The intricate and multifaceted storyline of Naruto is renowned for its complex characters and deeply woven plotlines. Among these, the character of Itachi Uchiha stands out, not only for his prowess and enigmatic nature but also for the pivotal role he plays in the overarching narrative. One of the significant events surrounding Itachi’s story is the handling of his body after his death. This article delves into the details of who took Itachi’s body, examining the circumstances, motivations, and implications for the series as a whole.
The Life and Death of Itachi Uchiha
Itachi’s Background and Role in the Uchiha Clan
Itachi Uchiha was born into the prestigious Uchiha Clan of Konohagakure (the Hidden Leaf Village). From a young age, he exhibited prodigious talent, becoming an ANBU captain by the age of 13. However, Itachi’s life was marred by the political turmoil surrounding the Uchiha Clan and their strained relationship with the village leadership. Tasked with an impossible choice, Itachi decided to massacre his entire clan to prevent a coup, sparing only his younger brother, Sasuke.
Itachi’s Secret Mission
Unbeknownst to most, Itachi’s actions were driven by a deep love for his village and his brother. Acting under the orders of Konoha’s higher-ups, he carried out the massacre to avert a potential civil war and further bloodshed. Itachi then joined the criminal organization Akatsuki, operating as a double agent to monitor and mitigate their activities.
The Final Battle with Sasuke
Itachi’s final confrontation with Sasuke is one of the most emotionally charged and significant battles in the series. Driven by a desire to free Sasuke from the curse of revenge and to atone for his actions, Itachi ultimately succumbs to his illness and dies in front of his brother, revealing the extent of his sacrifices and love for Sasuke.
Immediate Aftermath of Itachi’s Death
Sasuke’s Reaction
Upon defeating Itachi, Sasuke is initially unaware of the true nature of his brother’s actions and motivations. Consumed by a desire for vengeance, Sasuke is emotionally and physically exhausted after their battle. It is only later, through revelations provided by Obito Uchiha (also known as Tobi), that Sasuke learns the truth about Itachi’s sacrifices and the depth of his brother’s love.
Obito’s Arrival
Shortly after Itachi’s death, Obito Uchiha arrives on the scene. Obito, masquerading as Madara Uchiha, takes a keen interest in the aftermath of the battle and the state of Itachi’s body. His arrival sets the stage for the next phase of manipulation and strategic maneuvering within the Akatsuki and against Konoha.
See Also: who is the tallest character in naruto
Who Took Itachi’s Body?
Obito Uchiha’s Role
Obito Uchiha is the individual who took Itachi’s body after the battle with Sasuke. His reasons for doing so are multifaceted and strategic, tied deeply to his overarching plans and the goals of the Akatsuki.
Extracting Information
One of Obito’s primary motivations for taking Itachi’s body was to extract valuable information. Itachi possessed extensive knowledge of Konoha’s inner workings, the Uchiha Clan, and the Akatsuki’s activities. By examining Itachi’s body, Obito hoped to uncover any hidden secrets or contingency plans Itachi might have had.
Mangekyou Sharingan
Another critical reason for Obito’s interest in Itachi’s body was the potential acquisition of Itachi’s Mangekyou Sharingan. The Sharingan is a powerful and coveted dojutsu (eye technique) unique to the Uchiha Clan, and the Mangekyou Sharingan represents its evolved and even more potent form. Itachi’s eyes, possessing abilities like Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi, were of immense value to Obito and his plans.
Sealing and Preservation
After taking Itachi’s body, Obito ensured it was preserved and sealed away. This act served both practical and symbolic purposes. On a practical level, preserving the body allowed Obito to extract the Sharingan for potential future use. Symbolically, it underscored the significance of Itachi’s legacy and the lingering impact of his actions on the series’ unfolding events.
Implications of Itachi’s Body Being Taken
Sasuke’s Transformation
The aftermath of Itachi’s death and the revelation of the truth about his life profoundly affect Sasuke. Learning that Itachi’s actions were motivated by love and sacrifice rather than mere ambition or malice drives Sasuke into a new phase of his quest for vengeance. He turns his anger towards Konoha, holding the village leadership responsible for his family’s fate and Itachi’s suffering.
