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{{Infobox}}
 
{{Infobox}}
{{translation|'''Kakuzu'''|角都|Kakuzu}} was an [[S-rank]] [[missing-nin]] from [[Takigakure]] and a member of [[Akatsuki]] who was partnered with [[Hidan]]. [[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> due to the fact that, in a sense, they could not die. Within the organisation itself, Kakuzu acted as the organisation's Treasurer.
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{{translation|'''Kakuzu'''|角都|Kakuzu}} was an [[S-rank]] [[missing-nin]] from [[Takigakure]] and a member of [[Akatsuki]] who was partnered with [[Hidan]]. [[Kisame Hoshigaki]] jokingly referred to them as the {{translation|'''Zombie Combo'''|ゾンビコンビ|Zonbi Konbi|engtv=Zombie Pair}},<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 353, page 11</ref> due to the fact that, in differing senses, they could not die.
   
 
== Background ==
 
== Background ==
When he was still a loyal, elite [[ninja]] of Takigakure, Kakuzu took on a mission to assassinate [[Hashirama Senju]], the First Hokage. This [[mission]], however, ended in failure due to the might of Hashirama's [[Wood Release]] techniques. Despite the insurmountable danger faced on the mission, what awaited his return to his village was the stigma and harsh punishment associated with the failure of his objective. In response to this treatment, a wrong levied against a shinobi who had put life and limb on the line for his village, Kakuzu came to hold a violent hatred for his village as he escaped from imprisonment. In his flight from the village, Kakuzu killed the village elders, took their hearts, and fled with knowledge of the village's most prized [[forbidden techniques]].<ref name="d3"/> He made a living off bounty hunting on the black market, and tearing out the still-beating hearts of powerful shinobi to extend his own lifespan.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 336, pages 4-5</ref>
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When under the servitude of Takigakure as an elite ninja, Kakuzu took on a [[mission]] to assassinate [[Hashirama Senju]], the First [[Hokage]]. This mission, however, ended in failure against the God of Shinobi. Despite the insurmountable danger faced on the mission, what awaited his return to his village was the stigma and harsh punishment associated with the failure of his objective. In response to this treatment, a wrong levied against a shinobi who had put life and limb on the line for his village, Kakuzu came to hold a violent hatred for Takigakure as he escaped from imprisonment. In his flight from the village, Kakuzu killed the village elders, took their hearts, and fled with knowledge of the village's most prized [[forbidden techniques]].<ref name="d3" /> He made a living off bounty hunting on the black market, and tearing out the still-beating hearts of powerful shinobi to extend his own lifespan and arsenal.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 336, pages 4-5</ref> At some time in the past, he apparently encountered the [[Gold and Silver Brothers]] and witnessed [[Kinkaku]]'s [[Jinchūriki Forms#Version 2|jinchūriki transformation]].<ref name="C528P17">''Naruto'' chapter 528, page 17</ref>
   
Some time after his defection, he joined Akatsuki, and was given a number of partners, most of whom he killed, due to his short temper. This is why he was eventually partnered with [[Hidan]], whom he could not kill because of his immortality.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 322, pages 4-5</ref>
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Some time after his defection, he became affiliated with, and joined, the criminal organisation, Akatsuki. During his early years in Akatsuki, he had at least four partners that he eventually ended up killing due to his short temper, and would come to use their hearts for his [[Earth Grudge Fear]].<ref name="d3" /> In the anime, he, Itachi and Konan were tasked with killing an apparent immortal, who turned out to be Hidan. He managed to destroy one of Kakuzu's heart. Taking an interest in his abilities, Akatsuki recruited Hidan instead.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 457</ref> Kakuzu was eventually paired with Hidan, who took an interest in Kakuzu after thinking of him as a pioneer for immortality, despite a mutual dislike. He was deemed a fitting partner for Kakuzu as he could not be killed because of his own, similar immortality.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 322, pages 4-5</ref>
 
Also at some time in the past, he apparently encountered the [[Gold and Silver Brothers]] and witnessed [[Kinkaku]]'s [[Kinkaku's Jinchūriki Forms|jinchūriki transformation]].<ref name="C528P17">Naruto chapter 528, page 17</ref>
 
   
 
== Personality ==
 
== Personality ==
 
[[File:Kakuzu counting money.png|thumb|left|Kakuzu's money obsession.]]
 
[[File:Kakuzu counting money.png|thumb|left|Kakuzu's money obsession.]]
Kakuzu was a greedy, miserly individual, arranging goals in terms of the highest profit he could gain from them, and was often unwilling to involve himself in something if there was nothing to gain from it, as well as claiming that he tended to forget opponents who were not worth any money after he was done with them. He even remarked that money is the only dependable thing in the world. Due to this end, he referred to himself as the "Treasurer of Akatsuki". Given his friendly relationship with [[Zangei]], his bounty officer, it would seem he collected bounties rather frequently to earn cash, and did so (or at least tried) during his missions on several occasions. The frequent side-tasks and devotion to money were both major points of contention between Hidan and Kakuzu. He also seemed to respect an opponent who thinks, as shown with his reaction to [[Kakashi]]'s counters to Kakuzu's masks, and [[Shikamaru]]'s quick analysis of Hidan's curse, even mentioning Shikamaru would have been a good bounty in the future.
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Kakuzu was a greedy and miserly individual. He would arrange goals in terms of the highest profit he could gain from them, and was often unwilling to involve himself in something if there was nothing to gain from it, as well as claiming that he tended to forget opponents who were not worth any money after he was done with them. He even remarked that money is the only dependable thing in the world. Due to this end, he referred to himself as the "Treasurer of Akatsuki". Given his friendly relationship with [[Zangei]], his bounty officer, it would seem he collected bounties rather frequently to earn cash, and did so (or at least tried) during his missions on several occasions. The frequent side-tasks and devotion to money were both major points of contention between Hidan and Kakuzu. He also seemed to respect an opponent who thinks well, as shown with his reaction to [[Kakashi]]'s counters to Kakuzu's masks, and [[Shikamaru]]'s quick analysis of Hidan's curse, even mentioning Shikamaru would have been a good bounty in the future.
   
Out of all the Akatsuki members, Hidan and Kakuzu displayed the most animosity towards each other, since neither of them were very fond of each other's interests. The two often traded barbs with one another, Kakuzu's usually having better timing than Hidan's. Hidan had shown great annoyance with Kakuzu's greed and occasional habit of doing or saying blasphemous things, such as attacking a temple and killing the head monk for the bounty on the monk's head. Kakuzu, in turn, disliked Hidan's [[Jashin|religion]], believing the rituals associated with it to be a waste of time. Kakuzu was also rather impatient with Hidan's drawn-out speeches and battle style. Despite their mutual dislike of each other, their teamwork was almost flawless, because they complemented each other's abilities extremely well.
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Out of all the Akatsuki members, Hidan and Kakuzu displayed the most animosity towards each other, since neither of them were very fond of each other's interests. The two often traded barbs with one another, Kakuzu's usually having better timing than Hidan's. Hidan had shown great annoyance with Kakuzu's greed and occasional habit of doing or saying blasphemous things, such as attacking a temple and killing the head monk for the bounty on the monk's head. Kakuzu, in turn, disliked Hidan's [[Jashin|religion]], believing the rituals associated with it to be a waste of time. Kakuzu was also rather impatient with Hidan's drawn-out speeches and battle style. Despite their mutual dislike of each other, their teamwork was almost flawless, because they complemented each other's abilities extremely well. Also, Kakuzu seemed to care to an extent about Hidan, as he picked up and gave back his partner's forehead protector after he lost it during his fight with Asuma, a feat that made Hidan admit that Kakuzu was not as hostile as he appeared to be, although Kakuzu did note that he only did so because he could not stand the sight of the scar on Hidan's neck.
   
 
[[File:Kakuzu and hidan argument.png|thumb|right|Kakuzu and Hidan in the midst of an argument.]]
 
[[File:Kakuzu and hidan argument.png|thumb|right|Kakuzu and Hidan in the midst of an argument.]]
The only reason that Kakuzu put up with Hidan was because he couldn't get rid of him. Due to his violent temper, Kakuzu often killed anyone close by when enraged. Hidan, therefore, was the perfect partner for Kakuzu, because of Hidan's inability to die. Kakuzu's somewhat indiscriminate attack style also made Hidan an ideal partner, since Kakuzu didn't need to worry about catching his partner in the crossfire.
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The only reason that Kakuzu put up with Hidan was because he couldn't get rid of him. Due to his violent temper, Kakuzu often killed anyone close by when enraged, having killed his previous partners and even took their hearts to extend his own life. Hidan, therefore, was the perfect partner for Kakuzu, because of Hidan's inability to die. Kakuzu's somewhat indiscriminate attack style also made Hidan an ideal partner, since Kakuzu didn't need to worry about catching his partner in the crossfire.
   
 
Despite his obsessive personality and violent rages, Kakuzu was much more cautious than his partner, and was not as arrogant, never mindlessly rushing into battle like Hidan. Kakuzu frequently warned Hidan not to let his guard down, and then teased Hidan when he inevitably did. Kakuzu also seemed quite willing to follow orders. When ordered to retreat by the [[Nagato|Akatsuki leader]], Kakuzu complied immediately (while Hidan attempted to argue), despite the rather large bounty he could have received by taking [[Asuma]]. He seemed to forget the greater goals of the organisation when enraged, as he attempted to kill [[Naruto]], in spite of Akatsuki's need to capture all the [[jinchūriki]] alive.
 
