The Naruto series is filled with powerful shinobi, such as Madara Uchiha and Hashirama, the God of Shinobi. However, only a select few have been labeled as flee-on-sight ninja. This designation means that if other shinobi encounter them, they should run away immediately.
While many characters could be considered for this title, only two have ever been given this status in the entire series. Minato is already well-known for his strength, but another Leaf shinobi has also been recognized as a threat so significant that enemies are advised to retreat without engaging in battle, although this only occurs in non-canon episodes of Naruto.
Understanding the Flee-On-Sight Order
The Flee-On-Sight Order was first mentioned in Naruto Shippuden, Episode 119, Kakashi Chronicles: Boys' Life on the Battlefield - Part 1, which aired on July 30, 2009.
The order is simple: it forbids other shinobi from engaging with a flee-on-sight ninja, instructing them to retreat immediately from the battlefield. This directive was first implemented during the Third Great Ninja War, involving the Hidden Leaf and Hidden Stone Villages. The Hidden Stone Village took the lead in issuing this order against Minato Namikaze, a shinobi known for his deadly speed.
Recognizing the danger posed by Minato, the Hidden Stone Village labeled him as a flee-on-sight shinobi to prevent unnecessary casualties. This extreme measure aims to minimize bloodshed during battles. While being designated as a flee-on-sight ninja is a form of recognition, encountering one would certainly be a terrifying experience for any opponent.
What Are the Prerequisites for the Flee-On-Sight Order?
In the Naruto series, the exact details for when a flee-on-sight order is issued have not been clearly explained. However, based on two examples, it seems that the main requirement may be related to the shinobi's speed, indicating their skill as assassins.
The Two Recipients of the Flee-On-Sight Order
When considering the two fastest shinobi of all time who were both granted this prestigious status, it becomes clear that speed is a crucial element. Without this incredible speed, opponents would struggle to even perceive their attacks, let alone come up with effective countermeasures. In addition to speed, these shinobi must possess unparalleled strength, making them nearly unbeatable. Take Minato for example; his Flying Raijin technique was already a formidable threat, but his mastery of other jutsu like the Rasengan made him an even more dangerous adversary.
While there is only one known instance of a shinobi being given the status of a flee-on-sight ninja, another example can be found in a filler arc of Naruto. In this arc, Shisui Uchiha was considered such a significant threat that an entire squadron of Hidden Mist shinobi had to retreat. However, it is important to note that this event only occurred in a non-canon episode and is not part of the original manga storyline.
In Shisui's situation, it was never explicitly mentioned that he was officially labeled as a flee-on-sight shinobi, but the circumstances were similar to those of Minato. The fact that shinobi were instructed to retreat upon encountering an enemy ninja is a rare occurrence, indicating that Shisui's reputation for strength was already well-established and his status was on par with that of Minato.
The Fear-Inducing Power of Minato's Flying Raijin Technique
Minato is widely recognized for his incredible abilities and is highly respected in the shinobi community. One of his most famous techniques is the Flying Raijin Jutsu, which enables him to teleport to any object marked with his seal in an instant. His proficiency with this technique has earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent who is best avoided at all costs.
It couldn't be you... the Yellow Flash of the Leaf. In the village hidden in the Stones, we were warned to run away as soon as we saw you. And now it all makes sense...
Minato's ability to move without a trace made him a serious threat to most shinobi, which the Hidden Stone village quickly realized and ordered to flee upon sight. The Flying Raijin technique contributed to this order, but his other skills also played a part in earning him such a reputation.
Shisui’s Skills Make Him a Formidable Ninja
Shisui is known for his exceptional abilities, particularly his Sharingan and Body Flicker Technique. While he may not have an official flee-on-sight status, his reputation is similar to that of Minato. In a showdown with a group of Hidden Mist ninja, Ao was able to sense Shisui's presence and promptly ordered his team to retreat.
Shisui Uchiha, known as the Teleporter of the Leaf, is too powerful for us to defeat. Let's retreat!
Even with a whole squad, Ao admitted that taking on Shisui would be impossible. Shisui's Kotoamatsukami is a major reason for his strength, but his Body Flicker Technique also makes him a formidable foe that is nearly impossible to track on the battlefield. Although the specific order to flee upon seeing Shisui may not be officially recognized, it still reflects his reputation and incredible abilities, serving as a clear example of his rare command.
Naruto is available to stream on Prime Video.
Editor's P/S:
The article delves into the intriguing concept of flee-on-sight ninjas in the Naruto universe, highlighting the unparalleled speed and strength of Minato and Shisui. It is fascinating to consider the circumstances that warrant such a designation, as it signifies an exceptional level of threat that requires immediate disengagement. The article's exploration of the prerequisites for this order and the specific abilities of Minato and Shisui provides valuable insights into the strategies and power dynamics that shape the world of shinobi.
Furthermore, the article's discussion of the non-canon status of Shisui's flee-on-sight designation adds an intriguing layer to the analysis. While it may not be officially recognized, the fact that such a scenario was portrayed in an episode suggests the potential for other characters to achieve this level of notoriety. As the Naruto series continues to expand, it will be intriguing to see if any additional characters earn the distinction of being labeled as flee-on-sight ninjas.
