Throughout Naruto’s narrative (a manga-based anime, which can be watched on Crunchyroll), the Akatsuki, originally formed to combat the Third Shinobi War’s evils, evolved into captivating villains that posed a significant threat to the Leaf Village.
None of the other formidable foes, such as the Demon King Brother or the Deadly Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, could match the threat each Akatsuki member posed. The Akatsuki’s collective strength profoundly influenced Naruto‘s storyline, showcasing a league of powerful ninjas. Here’s every Akatsuki member ranked by strength:.
All Akatsuki Members Ranked by Strength:
Itachi Uchiha
Itachi emerged as a deceptively strong figure within the Akatsuki. Renowned as ‘The God of Genjutsu’ and ‘The Villain who Died a Hero,’ Itachi paralyzed Orochimaru at the age of 17 and maintained an aura of fear even in the face of an incurable illness.
Obito Uchiha
Declared dead after the third great ninja war, Obito resurfaced under the tutelage of Madara Uchiha, becoming a leading figure in the Akatsuki. With the Mangekyo Sharingan, Kamui, and later the Rinnegan, Obito became a Jinjuriki of Ten Tails, prompting him to declare war against all five shinobi nations.
Nagato Uzumaki
Despite his lack of mobility, Nagato stood out as one of the most formidable villains with his Rinnegan and the manifestation of the Six Paths of Pain. His manipulation of bodies, gravity, and summoning of divine creatures showcased his prowess, notably defeating Hanzo of the Salamander.
Orochimaru
The strongest among the Three Legendary Sannins, Orochimaru made thrilling entrances in the series and pursued immortality and mastery of every jutsu. His use of the Edo Tensei technique, summoning the first two Hokages, proved to be a fatal attack against the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Kisame
Wielding one of the legendary swords of the mist, Kisame emerged as a missing ninja from Kirigakure village partnered with Itachi Uchiha. His vast Chakra reservoir, combined with the Samehada sword, made him a formidable opponent, earning him the moniker “Tailless-Tailed Beast.”
Konan
A formal disciple of Jiraiya and the only female member of the Akatsuki, Konan demonstrated mastery in Origami jutsu. Calm under dangerous circumstances, she played a crucial role in caretaking the Akatsuki following Nagato’s paralysis, with her ability to transform into paper adding a layer of evasion to her combat strategy.
Kakuzu
In the other half of the “Zombie Combo,” Kakuzu brought an element of immortality and monetary motivation to the Akatsuki. Expelled from Takigakure village for failing in the assassination of Hashirama Senju, Kakuzu’s ability to steal hearts for his own use made him a formidable adversary, albeit one eventually conquered by the combined efforts of Team Asuma, Kakashi Hatake, and Naruto’s Rasenshuriken.
Deidara
A rogue ninja from Iwagakure village, Deidara added a peculiar dimension to the Akatsuki with his explosive clay art. Initially resistant to joining the group, he eventually became a member after facing defeat at the hands of Itachi. His ability to create mega-explosions capable of widespread destruction showcased the unique and formidable skills of Akatsuki members.
Hidan
Upon joining the Akatsuki, Hidan formed an enigmatic duo known as the “Zombie Combo” with Kakuzu. This pair, characterized by their immortality, displayed their dominance by effortlessly capturing Yugito Nii, a Jinjuriki of the Two-Tailed Beast. Hidan’s rogue nature, coupled with a cursed technique utilizing an adversary’s blood, showcased the serious threat posed by the Akatsuki.
Sasori
A renowned puppet master ninja, Sasori honed his skills in the aftermath of a personal tragedy. Immersed in the world of puppetry by his grandmother after the death of his parents, Sasori transformed into a puppet himself, rendering him immune to aging, lethal attacks, poisons, and even Genjutsu. His transformation into an antagonist reached its peak when he assassinated the Third Kazekage, turning him into a puppet as well.
FAQs
Who is the strongest member of the Akatsuki?
There’s debate, but Obito Uchiha (Masked Madara) is widely considered the strongest. His mastery of Sharingan, powerful Genjutsu, and access to the Ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki powers make him formidable.
Where does Pain rank in the Akatsuki power scale?
Pain (Nagato Uzumaki) is incredibly strong, controlling six powerful bodies and possessing Rinnegan abilities. However, his reliance on the bodies and his own weakened state put him slightly below Obito.