Obito’s Manipulation
By taking Itachi’s body and revealing the truth to Sasuke, Obito skillfully manipulates Sasuke’s emotions and directs his rage towards Konoha. This manipulation aligns with Obito’s broader goal of destabilizing the village and furthering the Akatsuki’s agenda. Obito’s actions highlight his role as a master strategist, capable of leveraging the emotional turmoil of others to his advantage.
The Power of the Mangekyou Sharingan
Itachi’s Mangekyou Sharingan continues to play a crucial role in the series even after his death. The powers contained within his eyes, such as Amaterasu, become tools and weapons used by those who inherit them. The transfer of these abilities and the continued influence of the Mangekyou Sharingan emphasize the lasting legacy of Itachi’s power.
Exploring the Legacy of Itachi Uchiha
Itachi’s Influence on Naruto
Itachi’s legacy extends beyond his immediate impact on Sasuke. His story and sacrifices resonate deeply with Naruto Uzumaki, the series’ protagonist. Naruto’s encounters with Itachi, both direct and through his influence on Sasuke, shape Naruto’s understanding of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexities of human nature.
The Uchiha Clan’s Redemption
The revelation of Itachi’s true motivations and the subsequent actions of Sasuke contribute to a broader theme of redemption for the Uchiha Clan. Itachi’s efforts to protect the village and his ultimate sacrifice set the stage for Sasuke’s eventual journey towards understanding and reconciliation.
Impact on the Shinobi World
Itachi’s actions and the handling of his body by Obito have far-reaching implications for the entire shinobi world. The secrets and powers associated with Itachi influence the strategies and outcomes of key battles, shaping the course of the Fourth Great Ninja War and the ultimate fate of the ninja world.
Critical Analysis of Key Moments
The Symbolism of Itachi’s Eyes
The Mangekyou Sharingan, particularly Itachi’s, symbolizes the burden of power and the consequences of sacrifice. The transfer and use of Itachi’s eyes by other characters serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of his life and choices. The symbolism of the Mangekyou Sharingan underscores themes of legacy, power, and the cost of attaining and wielding such power.
Narrative Significance
The act of taking Itachi’s body and the subsequent use of his eyes and knowledge drive significant plot developments in the series. These events highlight the interconnectedness of characters’ fates and the ripple effects of individual actions on the broader narrative. The handling of Itachi’s body exemplifies the intricate storytelling and character dynamics that define Naruto.
Fan Theories and Reactions
Initial Speculations
Following Itachi’s death and the revelation of Obito taking his body, fans engaged in widespread speculation about the implications and future developments. Theories ranged from potential resurrection scenarios to the strategic use of Itachi’s powers in upcoming battles.
Long-Term Impact
As the series progressed, the handling of Itachi’s body and the transfer of his Mangekyou Sharingan abilities continued to be a focal point of fan discussions. The emotional and narrative weight of these events resonated deeply with the audience, contributing to the lasting legacy of Itachi’s character within the Naruto fandom.
Enduring Legacy
The legacy of Itachi Uchiha and the decisions surrounding his body remain a testament to the depth and complexity of Naruto. Fans continue to analyze and discuss these events, reflecting on their significance and the broader themes they represent within the series.
Conclusion
The question of who took Itachi’s body after his death is answered through the actions of Obito Uchiha, whose motivations were deeply intertwined with his strategic goals and the broader narrative of Naruto. The handling of Itachi’s body, the extraction of his Mangekyou Sharingan, and the subsequent impact on key characters like Sasuke and Naruto underscore the intricate storytelling and emotional depth that define the series.
Itachi Uchiha’s legacy, marked by sacrifice, love, and power, continues to resonate within the Naruto universe and among its fans. The decisions and events surrounding his death and the handling of his body highlight the enduring themes of legacy, redemption, and the far-reaching consequences of individual actions. As the series progresses and evolves, the story of Itachi Uchiha remains a pivotal and poignant element, shaping the destinies of the characters and the world they inhabit.