Despite his obsessive personality and violent rages, Kakuzu was much more cautious than his partner, and was not as arrogant, never mindlessly rushing into battle like Hidan. Kakuzu frequently warned Hidan not to let his guard down, and then teased Hidan when he inevitably did. Kakuzu also seemed quite willing to follow orders. When ordered to retreat by the [[Nagato|Akatsuki leader]], Kakuzu complied immediately (while Hidan attempted to argue), despite the rather large bounty he could have received by taking [[Asuma]]. He seemed to forget the greater goals of the organisation when enraged, as he attempted to kill [[Naruto]], in spite of Akatsuki's need to capture all the [[jinchūriki]] alive.
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Kakuzu held a violent hatred for his village, as despite his loyalty and willingness to risk life and limb on a dangerous mission, his failure was repaid with uncharacteristically harsh punishment. He responded in kind by brutally betraying Takigakure — committing jailbreak, taking knowledge of their most valuable kinjutsu and killing all of the elders before departing.<ref name="d3" />
   
 
== Appearance ==
 
== Appearance ==
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<gallery type="slideshow" position="left" widths="240" hideaddbutton="true">
Kakuzu was a tall, tanned, muscular man that towered over everyone in Akatsuki with the exception of [[Kisame Hoshigaki]]. He wore a white hood and a black mask, with his eyes being the only visible part of his face. Underneath, his mouth was stitched together at the edges and he had long dark brown hair. His eyes have an unusual colouring: green <!-- correct spelling, do NOT change -->irides<!-- correct spelling, do NOT change -->, no pupils and red sclera. His clothing included the traditional Akatsuki cloak and the forehead protector of his home village with a scratch in the middle which symbolised that he was no longer loyal to it. He also wore dark green nail polish and an Akatsuki ring with the kanji for {{Translation|''North''|北|hoku}} was placed on his left middle finger. His entire body was covered with various stitches and predominantly appeared to be sewn together. This was a result of the unique technique that he possessed — the [[Earth Grudge Fear]].
 
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Kakuzu UNSR.png|Kakuzu's appearance before joining the Akatsuki.
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Kakuzu - Akatsuki.png|Kakuzu's appearance after joining the Akatsuki.
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Kakuzu_NXB.png|Kakuzu's appearance underneath his Akatsuki attire.
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Edo Kakuzu.png|Kakuzu's appearance after being reanimated.
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</gallery>
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Kakuzu was a very tall (easily standing as the second tallest member of Akatsuki), tan-skinned man with long dark-brown hair. His eyes had an unusual colouring: green <!-- correct spelling, do NOT change -->irides<!-- correct spelling, do NOT change -->, no pupils and red sclerae. Noticeably, despite his advanced age, he still appeared as a man well within his prime, retaining a very muscular build. Before joining the Akatsuki, he let his hair hang loose, his sweatband covering his forehead, and a black-coloured mask covering his lower face (only revealing his eyes), where underneath it his mouth was stitched together at the edges (giving him a [[Wikipedia:Glasgow smile|glasgow smile]]). He wore: no shirt (revealing all the stitches on his torso), dark-green, ruffed up pants and black shinobi sandals. After joining the Akatsuki, he retained the black mask over his lower face but had several changes. He donned a grey hood which covered his hair. His clothing included the traditional Akatsuki cloak, the Takigakure forehead protector with a scratch in the middle which symbolised that he was no longer loyal to it, and grey pants with matching shinobi sandals. He also wore brown nail polish and a dark green Akatsuki ring with the kanji for {{translation|"north"|北|hoku}} was placed on his left middle finger. The various stitches on his body was the result of the unique technique that he possessed — the [[Earth Grudge Fear]].
   
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After being [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|reincarnated]] by [[Kabuto Yakushi]] and restored by a talisman, Kakuzu gained dark grey sclerae, but retained his green, pupil-less irides. He no longer wore his forehead protector, hood or mask, causing his hair to be visible as it had been at the time of his death. He also no longer wore his vest, instead wearing a dark-red cloak with white lining, but still wore four masks on his back. In the anime, during the [[Power (Arc)|Power]] arc, Kakuzu wore a black cloak with red lining in place of the cloak he would later wear.
After being reincarnated, while his irides are still green without pupils, his sclera is now black like the other shinobi that Kabuto Yakushi reincarnated. He is briefly clad in a dark-red cloak, no longer wearing his hood and face mask.
 
   
 
== Abilities ==
 
== Abilities ==
 
[[File:Kakuzu heart.png|thumb|right|Kakuzu capturing a heart.]]
Kakuzu was a very powerful [[ninja]], strong enough to become a member of Akatsuki. During his frequent rages, Kakuzu has killed many of his former partners in the organisation. A further testament to his skills was his survival in a battle against Hashirama Senju, many years before his acquisition of the [[Earth Grudge Fear]] technique, despite ending up unable to complete his assassination mission.
 
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Kakuzu was an extremely powerful [[ninja]], earning membership into the [[S-rank]] organisation of [[Akatsuki]]. During his frequent rages, he killed all but one of his partners in the organisation, due to the latter being immortal. His skills were such that he was chosen by his village to assassinate [[Hashirama Senju]], surviving the battle despite failing the mission. Kakuzu's might is such, that had it not been for the interference of [[Team Yamato]], he would have likely killed [[Team Asuma]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 337, pages 14-17</ref>
   
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=== Chakra and Physical Prowess ===
He had extremely high combat prowess and a vast array of techniques (due to his unique Earth Grudge Fear technique and near a century worth of experience). Those traits allowed him to fight several opponents while generally controlling the pace of the fight, including Kakashi Hatake with [[Chōji Akimichi]] and [[Ino Yamanaka]] as backup, and would have possibly killed them, had it not been for the additional assistance from Team Yamato.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 337, pages 15-19</ref>
 
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[[File:Kakashi vs Kakuzu.png|left|thumb|Kakuzu fighting Kakashi in taijutsu.]]
 
 
Kakuzu was quite fast, able to cross great distances almost instantly and disappear from unfocused eyes.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 323, page 4</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 325, page 17</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 326, pages 3-4</ref> He could intercept Kakashi when he was attacking Hidan with his [[Lightning Cutter]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 334, pages 3-4</ref> His raw strength could catch one of Chōji's [[Partial Multi-Size Technique|enlarged punches]] with a single hand and easily overpower the latter, as well as lift two people up by their necks at once with relative ease.<ref name="Ship85">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 85</ref> Kakuzu was also adept in taijutsu, able to go toe-to-toe against a [[Sharingan]]-wielding Kakashi.<ref name="Ship85" /> From all the assimilations he had conducted over the decades of his defeated foes, he had amassed a vast amount of chakra.{{Citation needed}}
=== Taijutsu ===
 
Kakuzu has demonstrated great raw speed, he is able to cross great distances in the blink of an eye and disappear from unfocused eyes.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 323, page 4</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 325, page 17</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 326, pages 3-4</ref> He was fast enough to be able to intercept Kakashi when he was attacking Hidan with his [[Lightning Cutter]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 334, pages 3-4</ref> His raw strength was great enough to catch one of Chōji's [[Partial Multi-Size Technique|enlarged punches]] with a single hand, punch down an iron gate, as well as sending an opponent flying with a single kick.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 334, page 4</ref> This was further supplemented by his already adept taijutsu skills, shown when, during his fight with Kakashi (who is quite skilled in taijutsu) he mixed his hardening and extending abilities with his taijutsu all of which afforded him great versatility against his opponents. Using [[Earth Release: Earth Spear Technique]] he was able to increase his hardness, up to the point when he was able to withstand attacks that were normally fatal, an example being him able to withstand Choji's surprise [[Spiked Human Bullet Tank|ambush]] without any visible damage.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 333, page 9, 15</ref>
 
   
 
=== Ninjutsu ===
 
=== Ninjutsu ===
 
==== Earth Grudge Fear ====
 
==== Earth Grudge Fear ====
[[File:Kakuzu's Long Range Mode.png|thumb|Kakuzu's long range form.]]
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[[File:Kakuzu's Long Range Mode.png|thumb|right|Kakuzu's long-range form.]]
All of Kakuzu's abilities revolved around his unique body structure, which was composed of hundreds of thick, grey tendrils woven throughout his flesh called [[Earth Grudge Fear]], holding his body together like the stitches of a rag-doll. This allowed him to separate his body parts at will, to perform long-range physical attacks and sew up almost any injury he suffered. All these abilities made him very difficult to defeat. The threads could also be used to repair the bodies of others, as seen when he reattached [[Deidara]]'s arms,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 332, page 6</ref> although Hidan's inability to die after being dismembered caused him to be Kakuzu's most frequent patient. Because of his unique body structure, Kakuzu is a highly enduring man, able to take a direct strike from Kakashi's [[Lightning Cutter]] without it hindering his performance. His threads could even compact together to form a giant octopus-like form around his body, used for long range battle.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 341, pages 2-4</ref>
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Kakuzu's fighting style and unique abilities revolved around the special nature of his body structure, which was composed of hundreds of thick, grey tendrils woven throughout his flesh called [[Earth Grudge Fear]], holding his body together like the stitches of a rag-doll. Seemingly through this, it had allowed Kakuzu to retain his youthful strength, health, and appearance despite his advanced age. This also let him separate his body parts at will, perform mid to long-range physical attacks, and sew up almost any injury he suffered. The threads could also be used to repair the bodies of others, as seen when he reattached [[Deidara]]'s arms.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 332, page 6</ref> Because of his unique body structure, Kakuzu was a highly enduring man, able to take a direct strike from Kakashi's Lightning Cutter without it hindering his performance. His threads could even compact together to form a giant octopus-like form around his body, used for long-range battle.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 341, pages 2-4</ref>
   
Kakuzu's threads granted him a degree of immortality (though he declined to think of it that way). The threads could pierce the flesh and bodies of others, allowing him to remove their organs and integrate them into his own body, thereby extending his life. He commonly removed hearts in this fashion, keeping a total of five at any time, and requiring that he be killed at least five times in a battle before he truly died.<ref name="fivelives">''Naruto'' chapter 336, page 5</ref> If Kakuzu was killed somehow, then one of his extra hearts could then re-enter his body and bring him back to life at the cost of the heart.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 337, pages 11-12</ref>
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Kakuzu's threads granted him a degree of immortality (though he declined to think of it that way). The threads could pierce the flesh and bodies of others, allowing him to remove their organs and integrate them into his own body, thereby extending his life. He commonly removed hearts in this fashion, keeping a total of five at any time, and requiring that he be killed at least five times in a battle before he truly died.<ref name="fivelives">''Naruto'' chapter 336, page 5</ref> The individual hearts could also be released from his body and wrapped in a vast blanket of threads, forcing a heart into a limb before being detached or forming a monstrous body with a mask as its face. These masks could move and attack independently, unleashing powerful blasts of elemental chakra from their mouths. If Kakuzu was killed somehow, then one of his extra hearts could sacrifice itself by re-entering his body and resuscitate him.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 337, pages 11-12</ref>
   
===== Nature Transformation =====
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==== Nature Transformation ====
[[File:Kakuzu heart.png|thumb|left|Kakuzu capturing a heart.]]
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[[File:Kakuzu hiding in water.png|thumb|left|Kakuzu using the Water Release: Hiding in Water Technique.]]
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Using the [[Earth Release: Earth Spear]], he increased his durability to withstand otherwise normally fatal attacks, such as Chōji's [[Spiked Human Bullet Tank]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 333, page 9</ref> By collecting the hearts of other ninja, Kakuzu was granted their [[Nature Transformation|elemental affinities]]. This was done by connecting his chakra circulatory system to his four extra hearts, one for each chakra nature, granting him the ability to utilise this nature in battle. His efficiency with these different elemental attacks were noted to be impossible without having an affinity to that particular element.
The hearts captured from other ninja granted Kakuzu numerous elemental affinities, along with a vast supply of chakra. By collecting these hearts Kakuzu's own affinity is reinforced and his skill in other elements is increased to the point that he was able to use various different elemental attacks that were noted to be impossible, without having an affinity to that particular element. This is done by connecting his chakra circulatory system to his four extra hearts, granting him the ability to change his chakra nature and affinity to that of the previous owner. The individual hearts could be released from his body and wrapped in a vast blanket of threads, forcing a heart into a limb before being detached or forming a monstrous body with a mask as its face. These masks could move and attack independently, unleashing powerful blasts of [[Nature Transformation|elemental chakra]] from their mouths.
 
