Everything about Akatsuki from Naruto

The Akatsuki is one of the most iconic and feared organizations in the Naruto universe, both for its complexity and its enigmatic members. Composed of renegade ninjas from the most powerful villages, each with unique abilities and dark pasts, the Akatsuki goes far beyond the label of “villains.” From collecting the Bijuu to the ambitious plan of creating a world without wars, their actions shape the fate of the shinobi world.

But what lies behind the dark cloaks adorned with red clouds? Who was really pulling the strings? This article dives into the history, mysteries, and motivations of this legendary organization, answering any questions you may have about it.

It is worth noting that this article may contain Spoilers from Naruto! So we do not recommend reading certain sections if you are concerned about spoilers. The aim of this article is to fill in gaps and explain some things that are not understood.

What is the Akatsuki?

The Akatsuki is an organization of renegade ninjas in the Naruto universe, known for its extremist actions and ambitions to shape the world through power. Formed by exiled ninjas with troubled pasts, the Akatsuki quickly evolved from a local organization in the Land of Rain to a global threat. Its members, all with singular skills and pasts marked by loss, form a complex alliance, often more out of interest than loyalty.

The main plan of the organization is to capture all the Bijuu — tailed beasts of immense power, such as the Kyuubi (Nine Tails) and the Sanbi (Three Tails) — to concentrate this power into a single ultimate weapon. The goal is to create a world of “forced peace,” where the fear of absolute power would prevent new conflicts. However, behind this facade, there are even darker motivations, orchestrated by a mysterious mentor who aims for something much greater.

Who founded the Akatsuki?

The original Akatsuki was founded by Yahiko, a ninja from the Land of Rain, with the dream of bringing peace to a region devastated by conflicts between great nations. Yahiko formed the organization alongside his friends Nagato and Konan, believing they could create positive change. However, after Yahiko’s tragic death, Nagato took command and transformed the organization, abandoning its ideals of peace.

From that point on, the Akatsuki became a more militarized and relentless organization, attracting renegade ninjas from various villages. Later, it is revealed that the true manipulation behind the new Akatsuki came from Obito Uchiha, who presented himself as Tobi, with the support of Zetsu, in a plan that traced back to the ambitions of Madara Uchiha.

Who are the members of the Akatsuki?

The most well-known members of the Akatsuki are:

• Pain/Nagato: Apparent leader, controls bodies through the Rinnegan.
• Konan: Specialist in paper jutsus and the only woman in the group.
• Itachi Uchiha: Exiled from Konoha, famous for his Sharingan and Genjutsu skills.
• Kisame Hoshigaki: Former member of the Mist Village, wields the sword Samehada.
• Deidara: Explosive artist who uses explosive clay in combat.
• Sasori: Master of puppets, transformed his own body into one.
• Hidan: Immortal devotee of the Jashin cult.
• Kakuzu: Obsessed with money, capable of sewing different body parts together.
• Tobi (Obito Uchiha): Initially an innocuous clown, but reveals to be the mentor of the organization.

In addition to them, other members and subordinates play important roles throughout the series, such as Zetsu (half human, half plant), and Orochimaru, who left the organization to pursue his own interests.

We recommend reading: Akatsuki – All Members History and Powers

What was the goal of the Akatsuki?

The Akatsuki began with the idea of ending wars and creating stability. However, as the organization evolved, its methods became increasingly violent and authoritarian. Under Pain’s leadership, the goal was to capture all the Bijuu, creating a weapon of mass destruction that would ensure forced peace. The fear of the Akatsuki’s absolute power would make nations hesitate to start new conflicts.

But behind this plan was Obito Uchiha, who, using the organization for his own ends, wanted to plunge the world into an eternal Genjutsu with the “Moon Eye” plan. Thus, he sought to create a perfect illusion where there would be no more pain or suffering — even if it meant stealing the freedom of all humanity.

Why did Itachi join the Akatsuki?

Itachi Uchiha joined the Akatsuki for reasons that go beyond loyalty to the organization. After being forced to exterminate his own clan to prevent a civil war in Konoha, Itachi became a traitor in the eyes of the village.

However, his decision to enter the Akatsuki was motivated by the intention to monitor the organization from within and protect his hometown from external threats. He never ceased to be a double agent, and his true loyalty has always been with Konoha and his brother, Sasuke.

Who was the strongest in the Akatsuki?

The discussion about the most powerful member of the Akatsuki is fierce, but the names most frequently cited are Pain, Itachi, and Obito.

