A Shinobi of the Leaf.Kakashi leads a tied up Kinoe out of the hideout before they are attacked by a giant white snake that is one of Orochimaru's experiments. During the fight, Kakashi saves Kinoe from being swallowed by the snake before he is subjected to a poisonous fog emitted from the carcass. Luckily, shocked by Kakashi saving him after attempting to kill him, Kinoe takes Kakashi to a safe spot to administer an antidote and decides not to take his Sharingan while revealing his mission. Reporting to Hiruzen of Danzo's scheme, Kakashi is sent alongside Yugao to deliver a summons to the Root Leader. At that time, while Kakashi and Yugao are being kept at bay by Foundation members, Danzo is disgusted by Kinoe's new views and decides to have his subordinate be operated on. Luckily, Kakashi frees Kinoe with Hiruzen convincing Danzo to hand Kinoe over to him. Later reassigned as an ANBU under Kakashi, Kinoe accepts his new team mate's insistence to be called "Tenzo".