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== Summary ==
 
== Summary ==
Akatsuki at any given time is composed of no more than ten primary members, all of whom were S-rank criminals of their own respective villages — with the exception of [[Nagato]] and Konan. Members always work in teams of two with the exception of [[Zetsu]], who functions as the organisation's spy, and make use of their unique skills to the team's advantage. Team members must function very well, or at least well enough to accomplish their tasks, even though some may have mutual problems with each other. The organisation is rarely fully assembled, as seen in the end of Part I, when one member said it was the first time in seven years when they were all together.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 238, page 17</ref>
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Akatsuki at any given time is composed of no more than ten primary members, all of whom are S-rank criminals of their own respective villages — with the exception of [[Nagato]] and Konan. Members always work in teams of two with the exception of [[Zetsu]], who functions as the organisation's spy, and make use of their unique skills to the team's personal advantage. Team members must function very well, or at least well enough to accomplish their given tasks, even though some may have mutual problems with each other. The organisation is rarely fully assembled, as seen in the end of Part I, when one member said it was the first time in seven years when they were all together.<ref>Chapter 238, page 17</ref>
   
 
The organisation is widespread, spanning several countries with agents in various places. When one team finds a tailed beast and has to begin the job of sealing the beast, they have hidden hideouts with many traps ready, to do the [[Sealing Technique: Phantom Dragons Nine Consuming Seals|three-day long technique]].
 
The organisation is widespread, spanning several countries with agents in various places. When one team finds a tailed beast and has to begin the job of sealing the beast, they have hidden hideouts with many traps ready, to do the [[Sealing Technique: Phantom Dragons Nine Consuming Seals|three-day long technique]].
   
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
[[File:Yahiko's Group.PNG|thumb|The original Akatsuki with Yahiko as the leader.]]
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[[File:Yahiko's Group.PNG|thumb|right|The original Akatsuki with Yahiko as the leader.]]
Akatsuki was originally founded by Yahiko during the [[Third Shinobi World War]] and consisted of [[Amegakure]] ninja that wished to create peace for their home country, which acted as a battleground for three of the [[Five Great Shinobi Countries]].<ref name="chpt509p2">''Naruto'' chapter 509, page 3</ref> Yahiko insisted that his and the rest of Akatsuki's actions were meant only to aid [[Nagato]] in bringing world peace, though [[Konan]] claimed that it was Yahiko's charisma that held the group together and spurred them on. [[Obito]] alleges that it was his encouragement which lead to Yahiko forming the organisation, and thus credits himself as the group's creator.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 509, page 4</ref> Though he only met Yahiko once, the youth wary of the masked man and not believing his claim to be [[Madara Uchiha]], Obito left an impression on [[Nagato]] while promising to wait for him and his friend when they decide to seek his council.
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Akatsuki was originally founded by Yahiko during the [[Third Shinobi World War]] and consisted of [[Amegakure]] ninja that wished to create peace for their home country, which acted as a battleground for three of the [[Five Great Shinobi Countries]].<ref name="chpt509p2">Chapter 509, page 3</ref> Yahiko insisted that his and the rest of Akatsuki's actions were meant only to aid [[Nagato]] in bringing world peace, though [[Konan]] claimed that it was Yahiko's charisma that held the group together and spurred them on. [[Obito]] alleges that it was his encouragement which lead to Yahiko forming the organisation, and thus credits himself as the group's creator.<ref>Chapter 509, page 4</ref> Though he only met Yahiko once, the youth wary of the masked man and not believing his claim to be [[Madara Uchiha]], Obito left an impression on [[Nagato]] while promising to wait for him and his friend when they decide to seek his council.
   
In its early days, Akatsuki gained fame and recognition in Amegakure, drawing the attention of [[Hanzō of the Salamander]] — a world-renowned ninja and then leader of the country. Believing that the group was becoming a threat to his rule, a notion [[Danzō Shimura]] encouraged by making Hanzō believe Akatsuki was plotting to overthrow him, Hanzō approached the organisation and falsely claimed that he wanted to use them as the axis to negotiate peace between [[Konohagakure]], [[Iwagakure]], and [[Sunagakure]]. However, Hanzō betrayed Akatsuki and, working together with Danzō Shimura of Konohagakure's [[ANBU]], kidnapped Konan and orchestrated Yahiko's death. After synchronising with the [[Demonic Statue of the Outer Path]] and attempting to exact revenge on Yahiko's killers, using his friend's corpse as a [[Six Paths of Pain|vessel]] and going by the name Pain, Nagato became the new leader of the Akatsuki and took control of Amegakure after the resulting civil war.
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In its early days, Akatsuki gained fame and recognition in Amegakure, drawing the attention of [[Hanzō of the Salamander]] — a world-renowned ninja and then leader of the country. Believing that the group was becoming a threat to his rule, a notion [[Danzō Shimura]] encouraged by making Hanzō believe Akatsuki was plotting to overthrow him, Hanzō approached the organisation and falsely claimed that he wanted to use them as the axis to negotiate peace between [[Konohagakure]], [[Iwagakure]], and [[Sunagakure]]. However, Hanzō betrayed Akatsuki and, working together with Danzō Shimura of Konohagakure's [[Anbu]], kidnapped Konan and orchestrated Yahiko's death. After synchronising with the [[Demonic Statue of the Outer Path]] and attempting to exact revenge on Yahiko's killers, using his friend's corpse as a [[Six Paths of Pain|vessel]] and going by the name Pain, Nagato became the new leader of the Akatsuki and took control of Amegakure after the resulting civil war.
   
  +
[[File:The Creation of the Akatsuki.png|thumb|left|Nagato forms a new Akatsuki.]]
Following the Third Shinobi World War, Akatsuki became a mercenary group for hire and Nagato presumably began taking direction from Obito, who acted as the organisation's collaborator and benefactor. In times of peace most of the ninja villages, rather than increasing their own armaments, employed Akatsuki to fight in wars, spy on enemies, or carry out assassinations. The [[Fourth Raikage]] claims that only [[Kumogakure]] has never used Akatsuki's services, and during this time it became widely believed that Akatsuki was founded and based in [[Kirigakure]], perhaps due to Tobi's influence over the [[Fourth Mizukage]]. Eventually, Akatsuki would begin capturing the [[tailed beasts]], in the process antagonising many of its former clients.
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Following the Third Shinobi World War, Akatsuki became a mercenary group for hire and Nagato presumably began taking direction from Obito, who acted as the organisation's collaborator and benefactor. In times of peace most of the ninja villages, rather than increasing their own armaments, employed Akatsuki to fight in wars, spy on enemies, or carry out assassinations. The [[Fourth Raikage]] claims that only [[Kumogakure]] has never used Akatsuki's services, and during this time it became widely believed that Akatsuki was founded and based in [[Kirigakure]], perhaps due to Obito's influence over the [[Fourth Mizukage]]. Eventually, Akatsuki would begin capturing the [[tailed beasts]], in the process antagonising many of its former clients.
   
Events relating to Akatsuki before the start of Part II have only been given in fragments. [[Sasori]] and [[Orochimaru]] were partners for a time and were apparently very effective. [[Kakuzu]] had a number of partners that he killed in fits of rage. For this reason he was partnered with [[Hidan]], who was immortal, shortly before the start of Part II. [[Itachi Uchiha]] apparently joined after carrying out the [[Uchiha clan massacre]] for which he defected from [[Konohagakure]], though his membership seems to have come with the stipulation that Akatsuki could make no direct movements against Konoha. When Itachi joined, Orochimaru attempted to steal his body in order to gain the [[Sharingan]]. This failed and he was forced to defect. [[Deidara]] was recruited to replace Orochimaru as Sasori's partner, but because Orochimaru took his Akatsuki ring with him he could not also replace Orochimaru's position. Akatsuki also captured two tailed beasts before Part II, which in the anime are indicated to have been the [[Five-Tails]] and the [[Seven-Tails]].
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Events relating to Akatsuki before the start of Part II have only been given in fragments. [[Sasori]] and [[Orochimaru]] were partners for a time and were apparently very effective. [[Kakuzu]] had a number of partners that he killed in fits of rage. For this reason he was partnered with [[Hidan]], who was immortal, shortly before the start of Part II. [[Itachi Uchiha]] apparently joined after carrying out the [[Uchiha Clan Downfall]] for which he defected from [[Konohagakure]], though his membership seems to have come with the stipulation that Akatsuki could make no direct movements against Konoha. When Itachi joined, Orochimaru attempted to steal his body in order to gain the [[Sharingan]]. This failed and he was forced to defect. [[Deidara]] was recruited to replace Orochimaru as Sasori's partner, but because Orochimaru took his Akatsuki ring with him he could not also replace Orochimaru's position. Akatsuki also captured two tailed beasts before Part II, which in the anime are indicated to have been the [[Five-Tails]] and the [[Seven-Tails]].
   
