The Dark Evolution of Akatsuki

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Formation of Akatsuki
3. Early Years and Objectives
4. Recruiting Members
5. Capture of Tailed Beasts
6. Turmoil and Betrayal
7. Obito's Role and Eye of the Moon Plan
8. Fourth Shinobi World War
9. Defeat and Redemption
10. Legacy of Akatsuki
11. Revival and the Shin's Akatsuki
12. Conclusion

Introduction

Akatsuki, a group of shinobi operating outside the traditional system of hidden villages, has a storied history in the Naruto universe. Led by various individuals and existing in different forms, Akatsuki has always sought to bring about change and create a better world, though their methods have often been viewed as subversive or criminal. In this article, we will delve deep into the formation, objectives, capture of Tailed Beasts, turmoil, and eventual defeat of Akatsuki, as well as explore its legacy and a brief mention of its revival in the Shin's Akatsuki.

Formation of Akatsuki

Akatsuki was initially founded by Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan during the Third Shinobi World War. These childhood friends, who were orphaned during the Second Shinobi World War, aimed to bring peace to their home country, Amegakure, which was frequently caught in the crossfire of conflicts between the Five Great Shinobi Countries. The group attracted like-minded individuals who shared their desire for an end to war and the betterment of the world.

Early Years and Objectives

Under Yahiko's charismatic leadership, Akatsuki gained fame for their efforts towards peace. They took on missions that the hidden villages hesitated to get involved in, earning them the trust of many. However, their reputation and objectives soon attracted the attention of Hanzo, the leader of Amegakure, who perceived Akatsuki as a threat to his rule. With the help of Donzo Shimura, Hanzo orchestrated a trap that resulted in Yahiko's death.

Recruiting Members

Despite Yahiko's death, the desire for peace inherent in Akatsuki continued to attract new members. Under Nagato's leadership as Pain, Akatsuki's notoriety grew, and their services were sought by even the most prominent hidden villages. Through strong-arming and promising protection, Akatsuki recruited S-rank missing-nin to carry out their goals, including Orochimaru and Itachi Uchiha. Some joined with their own agenda while others remained loyal to Akatsuki's vision.

Capture of Tailed Beasts

A significant objective of Akatsuki was the capture of Tailed Beasts, powerful entities with immense chakra reserves. Each Tailed Beast captured brought Akatsuki closer to their plan of harnessing their chakra for ultimate power. Although their actions risked antagonizing former clients, Akatsuki aimed to demonstrate the horrors of war by utilizing the Tailed Beasts' destructive capabilities, ultimately leading to lasting peace.

Turmoil and Betrayal

Akatsuki faced internal strife as well. Kakuzu, known for killing his partners, held considerable resentment, and Orochimaru attempted to steal Itachi's body. Meanwhile, Obito Uchiha, operating under the guise of Madara Uchiha, manipulated events behind the scenes to achieve his own goals. Yahiko's death, Nagato's loss of faith, and Obito's influence led to a turning point in Akatsuki's history.

Obito's Role and Eye of the Moon Plan

Obito became a central figure in Akatsuki, pressuring Nagato into a more aggressive approach. Claiming to be continuing Madara Uchiha's will, Obito sought to capture all the Tailed Beasts to complete the Eye of the Moon Plan. His aim was to cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi, a genjutsu that would trap humanity in a dream world to end all conflict. Obito's actions ignited the Fourth Shinobi World War.

Fourth Shinobi World War

The Fourth Shinobi World War witnessed fierce battles between the Allied Shinobi Forces and Akatsuki. With multiple casualties on both sides, Akatsuki's numbers dwindled, and defeating Naruto and Sasuke became increasingly challenging for Obito. Despite the setbacks, Obito's redemption began, thanks to Naruto and Kakashi's influence. Striving to make amends, he sought to resurrect those killed during the war.

Defeat and Redemption

Obito's redemption journey came to a tragic end as he was forced to utilize the Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique under Black Zetsu's influence. Ultimately, Naruto and Sasuke defeated Kaguya, the true mastermind behind Akatsuki's history, and saved the world from the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Obito's actions, along with those of his comrades, played a significant role in thwarting Akatsuki's plans.

Legacy of Akatsuki

Although Akatsuki's official schemes ended with Obito's defeat, the allure of their methods and objectives remained. Individuals like Ryoha Armament Alliance and Gengo carried on Akatsuki's legacy, albeit in different forms and with different ideologies. However, their attempts at revival were short-lived, and the world moved forward from the era of Akatsuki, aiming for a more peaceful future.

Revival and the Shin's Akatsuki

While trying to avenge Itachi, a former test subject of Orochimaru named Shin emerged with a fascination for Akatsuki and the Uchiha name. Infatuated with the idea of endless warfare as a means of promoting strength, Shin formed a new Akatsuki using countless clones of himself. However, his plans were thwarted by the intervention of the 7th Hokage, resulting in the demise of his new Akatsuki before it could gain traction.

Conclusion

Akatsuki's history is one of turmoil, betrayal, and ultimately, redemption. Their quest for peace through unconventional means left a mark on the world of Naruto. While their methods were controversial, Akatsuki's legacy continues to resonate, with others attempting to carry on their objectives with varying degrees of success.