The often misunderstood Zato Ino has had an eventful life. He is blind and 'sees' by smelling which allows him to fight even in complete darkness. A huge bounty on his head has made it difficult for him to settle down anywhere. During his first run-in with Usagi, the two became friends until Usagi discovered that he was a wanted criminal. Usagi cut off Ino's nose, blinding him again until he had a wooden nose carved to replace it. He has also fought against Gen, cutting off his horn.

He helped to thwart the forces of Lord Tamakuro in the Dragon Bellow Conspiracy but was shot in the process, taking a bullet that was meant for Gen. Gen moved the wounded man to a safe place and spread the word to the effect that Zato has dead, allowing him to leave and find his way to a village, where he was nursed back to health. After defeating a band of marauders that threatened the village, Ino settled down there, taking a wife.

Usagi and Gen saw him once again, when they found him and his wife in a hut a few miles from their village. Ino was gravely wounded by an arrow, but was tended to by Usagi and Gen. They left when they knew he would recover. Ino has not been heard from since.