{{-}}
 
   
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Whereas in the manga, Kakuzu's own elemental affinity was implied to be Earth, in the anime, he was able to use water-based techniques that didn't stem from his Earth Grudge Fear technique, performing such feats as [[Water Release: Hiding in Water Technique|hiding within water]] or creating [[Water Release: Water Formation Wall|defensive walls]] and [[Water Clone Technique|clones]].<ref name="Ship85" />
[[Image:Kakuzu with masks.png|thumb|right|Kakuzu's masks.]]
 
* '''Earth mask:''' This heart had an earth-affinity, and took on the shape of a demonic, beaked biped.<ref name="C528P17"/> It allowed Kakuzu to use [[Earth Release: Earth Spear]]. In the anime, even though this mask was destroyed, Kakuzu was still able to use the Earth Spear technique, though it only hardened his arm.
 
* '''Fire mask:''' This heart had a fire-affinity, and took on the shape of a demonic tiger. It could use [[Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work]]. This mask could also unite with the Wind mask to launch a fire-wind dual strike that was near unstoppable.
 
* '''Lightning mask:''' This heart had a lightning-affinity, and took on the shape of some sort of deformed biped. It could use [[Lightning Release: False Darkness]].
 
* '''Wind mask:''' This heart had a wind-affinity, and took on a strange four-legged body with thin wings. It could use [[Wind Release: Pressure Damage]]. It could unite with the Fire mask to launch a fire-wind dual strike that was near unstoppable.
 
   
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[[Image:Kakuzu with masks.png|thumb|right|Kakuzu's masks.]]
===== Other Natures =====
 
 
* '''Fire Mask:''' This heart had a fire affinity, and took on the shape of a demonic tiger. It could use [[Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work]]. This mask could also unite with the Wind mask to launch a fire-wind dual strike that was near unstoppable.
* '''[[Water]]''': In the anime, Kakuzu used water-based techniques like the [[Water Encampment Wall]] technique when Shikamaru threw an [[explosive tag]] at him, and also a [[Water Clone Technique]] during his fight with Kakashi.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 85</ref>
 
 
* '''Lightning Mask:''' This heart had a lightning affinity, and took on the shape of some sort of deformed biped. It could use [[Lightning Release: False Darkness]].
 
* '''Water Mask:'''<ref>''[[Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Impact]]''</ref> This heart had a water affinity, and took on the shape of a demonic, beaked biped.<ref name="C528P17" /> It allowed Kakuzu to use [[Water Release]] techniques, although they were not seen in the manga as the mask was destroyed before Kakuzu could use any.
 
* '''Wind Mask:''' This heart had a wind affinity, and took on a strange four-legged body with thin wings. It could use [[Wind Release: Pressure Damage]]. It could unite with the Fire mask to launch a fire-wind dual strike that was near unstoppable.
   
 
=== Intelligence ===
 
=== Intelligence ===
Kakuzu was shown to be a keen analyst, which was somewhat attributable to his age.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 332, page 19</ref> He is highly observant, easily noticing that Shikamaru was taking his time to formulate a plan to counter Hidan's technique, after the former caught his partner in his [[Shadow Imitation Technique]]. He was able to quickly discern the purpose of Shikamaru's various shadow attacks, and devised ways to counter them almost instantaneously during the battle. An example for that is when Shikamaru trapped him and Hidan in his [[Shadow Imitation Shuriken Technique]], Kakuzu detached his right arm, hid it underground and with its help, was able to remove the trench knife, thus successfully breaking free from the technique.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 333, pages 6-7</ref>
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Kakuzu was shown to be a keen analyst and pragmatist, which was somewhat attributable to his advanced age.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 332, page 19</ref> He was highly observant, easily noticing that Shikamaru was taking his time to formulate a plan to counter Hidan's technique, after the former caught his partner in his [[Shadow Imitation Technique]]. He was able to quickly discern the purpose of Shikamaru's various shadow attacks, and devised ways to counter them almost instantaneously during the battle. An example is when Shikamaru trapped him and Hidan in his [[Shadow Imitation Shuriken Technique]], only for Kakuzu to detach his right arm, hide it underground and with its help, remove the trench knife, thus successfully breaking free from the technique.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 333, pages 6-7</ref>
   
 
=== Stats ===
 
=== Stats ===
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== Part I ==
 
== Part I ==
=== Sasuke Retrieval Arc ===
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=== Sasuke Recovery Mission ===
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{{main|Sasuke Recovery Mission}}
 
At the end of Part I, Kakuzu made a cameo appearance as a silhouette during an Akatsuki gathering where they discussed [[Orochimaru]]'s taking of [[Sasuke Uchiha]], as well as the capturing of the [[Nine-Tails]] and the furthering of their plans.
 
At the end of Part I, Kakuzu made a cameo appearance as a silhouette during an Akatsuki gathering where they discussed [[Orochimaru]]'s taking of [[Sasuke Uchiha]], as well as the capturing of the [[Nine-Tails]] and the furthering of their plans.
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=== The Fallen Castle ===
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{{main|The Fallen Castle}}
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In the anime, Kakuzu and [[Hidan]] met with [[Sasori]] and [[Deidara]] to discuss their new missions assigned by Akatsuki. After Kakuzu said they had a choice between a money-making mission and a war-mission, he chose the money mission after Sasori and Deidara showed no interest in it, much to Hidan's annoyance.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 309</ref>
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== Interlude ==
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=== In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths ===
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{{main|In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths}}
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In the anime, the duo was sent to capture the jinchūriki [[Fū]]. Fū was excited to befriend a fellow Taki comrade, despite knowing the rogue shinobi's history. However, Kakuzu states that their motives aren't to become friends with her.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 413</ref>
   
 
== Part II ==
 
== Part II ==
=== Kazekage Rescue Arc ===
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=== Kazekage Rescue Mission ===
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{{main|Kazekage Rescue Mission}}
 
Kakuzu is present alongside the other Akatsuki members, sealing [[Shukaku]]. Some time afterwards, he reattached [[Deidara]]'s arms.
 
Kakuzu is present alongside the other Akatsuki members, sealing [[Shukaku]]. Some time afterwards, he reattached [[Deidara]]'s arms.
   
=== Hidan and Kakuzu Arc ===
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=== Akatsuki Suppression Mission ===
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{{main|Akatsuki Suppression Mission}}
[[File:Nibi-no-Nekomata.jpg|thumb|left|Hidan and Kakuzu face the Two-Tails.]]
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[[File:Akatsuki vs Matatabi.png|thumb|left|Hidan and Kakuzu face the Two-Tails.]]
Kakuzu first appeared with his partner, [[Hidan]], in their pursuit of the [[Two-Tails]]' [[jinchūriki]], [[Yugito Nii]], who revealed she allowed herself to be cornered, in order to spring a trap on them and eliminate them herself. Yugito then [[Yugito Nii's Jinchūriki Forms|transformed]] into her full demon form, a large flaming cat, but the Akatsuki duo still managed to defeat her, and gave her to [[Zetsu]], before they continued to the [[Land of Fire]].
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Kakuzu first appeared with his partner, [[Hidan]], in their pursuit of the [[Two-Tails]]' [[jinchūriki]], [[Yugito Nii]], who revealed she allowed herself to be cornered, in order to spring a trap on them and eliminate them herself. Yugito then [[Tailed Beast Mode|transformed]] into her Tailed Beast, a large flaming cat, but the Akatsuki duo still managed to defeat her, and gave her to [[Zetsu]], before they continued to the [[Land of Fire]].
   
[[File:Kakuzu and hidan charging.png|thumb|right|Kakuzu and Hidan attack Chiriku.]]
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[[File:Akatsuki vs Chiriku.png|thumb|right|Kakuzu and Hidan confront Chiriku.]]
 
On their way, Kakuzu decided to attack the [[Fire Temple]], in order to collect the bounty on the head monk, [[Chiriku]], who was listed in the bingo book with a thirty million [[ryō]] bounty. They slaughtered most of the other monks during the event, but one escaped to warn [[Konoha]] of the incoming threat.
 
On their way, Kakuzu decided to attack the [[Fire Temple]], in order to collect the bounty on the head monk, [[Chiriku]], who was listed in the bingo book with a thirty million [[ryō]] bounty. They slaughtered most of the other monks during the event, but one escaped to warn [[Konoha]] of the incoming threat.
   
