Izumo and Kotetsu Hagane are chuunin from the Village Hidden in the Leaves who initially discourage genins from attempting the chuunin exams. It's later revealed that they serve as proctors during these tests. Following the conclusion of the exams, the fifth hokage appoints them as his assistants and doubles their roles as guards to the village's main gate. They are rarely seen without Kotetsu and continue to appear in Shippuden.