• Pain (Nagato): With the Rinnegan, Pain had access to abilities that made him practically invincible, in addition to being able to control multiple bodies simultaneously.
• Itachi Uchiha: Master of Genjutsu, his ability to anticipate movements and his Susano’o with the Totsuka Sword and the Yata Mirror made him an almost invincible opponent.
• Obito Uchiha (Tobi): With the power of the Mangekyou Sharingan and the ability to become intangible, along with control over the Ten-Tails, Obito was one of the greatest threats at the end of the series.

Why did Nagato (Pain) destroy Konoha?

Pain destroyed Konoha to show the world the suffering that he and his companions experienced in the Land of Rain. He believed that by causing pain and destruction, nations would understand the cost of war and would not perpetuate it any longer. The destruction of Konoha was, for him, a “necessary sacrifice” to create a world without conflict.

What does “Akatsuki” mean?

“Akatsuki” [暁] means “Dawn” or “Daybreak” in Japanese. The name symbolizes the idea of a new beginning, an era in which wars and conflicts would cease. For the original founders, Yahiko and Nagato, the Akatsuki represented the hope that a new era of peace would emerge after years of suffering. Ironically, this quest for peace ended up transforming into a mission of terror and domination.

It is worth noting that in Japanese there are the words “aka” [赤] which means red and “tsuki” [月] which means moon. Japanese students often make this indirect connection, as these elements are related to the symbolism that involves dawn and the transition between night and day. Could this be the reason for the reading of the ideogram [暁]?

We recommend reading: What does Akatsuki mean?

Why did Kisame kill himself?

Kisame Hoshigaki chose to take his own life to avoid being captured by enemy forces. He preferred death to revealing confidential information about the Akatsuki. In his last act, he was devoured by sharks summoned by himself, ensuring that his loyalty to the organization remained intact until the end.

How was the Akatsuki defeated?

The defeat of the Akatsuki came in several stages. Each member was confronted and defeated by different teams of ninjas from the hidden villages. Itachi was defeated by his brother Sasuke, Pain fell before Naruto, and Kisame was killed by Guy. In the final arc, Obito and Madara led the battle against the Shinobi Alliance, but ended up being overwhelmed thanks to the combined effort of ninjas from all villages.

The organization was officially dismantled after the Fourth Ninja World War, when its last survivors were defeated and its domination plans thwarted.

What are the most famous pairs in the Akatsuki?

The Akatsuki is known for pairing its members into duos, each with a unique dynamic. Among the most famous are:

• Itachi and Kisame: Seriousness and calm combined with a relaxed personality.
• Deidara and Sasori: A duo of artists with conflicting views on art.
• Hidan and Kakuzu: Contrasting personalities, but a complementary fighting style.
• Pain and Konan: The original duo that led the organization based on mutual trust.

Why does the Akatsuki wear cloaks with red clouds?

The red clouds on the cloaks symbolize the blood shed during the conflicts in the Land of Rain, the homeland of Yahiko and Nagato. The choice of design serves as a reminder of the tragedies that marked their lives and how the organization emerged to end the cycle of violence — although its methods became dark over time.

Who is the true leader of the Akatsuki?

At first glance, Pain (Nagato) is presented as the leader of the Akatsuki. He acts as the central figure of the organization, commanding its operations and using his ideology of “peace through pain” to justify his actions. With the power of the Rinnegan and the ability to control multiple bodies, Pain is feared and respected by the other members, and his words are seen as law within the organization.

However, as the story progresses, it is revealed that Obito Uchiha — acting under the disguise of Tobi — is the true mentor behind the Akatsuki. Obito initially presents himself as a playful and harmless character, but behind this facade, he manipulates Pain and the other members to achieve his own goals. He inherited Madara Uchiha’s plans and used the Akatsuki as a means to realize them. Thus, while Nagato was the public leader, Obito remained in the shadows, pulling the strings in secret.

What was the purpose of the “Moon Eye” plan?

The “Moon Eye” plan was Obito Uchiha’s true ambition, inherited from Madara. The central idea of the plan was to place all of humanity under the effect of an infinite Genjutsu using the Moon as a means to reflect the power of the Rinnegan. Once activated, the Genjutsu would trap the minds of all people in a perfect illusion, in which each individual would live in their own “dream world,” free from pain, suffering, and conflict.

Obito and Madara’s logic behind this plan was that the freedom of individuals was the root of all suffering. By controlling the desires and wills of everyone through Genjutsu, they believed they could create an “eternal peace.” However, this peace was a form of mental slavery, completely eliminating freedom of choice and individuality.

The execution of the plan involved capturing all the Bijuu and transforming Obito’s body into a Jinchuuriki of the Ten-Tails, to obtain the necessary power to launch the Genjutsu on a global scale. With the world trapped in the illusion of the “Moon Eye,” Madara and Obito believed they would finally end the wars and pains of the real world — even at the cost of the freedom of all humanity.