 
Upon receiving the notice, [[Tsunade]] assigned the [[Nijū Shōtai]] to track down and eliminate Kakuzu and Hidan. Meanwhile, Kakuzu took Chiriku's body to a bounty station hidden in a bathroom, while Hidan chose to wait outside. When Kakuzu finally left the bathroom after counting the money, he found a Nijū Shōtai team, led by [[Asuma Sarutobi]], attacking Hidan. He attacked [[Shikamaru Nara]] in order to free Hidan, but was forbidden from further participation in the battle by the overconfident Hidan himself. Kakuzu complied, but insisted that he would get to have the thirty-five million ryō head of Asuma afterwards. In the ensuing battle, Hidan managed to ingest Asuma's blood to start his [[Curse Technique: Death Controlling Possessed Blood|curse technique ceremony]] on him, but Shikamaru was able to stop him with his [[Shadow Imitation Technique]]. When Asuma managed to decapitate Hidan, Kakuzu finally intervened, and reattached Hidan's head back to his neck using the [[Earth Grudge Fear|threads]] in his body. Kakuzu then fought with [[Kotetsu]] and [[Izumo]], easily holding the two off, while Hidan dealt a fatal blow to Asuma. Their battle was interrupted by the appearance of another Nijū Shōtai team, but they easily fought them off, until they were summoned by the [[Nagato|Akatsuki leader]] to seal the Two-Tails. Hidan and Kakuzu retreated to a secluded area, where they spent three days sealing the Two-Tails (and in the manga, another three days sealing the [[Three-Tails]]).
 
Upon receiving the notice, [[Tsunade]] assigned the [[Nijū Shōtai]] to track down and eliminate Kakuzu and Hidan. Meanwhile, Kakuzu took Chiriku's body to a bounty station hidden in a bathroom, while Hidan chose to wait outside. When Kakuzu finally left the bathroom after counting the money, he found a Nijū Shōtai team, led by [[Asuma Sarutobi]], attacking Hidan. He attacked [[Shikamaru Nara]] in order to free Hidan, but was forbidden from further participation in the battle by the overconfident Hidan himself. Kakuzu complied, but insisted that he would get to have the thirty-five million ryō head of Asuma afterwards. In the ensuing battle, Hidan managed to ingest Asuma's blood to start his [[Curse Technique: Death Controlling Possessed Blood|curse technique ceremony]] on him, but Shikamaru was able to stop him with his [[Shadow Imitation Technique]]. When Asuma managed to decapitate Hidan, Kakuzu finally intervened, and reattached Hidan's head back to his neck using the [[Earth Grudge Fear|threads]] in his body. Kakuzu then fought with [[Kotetsu]] and [[Izumo]], easily holding the two off, while Hidan dealt a fatal blow to Asuma. Their battle was interrupted by the appearance of another Nijū Shōtai team, but they easily fought them off, until they were summoned by the [[Nagato|Akatsuki leader]] to seal the Two-Tails. Hidan and Kakuzu retreated to a secluded area, where they spent three days sealing the Two-Tails (and in the manga, another three days sealing the [[Three-Tails]]).
   
[[File:Kakuzu Heart Destroyed.jpg|left|thumb|Kakashi destroying one of Kakuzu's hearts.]]
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[[File:Kakashi & Kakuzu.png|left|thumb|Kakashi destroying one of Kakuzu's hearts.]]
After the sealing was complete, Kakuzu and Hidan set out on their search for the [[Nine-Tailed Demon Fox]]'s jinchūriki ([[Naruto Uzumaki]]), only to be cut off by [[Team 10]] (with [[Kakashi Hatake]] as the leader in place of Asuma). Shikamaru used Asuma's [[Chakra Blades|chakra knives]] to capture both the [[Akatsuki]] members in place with a trick, but Kakuzu had discovered the trick beforehand, and, using a separated arm, broke free. Because of his ability to [[Earth Release: Earth Spear|harden his skin]], Kakuzu proved to be largely invulnerable to subsequent attacks. Kakashi, however, was able to analyse Kakuzu's [[hand seals]], and pierced Kakuzu's heart with his [[Lightning Cutter]], exploiting the weakness Kakuzu's earth-based technique had against lightning-based ones.
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After the sealing was complete, Kakuzu and Hidan set out on their search for the [[Nine-Tailed Demon Fox]]'s jinchūriki ([[Naruto Uzumaki]]), only to be cut off by [[Team Asuma]] (with [[Kakashi Hatake]] as the leader in place of Asuma). Shikamaru used Asuma's [[Chakra Blades|chakra knives]] to capture both the [[Akatsuki]] members in place with a trick, but Kakuzu had discovered the trick beforehand, and, using a separated arm, broke free. Because of his ability to [[Earth Release: Earth Spear|harden his skin]], Kakuzu proved to be largely invulnerable to subsequent attacks. Kakashi, however, was able to analyse Kakuzu's [[hand seals]], and pierced Kakuzu's heart with his [[Lightning Cutter]], exploiting the weakness Kakuzu's earth-based technique had against lightning-based ones.
   
  +
[[File:Hidan and Kakuza vs Team Asuma.png|thumb|Kakuzu with all his hearts.]]
 
While this would normally be fatal, Kakuzu had five hearts (now four) in his possession, and thus recovered fairly quickly, sending a counter-attack to Kakashi. Removing his cloak, he revealed four masks on his back, one of which was now broken by Kakashi. Each mask contained a heart, the broken one having given its heart up to keep Kakuzu alive. The four masks broke free from his back into separate entities, with the broken one dissolving after doing so. Each mask was able to attack with a specific and powerful elemental attack, making Kakuzu almost too much for Team 10 to handle. While Kakuzu set his sights on replacing his lost heart with Kakashi's, Shikamaru dragged Hidan away from the battlefield into some woods, with his Shadow Imitation Technique, for a one-on-one fight.
 
While this would normally be fatal, Kakuzu had five hearts (now four) in his possession, and thus recovered fairly quickly, sending a counter-attack to Kakashi. Removing his cloak, he revealed four masks on his back, one of which was now broken by Kakashi. Each mask contained a heart, the broken one having given its heart up to keep Kakuzu alive. The four masks broke free from his back into separate entities, with the broken one dissolving after doing so. Each mask was able to attack with a specific and powerful elemental attack, making Kakuzu almost too much for Team 10 to handle. While Kakuzu set his sights on replacing his lost heart with Kakashi's, Shikamaru dragged Hidan away from the battlefield into some woods, with his Shadow Imitation Technique, for a one-on-one fight.
   
  +
[[File:Kakuzu loses 2nd heart.png|thumb|left|Kakuzu loses his second heart to Shikamaru's strategy.]]
 
Ignoring the other two for the most part, Kakuzu focused on taking Kakashi's heart. Though Kakashi was unable to handle Kakuzu and his mask creatures, being forced to protect Ino and Chōji too, he was saved when Shikamaru tricked Hidan into using some of Kakuzu's blood in his curse ritual, which Kakashi had collected in a capsule earlier when he pierced Kakuzu's chest, and had handed it over to Shikamaru. This resulted in Hidan unintentionally destroying Kakuzu's main body's heart. Seeing this, the Lightning mask allowed its heart to be absorbed by Kakuzu's body, bringing him back to life. In addition to that, Kakuzu also had the two other Fire and Wind masks to combine with him, making him even more powerful. He then caught the rest of Team 10 with his threads, hoping to replenish his stock.
 
Ignoring the other two for the most part, Kakuzu focused on taking Kakashi's heart. Though Kakashi was unable to handle Kakuzu and his mask creatures, being forced to protect Ino and Chōji too, he was saved when Shikamaru tricked Hidan into using some of Kakuzu's blood in his curse ritual, which Kakashi had collected in a capsule earlier when he pierced Kakuzu's chest, and had handed it over to Shikamaru. This resulted in Hidan unintentionally destroying Kakuzu's main body's heart. Seeing this, the Lightning mask allowed its heart to be absorbed by Kakuzu's body, bringing him back to life. In addition to that, Kakuzu also had the two other Fire and Wind masks to combine with him, making him even more powerful. He then caught the rest of Team 10 with his threads, hoping to replenish his stock.
   
[[File:Kakuzu Finishing Blow.jpg|thumb|Naruto striking Kakuzu with his Wind Release: Rasenshuriken.]]
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[[File:Naruto vs Kakuzu .png|thumb|right|Naruto striking Kakuzu with his Wind Release: Rasenshuriken.]]
Team 10 was saved by the arrival of [[Team 7]], among them being Naruto, who decided to fight Kakuzu himself, who at first did not view Naruto as a threat. This changed when Naruto unveiled his newly developed technique, [[Wind Release: Rasenshuriken]], which Kakuzu recognised to be dangerous if it ever connected with him. Naruto's inability to maintain the technique for more than a few seconds put Kakuzu at ease, especially since its failure almost allowed him to kill Naruto (although [[Yamato]] and Kakashi saved him), but decided to fight in his long-range mode just to be safe. As Naruto tried the Rasenshuriken once again with his [[shadow clones]], Kakuzu attempted to crush Naruto with his threads from a distance, but was surprised to discover that it was a shadow clone that he had destroyed, and, subsequently, the real Naruto shot up behind him, using the technique effectively this time.
+
Team 10 was saved by the arrival of [[Team Kakashi|Team 7]], among them being Naruto, who decided to fight Kakuzu himself, who at first did not view Naruto as a threat. This changed when Naruto unveiled his newly developed technique, [[Wind Release: Rasenshuriken]], which Kakuzu recognised to be dangerous if it ever connected with him. Naruto's inability to maintain the technique for more than a few seconds put Kakuzu at ease, especially since its failure almost allowed him to kill Naruto (although [[Yamato]] and Kakashi saved him), but decided to fight in his long-range mode just to be safe. As Naruto tried the Rasenshuriken once again with his [[shadow clones]], Kakuzu attempted to crush Naruto with his threads from a distance, but was surprised to discover that it was a shadow clone that he had destroyed, and, subsequently, the real Naruto shot up behind him, using the technique effectively this time.
   
 
Left with no usable hearts after being battered by Naruto's technique, Kakuzu lamented being defeated by those he considered "kids". Kakashi assured him that the previous generation being surpassed by the next was perfectly natural, and one of the "never-ending cycles of life". Kakashi then finished him off with a [[Lightning Cutter]].
 
Left with no usable hearts after being battered by Naruto's technique, Kakuzu lamented being defeated by those he considered "kids". Kakashi assured him that the previous generation being surpassed by the next was perfectly natural, and one of the "never-ending cycles of life". Kakashi then finished him off with a [[Lightning Cutter]].
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Kakuzu's corpse was later taken back to Konoha to be autopsied by [[Tsunade]] in regards of the Rasenshuriken's capabilities, and it revealed that Kakuzu was damaged at a cellular level by it.
 
