Summary
Few organizations inNarutoare more notorious thanAkatsuki,Naruto Shippuden’s main antagonistic organization. Its groundwork was also laid as early as the originalNarutoseries, and its trajectory is foreshadowed just as long. Akatsuki is a group of rogue ninjas with independent motivations, loosely united by a common goal - firstly, to resist the impacts of violent conflicts; later, to capture the capture of Tailed Beasts fromNaruto’s many jinchuriki.
Akatsuki’smissions were run by purposely constructed duos. All of these duos haveunique features and strengths, leading to vastly different lists being produced depending on the criteria used to evaluate them. Rather than simply comparing raw strength, it’s worthwhile to focus on the duo’s likability, particular dynamic, narrative impact, and emotional sincerity.
The following Akatsuki members will be left out:
Orochimaru:Although his relationships with Sasori and Itachi give crucial context, his actual work alongside them isn’t shown enough to fairly judge.
Juzo:Juzo gives some cool backstory for other Akatsuki members, especially Itachi, but he’s ultimately a really transient filler character (and fairly forgettable, to boot).
True Madara Uchiha:The entanglement of Madara, Zetsu, and the Otsutsuki Clanis crucial toShippuden’s ending, but happens outside Akatsuki properly speaking.
No, Naruto Shouldn’t Have Ended After The Pain Arc
Naruto Shippuden’s War arc was disappointing, but ending Naruto after the Pain arc would have not been the right answer to the series’ problems.
Memorable Moment
White Zetsu emerges during Infinite Tsukuyomi.
The Zetsu twist, where Zetsu is revealed to be a player in an unbelievably long game to revive Kaguya,opens up an entire can of wormsthat fans will rarely agree on. His betrayal of Madara is sudden, unwieldy, and ends up revising all of shinobi history. It feels easy enough to argue that Zetsu should, simply put, not have become a duo at all.Zetsu’s origins and betrayal are divisive enoughof a narrative choice to warrant a low ranking.
Zetsu and Tobi snatch the Akatsuki ring from Sasori’s body.
It’s impressive to watch this relationship play out. Obito occupied three different identities over the course ofShippuden—Tobi, Madara Uchiha, and Obito— and his relationship with Zetsu effortlessly weaves these contrasting identities together into a cohesive narrative. Viewers discover precisely how inShippuden’s controversial ending. Together, the pair slowly ensure Obito’s entry into and rise within Akatsuki as part of a broader plan eventually revealed in its totality.
It’s arguably heavy-handed,but the foreshadowing is impressive. Furthermore, narratively speaking, it gives a new grand purpose to Akatsuki and renews its identity, which had unstable since the Pain Assault arc’s revelations. The importance of the duo to the overall story may raise questions about the low ranking. Yet, Obito and Zetsu’s partnership makes thingstoointentional by the end. If “good duo” means that the pair have a unique relationship, then the ending twist undermines that by making it overly deterministic. If it means anything else, then there’s not much that makes this duo particularly appealing.
Deidara tries to trick Tobi into removing his mask.
During better days for Obito inNaruto Shippuden, he was masquerading asa very silly man called Tobi.Deidara is also known and lovedfor his flamboyant self-righteousness and his oppressive clay bombs. The pairing of the two characters lasts from Sasori’s death until Deidara dies himself. When you combine their overall skill as shinobi with their comic chemistry, it’s one of the most fun duos in all ofShippuden. The pairing is not the strongest nor the most iconic, but it’s still one of the best.
It’s also the only pairing of its kind in all of Akatsuki. After Sasori’s death, Deidara becomes reckless, obsessed with his explosive ideal of art and completely bent on revenge. Tobi often shows concern for Deidara’s well-being. Considering Ubito’s grand plan and ulterior motives, this has raised some questions, but a first watch would require taking it at face value anyway. Doing so shows Tobi and Deidara’s relationship to besweet, dynamic, and dangerous. This duo is often undervalued, but their tenure together is an exclusive demonstration of an otherwise hidden depth for both characters.
Pain Assault
The pair suppress and kill Jiraiya, revealed to be their former teacher.
The Pain Assault arc is among the most memorablein the entire series, and the backstory of the orphans of Amegakure is an excruciating exploration ofthe consequences of Konoha’s actions (and Naruto’s world-building). The pair helps to found Akatsuki alongside a mutual friend, Yahiko, who would end up tragically dying. This brought forward a radical desire to punish painwithpain by facing off against the societies and regimes who declare war in the name of peace. This goal is very impersonal compared to the rest of Akatsuki.
