is the value of truly understanding your teammates. The better you know your comrades, the better support you can offer when they need it most.

What do you guys think about Shino? Leave us a comment down below!