Who is Itachi in Naruto? [Explained]

Who is Itachi in Naruto
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“If you’re curious to learn who is Itachi in Naruto, then you’ll get a clear view on his backstory, character progression, many more trivia. Get excited!”

Itachi Uchiha was a shinobi from the Uchiha clan in Konohagakure. Not only was he a skilled ninja, but he also held the position of an Anbu Captain. However, fate took a dark turn when Itachi committed a heinous act. He slaughtered his entire clan, sparing only his younger brother, Sasuke. This unimaginable tragedy turned him into an international criminal.

Itachi’s path led him to join the notorious criminal organization known as Akatsuki. As a member, he found himself entangled in frequent clashes with Konoha and its ninja, including his own brother, Sasuke. Sasuke was hell-bent on avenging their clan by taking down his own brother. Family reunions were pretty intense for those two.

After Itachi’s death, the real deal was revealed. It turns out that his motives were way more complicated than anyone could have guessed. He wasn’t some evil mastermind. Itachi’s actions were driven by love for his brother and his village.

Itachi’s story is a testament to the intricate nature of humans. Emotions and the sacrifices one is willing to make for the ones they love. Behind the facade of a villainous criminal, Itachi Uchiha remained a true shinobi of Konohagakure until his last breath. His legacy is one of redemption and the unwavering bonds of brotherhood.

Full NameItachi Uchiha
Alias(es)Itachi of the Sharingan, Clan Killer Itachi
Age17-18 (Part 1) and 21 (Part 2)
SexMale
Birthday9th June
StatusDeceased
ClanUchiha
TeamRo (ANBU)
AffiliationKonohagakure, Akatsuki
Registered Ninja#012110
OccupationFormer Anbu Captain, Criminal Konoha Spy
Skills / PowersNinjutsu, Taijutsu, Sharingan, Bukijutsu, Genjutsu, Mangekyo Sharingan, Susanoo, Amaterasu, Izanami, High-level intelligence
HobbyVisiting traditional Japanese cafés
First Anime AppearanceEpisode 80
First Manga AppearanceChapter 139

Itachi Uchiha’s Story

Itachi Uchiha in Naruto - Who is Itachi in Naruto?
Image via Aniplex/TV Tokyo

Itachi was born to Mikoto and Fugaku Uchiha, and his early years were anything but ordinary. As a young child, he saw the horrors of the Third Shinobi World War. He devoted himself to training to become the ultimate ninja who could bring an end to fighting in the world.

Related: Top 10 Strongest Naruto Characters Ranked!

At the age of 5, Itachi became an elder brother to Sasuke and formed a deep bond with his best friend, Shisui. Together, they honed their skills, constantly pushing each other to learn new tricks. Itachi’s love for his family was evident. He protected them during the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox’s attack, showcasing his bravery and strength.

But tensions grew between Konoha’s leadership and the Uchiha clan due to the attack. It resulted in their relocation and isolation from the rest of the village. Itachi’s exceptional talent became evident when he joined the Academy at six. He excelled in every subject and became known as the best of his generation.

Joining Team 2, Itachi continued to hone his skills and drew the attention of Konoha’s leaders. His father, Fugaku, allowed him to attend clan meetings, giving him an insider’s view. Itachi mastered ninjutsu and became a formidable genin. After that, he successfully became a chūnin at the young age of ten.

At the age of eleven, Itachi became the youngest member of the Anbu, a prestigious ninja force. Itachi proved himself by completing various missions. And at the age of 13, he was promoted to a new Anbu team under Danzō’s authority.

Itachi’s accomplishments brought pride to his family, but few truly understood him. The Uchiha clan’s resentment towards their mistreatment led them to plan a coup. And Fugaku encouraged Itachi to join the Anbu as a spy.

But as time passed, Itachi found himself caught between his loyalty to his clan and his love for Konoha. The Uchiha clan’s plan to overthrow the village pushed Itachi to become a double agent. He secretly reported their actions to the Third Hokage and hoped for a peaceful resolution.

His burden of betraying the clan grew heavier when Shisui died and entrusted him with his eye. Itachi was tormented by guilt but pressed on, making difficult choices for the village’s sake.

Despite the Third Hokage’s attempts to negotiate with the Uchiha, Danzō saw no viable outcome for their survival. He presented Itachi with a choice: support the coup and risk the entire clan’s demise or wipe out the Uchihas to save Sasuke. Itachi made the heart-wrenching decision to protect his brother.

In a single night, Itachi slaughtered the entire Uchiha clan. Itachi personally carried out the task, even ending the lives of his parents.

