This article contains spoilers for Naruto.
Itachi Uchiha is one of the most memorable characters in the whole Naruto universe. When the series was still being serialized, he would frequently rank high in popularity polls promoted by Shonen Jump. He also took second place in a worldwide Naruto popularity poll held in 2022-2023. Since the winner of this poll would get a solo story focused on them (which Minato ultimately won), the results might reflect more fan curiosity than raw popularity, proving that a lot of readers are still eager for more Itachi content.
Itachi was a prodigy, awakening the Sharingan when he was still young. Following the Uchiha Massacre, he joined the Akatsuki and became one of its most powerful members. But could anyone else in the group beat him?
Naruto: 32 Strongest Characters In The Series
These Naruto characters are the strongest individuals in the series.
Most Powerful Abilities of Itachi Uchiha
Itachi is not only a powerful shinobi, but also one of the most powerful characters to appear in the original manga, and he would easily rank among the most powerful Uchiha members of all time. He awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan quite early, which granted him access to amazing jutsu like:
- Tsukuyomi (trapping victims in a mental world, controlling their reality)
- Amateratsu (producing black flames, this ability is well associated with the Uchiha clan)
- Susanoo (the strongest Mangekyo Sharingan ability, creating an avatar made of chakra)
-
Beyond his Mangekyo Sharingan abilities, or perhaps partly due to it, Itachi was very proficient in genjutsu overall. He also learned to use Izanami, a forbidden doujutsu which allows manipulating the target by locking them into an infinite loop, controlling even their sensations. Like many other Uchiha members, Itachi was also a master of Fire and Water Release.
-
How Itachi Joined the Akatsuki
Itachi has arguably one of the most compelling backstories in Naruto, and it is no wonder that he is both one of the most beloved and most hated characters in the series, sparking heated debates among fans. He was manipulated into slaughtering his own family when he was young (after witnessing Shisui's death), leaving only Sasuke alive. This event, known as The Uchiha Clan Incident or The Uchiha Massacre, resulted in him being branded a traitor to Konohagakure. It is the most defining moment of Sasuke Uchiha's life in the original manga. Naruto introduces this incident early in the story, but we only learn the truth behind it much later in the series.
After the massacre, as promised by Tobi/Obito, Itachi joined the Akatsuki. While everyone considered him a cruel murderer, he was actually doing it as an infiltrator, in order to monitor the organization to prevent the group from posing a threat to Konoha, protecting his brother. He actually never left this role of a spy, and he resisted Orochimaru's attempts to steal his Sharingan, almost defeating him before Kabuto interfered. Unfortunately, Itachi eventually succumbed to a terminal illness, being one of the few key characters who did not fall during combat. His death actually made many fans wish he could eventually return to the series (many still hope he will appear in Boruto in some way).
Could Another Akatsuki Member Have Beaten Itachi?
Fans have long discussed who is the most powerful Akatsuki member, and Itachi is usually a strong candidate. In fact, he is so powerful that it is hard to imagine another member who would be able to defeat him. If Itachi had died during a battle, we would have a better idea of his limits, and thus it would be easier to get an idea of which characters are stronger than him. But since that didn't happen, we don't really know the full extent of Itachi's power in his prime.
While power alone is not the only thing that counts (as in, another shinobi could use other advantages to beat him), Itachi is not only powerful, he is also intelligent and knows how to use the available tools to get the best of his abilities. Also, his genjutsu gives him a large advantage over almost any other Akatsuki member (that would be especially true against opponents like Pain or Deidara).
There are two characters often considered able to rival Itachi: Madara and Tobi/Obito. Madara, with his massive chakra, would likely beat Itachi in the series. However, Itachi was ill, so he wouldn't be fighting to his full potential. If Itachi were in his prime, he'd likely develop contingencies to neutralize Madara's advantages. Itachi would also likely not be able to defeat Obito if he had the Rinnegan.
But Rinnegan Obito and Madara are far from "regular people." Albeit an Uchiha and a prodigy, Itachi was apparently not blessed with "ultra-powers" from the Otsutsuki clan (Itachi himself would likely become insanely powerful if he got the Rinnegan, for example). So, while he would definitely lose against these two, they are not ordinary enemies. Thus, given a normal level of power, Itachi definitely is the strongest Akatsuki member.
What Would Have Happened If Itachi Hadn't Died?
If Itachi hadn't died in the series, he would likely get some buffs, just like the other characters. Given that he was never truly a villain, he probably would join the final battle against Kaguya and help Naruto defeat Sasuke (which would be a great development). He wouldn't naturally awaken the Rinnegan since he is not a reincarnation of Indra (unless someone gave it to him, as Madara gave it to Obito).
Those who forgive themselves, and are able to accept their true nature... They are the strong ones!— Itachi Uchiha
While it seems unlikely, some fans still hope Itachi will somehow return in Boruto, which would allow the story to explore his powers and potential even more. But that seems like just a pipe dream.
Naruto and Boruto are available to read on MANGA Plus.
- Directors
- Hayato Date
- Writers
- Masashi Kishimoto
- Franchise(s)
- Naruto
- Studio
- Pierrot
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Masashi Kishimoto
- Number of Episodes
- 220
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, The Roku Channel, Amazon Freevee, Hulu, Hoopla, Pluto TV, Tubi
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8
- Creator(s)
- Masashi Kishimoto
- Seasons
- 1