Akatsuki becomes much more active in Part II, with Deidara and Sasori making their move to capture [[Gaara]] for the [[One-Tail]]. Though they succeed in the extraction, Sasori is killed. Taking advantage of the open membership, having created the identity of Tobi to pose an Akatsuki flunky, Obito replaces Sasori to oversee the group's affairs. Another tailed beast is acquired in between the captures of the One-Tail, and the [[Two-Tails]], but is unknown which beast.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 256</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 331</ref> Next are the Two-Tails and [[Three-Tails]], though Hidan and Kakuzu are lost during an unrelated scuffle with Konoha ninja. After obtaining the [[Four-Tails]], Deidara dies during his fight with [[Sasuke Uchiha]] with Tobi managing to convince Sasuke to work with Akatsuki after Itachi's death. Although five Akatsuki members are lost, Tobi claiming their sacrifices were worth winning Sasuke's loyalty, the organisation takes more drastic measures to make up for diminished numbers.
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Akatsuki becomes much more active in Part II, with Deidara and Sasori making their move to capture [[Gaara]] for the [[One-Tail]]. Though they succeed in the extraction, Sasori is killed. Taking advantage of the open membership, having created the identity of Tobi to pose an Akatsuki flunky, Obito replaces Sasori to oversee the group's affairs. Another tailed beast is acquired in between the captures of the One-Tail, and the [[Two-Tails]], but is unknown which beast.<ref>Chapter 256</ref><ref>Chapter 331</ref> Next are the Two-Tails and [[Three-Tails]], though Hidan and Kakuzu are lost during an unrelated scuffle with Konoha ninja. After obtaining the [[Four-Tails]], Deidara dies during his fight with [[Sasuke Uchiha]] with Tobi managing to convince Sasuke to work with Akatsuki after Itachi's death. Although five Akatsuki members are lost, Tobi claiming their sacrifices were worth winning Sasuke's loyalty, the organisation takes more drastic measures to make up for diminished numbers.
   
 
In the anime, Nagato goes to capture the [[Six-Tails]] (the beast having been caught at some earlier point in the manga). He and [[Konan]] are then sent to Konoha to capture the [[Nine-Tails]]. Konoha is destroyed, but they fail in their assignment; Nagato dying and Konan leaving the organisation. At the same time, Sasuke and his team are tasked with capturing the [[Eight-Tails]], but they too fail to complete their assignment. Akatsuki's actions finally provoke a response from the ninja villages, who hold a [[Kage Summit]] to discuss what should be done. Tobi, wishing to accelerate his machinations, infiltrates the meeting and declares war against the Five Great Shinobi Countries and the Land of Iron, promising to use the seven tailed beasts Akatsuki has already captured as weapons. The villages and their associated countries form the [[Allied Shinobi Forces]] to combat Akatsuki, beginning the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]].
 
In the anime, Nagato goes to capture the [[Six-Tails]] (the beast having been caught at some earlier point in the manga). He and [[Konan]] are then sent to Konoha to capture the [[Nine-Tails]]. Konoha is destroyed, but they fail in their assignment; Nagato dying and Konan leaving the organisation. At the same time, Sasuke and his team are tasked with capturing the [[Eight-Tails]], but they too fail to complete their assignment. Akatsuki's actions finally provoke a response from the ninja villages, who hold a [[Kage Summit]] to discuss what should be done. Tobi, wishing to accelerate his machinations, infiltrates the meeting and declares war against the Five Great Shinobi Countries and the Land of Iron, promising to use the seven tailed beasts Akatsuki has already captured as weapons. The villages and their associated countries form the [[Allied Shinobi Forces]] to combat Akatsuki, beginning the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]].
   
[[File:Akatsuki revived.png|thumb|left|The reincarnated Akatsuki.]]
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[[File:Akatsuki revived.png|thumb|right|The reincarnated Akatsuki.]]
In preparation for the war, [[Kisame Hoshigaki]] infiltrates Kumogakure to gather intelligence on the Shinobi Alliance, as well as to learn the location of the two remaining tailed beasts. He dies in the process, but not before sending what he has learned to Obito. Obito, meanwhile, goes to Amegakure to retrieve Nagato's body and the [[Rinnegan]], as well as to kill Konan for her defection. [[Kabuto Yakushi]], a new ally of the organisation, then captures [[Yamato]], allowing him to strengthen an army of [[White Zetsu Army|100,000 White Zetsu]] Obito amassed.<ref name="Clone">''Naruto'' chapter 512, page 14</ref> After Kabuto utilises [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation]] to supplement Akatsuki's forces with ninja famous during their lives, Akatsuki marches off for war.
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In preparation for the war, [[Kisame Hoshigaki]] infiltrates Kumogakure to gather intelligence on the Shinobi Alliance, as well as to learn the location of the two remaining tailed beasts. He dies in the process, but not before sending what he has learned to Obito. Obito, meanwhile, goes to Amegakure to retrieve Nagato's body and the [[Rinnegan]], as well as to kill Konan for her defection. [[Kabuto Yakushi]], a new ally of the organisation, then captures [[Yamato]], allowing him to strengthen an army of [[White Zetsu Army|100,000 White Zetsu]] Obito amassed.<ref name="Clone">Chapter 512, page 14</ref> After Kabuto utilises [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation]] to supplement Akatsuki's forces with ninja famous during their lives, Akatsuki marches off for war.
   
Eventually, all revived members of Akatsuki are returned to the afterlife, and most of the White Zetsu, including the one who was tasked to watch over Sasuke, have been wiped out, and Sasuke ultimately betrays Akatsuki to ally himself and Taka with the Alliance. However, a reincarnated Madara forces a redeemed Obito to use the [[Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique]] to fully revive him, and then Black Zetsu betrays Madara and reveals that he set up Akatsuki and everything else pertaining to the war since [[Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki]]'s era, all for the sake of reviving his "mother", [[Kaguya Ōtsutsuki]] who would used a shocked Madara's body as a medium for her revival. With Black Zetsu sealed along with its creator, Kaguya, there are no active members left thus the Akatsuki organisation was completely dissolved, and its reign of terror ended once and for all.
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Eventually, all revived members of Akatsuki are returned to the afterlife, and most of the White Zetsu, including the one who was tasked to watch over Sasuke, have been wiped out, and Sasuke ultimately betrays Akatsuki to ally himself and Taka with the Alliance. However, a reincarnated Madara forces a redeemed Obito to use the [[Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique]] to fully revive him, and then Black Zetsu betrays Madara and reveals that he set up Akatsuki and everything else pertaining to the war since [[Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki]]'s era, all for the sake of reviving his "mother", [[Kaguya Ōtsutsuki]] who would used a shocked Madara's body as a medium for her revival. Obito sacrifice his life to help Team 7 to seal Kaguya and Black Zetsu. With Black Zetsu sealed along with its creator, there are no active members left thus the Akatsuki organisation was completely dissolved, and its reign of terror ended once and for all.
   