Kakuzu's corpse was later taken back to Konoha to be autopsied by [[Tsunade]] in regards of the Rasenshuriken's capabilities, and it revealed that Kakuzu was damaged at a cellular level by it.
   
=== Chikara Arc ===
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=== Power ===
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{{Main|Power (Arc)|l1=Power}}
 
In the anime, Kakuzu is summoned by Kabuto to battle [[Team Kakashi]], who are investigating the massacre that he brought about in [[The Hole]]. Quickly after being summoned, Kakuzu's coffin vanishes with Kabuto questioning if the Impure World Reincarnation is incomplete.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 290</ref>
 
In the anime, Kakuzu is summoned by Kabuto to battle [[Team Kakashi]], who are investigating the massacre that he brought about in [[The Hole]]. Quickly after being summoned, Kakuzu's coffin vanishes with Kabuto questioning if the Impure World Reincarnation is incomplete.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 290</ref>
   
=== Confining the Jinchūriki Arc ===
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=== Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown ===
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{{main|Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown}}
 
In an attempt to both impede Tobi and coerce him into joining forces during their initial encounter, [[Kabuto Yakushi]] demonstrated his capabilities by reincarnating many of the deceased members of Akatsuki, including Kakuzu, using [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 489, pages 18-20</ref>
 
In an attempt to both impede Tobi and coerce him into joining forces during their initial encounter, [[Kabuto Yakushi]] demonstrated his capabilities by reincarnating many of the deceased members of Akatsuki, including Kakuzu, using [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 489, pages 18-20</ref>
   
=== Shinobi World War Arc ===
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=== Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation ===
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{{main|Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation}}
 
[[File:Kakuzu masks2.png|thumb|left|Kakuzu strangles multiple shinobi with his threads.]]
 
[[File:Kakuzu masks2.png|thumb|left|Kakuzu strangles multiple shinobi with his threads.]]
Mobilising alongside Itachi as the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]] against the [[Allied Shinobi Forces]] commences, Kakuzu carries the immobile Nagato on his back. Separating from these two whilst relocating to the [[Land of Lightning]]'s coast, Kakuzu emerges from the sea amongst the [[White Zetsu Army]], engaging the opposing [[First Division]] while strangling multiple shinobi with his [[Earth Grudge Fear|threads]]. Soon after, Kakuzu glances over at [[Kinkaku]]'s [[Kinkaku's Jinchūriki Forms#Six-Tailed Form|transformation]], noting that he hadn't seen it in a very long time.
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Mobilising alongside Itachi as the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]] against the [[Allied Shinobi Forces]] commences, Kakuzu carries the immobile Nagato on his back. Separating from these two whilst relocating to the [[Land of Lightning]]'s coast, Kakuzu emerges from the sea amongst the [[White Zetsu Army]], engaging the opposing [[First Division]] while strangling multiple shinobi with his [[Earth Grudge Fear|threads]]. Soon after, Kakuzu glances over at [[Kinkaku]]'s [[Version 2|transformation]], noting that he hadn't seen it in a very long time.
   
 
[[File:Kakuzu cut.png|thumb|right|Kakuzu is cut by Kotetsu and Izumo.]]
 
[[File:Kakuzu cut.png|thumb|right|Kakuzu is cut by Kotetsu and Izumo.]]
 
Confronted by the current generation [[Team Asuma|Ino-Shika-Chō]], he discerns from [[Shikamaru]]'s presence that [[Hidan]] had likely been decapitated but still alive as he wasn't among the [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|reincarnated]]. Obtaining his fifth and final heart, Kakuzu proceeds to unleash his masks to fulfil his role as a "''[[Wikipedia:Shogi#Bishop|bishop]]''". He then remarks that even though the [[Gold and Silver Brothers]] were captured, they ironically already possessed the [[Wikipedia:Shogi#Gold general|gold]] and [[Wikipedia:Shogi#Silver general|silver]] pieces from the opposing side, meaning [[Dan Katō]] and [[Asuma]] respectively. Just as his masks disperse, Kakuzu's arms are sliced off by [[Izumo]] and [[Kotetsu]] before being bound in their chains as he stated that he tends to forget people over whom he can't collect bounties.
 
Confronted by the current generation [[Team Asuma|Ino-Shika-Chō]], he discerns from [[Shikamaru]]'s presence that [[Hidan]] had likely been decapitated but still alive as he wasn't among the [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|reincarnated]]. Obtaining his fifth and final heart, Kakuzu proceeds to unleash his masks to fulfil his role as a "''[[Wikipedia:Shogi#Bishop|bishop]]''". He then remarks that even though the [[Gold and Silver Brothers]] were captured, they ironically already possessed the [[Wikipedia:Shogi#Gold general|gold]] and [[Wikipedia:Shogi#Silver general|silver]] pieces from the opposing side, meaning [[Dan Katō]] and [[Asuma]] respectively. Just as his masks disperse, Kakuzu's arms are sliced off by [[Izumo]] and [[Kotetsu]] before being bound in their chains as he stated that he tends to forget people over whom he can't collect bounties.
   
Escaping his captors as they pursue him, Kakuzu's [[lightning]] heart is destroyed by [[Tenten]], through the use of the [[Bashōsen]]. Whilst later fighting [[Darui]], Izumo and Kotetsu, he was shocked to see [[Chōji]]'s [[Calorie Control|butterfly wings]] overshadowing the battlefield. With his masks defeated, Kakuzu is eventually restrained beneath Chōji's [[Super Multi-Size Technique|giant fist]], but when the latter departs to stop the [[Demonic Statue of the Outer Path]]'s rampage, the others are left to deal with Kakuzu. Although he is then [[Cloth Binding Technique|bound]] by another shinobi, in the [[Demonic Statue Shockwave|statue's wake]], the cloth begins to unravel.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 537, pages 8-9</ref> However, with the cancelling of the Impure World Reincarnation technique, Kakuzu's soul was released to the afterlife.
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Escaping his captors as they pursue him, Kakuzu's [[lightning]] heart is destroyed by [[Tenten]], through the use of the [[Bashōsen]]. Whilst later fighting [[Darui]], Izumo and Kotetsu, he was shocked to see [[Chōji]]'s [[Butterfly Chōji Mode|butterfly wings]] overshadowing the battlefield. With his masks defeated, Kakuzu is eventually restrained beneath Chōji's [[Super Multi-Size Technique|giant fist]], but when the latter departs to stop the [[Demonic Statue of the Outer Path]]'s rampage, the others are left to [[Cloth Binding Technique|bind]] Kakuzu.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 537, pages 8-9</ref>
   
  +
=== Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax ===
== Video Games ==
 
  +
{{main|Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax}}
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With the cancelling of the Impure World Reincarnation technique, Kakuzu's soul was released back to the [[Pure Land|afterlife]].
  +
 
== In Other Media ==
 
=== Video Games ===
 
{{playable in}}
 
{{playable in}}
   
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
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{{youthwiki|Kakuzu}}
 
* The first kanji in Kakuzu's name (角) stands for kakugyō, the bishop in shōgi. While similarly, the kanji in his partner Hidan's name means "rook", another shōgi piece.
 
* Kakuzu is the oldest shinobi whose age is known.
 
* Kakuzu is the oldest shinobi whose age is known.
 
* Kakuzu's birthday corresponds with the [[Wikipedia:Astrological sign|astrological]] sign [[Wikipedia:Leo (astrology)|Leo]], who rules the heart, the organ Kakuzu collected from defeated enemies.
 
* Kakuzu's birthday corresponds with the [[Wikipedia:Astrological sign|astrological]] sign [[Wikipedia:Leo (astrology)|Leo]], who rules the heart, the organ Kakuzu collected from defeated enemies.
  +
* Kishimoto first intended to make Akatsuki's members monsters with almost no human traits. Zetsu, [[Kisame]] and Kakuzu (and, to a lesser extent, Deidara and Sasori) are prime examples of this. Kakuzu, in particular, has traits derived from a {{Translation|[[Wikipedia:Kuchisake-onna|Kuchisake-onna]]|口裂け女|lit meaning=Slit-Mouthed Woman}}, a Japanese mythological figure who has a slit across her mouth from ear to ear (as with Kakuzu's), which is hidden under a surgical mask (as Kakuzu also hid his mouth under a similar mask).
* Many of Kakuzu's techniques are named after various mecha from the 80s anime {{translation|''"[[Wikipedia:Mobile Suit Gundam|Mobile Suit Gundam]]"''|機動戦士ガンダム|Kidō Senshi Gandamu}}.
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* Many of Kakuzu's techniques are named after various mecha from {{translation|''[[Wikipedia:Mobile Suit Gundam|Mobile Suit Gundam]]''|機動戦士ガンダム|Kidō Senshi Gandamu}}. In Chapter 60, Kishimoto mentioned his interest in the show in the third segment of his child history. He used to draw Zaku, Gifu (Gouf), Domu (Dom), Jimu (GM), and Dozuruzabi (Dozle Zabi).
* Although covered by his hood, Kakuzu had shoulder length dark brown hair, but in the anime it was depicted reaching down to his lower back.
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* Although covered by his hood, Kakuzu had shoulder length dark brown hair, but in the anime, it was depicted reaching down to his lower back.
* When Kakuzu first appeared as a hologram at the end of Part I, he was clearly the tallest Akatsuki member there, a fact reinforced when he appeared during Gaara's sealing ritual.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 238, pages 19-20</ref> However, when he truly appeared with Hidan, he was much shorter, and the 3rd databook stated that he was shorter than [[Kisame]].
+
* When Kakuzu first appeared as a hologram at the end of Part I, he was clearly the tallest Akatsuki member there, a fact reinforced when he appeared during Gaara's sealing ritual.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 238, pages 19-20</ref> However, when he truly appeared with Hidan, he was much shorter, and the third databook stated that he was shorter than [[Kisame]].
* The first kanji in Kakuzu's name (角) stands for kakugyō, the bishop in shogi. While similarly, the kanji in his parter Hidan's name means "rook", another shogi piece.
 
 
* Kakuzu's unusually coloured eyes were similar to those of [[Hanzō]].
 
* Kakuzu's unusually coloured eyes were similar to those of [[Hanzō]].
 
* Both Hidan and Kakuzu's faces appeared on a pair of lanterns in the [[omake]] of [[Infiltrate! The Village Hidden in the Rain|''Shippūden'' episode 129]], Kakuzu being on the right and Hidan on the left.
 