To ensure Sasuke’s safety, Itachi implanted false memories in him. So Sasuke believes that Itachi is a villain responsible for their clan’s destruction. Itachi intended for Sasuke to grow strong by seeking vengeance against him.

After the massacre, Itachi left the village, joining the criminal organization Akatsuki. His terminal illness loomed over him, but he persevered, determined to die at Sasuke’s hand. He encountered formidable enemies like Orochimaru along the way, effortlessly overpowering them.

Itachi’s life was a series of difficult choices, sacrifices, and inner turmoil. His legacy as a shinobi of immense talent, a protector of Konoha, and a tragic character who suffered the weight of his actions will forever be etched in the history of the ninja world.

What Is His Personality?

Itachi Uchiha in Naruto
Image via Aniplex/TV Tokyo

Itachi Uchiha was a quiet and insightful person from a young age. He observed people and ideas from a distance, allowing him to understand them without prejudice.

Related: 5 Times Naruto Suffered Through Trauma Alone (and 5 When He Had Help)

This mindset made him different from other Uchiha clan members. Itachi loved his family, but he knew there were more important things than their aspirations.

Becoming a shinobi was his way of contributing to the greater good, even though he was a pacifist at heart. Itachi trained harder to improve himself and approached problems with a nonviolent mindset.

During the events leading to the Uchiha Clan’s downfall, Itachi faced a difficult choice. He didn’t want to harm his family and sought a peaceful resolution. But he realized that the path with the least bloodshed was the clan’s extermination.

This conflict caused a change in Itachi’s behavior as he became more critical of his clan members and expressed his frustrations openly. After killing his parents, Itachi didn’t blame Konoha’s leadership for the mission they gave him. He understood their intentions, even though he didn’t trust some people like Danzo.

After the massacre, Itachi’s emotions became masked. And he underwent further changes upon joining Akatsuki. He allowed certain violent tendencies in his partner, Kisame, under the guise of serving Akatsuki’s goals. However, he would still try to avoid unnecessary confrontations. Or rein in Kisame if the potential collateral damage was too high.

Itachi’s main priority was his dedication to his younger brother, Sasuke. He took responsibility for Sasuke’s well-being from an early age. He spent time with him, despite his own demanding training. Itachi’s love for Sasuke led him to carry out the Uchiha massacre, believing it would ensure Sasuke’s survival.

He planned for Sasuke to seek vengeance against him, pretending to be a heartless brother. Itachi’s actions in Akatsuki were part of this plan. It is meant to reinforce the persona of a hateful brother.

However, after being reanimated, Itachi realized that his plan had failed. Sasuke discovered the truth and sought to destroy Konoha. Itachi understood his mistake. He had tried to manipulate Sasuke instead of being honest and trusting in his own strength.

He embraced his true self, showing kindness to others and admitting his past actions to Sasuke. Itachi apologized for failing as an older brother. He wondered if honesty from the beginning could have prevented the Uchiha tragedy.

In their final moments together, Itachi assured Sasuke that he didn’t need forgiveness. And he would always love him. Itachi’s journey was one of complexity and sacrifice. It teaches the importance of honesty, trust, and love in the face of darkness.

Itachi Uchiha’s Abilities

Itachi Uchiha in Naruto
Image via Aniplex/TV Tokyo

Itachi Uchiha, a true prodigy, showcased his brilliance from a young age. His teachers were amazed at his progress, as he hardly needed any help.

In battles, he proved himself to be one of the strongest ninjas in the Naruto series. He defeated renowned warriors like Deidara, Sasuke, Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yuhi, and Orochimaru.

Itachi Uchiha possesses a vast array of powers and abilities in the Naruto series.

Here’s a list of his remarkable skills:

Refined Chakra Control. Itachi’s chakra control was exceptional. He can perform techniques with precision and efficiency.

Taijutsu. Itachi is also highly skilled in close-quarters combat.

Ninjutsu. Itachi was well-versed in various ninjutsu techniques. It includes powerful offensive and defensive maneuvers.

Shadow Clones. Itachi could create clones of himself. He used them for various purposes, such as diversion or overwhelming opponents.

Fuinjutsu. Itachi had knowledge and skill in sealing techniques. He employed it to trap or restrict enemies.

Bukijutsu. Itachi was proficient in the use of swords and other weapons. It showcases his expertise in this combat style.

Shurikenjutsu. Itachi’s accuracy and speed with throwing weapons, particularly shuriken, were exceptional.

Nature Transformation. Itachi can manipulate multiple elemental natures, including fire and water.

Great Fireball Technique. Itachi has mastered the Uchiha clan’s signature jutsu, unleashing devastating fire attacks.