 
== Goals ==
 
== Goals ==
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=== Under Pain ===
 
=== Under Pain ===
After Yahiko's death and Nagato's transition to Pain, Akatsuki's goals shifted to that of world domination.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 329, pages 16-17</ref> Nagato has mentioned a three-step process to work their way towards this goal.<ref name="Goal">''Naruto'' chapter 329, page 11</ref> First, they plan to obtain a large amount of money to support their organisation.<ref name="Goal" /> Second, they plan to set up a [[Mercenary Ninja|mercenary group]] loyal only to Akatsuki.<ref name="Goal 2">''Naruto'' chapter 329, page 12</ref> To build their reputation, they plan to accept any mission below the usual cost and operate off of the excess funds earned in the first part of their plan.<ref name="Goal 2" /> Because there haven't been any wars in some time, many of the more powerful and well known shinobi villages couldn't afford to accomplish such missions as such low prices, leading the smaller countries to hire Akatsuki over the more expensive shinobi villages.<ref name="Goal 2" /> By using the [[tailed beasts]], Akatsuki would start wars and then immediately quell them, solidifying their reputation and convincing every country to depend on them, thus cornering the market in shinobi labour.<ref name="Goal 3">''Naruto'' chapter 329, page 14</ref> Without any business, the other shinobi villages would collapse due to the lack of funds.<ref name="Goal 3" /> Finally, after Akatsuki is the only major force of shinobi in existence, they can easily conquer the other countries.<ref name="Goal 3" /> Members do not automatically learn of the plan upon joining; Hidan didn't find out about it until he had been a member for quite some time.<ref name="Goal" /> Over the course of the series, Akatsuki sealed seven of the nine beasts before the start of the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 467, page 20</ref>
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After Yahiko's death and Nagato's transition to Pain, Akatsuki's goals shifted to that of world domination.<ref>Chapter 329, pages 16-17</ref> Nagato has mentioned a three-step process to work their way towards this goal.<ref name="Goal">Chapter 329, page 11</ref> First, they plan to obtain a large amount of money to support their organisation.<ref name="Goal" /> Second, they plan to set up a [[Mercenary Ninja|mercenary group]] loyal only to Akatsuki.<ref name="Goal 2">Chapter 329, page 12</ref> To build their reputation, they plan to accept any mission below the usual cost and operate off of the excess funds earned in the first part of their plan.<ref name="Goal 2" /> Because there haven't been any wars in some time, many of the more powerful and well known shinobi villages couldn't afford to accomplish such missions as such low prices, leading the smaller countries to hire Akatsuki over the more expensive shinobi villages.<ref name="Goal 2" /> By using the [[tailed beasts]], Akatsuki would start wars and then immediately quell them, solidifying their reputation and convincing every country to depend on them, thus cornering the market in shinobi labour.<ref name="Goal 3">Chapter 329, page 14</ref> Without any business, the other shinobi villages would collapse due to the lack of funds.<ref name="Goal 3" /> Finally, after Akatsuki is the only major force of shinobi in existence, they can easily conquer the other countries.<ref name="Goal 3" /> Members do not automatically learn of the plan upon joining; Hidan didn't find out about it until he had been a member for quite some time.<ref name="Goal" /> Over the course of the series, Akatsuki sealed seven of the nine beasts before the start of the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]].<ref>Chapter 467, page 20</ref>
   
However, Nagato's true intention for this plan did not involve Akatsuki conquering the other nations, but rather using the power of the tailed beast as a means to frighten the world into no longer fighting. By harnessing the tailed beasts' chakra to create a powerful [[kinjutsu]], Akatsuki could immediately crush one side of a war and frighten the other side from continuing the fight. This is until they eventually forget this fear and the inevitability of war leads to the fighting to continue, where the kinjutsu would be used again. Thus the cycle would repeat, creating small periods of peace in an endless chain of hatred.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 436, pages 15-16</ref>
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However, Nagato's true intention for this plan did not involve Akatsuki conquering the other nations, but rather using the power of the tailed beast as a means to frighten the world into no longer fighting. By harnessing the tailed beasts' chakra to create a powerful [[kinjutsu]], Akatsuki could immediately crush one side of a war and frighten the other side from continuing the fight. This is until they eventually forget this fear and the inevitability of war leads to the fighting to continue, where the kinjutsu would be used again. Thus the cycle would repeat, creating small periods of peace in an endless chain of hatred.<ref>Chapter 436, pages 15-16</ref>
   
 
=== Under Obito ===
 
=== Under Obito ===
 
{{Main|Eye of the Moon Plan}}
 
{{Main|Eye of the Moon Plan}}
After becoming [[Madara]]'s successor, Obito Uchiha manipulated Nagato into becoming his pawn in the collection of the nine tailed beasts. As per Madara's plan, instead of using the power of the tailed beast to start and end wars, he would use them and the [[Demonic Statue of the Outer Path]] to recreate the [[Ten-Tails]] and become its [[jinchūriki]]. Doing this he would be able to cast the [[Infinite Tsukuyomi]] off the [[moon]], trapping the entire world under his genjutsu and granting him the power to create the world he wanted. Of the original Akatsuki members, only [[Kisame Hoshigaki]] and [[Zetsu]] were aware of this true plan.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 606, pages 1-7</ref>
+
After becoming [[Madara]]'s successor, Obito Uchiha manipulated Nagato into becoming his pawn in the collection of the nine tailed beasts. As per Madara's plan, instead of using the power of the tailed beast to start and end wars, he would use them and the [[Demonic Statue of the Outer Path]] to recreate the [[Ten-Tails]] and become its [[jinchūriki]]. Doing this he would be able to cast the [[Infinite Tsukuyomi]] off the [[moon]], trapping the entire world under his genjutsu and granting him the power to create the world he wanted. Of the original Akatsuki members, only [[Kisame Hoshigaki]] and [[Zetsu]] were aware of this true plan.<ref>Chapter 606, pages 1-7</ref>
   
 
=== Black Zetsu's Hidden Agenda ===
 
=== Black Zetsu's Hidden Agenda ===
Despite Obito's claim of how he manipulated Yahiko into creating Akatsuki for the sake of achieving his version of world peace, in truth the entire organisation's creation was orchestrated by [[Black Zetsu]], who has been born from [[Kaguya Ōtsutsuki]]'s will many centuries, if not millennia, ago. Akatsuki's existence is nothing more than one component for Black Zetsu's plot in leading to a worldwide war and the reunion of the nine tailed beasts, as well as the chakra of every living being on the planet, so as to recreate the Ten-Tails, which is Kaguya's sealed away body.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 681, pages 11-16</ref>
+
Despite Obito's claim of how he manipulated Yahiko into creating Akatsuki for the sake of achieving his version of world peace, in truth the entire organisation's creation was orchestrated by [[Black Zetsu]], who has been born from [[Kaguya Ōtsutsuki]]'s will many centuries, if not millennia, ago. Akatsuki's existence is nothing more than one component for Black Zetsu's plot in leading to a worldwide war and the reunion of the nine tailed beasts, as well as the chakra of every living being on the planet, so as to recreate the Ten-Tails, which is Kaguya's sealed away body.<ref>Chapter 681, pages 11-16</ref>
   
 
== Wardrobe ==
 
== Wardrobe ==
[[File:Akatsuki Symbol.svg|thumb|150px|The Akatsuki symbol.]]
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[[File:Akatsuki Symbol.svg|thumb|left|150px|The Akatsuki symbol.]]
Akatsuki members have a very distinctive wardrobe, which could give them away if a village is alerted of their presence. Members wear long, dark cloaks with red clouds, a red interior, and a chin-high collar. Tobi and the members of [[Taka]] wear a similarly marked hooded mantle. The red clouds represent the rain of blood that fell in [[Amegakure]] during its wars, and were seen as a symbol of justice by its original members.<ref name="Cloud">''Naruto'' chapter 509, page 2</ref> All members wear black nail polish on their fingers and toenails, although the colours vary in the anime, and may wear a conical straw hat with small ornamental torques and tassels hanging down over their faces. The hats may be used to move around in the general population unnoticed, or for when the weather requires one.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 141, page 3</ref> Some members cross out the symbol on their [[forehead protector]]s to symbolise the broken ties with their former villages, a practice originating with Nagato and his rival faction in Amegakure's civil war. Others members simply cease wearing them altogether, for several reasons. Everyone also wears a ring with a kanji on different fingers depending on who the member is.
+
Akatsuki members have a very distinctive wardrobe, which could give them away if a village is alerted of their presence. Members wear long, dark cloaks with red clouds, a red interior, and a chin-high collar. Tobi and the members of [[Taka]] wear a similarly marked hooded mantle. The red clouds represent the rain of blood that fell in [[Amegakure]] during its wars, and were seen as a symbol of justice by its original members.<ref name="Cloud">Chapter 509, page 2</ref> All members wear black nail polish on their fingers and toenails, although the colours vary in the anime, and may wear a conical straw hat with small ornamental torques and tassels hanging down over their faces. The hats may be used to move around in the general population unnoticed, or for when the weather requires one.<ref>Chapter 141, page 3</ref> Some members cross out the symbol on their [[forehead protector]]s to symbolise the broken ties with their former villages, a practice originating with Nagato and his rival faction in Amegakure's civil war. Others members simply cease wearing them altogether, for several reasons. Everyone also wears a ring with a kanji on different fingers depending on who the member is.
   