* Both Hidan and Kakuzu's faces appeared on a pair of lanterns in the [[omake]] of [[Infiltrate! The Village Hidden in the Rain|''Shippūden'' episode 129]], Kakuzu being on the right and Hidan on the left.
 
* Kakuzu, along with Hidan, gets a mention in ''[[Naruto Shippūden: Dragon Blade Chronicles]]'' for the Wii, when Tobi mentions "monsters" with traits of the two (arms that can be stretched and the ability to survive decapitation), before Deidara notes how he is talking about the pair's abilities.
 
* Kakuzu, along with Hidan, gets a mention in ''[[Naruto Shippūden: Dragon Blade Chronicles]]'' for the Wii, when Tobi mentions "monsters" with traits of the two (arms that can be stretched and the ability to survive decapitation), before Deidara notes how he is talking about the pair's abilities.
  +
* The markings on Kakuzu's forearms suggest that he has been in prison at some point, as such tattoos were used during Edo period in Japan to identify criminals according to the institution they were in.
 
* According to the databook(s):
 
* According to the databook(s):
** Kakuzu's favourite food was liver sashimi and [[wikipedia:Ankimo|monkfish liver]], while his least was [[wikipedia:Yōkan|Chestnut jelly]].
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** Kakuzu's favourite foods were liver-based foods such as liver sashimi and [[wikipedia:Ankimo|ankimo]], while his least favourite was [[wikipedia:Yōkan|chestnut jelly]].
 
** He wished to fight anyone with a high bounty.
 
** He wished to fight anyone with a high bounty.
 
** His hobby was reading (old/rare books).
 
** His hobby was reading (old/rare books).
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* (To Hidan) "''…One of these days, I swear I'll kill you.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 318, page 14</ref>
 
* (To Hidan) "''…One of these days, I swear I'll kill you.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 318, page 14</ref>
 
* (To [[Shikamaru]]) "''You actually think… unlike my idiot partner.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 333, page 6</ref>
 
* (To [[Shikamaru]]) "''You actually think… unlike my idiot partner.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 333, page 6</ref>
* (To [[Kakashi]]) "''Looking at your forehead protector reminds me of the very first Konoha shinobi I fought… the First Hokage, that is.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 336, pages 3-4</ref>
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* (To [[Kakashi]]) "''Looking at your forehead protector reminds me of the very first Konoha shinobi I fought… the [[First Hokage]], that is.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 336, pages 3-4</ref>
 
* (To Kakashi) "''Heh… No one is immortal."''<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 336, page 4</ref>
 
* (To Kakashi) "''Heh… No one is immortal."''<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 336, page 4</ref>
* (To Kakashi) "''It's only fitting that I take your heart to replace the one you've destroyed!"''<ref name="fivelives"/>
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* (To Kakashi) "''It's only fitting that I take your heart to replace the one you've destroyed!"''<ref name="fivelives" />
   
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
 
<references />
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Latest revision as of 08:07, 4 April 2024

editKakuzu Camera font awesome Browse Information[1][2]
Kakuzu
角都 Kakuzu
Debut
Manga Naruto Chapter #312
Anime Naruto Shippūden Episode #71
Novel Akatsuki Hiden: Evil Flowers in Full Bloom
Movie Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie
Game Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3
OVA Naruto Shippūden: UNSG anime cutscenes
Appears in Anime, Manga, Novel, Game, Movie
Voice Actors
Japanese
English
Personal
Birthdate Astrological Sign Leo August 15 Search_Icon.svg
Sex Gender Male Male
Age
  • Part II: 91
Status Deceased
Height
  • Part II: 185 cm1.85 m <br />6.07 ft <br />72.835 in <br />
Weight
  • Part II: 63.2 kg139.332 lb <br />
Blood type A
Classification
Occupation
  • Akatsuki Treasurer
Affiliation
Partner
Nature Type
Jutsu

Kakuzu (角都) was an S-rank missing-nin from Takigakure and a member of Akatsuki who was partnered with Hidan. Kisame Hoshigaki jokingly referred to them as the Zombie Combo (ゾンビコンビ, Zonbi Konbi, English TV: Zombie Pair),[3] due to the fact that, in differing senses, they could not die.

Background

When under the servitude of Takigakure as an elite ninja, Kakuzu took on a mission to assassinate Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage. This mission, however, ended in failure against the God of Shinobi. Despite the insurmountable danger faced on the mission, what awaited his return to his village was the stigma and harsh punishment associated with the failure of his objective. In response to this treatment, a wrong levied against a shinobi who had put life and limb on the line for his village, Kakuzu came to hold a violent hatred for Takigakure as he escaped from imprisonment. In his flight from the village, Kakuzu killed the village elders, took their hearts, and fled with knowledge of the village's most prized forbidden techniques.[1] He made a living off bounty hunting on the black market, and tearing out the still-beating hearts of powerful shinobi to extend his own lifespan and arsenal.[4] At some time in the past, he apparently encountered the Gold and Silver Brothers and witnessed Kinkaku's jinchūriki transformation.[5]

Some time after his defection, he became affiliated with, and joined, the criminal organisation, Akatsuki. During his early years in Akatsuki, he had at least four partners that he eventually ended up killing due to his short temper, and would come to use their hearts for his Earth Grudge Fear.[1] In the anime, he, Itachi and Konan were tasked with killing an apparent immortal, who turned out to be Hidan. He managed to destroy one of Kakuzu's heart. Taking an interest in his abilities, Akatsuki recruited Hidan instead.[6] Kakuzu was eventually paired with Hidan, who took an interest in Kakuzu after thinking of him as a pioneer for immortality, despite a mutual dislike. He was deemed a fitting partner for Kakuzu as he could not be killed because of his own, similar immortality.[7]

Personality

Kakuzu counting money

Kakuzu's money obsession.

Kakuzu was a greedy and miserly individual. He would arrange goals in terms of the highest profit he could gain from them, and was often unwilling to involve himself in something if there was nothing to gain from it, as well as claiming that he tended to forget opponents who were not worth any money after he was done with them. He even remarked that money is the only dependable thing in the world. Due to this end, he referred to himself as the "Treasurer of Akatsuki". Given his friendly relationship with Zangei, his bounty officer, it would seem he collected bounties rather frequently to earn cash, and did so (or at least tried) during his missions on several occasions. The frequent side-tasks and devotion to money were both major points of contention between Hidan and Kakuzu. He also seemed to respect an opponent who thinks well, as shown with his reaction to Kakashi's counters to Kakuzu's masks, and Shikamaru's quick analysis of Hidan's curse, even mentioning Shikamaru would have been a good bounty in the future.

Out of all the Akatsuki members, Hidan and Kakuzu displayed the most animosity towards each other, since neither of them were very fond of each other's interests. The two often traded barbs with one another, Kakuzu's usually having better timing than Hidan's. Hidan had shown great annoyance with Kakuzu's greed and occasional habit of doing or saying blasphemous things, such as attacking a temple and killing the head monk for the bounty on the monk's head. Kakuzu, in turn, disliked Hidan's religion, believing the rituals associated with it to be a waste of time. Kakuzu was also rather impatient with Hidan's drawn-out speeches and battle style. Despite their mutual dislike of each other, their teamwork was almost flawless, because they complemented each other's abilities extremely well. Also, Kakuzu seemed to care to an extent about Hidan, as he picked up and gave back his partner's forehead protector after he lost it during his fight with Asuma, a feat that made Hidan admit that Kakuzu was not as hostile as he appeared to be, although Kakuzu did note that he only did so because he could not stand the sight of the scar on Hidan's neck.

Kakuzu and hidan argument

Kakuzu and Hidan in the midst of an argument.

The only reason that Kakuzu put up with Hidan was because he couldn't get rid of him. Due to his violent temper, Kakuzu often killed anyone close by when enraged, having killed his previous partners and even took their hearts to extend his own life. Hidan, therefore, was the perfect partner for Kakuzu, because of Hidan's inability to die. Kakuzu's somewhat indiscriminate attack style also made Hidan an ideal partner, since Kakuzu didn't need to worry about catching his partner in the crossfire.

Despite his obsessive personality and violent rages, Kakuzu was much more cautious than his partner, and was not as arrogant, never mindlessly rushing into battle like Hidan. Kakuzu frequently warned Hidan not to let his guard down, and then teased Hidan when he inevitably did. Kakuzu also seemed quite willing to follow orders. When ordered to retreat by the Akatsuki leader, Kakuzu complied immediately (while Hidan attempted to argue), despite the rather large bounty he could have received by taking Asuma. He seemed to forget the greater goals of the organisation when enraged, as he attempted to kill Naruto, in spite of Akatsuki's need to capture all the jinchūriki alive.

Kakuzu held a violent hatred for his village, as despite his loyalty and willingness to risk life and limb on a dangerous mission, his failure was repaid with uncharacteristically harsh punishment. He responded in kind by brutally betraying Takigakure — committing jailbreak, taking knowledge of their most valuable kinjutsu and killing all of the elders before departing.[1]

Appearance

Kakuzu was a very tall (easily standing as the second tallest member of Akatsuki), tan-skinned man with long dark-brown hair. His eyes had an unusual colouring: green irides, no pupils and red sclerae. Noticeably, despite his advanced age, he still appeared as a man well within his prime, retaining a very muscular build. Before joining the Akatsuki, he let his hair hang loose, his sweatband covering his forehead, and a black-coloured mask covering his lower face (only revealing his eyes), where underneath it his mouth was stitched together at the edges (giving him a glasgow smile). He wore: no shirt (revealing all the stitches on his torso), dark-green, ruffed up pants and black shinobi sandals. After joining the Akatsuki, he retained the black mask over his lower face but had several changes. He donned a grey hood which covered his hair. His clothing included the traditional Akatsuki cloak, the Takigakure forehead protector with a scratch in the middle which symbolised that he was no longer loyal to it, and grey pants with matching shinobi sandals. He also wore brown nail polish and a dark green Akatsuki ring with the kanji for "north" (, hoku) was placed on his left middle finger. The various stitches on his body was the result of the unique technique that he possessed — the Earth Grudge Fear.