Water Dragon Bullet Technique. Itachi could create and control a mighty water dragon to attack his opponents.

Genjutsu. Itachi’s genjutsu skills were also exceptional. With this, he could cast illusions that could deceive and manipulate his enemies.

Dojutsu Sharingan. Itachi possessed the Sharingan, a unique eye technique that grants him enhanced perception. With this, he could see the chakra and predict movements.

Izanami and Izanagi. These were advanced Sharingan techniques that allowed Itachi to manipulate reality or alter his own fate.

Mangekyo Sharingan. Itachi’s Mangekyo Sharingan takes his visual prowess to a new level. It granted him access to potent and unique abilities.

Tsukuyomi. With his left Mangekyo Sharingan, Itachi could cast an illusion, which could trap his enemies’ minds in illusions that felt like days of torture within seconds.

Amaterasu. Itachi’s right, Mangekyo Sharingan, manifests the black flames of Amaterasu. That could consume anything, even fire itself.

Susanoo. Itachi’s ultimate Mangekyo Sharingan technique creates a colossal spectral warrior. It provides formidable offense and defense, wielding the Sword of Totsuka and the Yata Mirror.

Uchiha’s Top 7 Quotes

Itachi Uchiha in Naruto
Image via Aniplex/TV Tokyo

“You are not even worth killing, foolish little brother.”

“Loneliness is this world’s worst kind of pain.”

“You are weak. Why are you so weak? Because you lack… hatred.”

“So… you couldn’t kill the friend who is most dear to you. And you dared to appear before me with such weak resolve?”

“You don’t have to forgive me… but no matter what happens to you from here on out… I will always love you…”

“Don’t cry, Sasuke. Your big brother is here to protect you no matter what happens.”

“You and I are flesh and blood. I’m always going to be there for you, even if it’s only an obstacle for you to overcome. Even if you do hate me. That’s what big brothers are for.”

Interesting Itachi Trivia!

Itachi Uchiha in Naruto
Image via Aniplex/TV Tokyo
  • Did you know that the name “Itachi” actually means “Weasel” in Japanese? In their mythology, weasels are seen as a symbol of bad luck and impending doom.
  • Despite their limited time together, Itachi taught his little brother Sasuke the art of shurikenjutsu. It’s no wonder Sasuke inherited Itachi’s knack for tactical tricks in battle.
  • Itachi had a girlfriend named Izumi Uchiha. Tragically, he ended up killing her on the night of the Uchiha massacre. This heart-wrenching detail is mentioned in the series, but you can find more about their relationship in the novel Itachi Shinden. But, in the anime, it was Obito Uchiha (disguised as the Masked Madara Uchiha) who took Izumi’s life.
  • Guess what? Itachi is among the select few who know the true identity of Naruto’s parents.
  • Itachi is on par with the legendary Jiraiya. They both hold the distinction of having the highest stat total in the databooks. Impressive, right?
  • Throughout his shinobi career, Itachi completed a total of 340 official missions. To break it down: 53 D-rank, 152 C-rank, 134 B-rank, and zero A-rank missions. However, he did undertake one challenging S-rank mission.

FAQs

#Q1. When was Itachi Uchiha born?

Ans. Itachi Uchiha was born on June 9th.

#Q2. How Old Was Itachi When He Died?

Ans. Itachi was 21 years old when he died. His death occurred during the events of the Naruto Shippuden series.

#Q3. Why does Itachi have lines on his face?

Ans. The lines on Itachi Uchiha’s face are actually a result of his Sharingan. When Itachi activates his Sharingan, the veins around his eyes become more pronounced, creating the appearance of lines on his face. This is a characteristic feature of the Sharingan, and we can see that in other Uchiha clan members as well.

#Q4. Why Is Itachi Uchiha So Popular?

Ans. Itachi Uchiha’s popularity in the Naruto series stems from his complex backstory, enigmatic nature, and role as a tragic hero. His abilities, intelligence, loyalty, and selflessness have captivated fans, which makes him a formidable and sympathetic character.

#Q5. What is Itachi’s Mission?

Ans. Itachi Uchiha’s main mission was to protect the village of Konoha. But, he was secretly assigned to spy on the Uchiha clan, who were suspected of planning a coup. Itachi made the difficult decision to eliminate his own clan to prevent further conflict and safeguard the village. This mission weighed heavily on Itachi and shaped his life.

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Simranjeet Singh

Hey, This is Simranjeet! I am a content writer and an anime lover who loves to watch different types of anime. They also give me motivation in life, that's why I write about it and want to share it with everyone.