 
Now that the original members of Akatsuki ([[Konan]] and [[Nagato]]) are dead, Tobi seems to have changed the garb to his own preference after revealing his new mask and outfit-which are robes without the red clouds.
 
Now that the original members of Akatsuki ([[Konan]] and [[Nagato]]) are dead, Tobi seems to have changed the garb to his own preference after revealing his new mask and outfit-which are robes without the red clouds.
   
 
=== Akatsuki Rings and Ring Positions ===
 
=== Akatsuki Rings and Ring Positions ===
What seems to be most important, however, are their rings. In total, there are ten rings given to each of the ten main members of Akatsuki. The rings apparently signify one's membership and ring position, since when [[Orochimaru]] defected, he took his ring with him<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 140, page 5</ref> and as such wasn't replaced.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 353, page 14</ref> The rings' exact purpose have not been revealed.
+
What seems to be most important, however, are their rings. In total, there are ten rings given to each of the ten main members of Akatsuki. The rings apparently signify one's membership and ring position, since when [[Orochimaru]] defected, he took his ring with him<ref>Chapter 140, page 5</ref> and as such wasn't replaced.<ref>Chapter 353, page 14</ref> The rings' exact purpose have not been revealed.
   
 
[[File:Gedo Mazo Akatsuki Rings.png|thumb|The ring positions of the members.]]
 
[[File:Gedo Mazo Akatsuki Rings.png|thumb|The ring positions of the members.]]
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|-
 
|-
 
| [[Deidara]] || Deceased || [[Iwagakure]]
 
| [[Deidara]] || Deceased || [[Iwagakure]]
|-
 
| [[Guruguru]] || Deceased || Unknown
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Hidan]] || Incapacitated || [[Yugakure]]
 
| [[Hidan]] || Incapacitated || [[Yugakure]]
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| [[Itachi Uchiha]] || Deceased || [[Konohagakure]]
 
| [[Itachi Uchiha]] || Deceased || [[Konohagakure]]
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Jugo]] || Defected || Unknown
 
|-
 
| [[Karin]] || Defected || [[Kusagakure]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Kakuzu]] || Deceased || [[Takigakure]]
 
| [[Kakuzu]] || Deceased || [[Takigakure]]
Line 135: Line 131:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Konan]] || Defected<!-- NOT deceased, she was no longer in Akatsuki when she fought Tobi and died --> || [[Amegakure]]
 
| [[Konan]] || Defected<!-- NOT deceased, she was no longer in Akatsuki when she fought Tobi and died --> || [[Amegakure]]
|-
 
| [[Madara Uchiha]] || Deceased || [[Konohagakure]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Nagato]] || Defected || [[Amegakure]]
 
| [[Nagato]] || Defected || [[Amegakure]]
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|-
 
|-
 
| [[Sasori]] || Deceased || [[Sunagakure]]
 
| [[Sasori]] || Deceased || [[Sunagakure]]
|-
 
| [[Sasuke Uchiha]] || Defected || [[Konohagakure]]
 
|-
 
| [[Suigetsu Hozuki]] || Defected || [[Kirigakure]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[White Zetsu]] || Deceased || None
 
| [[White Zetsu]] || Deceased || None
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* [[Kabuto Yakushi]] (Sasori's spy, defected to Orochimaru; allied with Akatsuki; provides [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation#Known Reincarnated|additional fighters]] to the organisation during the [[Fourth Shinobi World War|war]], defected)
 
* [[Kabuto Yakushi]] (Sasori's spy, defected to Orochimaru; allied with Akatsuki; provides [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation#Known Reincarnated|additional fighters]] to the organisation during the [[Fourth Shinobi World War|war]], defected)
 
* [[Madara Uchiha]] (Creator of [[Eye of the Moon Plan]], [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|revived]] during Fourth Shinobi World War to aid in the fulfilment of the Eye of the Moon Plan, deceased)
 
* [[Madara Uchiha]] (Creator of [[Eye of the Moon Plan]], [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|revived]] during Fourth Shinobi World War to aid in the fulfilment of the Eye of the Moon Plan, deceased)
* [[Guruguru]] (Zetsu's clone, helped in the Fourth Shinobi World War at the latter half, deceased)
+
* [[Tobi (Zetsu)|Tobi]] (Zetsu's clone, helped in the Fourth Shinobi World War at the latter half, deceased)
 
* [[Mecha-Naruto]] (Mechanical version of [[Naruto Uzumaki]], demolished)
 
* [[Mecha-Naruto]] (Mechanical version of [[Naruto Uzumaki]], demolished)
   
Line 172: Line 162:
   
 
;[[Kakuzu]] & [[Hidan]]
 
;[[Kakuzu]] & [[Hidan]]
* Target(s): [[Two-Tails]] (Sealed), [[Nine-Tails]] (Kakuzu, Failed)
+
* Target(s): [[Two-Tails]] (Hidan, Sealed)
 
[[File:Hidan and Kakuzu.png|thumb|Hidan and Kakuzu.]]
 
[[File:Hidan and Kakuzu.png|thumb|Hidan and Kakuzu.]]
An unruly, yet arguably the most effective team in the organisation, they seemed unstoppable when together, something that [[Shikamaru Nara]] commented on for the need to separate the duo. Pain decided to put these two together because of their unique abilities. Hidan could not be killed as a result of becoming the successful "[[Jashin]] experiment", even by decapitation, and Kakuzu could easily go into a rage and kill anyone around him, including his partner. Therefore, Kakuzu could go berserk and not worry about Hidan's well-being. They refer to themselves as the {{translation|"Immortal Combo"|不死コンビ|Fushi Konbi}},<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 335, page 7</ref> because of their own methods of avoiding death. [[Kisame Hoshigaki]] jokingly referred to them as the {{translation|"Zombie Combo"|ゾンビコンビ|Zonbi Konbi}}.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 353, page 11</ref>
+
An unruly, yet arguably the most effective team in the organisation, they seemed unstoppable when together, something that [[Shikamaru Nara]] commented on for the need to separate the duo. Pain decided to put these two together because of their unique abilities and immortality. Hidan could not be killed as a result of becoming the successful "[[Jashin]] experiment", even by decapitation, and Kakuzu could easily go into a rage and kill anyone around him, including his partner. Therefore, Kakuzu could go berserk and not worry about Hidan's well-being. They refer to themselves as the {{translation|"Immortal Combo"|不死コンビ|Fushi Konbi}},<ref>Chapter 335, page 7</ref> because of their own methods of avoiding death. [[Kisame Hoshigaki]] jokingly referred to them as the {{translation|"Zombie Combo"|ゾンビコンビ|Zonbi Konbi}}.<ref>Chapter 353, page 11</ref>
   
 
They have shown the most hostility towards each other due to a conflict of interest; Kakuzu saw the rituals and beliefs of Hidan's [[Jashin|religion]] to be a waste of time, while Hidan saw Kakuzu's willingness to do blasphaemous things and his greediness to be unbearable, not to mention that Kakuzu's job as a bounty hunter usually got on Hidan's nerves. As a result of their sideline in collecting bounties and conducting rituals, this team was usually late in the line of work. Despite this, they work flawlessly in battle by using Kakuzu's reckless attack style in conjuncture with Hidan's immortality.
 
They have shown the most hostility towards each other due to a conflict of interest; Kakuzu saw the rituals and beliefs of Hidan's [[Jashin|religion]] to be a waste of time, while Hidan saw Kakuzu's willingness to do blasphaemous things and his greediness to be unbearable, not to mention that Kakuzu's job as a bounty hunter usually got on Hidan's nerves. As a result of their sideline in collecting bounties and conducting rituals, this team was usually late in the line of work. Despite this, they work flawlessly in battle by using Kakuzu's reckless attack style in conjuncture with Hidan's immortality.
Line 180: Line 170:
   
 
;[[Nagato]] & [[Konan]]
 
;[[Nagato]] & [[Konan]]
* Target(s): [[Six-Tails]] (Pain, Sealed, ''Anime Only''), [[Nine-Tails]] (Failed)
+
* Target(s): [[Six-Tails]] (Pain, Sealed, ''Anime Only''), [[Nine-Tails]] (Pain, Failed)
 
[[File:Nagato and Konan.png|thumb|Nagato and Konan.]]
 