After being reincarnated by Kabuto Yakushi and restored by a talisman, Kakuzu gained dark grey sclerae, but retained his green, pupil-less irides. He no longer wore his forehead protector, hood or mask, causing his hair to be visible as it had been at the time of his death. He also no longer wore his vest, instead wearing a dark-red cloak with white lining, but still wore four masks on his back. In the anime, during the Power arc, Kakuzu wore a black cloak with red lining in place of the cloak he would later wear.

Abilities

Kakuzu heart

Kakuzu capturing a heart.

Kakuzu was an extremely powerful ninja, earning membership into the S-rank organisation of Akatsuki. During his frequent rages, he killed all but one of his partners in the organisation, due to the latter being immortal. His skills were such that he was chosen by his village to assassinate Hashirama Senju, surviving the battle despite failing the mission. Kakuzu's might is such, that had it not been for the interference of Team Yamato, he would have likely killed Team Asuma.[8]

Chakra and Physical Prowess

Kakashi vs Kakuzu

Kakuzu fighting Kakashi in taijutsu.

Kakuzu was quite fast, able to cross great distances almost instantly and disappear from unfocused eyes.[9][10][11] He could intercept Kakashi when he was attacking Hidan with his Lightning Cutter.[12] His raw strength could catch one of Chōji's enlarged punches with a single hand and easily overpower the latter, as well as lift two people up by their necks at once with relative ease.[13] Kakuzu was also adept in taijutsu, able to go toe-to-toe against a Sharingan-wielding Kakashi.[13] From all the assimilations he had conducted over the decades of his defeated foes, he had amassed a vast amount of chakra.[citation needed]

Ninjutsu

Earth Grudge Fear

Kakuzu's Long Range Mode

Kakuzu's long-range form.

Kakuzu's fighting style and unique abilities revolved around the special nature of his body structure, which was composed of hundreds of thick, grey tendrils woven throughout his flesh called Earth Grudge Fear, holding his body together like the stitches of a rag-doll. Seemingly through this, it had allowed Kakuzu to retain his youthful strength, health, and appearance despite his advanced age. This also let him separate his body parts at will, perform mid to long-range physical attacks, and sew up almost any injury he suffered. The threads could also be used to repair the bodies of others, as seen when he reattached Deidara's arms.[14] Because of his unique body structure, Kakuzu was a highly enduring man, able to take a direct strike from Kakashi's Lightning Cutter without it hindering his performance. His threads could even compact together to form a giant octopus-like form around his body, used for long-range battle.[15]

Kakuzu's threads granted him a degree of immortality (though he declined to think of it that way). The threads could pierce the flesh and bodies of others, allowing him to remove their organs and integrate them into his own body, thereby extending his life. He commonly removed hearts in this fashion, keeping a total of five at any time, and requiring that he be killed at least five times in a battle before he truly died.[16] The individual hearts could also be released from his body and wrapped in a vast blanket of threads, forcing a heart into a limb before being detached or forming a monstrous body with a mask as its face. These masks could move and attack independently, unleashing powerful blasts of elemental chakra from their mouths. If Kakuzu was killed somehow, then one of his extra hearts could sacrifice itself by re-entering his body and resuscitate him.[17]

Nature Transformation

Kakuzu hiding in water

Kakuzu using the Water Release: Hiding in Water Technique.

Using the Earth Release: Earth Spear, he increased his durability to withstand otherwise normally fatal attacks, such as Chōji's Spiked Human Bullet Tank.[18] By collecting the hearts of other ninja, Kakuzu was granted their elemental affinities. This was done by connecting his chakra circulatory system to his four extra hearts, one for each chakra nature, granting him the ability to utilise this nature in battle. His efficiency with these different elemental attacks were noted to be impossible without having an affinity to that particular element.

Whereas in the manga, Kakuzu's own elemental affinity was implied to be Earth, in the anime, he was able to use water-based techniques that didn't stem from his Earth Grudge Fear technique, performing such feats as hiding within water or creating defensive walls and clones.[13]

Kakuzu with masks

Kakuzu's masks.

  • Fire Mask: This heart had a fire affinity, and took on the shape of a demonic tiger. It could use Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work. This mask could also unite with the Wind mask to launch a fire-wind dual strike that was near unstoppable.
  • Lightning Mask: This heart had a lightning affinity, and took on the shape of some sort of deformed biped. It could use Lightning Release: False Darkness.
  • Water Mask:[19] This heart had a water affinity, and took on the shape of a demonic, beaked biped.[5] It allowed Kakuzu to use Water Release techniques, although they were not seen in the manga as the mask was destroyed before Kakuzu could use any.
  • Wind Mask: This heart had a wind affinity, and took on a strange four-legged body with thin wings. It could use Wind Release: Pressure Damage. It could unite with the Fire mask to launch a fire-wind dual strike that was near unstoppable.

Intelligence

Kakuzu was shown to be a keen analyst and pragmatist, which was somewhat attributable to his advanced age.[20] He was highly observant, easily noticing that Shikamaru was taking his time to formulate a plan to counter Hidan's technique, after the former caught his partner in his Shadow Imitation Technique. He was able to quickly discern the purpose of Shikamaru's various shadow attacks, and devised ways to counter them almost instantaneously during the battle. An example is when Shikamaru trapped him and Hidan in his Shadow Imitation Shuriken Technique, only for Kakuzu to detach his right arm, hide it underground and with its help, remove the trench knife, thus successfully breaking free from the technique.[21]

Stats

Databook Ninjutsu Taijutsu Genjutsu Intelligence Strength Speed Stamina Hand seals Total
Third 5 4 3 4.5 4 4 4.5 3.5 32.5

Part I

Sasuke Recovery Mission

Main article: Sasuke Recovery Mission At the end of Part I, Kakuzu made a cameo appearance as a silhouette during an Akatsuki gathering where they discussed Orochimaru's taking of Sasuke Uchiha, as well as the capturing of the Nine-Tails and the furthering of their plans.

The Fallen Castle

Main article: The Fallen Castle In the anime, Kakuzu and Hidan met with Sasori and Deidara to discuss their new missions assigned by Akatsuki. After Kakuzu said they had a choice between a money-making mission and a war-mission, he chose the money mission after Sasori and Deidara showed no interest in it, much to Hidan's annoyance.[22]

Interlude

In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths

Main article: In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths In the anime, the duo was sent to capture the jinchūriki . Fū was excited to befriend a fellow Taki comrade, despite knowing the rogue shinobi's history. However, Kakuzu states that their motives aren't to become friends with her.[23]

Part II

Kazekage Rescue Mission

Main article: Kazekage Rescue Mission Kakuzu is present alongside the other Akatsuki members, sealing Shukaku. Some time afterwards, he reattached Deidara's arms.

Akatsuki Suppression Mission

Main article: Akatsuki Suppression Mission

Akatsuki vs Matatabi

Hidan and Kakuzu face the Two-Tails.

Kakuzu first appeared with his partner, Hidan, in their pursuit of the Two-Tails' jinchūriki, Yugito Nii, who revealed she allowed herself to be cornered, in order to spring a trap on them and eliminate them herself. Yugito then transformed into her Tailed Beast, a large flaming cat, but the Akatsuki duo still managed to defeat her, and gave her to Zetsu, before they continued to the Land of Fire.

Akatsuki vs Chiriku

Kakuzu and Hidan confront Chiriku.

On their way, Kakuzu decided to attack the Fire Temple, in order to collect the bounty on the head monk, Chiriku, who was listed in the bingo book with a thirty million ryō bounty. They slaughtered most of the other monks during the event, but one escaped to warn Konoha of the incoming threat.

Upon receiving the notice, Tsunade assigned the Nijū Shōtai to track down and eliminate Kakuzu and Hidan. Meanwhile, Kakuzu took Chiriku's body to a bounty station hidden in a bathroom, while Hidan chose to wait outside. When Kakuzu finally left the bathroom after counting the money, he found a Nijū Shōtai team, led by Asuma Sarutobi, attacking Hidan. He attacked Shikamaru Nara in order to free Hidan, but was forbidden from further participation in the battle by the overconfident Hidan himself. Kakuzu complied, but insisted that he would get to have the thirty-five million ryō head of Asuma afterwards. In the ensuing battle, Hidan managed to ingest Asuma's blood to start his curse technique ceremony on him, but Shikamaru was able to stop him with his Shadow Imitation Technique. When Asuma managed to decapitate Hidan, Kakuzu finally intervened, and reattached Hidan's head back to his neck using the threads in his body. Kakuzu then fought with Kotetsu and Izumo, easily holding the two off, while Hidan dealt a fatal blow to Asuma. Their battle was interrupted by the appearance of another Nijū Shōtai team, but they easily fought them off, until they were summoned by the Akatsuki leader to seal the Two-Tails. Hidan and Kakuzu retreated to a secluded area, where they spent three days sealing the Two-Tails (and in the manga, another three days sealing the Three-Tails).

Kakashi & Kakuzu

Kakashi destroying one of Kakuzu's hearts.

After the sealing was complete, Kakuzu and Hidan set out on their search for the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's jinchūriki (Naruto Uzumaki), only to be cut off by Team Asuma (with Kakashi Hatake as the leader in place of Asuma). Shikamaru used Asuma's chakra knives to capture both the Akatsuki members in place with a trick, but Kakuzu had discovered the trick beforehand, and, using a separated arm, broke free. Because of his ability to harden his skin, Kakuzu proved to be largely invulnerable to subsequent attacks. Kakashi, however, was able to analyse Kakuzu's hand seals, and pierced Kakuzu's heart with his Lightning Cutter, exploiting the weakness Kakuzu's earth-based technique had against lightning-based ones.

Hidan and Kakuza vs Team Asuma

Kakuzu with all his hearts.

While this would normally be fatal, Kakuzu had five hearts (now four) in his possession, and thus recovered fairly quickly, sending a counter-attack to Kakashi. Removing his cloak, he revealed four masks on his back, one of which was now broken by Kakashi. Each mask contained a heart, the broken one having given its heart up to keep Kakuzu alive. The four masks broke free from his back into separate entities, with the broken one dissolving after doing so. Each mask was able to attack with a specific and powerful elemental attack, making Kakuzu almost too much for Team 10 to handle. While Kakuzu set his sights on replacing his lost heart with Kakashi's, Shikamaru dragged Hidan away from the battlefield into some woods, with his Shadow Imitation Technique, for a one-on-one fight.

