The Akatsuki is one of the most iconic and feared organizations in the Naruto universe. Comprised of rogue ninjas with various backgrounds, the group’s main goal is to achieve global domination and, in some cases, manipulate the world’s powers for personal agendas. Each member of the Akatsuki plays a pivotal role in the series, and their unique abilities, motivations, and backstories make them unforgettable characters in Naruto Shippuden.
In this article, we’ll cover all Akatsuki members in Naruto, their abilities, and their roles in the series. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the Naruto universe, this guide will give you a comprehensive understanding of the group.
What Is the Akatsuki?
The Akatsuki initially starts as a group of rogue ninjas in the Hidden Rain Village, founded by Yahiko. However, it later evolves into a much more dangerous and formidable organization led by Nagato (Pain). Their main goal is to capture all of the Tailed Beasts (Biju) to harness their power and control the world.
The Akatsuki members are divided into pairs, each with distinct abilities. While they start as enemies to the protagonists, some members have tragic backstories, making them complex and multifaceted characters.
The Original Akatsuki Members
- Yahiko
Yahiko was the original leader of the Akatsuki. He started the group with the idea of bringing peace to the world, but after his death, Nagato took over and turned the organization into a more militant group. - Nagato (Pain)
Nagato, also known as Pain, is the leader of the Akatsuki throughout most of the series. He possesses the Rinnegan, one of the most powerful dojutsu in the Naruto world. His abilities allow him to control six bodies simultaneously, each with unique powers. His tragic backstory, including the loss of his friends and village, makes him one of the most compelling villains in the series. - Konan
Konan is Nagato’s childhood friend and a key member of the Akatsuki. She possesses the Paper Jutsu, allowing her to manipulate paper for offense, defense, and flight. Konan is deeply loyal to Nagato and plays a significant role in the Akatsuki’s plans until she ultimately betrays them in an attempt to stop Nagato’s destruction.
The Main Akatsuki Members (During Naruto Shippuden)
The primary lineup of Akatsuki members in Naruto Shippuden includes some of the most powerful and dangerous characters in the series.
- Itachi Uchiha
Itachi is one of the most complex characters in Naruto. A member of the Uchiha clan, Itachi possesses the Sharingan and the Mangekyō Sharingan, giving him an array of powerful abilities, including the fearsome Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu, and Susanoo. His story is tragic, as he massacres his own clan at the order of Konoha’s higher-ups to prevent a coup. His true motivations and loyalty to his brother, Sasuke, are revealed over time, adding depth to his character. - Kisame Hoshigaki
Kisame is partnered with Itachi and is known for his strength and brutal fighting style. He wields the sword Samehada, a living sword that can absorb chakra. Kisame is a former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and is known for his ability to absorb and manipulate chakra in battle. Despite his fearsome appearance, he is fiercely loyal to his partner, Itachi, and respects the Akatsuki’s goals. - Deidara
Deidara is a former member of the Hidden Stone Village, specializing in explosive clay sculptures. His abilities allow him to create living clay creatures and explosives that can cause massive destruction. Deidara’s obsession with art is one of his defining traits—he believes that the true form of art is something fleeting and beautiful, which is symbolized by his explosive creations. His rivalry with Sasori and later his battle with Naruto and his allies adds to his volatile personality. - Sasori
Sasori is a former member of the Hidden Sand Village and is one of the most skilled puppeteers in the world. He is known for creating human puppets, including his grandmother, Chiyo, and himself. Sasori’s ability to manipulate intricate puppets made him a dangerous adversary. His partnership with Deidara is short-lived, but the two share a unique dynamic in battle. - Hidan
Hidan is a member of the Jashin Religion, and his immortality is central to his fighting style. He is a sadistic and chaotic character, using his religious beliefs as justification for his violent acts. Hidan’s immortality makes him difficult to defeat, as any injury he sustains is inflicted on his opponent instead. His partnership with Kakuzu is marked by constant tension, as Hidan’s reckless nature often clashes with Kakuzu’s more pragmatic approach. - Kakuzu
Kakuzu is a money-driven mercenary from the Hidden Waterfall Village. His ability to sew his body back together after sustaining injuries is due to his use of black thread-like chakra to stitch his organs back into place. Kakuzu’s greed for money drives much of his actions, and his partnership with Hidan is based on their shared goal of earning wealth and power. - Karin Uzumaki
Karin, a member of the Uzumaki clan, is introduced later in the series. She has the ability to detect chakra signatures, and her powerful healing abilities allow her to recover quickly from injuries. While initially aligned with Orochimaru’s faction, she later becomes a significant character within Sasuke’s group after the fall of the Akatsuki. - Tobi (Obito Uchiha)
Tobi, also known as Obito Uchiha, is one of the most influential figures in the Naruto series. Initially appearing as a comical and seemingly weak member of the Akatsuki, Tobi is eventually revealed to be the true mastermind behind the group’s actions. His tragic backstory and his descent into darkness after the loss of his childhood love, Rin, make him one of the most complex characters in the series. Tobi seeks to create a perfect world free of pain through the Infinite Tsukuyomi, a genjutsu that traps the entire world in an illusion. - Zetsu
Zetsu is a unique Akatsuki member with a split personality. He is composed of two distinct beings: Black Zetsu and White Zetsu. Black Zetsu is responsible for many of the organization’s covert activities, while White Zetsu serves as a spy. Zetsu’s abilities allow him to blend into his surroundings, making him an ideal scout and infiltrator. - Madara Uchiha
Madara Uchiha is the final antagonist and true leader of the Akatsuki, though his true involvement with the group is revealed much later in the series. Madara is the original founder of the Uchiha clan and a major threat in the story, aiming to use the power of the Tailed Beasts to cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi and reshape the world. His complex relationship with Hashirama Senju, the first Hokage, and his ultimate plans make him one of the most powerful and influential figures in the Naruto universe.
Conclusion: Legacy of the Akatsuki
The Akatsuki is more than just a group of powerful villains; it’s a symbol of the complex interplay between power, ideology, and tragedy. The diverse cast of characters, each with their unique abilities and motivations, adds richness and depth to the Naruto series. While many of the Akatsuki members are enemies to Naruto and his allies, their backstories and growth make them central to the themes of pain, loss, and redemption in the series.
Whether you love their complex personalities, their terrifying powers, or their impact on the story, the Akatsuki remains one of the most memorable aspects of Naruto. Their legacy, both as antagonists and tragic figures, continues to resonate with fans long after the series’ conclusion.