[[File:Nagato and Konan.png|thumb|Nagato and Konan.]]
 
A team that functioned very well with each other as Nagato and Konan had been close friends for most of their lives, working as a [[Ame Orphans|team]] and supporting Yahiko during the first generation of Akatsuki. As leader of Akatsuki, Pain directed the rest of the organisation to their respective goals; his most direct interaction with the other members was using the [[Sealing Technique: Phantom Dragons Nine Consuming Seals]]. In addition, Pain was the leader of [[Amegakure]], and used the village as a base for Akatsuki matters, while Konan served as the village's second-in-command. However, after Nagato's death, Konan left the organisation.
 
A team that functioned very well with each other as Nagato and Konan had been close friends for most of their lives, working as a [[Ame Orphans|team]] and supporting Yahiko during the first generation of Akatsuki. As leader of Akatsuki, Pain directed the rest of the organisation to their respective goals; his most direct interaction with the other members was using the [[Sealing Technique: Phantom Dragons Nine Consuming Seals]]. In addition, Pain was the leader of [[Amegakure]], and used the village as a base for Akatsuki matters, while Konan served as the village's second-in-command. However, after Nagato's death, Konan left the organisation.
Line 188: Line 178:
 
* Target(s): Unknown
 
* Target(s): Unknown
 
[[File:Sasori and Orochimaru.png|thumb|Orochimaru and Sasori in his Hiruko puppet.]]
 
[[File:Sasori and Orochimaru.png|thumb|Orochimaru and Sasori in his Hiruko puppet.]]
Sasori claimed that he and Orochimaru worked well together during their partnership. However, when Orochimaru defected from Akatsuki after his failed attempt to steal [[Itachi]]'s body, Sasori developed a grudge against his former partner.
+
Sasori claimed that he and Orochimaru worked well together during their partnership, and both shared a desire of an everlasting existence. However, when Orochimaru defected from Akatsuki after his failed attempt to steal [[Itachi]]'s body, Sasori developed a grudge against his former partner.
  +
{{-}}
   
 
;[[Sasori]] & [[Deidara]]
 
;[[Sasori]] & [[Deidara]]
Line 197: Line 188:
   
 
;[[Deidara]] & [[Tobi]]
 
;[[Deidara]] & [[Tobi]]
* Target(s): [[Three-Tails]] (Tobi, Sealed)
+
* Target(s): [[Three-Tails]] (Deidara, Sealed)
 
[[File:Team Tobi Deidara.png|thumb|Deidara and Tobi hunting the Three-Tails.]]
 
[[File:Team Tobi Deidara.png|thumb|Deidara and Tobi hunting the Three-Tails.]]
After Sasori's death, posing as an idiot at the time, Tobi was introduced as Deidara's new partner. Despite Tobi's eagerness to please his "senpai", his childish attitude was seen as an annoyance to Deidara's expectations of the organisation. Despite the eminent irritation, the two worked well together, as evidenced by Tobi planting Deidara's explosive clay mines underground during Deidara's last stand against [[Sasuke]]. Deidara also tries to protect Tobi, although the latter usually annoys him with his playful personality. After Deidara's death, Tobi revealed his true personality and began to actively work to his own goals.
+
After Sasori's death, posing as a happy-go-lucky idiot at the time, Tobi was introduced as Deidara's new partner. Despite Tobi's eagerness to please his "senpai", his childish attitude was seen as an annoyance to Deidara's expectations of the organisation. Despite the eminent irritation, the two worked well together, as evidenced by Tobi planting Deidara's explosive clay mines underground during Deidara's last stand against [[Sasuke]]. Deidara also tries to protect Tobi, although the latter usually annoys him with his playful personality. After Deidara's death, Tobi revealed his true personality and began to actively work towards his own goals.
 
{{-}}
 
{{-}}
   
Line 233: Line 224:
 
* Hidan and Kakuzu were the only Akatsuki two-man team to have both members eliminated simultaneously.
 
* Hidan and Kakuzu were the only Akatsuki two-man team to have both members eliminated simultaneously.
 
* Despite being known as a group comprised of missing-nin, Pain and Konan are the recognised leaders of Amegakure after their successful coup against [[Hanzō of the Salamander]], and thus not missing-nin.
 
* Despite being known as a group comprised of missing-nin, Pain and Konan are the recognised leaders of Amegakure after their successful coup against [[Hanzō of the Salamander]], and thus not missing-nin.
* In the manga, they sealed the Three-Tails just before the Two-Tails,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 329, pages 8-9</ref> while in the anime, due to the [[Three-Tails Arc|more detailed capture of the Three-Tails]], they seal it just before the Four-Tails.
+
* In the manga, they sealed the Three-Tails just before the Two-Tails,<ref>Chapter 329, pages 8-9</ref> while in the anime, due to the [[Three-Tails' Appearance|more detailed capture of the Three-Tails]], they seal it just before the Four-Tails.
* In the anime, after the sealing of the Two-Tails, Pain stated there are four tailed beasts remaining. Later in the anime, after the Three-Tails and Four-Tails were sealed (making it two tailed beasts remaining) and Taka joined forces with Akatsuki, Kisame stated there were three tailed beasts remaining. This retcon was put in place to allow a [[Tsuchigumo Kinjutsu Arc|filler arc]], featuring the [[Six-Tails]].
+
* In the anime, after the sealing of the Two-Tails, Pain stated there are four tailed beasts remaining. Later in the anime, after the Three-Tails and Four-Tails were sealed (making it two tailed beasts remaining) and Taka joined forces with Akatsuki, Kisame stated there were three tailed beasts remaining. This retcon was put in place to allow a [[Six-Tails Unleashed|filler arc]], featuring the [[Six-Tails]].
* The three remaining Uchiha after the [[Uchiha clan massacre]] all eventually joined Akatsuki: Obito, Itachi, and Sasuke.
+
* The three remaining Uchiha after the [[Uchiha Clan Downfall]] all eventually joined Akatsuki: Obito, Itachi, and Sasuke.
 
* Both leaders of Akatsuki, Pain and Tobi wear their rings on their thumbs.
 
* Both leaders of Akatsuki, Pain and Tobi wear their rings on their thumbs.
 
* So far, [[Konoha]] shinobi have been involved in the deaths of all deceased Akatsuki members. They were all defeated exclusively by current or former Konoha shinobi.
 
* So far, [[Konoha]] shinobi have been involved in the deaths of all deceased Akatsuki members. They were all defeated exclusively by current or former Konoha shinobi.
 
* Throughout the course of hunting down jinchūriki, Hidan was the only member of Akatsuki not to encounter Naruto.
 
* Throughout the course of hunting down jinchūriki, Hidan was the only member of Akatsuki not to encounter Naruto.
* After Obito's death, Black Zetsu became the sole member of the Akatsuki before he was sealed away by Naruto.
 
   
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
Line 246: Line 236:
 
[[de:Akatsuki]]
 
[[de:Akatsuki]]
 
[[he:אקאטסוקי]]
 
[[he:אקאטסוקי]]
  +
[[id:Akatsuki]]
 
[[ka:აკაცუკი]]
 
[[ka:აკაცუკი]]
 
[[ru:Акацуки]]
 
[[ru:Акацуки]]

Revision as of 23:06, 10 April 2015

Akatsuki
(, literally meaning: Dawn" or "Daybreak)
Debut
Manga Naruto Chapter #141
Anime Naruto Episode #81
Movie Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie
Game Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2
OVA Hidden Leaf Village Grand Sports Festival!
Appears in Anime, Manga, Game, Movie
Team Info
Leaders
Team Jutsu

Akatsuki (, literally meaning: Dawn" or "Daybreak) was initially an organisation created by Yahiko and his two comrades Konan and Nagato in an effort to fight against the tyranny and oppression that their home village Amegakure was facing during the Third Great Shinobi War, and the long-term goal of world peace.

After Yahiko's death and under the influence of Obito Uchiha, Akatsuki became a criminal organisation comprising S-rank missing-nin and was the most wanted group in all of the shinobi world. Their main goal was to collect all of the tailed beasts for their plan of world domination, specifically to unleash Ten-Tails. As such, Akatsuki, despite initially having a minor role during Part I, became the primary antagonistic force in Part II. They are fully dissolved after the events of the Fourth Shinobi World War.

