Shizune invariably keeps a sober mind and acts as the most practical and rational member of Tsunade's inner circle. It is she who tends to worry excessively over any recklessness of her lady, be it endless gambling debts or risky decisions in the post of Hokage. Her usual reaction to a gruff shout or something frightening is a comically loud, startled scream, often directed at Tsunade herself. She is kind, gentle, and unfailingly cares for the piglet Ton-Ton, but should someone insult Tsunade, her temper instantly turns hard and almost merciless, and her loyalty flares up with furious force. At the same time, she is not afraid to argue with the Fifth Hokage and even secretly reported her concerns to the Konoha council, risking spoiling their relationship. Strong moral principles live in her: she tried to dissuade Tsunade from the deal with Orochimaru, believing that the resurrected Dan and Nawaki would not have accepted such a price, and even admitted the thought of the necessity of eliminating her lady for the common good. She takes her work as a doctor with utmost seriousness and despises unethical methods such as profiting off traumatized children. Shizune is energetic, businesslike, and constantly urges Tsunade on with paperwork to avoid a mountain of unprocessed documents. In rare moments of intoxication, she gives vent to deeply hidden insecurity about her own figure and her loneliness from many years of wandering, fleetingly envying another's femininity. Despite her outward fragility, an unbending will lives in her, along with absolute, almost daughterly loyalty to her mentor and to the memory of her uncle. Her whole life is subordinated to duty, but through the assistant's strictness constantly breaks a caring, slightly grumbling warmth.
