The enigmatic world of Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto, continues to captivate fans with its complex characters and intricate plotlines. Among the most mysterious figures in the series is Itachi Uchiha, a prodigious shinobi whose life and actions remain shrouded in secrecy. One of the central mysteries surrounding Itachi involves the fate of his eyes, particularly after his death. This article delves into the question that has intrigued Naruto enthusiasts for years: who took Itachi’s eyes?
The Legacy of Itachi Uchiha
Itachi Uchiha, a member of the famed Uchiha clan, was a character defined by contradictions. Initially portrayed as a villain responsible for the massacre of his entire clan, including his parents, Itachi’s true motives and allegiance were revealed much later in the series. His sacrifice for the greater good of the Hidden Leaf Village and his younger brother Sasuke’s development into a hero added layers of depth to his character.
One of the unique aspects of Itachi’s character was his Sharingan, a powerful dojutsu (eye technique) that granted him extraordinary abilities in battle. The Sharingan, characterized by its red color and three-tomoe pattern, allowed Itachi to perceive and predict his opponents’ movements, cast powerful genjutsu (illusion techniques), and even copy their techniques with uncanny precision.
The Mystery Surrounding Itachi’s Eyes
After Itachi’s death, which occurred during the Fourth Great Ninja War, questions arose regarding the fate of his eyes. In the Naruto universe, the eyes of a deceased Uchiha clan member hold significant value due to their powerful abilities. Itachi, having possessed the Mangekyo Sharingan—a heightened form of the Sharingan with unique abilities—raised particular interest among those seeking to harness its power.
The Disappearance of Itachi’s Eyes
Following Itachi’s demise, his body was presumably interred with the respect afforded to fallen heroes of the Hidden Leaf Village. However, shortly after his burial, reports began circulating within the ninja community suggesting that Itachi’s eyes had gone missing. This revelation sparked a wave of speculation and concern among Itachi’s allies and adversaries alike.
The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Itachi’s eyes remain murky. Some speculate that rogue ninja or organizations seeking to acquire the Sharingan’s formidable powers were responsible. Others believe that Itachi may have orchestrated the removal of his eyes as part of a hidden strategy or to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.
See Also: Ash Ketchum’s 15 Strongest Pokemon, Ranked
Theories and Speculations
Theory 1: Theft by Ambitious Individuals
One prevailing theory posits that individuals or groups with nefarious intentions targeted Itachi’s grave to steal his eyes. In the world of Naruto, powerful dojutsu like the Sharingan are highly coveted for their combat prowess and strategic advantages. It is plausible that rogue ninja or criminal organizations sought to enhance their own abilities by obtaining Itachi’s Mangekyo Sharingan.
Supporters of this theory argue that the clandestine nature of the theft suggests careful planning and execution. The perpetrators likely possessed significant knowledge of Uchiha clan traditions and burial customs, enabling them to circumvent any protective measures placed around Itachi’s final resting place.
Theory 2: Concealed by Itachi Himself
Contrary to the belief that Itachi’s eyes were forcibly taken, another hypothesis proposes that Itachi orchestrated the removal of his own eyes for strategic reasons. Throughout the series, Itachi demonstrated a penchant for secrecy and meticulous planning, often employing deception to achieve his objectives.
Proponents of this theory suggest that Itachi may have foreseen the potential misuse of his eyes by others and took preemptive measures to safeguard his legacy. By concealing or destroying his eyes before his death, Itachi could have ensured that their power remained beyond the reach of those who would exploit it for malevolent purposes.
Historical Precedents and Legends
The pursuit of powerful dojutsu is not unprecedented in the history of the Naruto universe. Legends abound of legendary ninja and clans seeking to obtain and harness the formidable abilities of dojutsu like the Sharingan and its advanced forms, such as the Mangekyo Sharingan and the Rinnegan.
Ancient texts and oral traditions within the Naruto world recount tales of conflicts and betrayals driven by the pursuit of ocular power. These stories serve as cautionary reminders of the dangers inherent in seeking to control forces beyond mortal comprehension, often leading to tragic consequences for those involved.
The Impact on Future Generations
The disappearance of Itachi’s eyes continues to resonate within the Naruto universe, influencing the decisions and actions of characters in subsequent generations. The legacy of Itachi Uchiha, both as a shinobi of unparalleled skill and as a tragic figure burdened by duty and sacrifice, serves as a beacon for those who aspire to protect their loved ones and uphold the principles of peace and justice.
For Itachi’s younger brother Sasuke, the quest to understand and come to terms with his brother’s legacy forms a central narrative arc in his personal journey. Sasuke’s pursuit of truth and redemption, coupled with his own evolving dojutsu abilities, reflects the enduring impact of Itachi’s life and choices on the future of the Hidden Leaf Village and the broader ninja world.
Conclusion
The mystery of who took Itachi’s eyes continues to intrigue Naruto fans worldwide, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the Naruto universe and the enduring legacy of one of its most enigmatic characters. Whether stolen by ambitious adversaries or hidden by Itachi himself, the fate of his eyes underscores the themes of sacrifice, legacy, and the pursuit of power that define the Naruto series.
As new generations of shinobi emerge and old conflicts resurface, the unanswered questions surrounding Itachi’s eyes serve as a reminder of the enduring allure—and peril—of extraordinary abilities in a world where the line between hero and villain is often blurred.
In the end, the story of Itachi Uchiha and his eyes serves as a testament to the power of choice, sacrifice, and the indelible impact of one individual’s actions on the fate of an entire world.