Summary

Akatsuki at any given time is composed of no more than ten primary members, all of whom are S-rank criminals of their own respective villages — with the exception of Nagato and Konan. Members always work in teams of two with the exception of Zetsu, who functions as the organisation's spy, and make use of their unique skills to the team's personal advantage. Team members must function very well, or at least well enough to accomplish their given tasks, even though some may have mutual problems with each other. The organisation is rarely fully assembled, as seen in the end of Part I, when one member said it was the first time in seven years when they were all together.[1]

The organisation is widespread, spanning several countries with agents in various places. When one team finds a tailed beast and has to begin the job of sealing the beast, they have hidden hideouts with many traps ready, to do the three-day long technique.

History

Yahiko's Group

The original Akatsuki with Yahiko as the leader.

Akatsuki was originally founded by Yahiko during the Third Shinobi World War and consisted of Amegakure ninja that wished to create peace for their home country, which acted as a battleground for three of the Five Great Shinobi Countries.[2] Yahiko insisted that his and the rest of Akatsuki's actions were meant only to aid Nagato in bringing world peace, though Konan claimed that it was Yahiko's charisma that held the group together and spurred them on. Obito alleges that it was his encouragement which lead to Yahiko forming the organisation, and thus credits himself as the group's creator.[3] Though he only met Yahiko once, the youth wary of the masked man and not believing his claim to be Madara Uchiha, Obito left an impression on Nagato while promising to wait for him and his friend when they decide to seek his council.

In its early days, Akatsuki gained fame and recognition in Amegakure, drawing the attention of Hanzō of the Salamander — a world-renowned ninja and then leader of the country. Believing that the group was becoming a threat to his rule, a notion Danzō Shimura encouraged by making Hanzō believe Akatsuki was plotting to overthrow him, Hanzō approached the organisation and falsely claimed that he wanted to use them as the axis to negotiate peace between Konohagakure, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure. However, Hanzō betrayed Akatsuki and, working together with Danzō Shimura of Konohagakure's Anbu, kidnapped Konan and orchestrated Yahiko's death. After synchronising with the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path and attempting to exact revenge on Yahiko's killers, using his friend's corpse as a vessel and going by the name Pain, Nagato became the new leader of the Akatsuki and took control of Amegakure after the resulting civil war.

The Creation of the Akatsuki

Nagato forms a new Akatsuki.

Following the Third Shinobi World War, Akatsuki became a mercenary group for hire and Nagato presumably began taking direction from Obito, who acted as the organisation's collaborator and benefactor. In times of peace most of the ninja villages, rather than increasing their own armaments, employed Akatsuki to fight in wars, spy on enemies, or carry out assassinations. The Fourth Raikage claims that only Kumogakure has never used Akatsuki's services, and during this time it became widely believed that Akatsuki was founded and based in Kirigakure, perhaps due to Obito's influence over the Fourth Mizukage. Eventually, Akatsuki would begin capturing the tailed beasts, in the process antagonising many of its former clients.

Events relating to Akatsuki before the start of Part II have only been given in fragments. Sasori and Orochimaru were partners for a time and were apparently very effective. Kakuzu had a number of partners that he killed in fits of rage. For this reason he was partnered with Hidan, who was immortal, shortly before the start of Part II. Itachi Uchiha apparently joined after carrying out the Uchiha Clan Downfall for which he defected from Konohagakure, though his membership seems to have come with the stipulation that Akatsuki could make no direct movements against Konoha. When Itachi joined, Orochimaru attempted to steal his body in order to gain the Sharingan. This failed and he was forced to defect. Deidara was recruited to replace Orochimaru as Sasori's partner, but because Orochimaru took his Akatsuki ring with him he could not also replace Orochimaru's position. Akatsuki also captured two tailed beasts before Part II, which in the anime are indicated to have been the Five-Tails and the Seven-Tails.

Akatsuki becomes much more active in Part II, with Deidara and Sasori making their move to capture Gaara for the One-Tail. Though they succeed in the extraction, Sasori is killed. Taking advantage of the open membership, having created the identity of Tobi to pose an Akatsuki flunky, Obito replaces Sasori to oversee the group's affairs. Another tailed beast is acquired in between the captures of the One-Tail, and the Two-Tails, but is unknown which beast.[4][5] Next are the Two-Tails and Three-Tails, though Hidan and Kakuzu are lost during an unrelated scuffle with Konoha ninja. After obtaining the Four-Tails, Deidara dies during his fight with Sasuke Uchiha with Tobi managing to convince Sasuke to work with Akatsuki after Itachi's death. Although five Akatsuki members are lost, Tobi claiming their sacrifices were worth winning Sasuke's loyalty, the organisation takes more drastic measures to make up for diminished numbers.

In the anime, Nagato goes to capture the Six-Tails (the beast having been caught at some earlier point in the manga). He and Konan are then sent to Konoha to capture the Nine-Tails. Konoha is destroyed, but they fail in their assignment; Nagato dying and Konan leaving the organisation. At the same time, Sasuke and his team are tasked with capturing the Eight-Tails, but they too fail to complete their assignment. Akatsuki's actions finally provoke a response from the ninja villages, who hold a Kage Summit to discuss what should be done. Tobi, wishing to accelerate his machinations, infiltrates the meeting and declares war against the Five Great Shinobi Countries and the Land of Iron, promising to use the seven tailed beasts Akatsuki has already captured as weapons. The villages and their associated countries form the Allied Shinobi Forces to combat Akatsuki, beginning the Fourth Shinobi World War.

Akatsuki revived

The reincarnated Akatsuki.

In preparation for the war, Kisame Hoshigaki infiltrates Kumogakure to gather intelligence on the Shinobi Alliance, as well as to learn the location of the two remaining tailed beasts. He dies in the process, but not before sending what he has learned to Obito. Obito, meanwhile, goes to Amegakure to retrieve Nagato's body and the Rinnegan, as well as to kill Konan for her defection. Kabuto Yakushi, a new ally of the organisation, then captures Yamato, allowing him to strengthen an army of 100,000 White Zetsu Obito amassed.[6] After Kabuto utilises Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation to supplement Akatsuki's forces with ninja famous during their lives, Akatsuki marches off for war.

Eventually, all revived members of Akatsuki are returned to the afterlife, and most of the White Zetsu, including the one who was tasked to watch over Sasuke, have been wiped out, and Sasuke ultimately betrays Akatsuki to ally himself and Taka with the Alliance. However, a reincarnated Madara forces a redeemed Obito to use the Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique to fully revive him, and then Black Zetsu betrays Madara and reveals that he set up Akatsuki and everything else pertaining to the war since Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki's era, all for the sake of reviving his "mother", Kaguya Ōtsutsuki who would used a shocked Madara's body as a medium for her revival. Obito sacrifice his life to help Team 7 to seal Kaguya and Black Zetsu. With Black Zetsu sealed along with its creator, there are no active members left thus the Akatsuki organisation was completely dissolved, and its reign of terror ended once and for all.

Goals

Original Purpose

Under Yahiko's leadership, the group was meant to put an end to the wars that would take place in Amegakure and bring about peace.[2] When he was younger, Yahiko also noted that he disliked the fact that it always rained in his country, as if all the country did was weep and he wanted to change that. This may be where the name of the organisation literally meaning "daybreak" comes from. He also noted that the organisation was meant to act as a support unit for Nagato, whom he believed would bring peace to the world.

