Nikumaru Sarutobi is a seventeen-year-old student at Ninja High School, specializing in ninja training. His given name, Nikumaru, means "meatball" in Japanese, reflecting his short stature and chubby physique. This build contrasts sharply with traditional ninja agility but defines his character. Despite this, he wields a signature combat technique called the "kamikaze," generating a whirlwind by rapidly spinning his feet, showcasing unexpected proficiency in ninja arts.

His family name, Sarutobi, links him to a legendary ninja lineage famed for speed and tree-dwelling agility, creating a deliberate contrast with his own appearance. Throughout the original 1982 television series and its source manga, he engages in school adventures, activities, and competitive pranks, frequently encountering rivals both inside and outside the ninja school. His character serves as a comedic subversion of ninja archetypes, centered on lighthearted mischief within the episodic school setting.