Jirōchō Wasabi

is the head of the Wasabi family in the Land of Tea, which is a clan warring with the nearby Wagarashi family.

Background
On a winter day, Jirōchō was confronted by Idate Morino and was about to be attacked by him. However, he defended himself with his umbrella. Upon meeting Idate, Jirōchō realised the young boy was a starving thief, who tried to steal money from the latter. The boy tried to attacked Jirōchō again, only to be restrained by him. As he released Idate, he gave Idate a pocket knife and gave him a lesson. Noticing that Idate didn't have anywhere to go, Jirōchō took Idate under his wing, letting him join the Wasabi family.

Personality
He is depicted as kind, sympathetic, and honest, in contrast to the Wagarashi family's leader, Kyūroku Wagarashi, who is very dishonest and manipulative. He apparently took in Idate Morino after finding him on the streets. While Idate was racing, he expressed great faith in Idate, even to the extent of betting his own life.

Appearance
Jirōchō has grey shaggy hair and light black-coloured eyes.

Abilities
He seems to at least have some skill in hand-to-hand combat as seen when he was able to stop an incoming attack from a genin-level shinobi.

Search for Tsunade
Jirōchō is first shown to be an old friend of Tsunade, helping her in telling the loan sharks Senta and Bunzō that Tsunade's debt to the Akagi Gang was paid.

Land of Tea Escort Mission
Presumably as a sign of his unwavering friendship to Tsunade and after learning of her appointment as Hokage, he commissioned a mission for her from the Land of Tea which Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura took. He is shown as the head of the Wasabi family and his clan had to run against the Wagarashi family to show who gets to run the Land of Tea for the next four years. As shown at the beginning of the race, Jirōchō had complete faith in Idate even though it seemed as if he was running away. After Idate won the race, Jirōchō was very proud of him.

Jirouchou Wasabi