Under Pain

After Yahiko's death and Nagato's transition to Pain, Akatsuki's goals shifted to that of world domination.[7] Nagato has mentioned a three-step process to work their way towards this goal.[8] First, they plan to obtain a large amount of money to support their organisation.[8] Second, they plan to set up a mercenary group loyal only to Akatsuki.[9] To build their reputation, they plan to accept any mission below the usual cost and operate off of the excess funds earned in the first part of their plan.[9] Because there haven't been any wars in some time, many of the more powerful and well known shinobi villages couldn't afford to accomplish such missions as such low prices, leading the smaller countries to hire Akatsuki over the more expensive shinobi villages.[9] By using the tailed beasts, Akatsuki would start wars and then immediately quell them, solidifying their reputation and convincing every country to depend on them, thus cornering the market in shinobi labour.[10] Without any business, the other shinobi villages would collapse due to the lack of funds.[10] Finally, after Akatsuki is the only major force of shinobi in existence, they can easily conquer the other countries.[10] Members do not automatically learn of the plan upon joining; Hidan didn't find out about it until he had been a member for quite some time.[8] Over the course of the series, Akatsuki sealed seven of the nine beasts before the start of the Fourth Shinobi World War.[11]

However, Nagato's true intention for this plan did not involve Akatsuki conquering the other nations, but rather using the power of the tailed beast as a means to frighten the world into no longer fighting. By harnessing the tailed beasts' chakra to create a powerful kinjutsu, Akatsuki could immediately crush one side of a war and frighten the other side from continuing the fight. This is until they eventually forget this fear and the inevitability of war leads to the fighting to continue, where the kinjutsu would be used again. Thus the cycle would repeat, creating small periods of peace in an endless chain of hatred.[12]

Under Obito

Main article: Eye of the Moon Plan After becoming Madara's successor, Obito Uchiha manipulated Nagato into becoming his pawn in the collection of the nine tailed beasts. As per Madara's plan, instead of using the power of the tailed beast to start and end wars, he would use them and the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path to recreate the Ten-Tails and become its jinchūriki. Doing this he would be able to cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi off the moon, trapping the entire world under his genjutsu and granting him the power to create the world he wanted. Of the original Akatsuki members, only Kisame Hoshigaki and Zetsu were aware of this true plan.[13]

Black Zetsu's Hidden Agenda

Despite Obito's claim of how he manipulated Yahiko into creating Akatsuki for the sake of achieving his version of world peace, in truth the entire organisation's creation was orchestrated by Black Zetsu, who has been born from Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's will many centuries, if not millennia, ago. Akatsuki's existence is nothing more than one component for Black Zetsu's plot in leading to a worldwide war and the reunion of the nine tailed beasts, as well as the chakra of every living being on the planet, so as to recreate the Ten-Tails, which is Kaguya's sealed away body.[14]

Wardrobe

Akatsuki Symbol

The Akatsuki symbol.

Akatsuki members have a very distinctive wardrobe, which could give them away if a village is alerted of their presence. Members wear long, dark cloaks with red clouds, a red interior, and a chin-high collar. Tobi and the members of Taka wear a similarly marked hooded mantle. The red clouds represent the rain of blood that fell in Amegakure during its wars, and were seen as a symbol of justice by its original members.[15] All members wear black nail polish on their fingers and toenails, although the colours vary in the anime, and may wear a conical straw hat with small ornamental torques and tassels hanging down over their faces. The hats may be used to move around in the general population unnoticed, or for when the weather requires one.[16] Some members cross out the symbol on their forehead protectors to symbolise the broken ties with their former villages, a practice originating with Nagato and his rival faction in Amegakure's civil war. Others members simply cease wearing them altogether, for several reasons. Everyone also wears a ring with a kanji on different fingers depending on who the member is.

Now that the original members of Akatsuki (Konan and Nagato) are dead, Tobi seems to have changed the garb to his own preference after revealing his new mask and outfit-which are robes without the red clouds.

Akatsuki Rings and Ring Positions

What seems to be most important, however, are their rings. In total, there are ten rings given to each of the ten main members of Akatsuki. The rings apparently signify one's membership and ring position, since when Orochimaru defected, he took his ring with him[17] and as such wasn't replaced.[18] The rings' exact purpose have not been revealed.

Gedo Mazo Akatsuki Rings

The ring positions of the members.

The various rings are:[19]

  • Right thumb: "zero" (, rei); worn by Pain. Its colour is purplish-grey.
  • Right index finger: "blue", "green" (, ao, shō); worn by Deidara. Its colour is teal.
  • Right middle finger: "white" (, bya); worn by Konan. Its colour is white.
  • Right ring finger: "vermilion", "scarlet" (, shu); worn by Itachi Uchiha. Its colour is red.
  • Right little finger: "sign of the boar" (, gai); worn by Zetsu. Its colour is green.
  • Left little finger: "sky", "void" (, ); worn by Orochimaru. Its colour is slate blue.
  • Left ring finger: "south" (, nan); worn by Kisame Hoshigaki. Its colour is yellow.
  • Left middle finger: "north" (, hoku); worn by Kakuzu. Its colour is dark green.
  • Left index finger: "three" (, san); worn by Hidan. Its colour is orange.
  • Left thumb: "jewel", "ball", also the black king in shogi (, gyoku); worn by Sasori and later by Tobi. Its colour is purple.

Eight of the ten kanji of the rings are taken from a kuji-in (Nine Syllable Seals): a collection of nine hand postures used in meditation. These kuji-in have found their way into ninja folklore as a kind of magic spells. Pain's "rei" and Zetsu's "gai" are not from this kuji-in. However, the only unused kuji-in kanji, 玄 (gen, "mysterious") bears a strong resemblance to Zetsu's "gai", suggesting an error. It would be a consistent error, however, since the "gai" kanji has been used in every instance the ring's kanji has been shown, both in the manga and the data books.

In Part II, Taka aligns themselves with Akatsuki. They wear hooded Akatsuki mantles over their usual clothing, but do not wear any other markers of the organisation, signifying that their alliance is only one of convenience. Sasuke claimed that he was only using Akatsuki, and attempted to sever connections with them when they thought Killer B was captured. In turn, Tobi threatened to kill them for any attempts of betrayal.

Members

Yahiko's Group

Member Status Village of origin
Daibutsu (Anime only) Deceased Unknown
Kie Deceased Amegakure
Konan Defected Amegakure
Kyūsuke Deceased Amegakure
Nagato Defected Amegakure
Yahiko Deceased Amegakure

Nagato's Group

Member Status Village of origin
Black Zetsu Incapacitated None
Deidara Deceased Iwagakure
Hidan Incapacitated Yugakure
Itachi Uchiha Deceased Konohagakure
Kakuzu Deceased Takigakure
Kisame Hoshigaki Deceased Kirigakure
Konan Defected Amegakure
Nagato Defected Amegakure
Obito Uchiha Defected Konohagakure
Orochimaru Defected Konohagakure
Sasori Deceased Sunagakure
White Zetsu Deceased None

Associates

  • Amegakure (Village run by Pain, association ended following Pain and Konan's deaths)
  • Yūra (Sasori's underling, deceased)
  • Mukade (Sasori's underling, deceased)
  • Funari (Kakuzu's subordinate, presumed deceased)
  • Ginji (Kakuzu's banker, status unknown)
  • Kyōya (Kakuzu's accountant, status unknown)
  • Zangei (Bounty collector, captured)
  • Taka (Affiliated group, defected)
  • Kabuto Yakushi (Sasori's spy, defected to Orochimaru; allied with Akatsuki; provides additional fighters to the organisation during the war, defected)
  • Madara Uchiha (Creator of Eye of the Moon Plan, revived during Fourth Shinobi World War to aid in the fulfilment of the Eye of the Moon Plan, deceased)
  • Tobi (Zetsu's clone, helped in the Fourth Shinobi World War at the latter half, deceased)
  • Mecha-Naruto (Mechanical version of Naruto Uzumaki, demolished)

Teams

Akatsuki teams are put together in teams of two to exploit combined strengths for the organisation's goals to be met. The duos assembled usually share a distinct commonality, like Hidan's and Kakuzu's immortality, Deidara's and Sasori's artistic approach to ninjutsu, as well as Itachi's and Kisame’s killing of their comrades under orders.

Kakuzu & Hidan
Hidan and Kakuzu

Hidan and Kakuzu.

An unruly, yet arguably the most effective team in the organisation, they seemed unstoppable when together, something that Shikamaru Nara commented on for the need to separate the duo. Pain decided to put these two together because of their unique abilities and immortality. Hidan could not be killed as a result of becoming the successful "Jashin experiment", even by decapitation, and Kakuzu could easily go into a rage and kill anyone around him, including his partner. Therefore, Kakuzu could go berserk and not worry about Hidan's well-being. They refer to themselves as the "Immortal Combo" (不死コンビ, Fushi Konbi),[20] because of their own methods of avoiding death. Kisame Hoshigaki jokingly referred to them as the "Zombie Combo" (ゾンビコンビ, Zonbi Konbi).[21]

They have shown the most hostility towards each other due to a conflict of interest; Kakuzu saw the rituals and beliefs of Hidan's religion to be a waste of time, while Hidan saw Kakuzu's willingness to do blasphaemous things and his greediness to be unbearable, not to mention that Kakuzu's job as a bounty hunter usually got on Hidan's nerves. As a result of their sideline in collecting bounties and conducting rituals, this team was usually late in the line of work. Despite this, they work flawlessly in battle by using Kakuzu's reckless attack style in conjuncture with Hidan's immortality.

