Ayato Shinohara was a famous shinobi from Konohagakure, known mainly for his exploits during the Third Shinobi War. He was eventually promoted to Jōnin and assigned to lead Team Ayato; which consisted of the three top students in the village at the time. Under his tutelage, Team Ayato would reach great heights and live up to their prestigious name, distinguishing themselves as the best squad of Genin in Konoha at the time. All of this changed one day when a mission went terribly wrong and Ayato was lost behind enemy lines, and presumed deceased.