Konan bears anundying loyalty to Nagato and the ideals they share. What makes them irresistible is how their intimate, long history enables a deep trust and mutual understanding. This secures a single-minded dedication to their chosen ideal, even when it means turning their backs on the organization they started. However, despite technically being a duo and communicating constantly, they mostly act independently. The story of the Ame orphans is one ofNaruto’smost compelling, provocative, and brutal backstories, but there are better duos in Akatsuki - although there may not be better friends.
One Naruto Villain’s Many Forms Bring New Meaning to God-Tier
There are many things in Naruto considered god-tier, but the villain Pain takes it to a whole new level with the inspiration behind his character.
Deidara fights Gaara while Sasori stays on guard.
One would be hard-pressed to come up witha more iconic duo in Akatsukithan Deidara and Sasori. Deidara is a disaffected artist who enjoys destruction; Sasori has a tragic backstory that’s impossible not to feel affected by. Generally speaking, Deidara is egotistical and enjoys prolonging action, where Sasori is more detached and prefers getting in and getting out on missions. The two bicker often, and it can be entertaining to watch.
There’s another important level to their relationship, though:total faith and respect. Both are artists of sorts, and Deidara has a deep respect for Sasori, calling him “master”. The two synergize to make possible missions that are otherwise unthinkable, like the Kazikage offensive. One of the most heartbreaking moments associated with Akatsuki is the amount of hurt and anger that Deidara feels when Sasori dies.
Asuma’s team fatally face off against Hidan and Kakuzu.
This deeply underrated pair appears early inNarutoShippudenand is one of the initial introductions to an aggressive Akatsuki. Known as the “Immortal Duo” for their ability to avoid death, Hidan and Kakuzu differ from other Akatsuki members. For both,Akatsuki is a means to other motivations, rather than a cause in itself. For the materialistic Kakuzu, Akatsuki is a path to money; for Hidan, Akatsuki enables his immortality as he sacrifices his slaughter victims to Jashin in exchange.
Neither is particularly interested in Akatsuki per se, but they’re loyal because of Akatsuki’s utility to them. Their bond might be likened to Deidara’s partnerships, as they bicker and are over-the-top. Neither is fit to be somebody else’s partner. Kakuzu’s immortality is a foil to Hidan’s murderous outbursts, and Hidan’s brutality brings Kakuzu sure paydays. Hidan’s ceaseless hunt is also certified by Kakuzu’s wisdom and experience. Their unique abilities and motivationslead them to approach combat like no other Akatsuki members could. The simplicity of their goals and sincerity of their bond is what makes them inimitably interesting.
Their introduction in Shippuden as the first true Akatsuki members
Itachi setsShippuden’s rhythm. On either side of his fateful confrontation with Sasuke, one finds a plot indirectlyalways linking back to Itachi and his legacy. It’s also impossible to forget his right-hand man, Kisame. At first, the two were partnered so that Itachi’s cool demeanor could keep Kisame in line. Kisame has so much chakra that he’s called the Tailed Beast Without A Tail, and his motivation is total commitment to Akatsuki. As a result, Kisame can easily be too headstrong. His partnership with Itachi is meant to curtail that tendency.
Although they initially aren’t close, mutual respect eventually develops. Itachi’s own motivations are to complete his life mission with Konoha and the Uchiha clan. Despite not having the full story, Kisame happily supports Itachi, and even joins him in the infamous Sasuke Retrieval arc, where the two also have a legendary battle with Kakashi. Itachi and Kisame share the most natural chemistry of any duo, understanding each other with only a few words. They organize their battles around that, meaning that they aren’t seen side-by-side often - buttheywork flawlessly as a duoregardless, synergizing perfectly.
The fact that their combat and communication seems so effortless speaks to the overwhelming strength of their pairing. Something important makes this pair different from the rest: Itachi never cared much for Akatsuki’s grander visions. However, Kisame grows to entirely support him, despite caring enough about Akatsukito kill himself to avoid leaking information to Guy. That alone shows why the duo, who effectively introduced Akatsuki to fans, is not only Akatsuki’s best pairing but also one ofNaruto’s greatest relationships writ large.
Naruto: Shippuden
Cast
Naruto: Shippuden follows Naruto Uzumaki as he returns to Konoha after two and a half years, facing new challenges and enemies, including the Akatsuki organization. The series continues Naruto’s journey and growth as a shinobi while navigating complex alliances and adversaries.
