Itachi Uchiha isn’t just a name – he’s a shining star in the anime universe. Although he isn’t the main protagonist in ‘Naruto,’ his compelling character and big heart have earned him a legion of dedicated fans. You might think Itachi isn’t that well-known – but if you do, it just means you’re yet to discover the captivating saga of this remarkable character. Interested in learning more about him? His story might just surprise you.
Imagine diving deep into Itachi’s past, uncovering the intricacies of his life, exploring his incredible abilities, and understanding his profound love for his home village and his little brother. This is an invitation to a journey that will unravel the reasons why Itachi Uchiha is such a beloved character.
So, are you ready? Let’s embark on this fascinating journey together. I’m thrilled to guide you through the life and times of Itachi Uchiha, the superstar of the anime world. Let’s dive in and discover the wonder that is Itachi Uchiha.
Itachi Uchiha: A Brother’s Love, A Village’s Secret Hero
Itachi Uchiha, an extraordinary prodigy born into the renowned Uchiha clan in Konohagakure, was famous for the Sharingan, a unique dojutsu (eye technique), which he mastered at the young age of 10. At 7, he had already graduated at the top of his class from the Ninja Academy and ascended to the rank of ANBU captain by the age of 13, the youngest ever in history.
In the early parts of the series, he murders his entire clan except for his younger brother Sasuke, under the orders of Konohagakure’s leadership. This act is part of a larger plan to prevent a coup d’etat that the Uchiha were planning, which would have led to a civil war and made Konoha vulnerable to its enemies. Itachi then joins the organization Akatsuki to keep an eye on them and to ensure Konoha’s safety.
After the death of the Third Hokage, Itachi infiltrates Konoha with Kisame, another Akatsuki member, in the “Search for Tsunade” arc. They’re confronted by Kakashi hatake, Asuma, and Kurenai, and a battle ensues. Itachi uses Tsukuyomi on Kakashi, leaving him incapacitated, but they retreat when Might Guy intervenes. Itachi then finds Naruto uzumaki, under the guise of wanting to capture him, but it’s revealed that his actual intention was to remind the Konoha Council that he’s still alive and that they shouldn’t harm Sasuke.
Later, in the “Sasuke Recovery Mission,” Itachi and the rest of Akatsuki meet to discuss their plans and Sasuke’s recent alliance with Orochimaru. During the “Kazekage Rescue Mission,” Itachi creates a body-double to delay Team 7 while sealing the One-Tail. Despite not having his full power, the body-double buys enough time for the sealing to complete.
In the “Itachi Pursuit Mission,” Akatsuki learns that Sasuke has killed Orochimaru and is coming for Itachi. Itachi prepares for his inevitable end by meeting Naruto and implanting a crow with Shisui’s Mangekyō Sharingan inside him. This was a failsafe plan to protect Konoha if Sasuke were ever to take Itachi’s eyes and awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan.
In the “Fated Battle Between Brothers” arc, Itachi and Sasuke finally face each other. During the fight, Itachi reveals information about the Mangekyō Sharingan and the even more powerful Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. The battle culminates with Itachi seemingly trying to take Sasuke’s eyes, but this turns out to be a genjutsu. Itachi, succumbing to his illness, dies after tapping Sasuke’s forehead and saying “I will always love you,” thereby entrusting Sasuke with his wishes for the future of Konoha.
During the “Fourth Great Ninja War,” Itachi is brought back with the Reanimation Jutsu by Kabuto Yakushi. However, Itachi and Sasuke manage to break free from Kabuto’s control. Together, they confront Kabuto and defeat him, thus ending the Reanimation Jutsu. Before Itachi fades away, he reveals the truth to Sasuke about the Uchiha massacre and his true intentions, finally getting closure and peace. He expresses his regret for how he treated Sasuke and says that he would do it all the same if he were to be reborn, validating the depth of his love for his brother and his village.
Sharingan and Mangekyou Sharingan
The Uchiha clan’s Sharingan is a kekkei genkai, an ability passed down genetically within specific clans. It grants the user incredible perceptive abilities, allowing them to copy an opponent’s movements and techniques, among other things.
Itachi awakened his Sharingan at a young age and went on to develop the Mangekyou Sharingan, a more advanced form of the Sharingan, after witnessing the death of his best friend, Shisui Uchiha. The Mangekyou Sharingan gives the user access to powerful techniques, but it also gradually leads to blindness.
Itachi’s Special Jutsu Powers
Itachi’s arsenal of jutsu is both powerful and versatile, here are some of his most iconic techniques:
- Amaterasu: This Mangekyou Sharingan technique creates black flames that can burn anything, including fire itself. The flames are nearly impossible to extinguish and will burn until their target is completely destroyed.
- Tsukuyomi: Another Mangekyou Sharingan technique, Tsukuyomi allows Itachi to trap his opponents in an illusory world where he can manipulate time, space, and matter. It’s an incredibly powerful genjutsu (illusion technique) that can leave the victim mentally and physically scarred.
- Susanoo: The ultimate defense, Susanoo is a gigantic, spiritual warrior that protects the user and attacks on their behalf. Itachi’s Susanoo wields the Yata Mirror, which can deflect any attack, and the Totsuka Blade, a sword that can seal anything it pierces into a genjutsu of drunken dreams for all eternity.
The Uchiha Clan Massacre and Joining Akatsuki
In one of the most pivotal events in Itachi’s life, he was ordered by the Konoha leadership to eliminate his own clan to prevent a coup d’état. Itachi, torn between his loyalty to his village and his family, chose to carry out the mission.
He spared only his younger brother, Sasuke, whom he encouraged to grow strong and take revenge on him. After the massacre, Itachi joined the Akatsuki, a group of rogue ninjas. His primary goal was to keep an eye on the organization from within to protect Konoha indirectly.
Conclusion
Itachi Uchiha is a compelling character, shaped by the harsh realities of the ninja world. Hisexceptional abilities, combined with his tragic story, make him one of the most memorable characters in the Naruto series. Itachi’s jutsu, from the destructive power of Amaterasu to the formidable defense of Susanoo, are impressive displays of his mastery over the Sharingan.
His actions, driven by a deep sense of duty and love for his village, paint a picture of a tragic hero who sacrificed everything for peace. Itachi’s narrative serves as a potent exploration of themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the heavy toll of power. His story continues to resonate with fans worldwide, cementing his status as one of the most iconic characters in anime history.
