Dan Katō

was a jōnin-level shinobi from Konohagakure.

Background
After the death of his younger sister, he began advocating for medical ninja to be assigned to every ninja squad. Tsunade shared a similar belief, and the two soon began dating because of it. During their time together Dan shared with Tsunade his dream of becoming Hokage, wanting the title so that he could better protect the villagers of Konoha. Tsunade gave Dan her grandfather's necklace as good luck and encouragement to follow that dream. Soon after that, Dan was fatally wounded during the Second Shinobi World War, and, despite Tsunade's attempts to save him, died of his injuries. Tsunade would later take on Dan's niece, Shizune, as an apprentice and some time later, leave the village.

Personality
Dan was a great man that deeply loved his village and its inhabitants. He also cared deeply for his sister and would often pick her up from the Academy; something he would later do with his niece as well. He is also described as wise and honourable man that truly believed in justice.

Appearance
Dan had long pale blue hair that reached his back and dark green eyes. He wore the standard Konoha shinobi outfit of that time complete with forehead protector and the pocket-less flak jacket.

Abilities
Not much is known of Dan's abilities but by all indications, he was a very capable and efficient ninja that served his village well. This is proven further when Kabuto Yakushi reincarnated him thinking that he'd be a valuable asset on the battlefield. Dan is also noted to use a technique called the Spirit Transformation Technique. This ability allowed him to become a living spirit to attack his opponents. He can also use it to take control of a target's body. Dan also noted that this technique took many lives during his lifetime, and implored his opponents to trap him in a barrier before he could activate the technique. In response to this however, Chōza remarks it wasn't easy to trap someone like him. Kakuzu referred to Dan and Asuma as gold and silver generals (a reference to shōgi pieces) again indicating that Dan is very powerful.

Shinobi World War Arc
In preparation for the Fourth Shinobi World War, Dan is reincarnated by Kabuto Yakushi to fight against the Allied Shinobi Forces, before being mobilised alongside Asuma Sarutobi and Hizashi Hyūga, where he informs them of the details regarding the forbidden technique used to reincarnate them. Relocating to the Land of Lightning's coast, Dan emerges from the sea amongst the White Zetsu Army with the others, before engaging the opposing First Division. Confronting Chōza Akimichi, Dan remarks that he had grown since he had last seen him.

As the conflict continues, Dan in explaining his abilities, tells them that he must be captured before he can activate his Spirit Transformation Technique. After a prolonged battle, Dan congratulates the shinobi on their efforts, while trapped inside the barrier. However, in the wake of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path's devastating attack, the barrier surrounding him is destroyed, freeing Dan but damaging him in the process.

Resealed within the barrier by the following day, Dan observes the arrival of Naruto Uzumaki's shadow clone to the battlefield, initially mistaking him for Nawaki due to their resemblance to one another. Shocked at hearing that Tsunade had placed her trust in Naruto and his promise to not die until he became Hokage, Dan asks just who Naruto was, to which Shikamaru Nara replies that he was the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's jinchūriki and had always dreamt of becoming Hokage. Dan smiles as he realises that both his and Nawaki's dream had lived on through Naruto.

Continuing to converse with Chōza as he guards the barrier, Dan is greatly shocked to hear of Madara Uchiha's reincarnation, but is even more so by Tsunade becoming Hokage and as such, her entering the fray alongside the other Kage. Despite Chōza's confidence, Dan is adamant that Madara shouldn't be underestimated, believing that the only person who could possibly defeat him was already dead. He then implores Chōza to instead seek out and stop the person who reincarnated Madara, judging this to be the only method to beat him, before silently pleading for Tsunade to stay alive.

With the Impure World Reincarnation released, Dan is enveloped in a light of sorts before beginning to deconstruct, but not before noting that whoever had stopped the technique did a good job. As his spirit ascended, Dan requested the Chōza have them dispel the barrier which sealed him and then uses his Spirit Transformation Technique to take control of his spirit. After Chōza realised his intentions, he told Dan to hurry to Tsunade's side. Thanking him, Dan left and reached Tsunade in time to take over her body and saved her from one of Madara's attacks. Speaking with her in her subconscious, he thanked her for accomplishing what he didn't in life and apologised for causing her hardship since his death. He then told her that he would wait for her in the afterlife, but she wasn't to follow after him for a while. Before disappearing, Dan kissed Tsunade on the forehead and told her that she was his dream then expressed gratitude that he was reincarnated, because it allowed him to see her once again. He also seemingly imparted the remainder of his chakra to Tsunade before leaving, restoring her Yin Seal.

Legacy
As Dan had died from fatal blood loss, which Tsunade had failed to cease, it caused her to develop hæmophobia. This leaves her unable to participate in additional battles and she leaves Konoha, taking Dan's niece, Shizune, with her. Years later, Tsunade is approached by Orochimaru, who offers to bring Dan and her brother back to life. As this would require two living sacrifices, Tsunade ultimately refused, thinking that Dan and Nawaki would be very unhappy that Tsunade would give up two other lives in exchange for theirs.

Trivia

 * Dan made a cameo appearance in the ending omake of Shippūden episode 129 alongside several other deceased characters.
 * According to the Naruto databook:
 * Dan had completed 574 official missions in total: 77 D-rank, 84 C-rank, 223 B-rank, 168 A-rank, 22 S-rank.
 * Dan's favourite word was.
 * Like Danzō, Dan's name is likely a reference to historical ninja Katō Danzō, a noted ninja master during the time of the Sengoku period of Japan.
 * Despite wearing the pocket-less flak jacket when he was alive and when he is first shown reincarnated, he is shown fighting Chōza during the Fourth Shinobi World War wearing a modern flak jacket with the pockets on it.

Quotes

 * (To Tsunade)