Nagato & Konan
Nagato and Konan

Nagato and Konan.

A team that functioned very well with each other as Nagato and Konan had been close friends for most of their lives, working as a team and supporting Yahiko during the first generation of Akatsuki. As leader of Akatsuki, Pain directed the rest of the organisation to their respective goals; his most direct interaction with the other members was using the Sealing Technique: Phantom Dragons Nine Consuming Seals. In addition, Pain was the leader of Amegakure, and used the village as a base for Akatsuki matters, while Konan served as the village's second-in-command. However, after Nagato's death, Konan left the organisation.

Orochimaru & Sasori
  • Target(s): Unknown
Sasori and Orochimaru

Orochimaru and Sasori in his Hiruko puppet.

Sasori claimed that he and Orochimaru worked well together during their partnership, and both shared a desire of an everlasting existence. However, when Orochimaru defected from Akatsuki after his failed attempt to steal Itachi's body, Sasori developed a grudge against his former partner.

Sasori & Deidara
File:DeidaraandSasori.jpg

Deidara and Sasori in his Hiruko puppet.

Formed by the two artists of Akatsuki, Sasori and Deidara worked well for the most part but had conflicting ideas on art: Sasori believed in art forever preserved like his puppet while Deidara sees it to be instantaneous and gone in a flash like Explosive Clay. Ironically though, Sasori was impatient and liked to finish things quickly while Deidara liked to take his time. Sasori also had a network of spies that he manipulated (in the form of mind control) to aid Akatsuki in their affairs. Deidara was formerly a terrorist bomber for hire who was later recruited by Itachi. Interestingly, both members of this team made the conscious decision to die, Sasori by allowing himself to be impaled by the puppet replicas of his parents and Deidara blowing himself up, thus becoming art. The two were reunited when reincarnated during the Fourth Shinobi World War.

Deidara & Tobi
Team Tobi Deidara

Deidara and Tobi hunting the Three-Tails.

After Sasori's death, posing as a happy-go-lucky idiot at the time, Tobi was introduced as Deidara's new partner. Despite Tobi's eagerness to please his "senpai", his childish attitude was seen as an annoyance to Deidara's expectations of the organisation. Despite the eminent irritation, the two worked well together, as evidenced by Tobi planting Deidara's explosive clay mines underground during Deidara's last stand against Sasuke. Deidara also tries to protect Tobi, although the latter usually annoys him with his playful personality. After Deidara's death, Tobi revealed his true personality and began to actively work towards his own goals.

Itachi Uchiha & Kisame Hoshigaki
Team Itachi Kisame

Itachi and Kisame's début.

A team that, despite their first meeting, functioned very well together and was highly effective. The pair completed almost every assignment Pain gave them with little trouble with the Nine-Tails being the only known exception. With Itachi working as a double agent, however, Itachi failed this mission purposely. Unlike most Akatsuki teams, Itachi and Kisame got along pretty well; Kisame did as Itachi had asked him unquestioningly and they would often converse casually when not in combat. In his battle against Killer B, Kisame failed in his mission to capture the Eight-Tails. However, this was later shown to be a ploy designed by Tobi to infiltrate the Land of Lightning. Before that, however, Kisame was able to capture the Four-Tails.

Black & White Zetsu
  • Function: Spy, Auxiliary
File:Zetsu-san.jpg

The artificial human, Zetsu.

Although not exactly a "two-man team", the secondary Black Zetsu personality that Madara infused into White Zetsu made Zetsu effective as such despite occasional arguments. Furthermore, because of his nature as an artificial human, Zetsu's personalities can split into two to act individually. Another unique feature of White Zetsu is his ability to create clones that are biologically produced compared to the regular clones manifested of chakra.[6]

Taka
Team Taka Akatsuki attire

The members of Taka as part of Akatsuki.

When Akatsuki's ranks are thinned to five members, Tobi enlists the aid of renamed group Taka, whose leader Sasuke Uchiha shares the desire for the destruction of Konoha. To complete their goals, Tobi has ordered Taka to hunt down the Eight-Tails while Akatsuki (particularly Pain) hunts for the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox. Technically, the members of Taka are not full members of Akatsuki, as they do not possess the rings worn by each of the primary members. However, they have been wearing Akatsuki cloaks (albeit not with high collars but with hoods), signifying their affiliation with the organisation. After catching what appeared to be Killer B, Sasuke claimed that Taka was no longer affiliated with Akatsuki. Out of all the members, however, only Sasuke chooses to remain affiliated with Tobi and Akatsuki, which has become quite fragile as Sasuke eventually killed White Zetsu for the sake of testing his new powers.

Movies

Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie

In Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie, the alternate Akatsuki is a well known mercenary group. Their members are Itachi, Kisame, Deidara, Hidan, Kakuzu, Konan, Sasori and Nagato (using his Deva Path). Itachi is presumed to be the leader of Akatsuki in the alternate world.

Creation and Conception

In the Naruto Hiden: Sha no Sho Character Official Data Book, Masashi Kishimoto stated that he had originally planned on making Akatsuki a group of monsters with almost no human characteristics, with Zetsu emphasising that specifically. He also states that Akatsuki teams get two single rooms to sleep in.

Trivia

  • Akatsuki () if written as "Aka Tsuki" (赤月), translates to Red Moon, which may be a hint of the organisation's true aim: Eye of the Moon Plan.
  • While they were never seen, it was mentioned Kakuzu had four previous partners before Hidan, and they were all ultimately killed by Kakuzu himself and their hearts stolen for his Earth Grudge Fear.[22]
  • In the Naruto Collectible Card Game, Karin, Jūgo and Suigetsu Hōzuki while in their Akatsuki robes are incorrectly listed as Akatsuki members, while they were never fully recognised members, and only working as hires for Tobi.
  • Hidan and Kakuzu were the only Akatsuki two-man team to have both members eliminated simultaneously.
  • Despite being known as a group comprised of missing-nin, Pain and Konan are the recognised leaders of Amegakure after their successful coup against Hanzō of the Salamander, and thus not missing-nin.
  • In the manga, they sealed the Three-Tails just before the Two-Tails,[23] while in the anime, due to the more detailed capture of the Three-Tails, they seal it just before the Four-Tails.
  • In the anime, after the sealing of the Two-Tails, Pain stated there are four tailed beasts remaining. Later in the anime, after the Three-Tails and Four-Tails were sealed (making it two tailed beasts remaining) and Taka joined forces with Akatsuki, Kisame stated there were three tailed beasts remaining. This retcon was put in place to allow a filler arc, featuring the Six-Tails.
  • The three remaining Uchiha after the Uchiha Clan Downfall all eventually joined Akatsuki: Obito, Itachi, and Sasuke.
  • Both leaders of Akatsuki, Pain and Tobi wear their rings on their thumbs.
  • So far, Konoha shinobi have been involved in the deaths of all deceased Akatsuki members. They were all defeated exclusively by current or former Konoha shinobi.
  • Throughout the course of hunting down jinchūriki, Hidan was the only member of Akatsuki not to encounter Naruto.

References

  1. Chapter 238, page 17
  2. 2.0 2.1 Chapter 509, page 3
  3. Chapter 509, page 4
  4. Chapter 256
  5. Chapter 331
  6. 6.0 6.1 Chapter 512, page 14
  7. Chapter 329, pages 16-17
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Chapter 329, page 11
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Chapter 329, page 12
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 Chapter 329, page 14
  11. Chapter 467, page 20
  12. Chapter 436, pages 15-16
  13. Chapter 606, pages 1-7
  14. Chapter 681, pages 11-16
  15. Chapter 509, page 2
  16. Chapter 141, page 3
  17. Chapter 140, page 5
  18. Chapter 353, page 14
  19. Hiden: Tō no Sho Character Official Data Book, pages 180-181
  20. Chapter 335, page 7
  21. Chapter 353, page 11
  22. Third Databook, pages 56-59
  23. Chapter 329, pages 8-9