Kakuzu loses 2nd heart

Kakuzu loses his second heart to Shikamaru's strategy.

Ignoring the other two for the most part, Kakuzu focused on taking Kakashi's heart. Though Kakashi was unable to handle Kakuzu and his mask creatures, being forced to protect Ino and Chōji too, he was saved when Shikamaru tricked Hidan into using some of Kakuzu's blood in his curse ritual, which Kakashi had collected in a capsule earlier when he pierced Kakuzu's chest, and had handed it over to Shikamaru. This resulted in Hidan unintentionally destroying Kakuzu's main body's heart. Seeing this, the Lightning mask allowed its heart to be absorbed by Kakuzu's body, bringing him back to life. In addition to that, Kakuzu also had the two other Fire and Wind masks to combine with him, making him even more powerful. He then caught the rest of Team 10 with his threads, hoping to replenish his stock.

Naruto vs Kakuzu

Naruto striking Kakuzu with his Wind Release: Rasenshuriken.

Team 10 was saved by the arrival of Team 7, among them being Naruto, who decided to fight Kakuzu himself, who at first did not view Naruto as a threat. This changed when Naruto unveiled his newly developed technique, Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, which Kakuzu recognised to be dangerous if it ever connected with him. Naruto's inability to maintain the technique for more than a few seconds put Kakuzu at ease, especially since its failure almost allowed him to kill Naruto (although Yamato and Kakashi saved him), but decided to fight in his long-range mode just to be safe. As Naruto tried the Rasenshuriken once again with his shadow clones, Kakuzu attempted to crush Naruto with his threads from a distance, but was surprised to discover that it was a shadow clone that he had destroyed, and, subsequently, the real Naruto shot up behind him, using the technique effectively this time.

Left with no usable hearts after being battered by Naruto's technique, Kakuzu lamented being defeated by those he considered "kids". Kakashi assured him that the previous generation being surpassed by the next was perfectly natural, and one of the "never-ending cycles of life". Kakashi then finished him off with a Lightning Cutter.

Kakuzu's corpse was later taken back to Konoha to be autopsied by Tsunade in regards of the Rasenshuriken's capabilities, and it revealed that Kakuzu was damaged at a cellular level by it.

Power

Main article: Power In the anime, Kakuzu is summoned by Kabuto to battle Team Kakashi, who are investigating the massacre that he brought about in The Hole. Quickly after being summoned, Kakuzu's coffin vanishes with Kabuto questioning if the Impure World Reincarnation is incomplete.[24]

Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown

Main article: Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown In an attempt to both impede Tobi and coerce him into joining forces during their initial encounter, Kabuto Yakushi demonstrated his capabilities by reincarnating many of the deceased members of Akatsuki, including Kakuzu, using Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation.[25]

Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation

Main article: Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation

Kakuzu masks2

Kakuzu strangles multiple shinobi with his threads.

Mobilising alongside Itachi as the Fourth Shinobi World War against the Allied Shinobi Forces commences, Kakuzu carries the immobile Nagato on his back. Separating from these two whilst relocating to the Land of Lightning's coast, Kakuzu emerges from the sea amongst the White Zetsu Army, engaging the opposing First Division while strangling multiple shinobi with his threads. Soon after, Kakuzu glances over at Kinkaku's transformation, noting that he hadn't seen it in a very long time.

Kakuzu cut

Kakuzu is cut by Kotetsu and Izumo.

Confronted by the current generation Ino-Shika-Chō, he discerns from Shikamaru's presence that Hidan had likely been decapitated but still alive as he wasn't among the reincarnated. Obtaining his fifth and final heart, Kakuzu proceeds to unleash his masks to fulfil his role as a "bishop". He then remarks that even though the Gold and Silver Brothers were captured, they ironically already possessed the gold and silver pieces from the opposing side, meaning Dan Katō and Asuma respectively. Just as his masks disperse, Kakuzu's arms are sliced off by Izumo and Kotetsu before being bound in their chains as he stated that he tends to forget people over whom he can't collect bounties.

Escaping his captors as they pursue him, Kakuzu's lightning heart is destroyed by Tenten, through the use of the Bashōsen. Whilst later fighting Darui, Izumo and Kotetsu, he was shocked to see Chōji's butterfly wings overshadowing the battlefield. With his masks defeated, Kakuzu is eventually restrained beneath Chōji's giant fist, but when the latter departs to stop the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path's rampage, the others are left to bind Kakuzu.[26]

Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax

Main article: Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax With the cancelling of the Impure World Reincarnation technique, Kakuzu's soul was released back to the afterlife.

In Other Media

Video Games

Kakuzu is a playable character in the following video games:

Game nameJapanese releaseEnglish release
Naruto Mobile20162016
Naruto Shippūden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 317 November 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 327 November 2008
Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! Special2 December 2010
Naruto Shippūden: Ninja Destiny 328 April 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Blazing14 July 201624 August 2016
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 310 December 200911 May 2010
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Impact20 October 201118 October 2011
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 221 October 201019 October 2010
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 318 April 20135 March 2013
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 44 February 20169 February 2016
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations23 February 201213 March 2012
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution11 September 201416 September 2014
Naruto x Boruto: Ninja TribesJune 2019June 2019
Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage22 November 201722 November 2017
Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections16 November 202317 November 2023
Naruto: Shinobi Collection2014
Naruto: Shinobi Collection Shippū Ranbu27 July 2015
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Online14 April 201320 July 2016

Trivia

Springtime of Youth
The Springtime of Youth wiki has an article about this topic:
  • The first kanji in Kakuzu's name (角) stands for kakugyō, the bishop in shōgi. While similarly, the kanji in his partner Hidan's name means "rook", another shōgi piece.
  • Kakuzu is the oldest shinobi whose age is known.
  • Kakuzu's birthday corresponds with the astrological sign Leo, who rules the heart, the organ Kakuzu collected from defeated enemies.
  • Kishimoto first intended to make Akatsuki's members monsters with almost no human traits. Zetsu, Kisame and Kakuzu (and, to a lesser extent, Deidara and Sasori) are prime examples of this. Kakuzu, in particular, has traits derived from a Kuchisake-onna (口裂け女, literally meaning: Slit-Mouthed Woman), a Japanese mythological figure who has a slit across her mouth from ear to ear (as with Kakuzu's), which is hidden under a surgical mask (as Kakuzu also hid his mouth under a similar mask).
  • Many of Kakuzu's techniques are named after various mecha from Mobile Suit Gundam (機動戦士ガンダム, Kidō Senshi Gandamu). In Chapter 60, Kishimoto mentioned his interest in the show in the third segment of his child history. He used to draw Zaku, Gifu (Gouf), Domu (Dom), Jimu (GM), and Dozuruzabi (Dozle Zabi).
  • Although covered by his hood, Kakuzu had shoulder length dark brown hair, but in the anime, it was depicted reaching down to his lower back.
  • When Kakuzu first appeared as a hologram at the end of Part I, he was clearly the tallest Akatsuki member there, a fact reinforced when he appeared during Gaara's sealing ritual.[27] However, when he truly appeared with Hidan, he was much shorter, and the third databook stated that he was shorter than Kisame.
  • Kakuzu's unusually coloured eyes were similar to those of Hanzō.
  • Both Hidan and Kakuzu's faces appeared on a pair of lanterns in the omake of Shippūden episode 129, Kakuzu being on the right and Hidan on the left.
  • Kakuzu, along with Hidan, gets a mention in Naruto Shippūden: Dragon Blade Chronicles for the Wii, when Tobi mentions "monsters" with traits of the two (arms that can be stretched and the ability to survive decapitation), before Deidara notes how he is talking about the pair's abilities.
  • The markings on Kakuzu's forearms suggest that he has been in prison at some point, as such tattoos were used during Edo period in Japan to identify criminals according to the institution they were in.
  • According to the databook(s):
    • Kakuzu's favourite foods were liver-based foods such as liver sashimi and ankimo, while his least favourite was chestnut jelly.
    • He wished to fight anyone with a high bounty.
    • His hobby was reading (old/rare books).
    • Kakuzu's favourite phrase was "If you're prepared, there won't be any sorrow" (備えあれば憂いなし, Sonae areba urei nashi).

Quotes

  • (To Hidan) "Even Hell runs on money. I'd be just fine."[28]
  • (To Hidan) "If you let your guard down… you're dead."[29]
  • (To Hidan) "…One of these days, I swear I'll kill you."[30]
  • (To Shikamaru) "You actually think… unlike my idiot partner."[31]
  • (To Kakashi) "Looking at your forehead protector reminds me of the very first Konoha shinobi I fought… the First Hokage, that is."[32]
  • (To Kakashi) "Heh… No one is immortal."[33]
  • (To Kakashi) "It's only fitting that I take your heart to replace the one you've destroyed!"[16]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Third Databook, pages 56-59
  2. Fourth Databook, page 73
  3. Naruto chapter 353, page 11
  4. Naruto chapter 336, pages 4-5
  5. 5.0 5.1 Naruto chapter 528, page 17
  6. Naruto: Shippūden episode 457
  7. Naruto chapter 322, pages 4-5
  8. Naruto chapter 337, pages 14-17
  9. Naruto chapter 323, page 4
  10. Naruto chapter 325, page 17
  11. Naruto chapter 326, pages 3-4
  12. Naruto chapter 334, pages 3-4
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 Naruto: Shippūden episode 85
  14. Naruto chapter 332, page 6
  15. Naruto chapter 341, pages 2-4
  16. 16.0 16.1 Naruto chapter 336, page 5
  17. Naruto chapter 337, pages 11-12
  18. Naruto chapter 333, page 9
  19. Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Impact
  20. Naruto chapter 332, page 19
  21. Naruto chapter 333, pages 6-7
  22. Naruto: Shippūden episode 309
  23. Naruto: Shippūden episode 413
  24. Naruto: Shippūden episode 290
  25. Naruto chapter 489, pages 18-20
  26. Naruto chapter 537, pages 8-9
  27. Naruto chapter 238, pages 19-20
  28. Naruto chapter 314, page 7
  29. Naruto chapter 314, pages 8-9
  30. Naruto chapter 318, page 14
  31. Naruto chapter 333, page 6
  32. Naruto chapter 336, pages 3-4
  33. Naruto chapter 336, page 4