Kakashi Hatake, the famous Copy Ninja of Konohagakure, has been a central figure in the Naruto series since its inception. His unique ability to wield the Sharingan, despite not being an Uchiha by birth, has been a topic of fascination for fans. As the series progresses, many wonder whether Kakashi still retains this powerful dōjutsu. In this article, we will delve into the details of Kakashi’s Sharingan and explore its fate in the later stages of the story.
Obito’s Gift and Kakashi’s Sharingan
Kakashi’s Sharingan was gifted to him by his former teammate, Obito Uchiha, during a fateful mission. Obito, trapped under a boulder and facing certain death, asked Kakashi to take his left Sharingan eye, believing it would make Kakashi stronger and better able to protect their comrades. This act of sacrifice and friendship had a profound impact on both Obito and Kakashi’s lives, as well as the course of the story.
With Obito’s Sharingan implanted in his left eye socket, Kakashi gained the ability to use this powerful dōjutsu. However, unlike the Uchiha clan members, Kakashi was not born with the Sharingan and could not deactivate it. As a result, his Sharingan remained constantly active, draining his chakra reserves at a rapid pace. To conserve his energy, Kakashi often kept his left eye covered with his forehead protector, only revealing it when necessary.
Mastering the Sharingan
Despite the challenges of wielding a foreign Sharingan, Kakashi quickly adapted to its abilities. He became known as the “Copy Ninja” for his uncanny ability to memorize and replicate any jutsu he witnessed, thanks to the Sharingan’s photographic memory. Kakashi’s natural talent for ninjutsu and his extensive knowledge of various techniques allowed him to make the most of his Sharingan’s capabilities.
Over time, Kakashi’s mastery of the Sharingan grew, and he learned to push its limits. He could predict his opponents’ movements, see through illusions, and even copy their hand seals with ease. Kakashi’s Sharingan also evolved into the Mangekyō Sharingan, granting him access to powerful techniques like Kamui. However, the strain of using these advanced abilities took a toll on his body and chakra reserves.
See Also: Why Is Kakashi Wearing a Mask
Kakashi’s Sharingan in the Fourth Great Ninja War
During the Fourth Great Ninja War, Kakashi’s Sharingan played a crucial role in the Allied Shinobi Forces’ battles against the resurrected Uchiha clan members and the Ten-Tails. His ability to counter and adapt to various techniques proved invaluable, as he fought alongside his comrades to protect the ninja world.
However, the prolonged use of his Sharingan during the war began to take a significant toll on Kakashi’s health. The strain of maintaining the dōjutsu and using its advanced techniques pushed his body to its limits. Despite this, Kakashi remained steadfast in his determination to protect his allies and the village he had sworn to defend.
The Loss of Kakashi’s Sharingan
As the war reached its climax, Kakashi faced his greatest challenge yet. In a desperate attempt to stop the enemy’s plans, he used Kamui to transport the Ten-Tails’ Tailed Beast Ball to another dimension, saving countless lives[3]. However, this act came at a great personal cost.
The strain of using Kamui to its fullest extent, combined with the years of relying on the Sharingan, proved too much for Kakashi’s body to handle. As a result, the Sharingan that had been gifted to him by Obito lost its light, signifying the end of its bond with Kakashi. The loss of his Sharingan was a bittersweet moment, as it marked the end of an era and the sacrifices Kakashi had made to protect his comrades and the village he loved.
Kakashi’s Life After the Sharingan
After the war, Kakashi faced a new challenge: adapting to life without the Sharingan. For years, he had relied on the dōjutsu to enhance his combat abilities and protect his allies. Now, he had to find a way to continue serving as a shinobi without the aid of the Sharingan.
Despite the initial difficulties, Kakashi proved resilient and adaptable. He continued to lead and train the next generation of ninja, sharing his vast knowledge and experience. Kakashi’s skills as a strategist and his ability to think outside the box became even more pronounced without the Sharingan’s influence.
In the years that followed, Kakashi rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Sixth Hokage of Konohagakure. His leadership and wisdom were instrumental in guiding the village through a period of peace and prosperity. Kakashi’s legacy as the Copy Ninja may have ended with the loss of his Sharingan, but his impact on the ninja world continued to be felt long after his retirement from active duty.
The Significance of Kakashi’s Sharingan
Kakashi’s Sharingan was more than just a powerful dōjutsu; it represented his bond with Obito and the sacrifices they both made for their comrades. The Sharingan was a constant reminder of Obito’s gift and the trust he placed in Kakashi to use its power to protect those they cared about.
Throughout the series, Kakashi’s Sharingan served as a symbol of his growth and development as a shinobi. It pushed him to become stronger, more skilled, and more dedicated to his comrades. The Sharingan also played a significant role in shaping Kakashi’s character, as he grappled with the responsibilities and burdens that came with wielding such a powerful ability.
The loss of Kakashi’s Sharingan marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in his life. It was a bittersweet moment that highlighted the sacrifices he had made and the impact his actions had on the ninja world. Kakashi’s journey with the Sharingan serves as a testament to the power of friendship, sacrifice, and the will to protect those dear to us, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Conclusion
Kakashi Hatake’s Sharingan was a defining aspect of his character throughout the Naruto series. From the moment he received it as a gift from Obito to the day it lost its light, the Sharingan shaped Kakashi’s path as a shinobi and left an indelible mark on the ninja world. While Kakashi no longer possesses the Sharingan, its legacy lives on through the lessons he learned and the bonds he forged during his time as the Copy Ninja. Kakashi’s journey serves as a reminder of the sacrifices we make for our loved ones and the strength we find in the face of adversity.