Maestro Ebisu is a tokubetsu jōnin from Konohagakure, a special rank denoting his elite expertise in a specific field, which in his case is the private training of ninja. Known for his stern and by-the-book demeanor, Ebisu initially holds a strong prejudice against Naruto Uzumaki, viewing him as a worthless nuisance due to the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within him and mocking his dream of becoming Hokage, believing that only those of high lineage can achieve greatness. This arrogant and classist attitude defines his early interactions with Naruto, whom he tries to prevent from influencing his young pupil, Konohamaru Sarutobi, the grandson of the Third Hokage. Despite his attempts at professionalism, Ebisu possesses a hidden perverted side, which is exposed by Naruto’s Harem Technique, leading Naruto to later describe him as a closet pervert. A nervous habit of pushing up his sunglasses often punctuates his moments of perturbation.

Ebisu’s background as a shinobi is notable. He was a genin teammate of Might Guy and Genma Shiranui under the leadership of Chōza Akimichi, and he participated in the same Chūnin Exams as the legendary Team Minato. It is during this era that his team was once saved from the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist by Guy’s father, Might Duy. His recognized skill as an educator leads to his primary role in the story: he is personally selected to train Konohamaru for the Academy and is later chosen by Kakashi Hatake to train Naruto for the third round of the Chūnin Exams, with Kakashi stating that Ebisu is one of the most skilled trainers in the village. This training, however, is cut short when the legendary Sannin Jiraiya incapacitates Ebisu, taking over as Naruto’s mentor.

Ebisu’s character undergoes significant development, primarily driven by his exposure to Naruto’s genuine influence on Konohamaru. Seeing how Naruto inspires his student changes Ebisu’s perspective drastically, leading him to realize that Naruto is more than just a demon container and is, in fact, an outstanding ninja of the Leaf. This transformed respect and loyalty become most evident during Pain’s assault on Konohagakure. When confronted by the Naraka Path, Ebisu refuses to surrender Naruto’s location, choosing to risk his own death rather than betray a fellow citizen of Konoha, declaring that he will tell the Akatsuki nothing. His dedication to his students is further displayed when he draws Pain’s attention to give Konohamaru a chance to escape, only to be rescued himself by Konohamaru’s unexpected use of the Rasengan, a moment that fills Ebisu with immense pride.

In terms of ability, while Ebisu is not frequently seen in extended combat, he possesses extensive knowledge of both basic and advanced ninja skills and has a strong understanding of chakra control. Official databooks rate him highly in intelligence, hand seals, and ninjutsu, indicating a well-rounded proficiency. His primary contribution is not as a frontline fighter but as an elite trainer. In the anime, he is depicted using techniques such as the Shadow Clone Technique and the Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet. He is also shown to be capable in taijutsu, able to engage a Pain path in close combat. By the second part of the series, Ebisu has been placed in charge of his own genin team, Team Ebisu, consisting of Konohamaru, Udon, and Moegi, continuing his role of nurturing the next generation of Konoha’s shinobi. His complete mission record includes nearly five hundred completed assignments, ranging from D-rank to a single A-rank mission, underscoring his long and service-oriented career.