The Akatsuki Theory That Changes Everything About Naruto

When "Naruto" continues into its "Naruto: Shippuden" phase, it serves as a fantastic opportunity for the series to expand more on its world. As we witness Naruto and Sasuke grow throughout this part of the series, we're also introduced to brand new allies, grander battles, and so many new Jutsu. The trend of expansion flows into the series' antagonists as well. Although they play a minor role in the first part of "Naruto," "Naruto: Shippuden" gives the criminal organization Akatsuki a much bigger spotlight.

Sporting the emblematic red-clouded cloaks, the Akatsuki are comprised of some of the most powerful and dangerous outlaw shinobi. The group first properly makes their presence known when Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki infiltrate Konoha to try to acquire Naruto's Nine-Tailed Demon Fox. But the duo are an incredible prelude to the rest of their group, who are mainly on the hunt for any tailed demon beast. The collection of demons plays into their ultimate plot for peace through devastating wars. Yet fans of the series have considered another theory about Akatsuki that would bring the group's connection to war and peace to a deeper level.

The members of Akatsuki might fight together for one shared goal, but their motivations for even joining are as varied as their different abilities. However, fans on the Naruto subreddit pointed out that their diverse reasons for joining are connected by one symbolic factor. Fans noted that each Akatsuki member represents a different general cause as to why people might have historically ever waged war. The initial post by u/awesomehuder mentions examples such as Hidan representing religion and Itachi illustrating the notion of one protecting their own country. As some fans agreed with the post, they added just how much the possible connection gives more weight to Akatsuki beyond being simple villains for Naruto to overcome. "It may not be earth-shattering philosophy, however, the Naruto villains do have some pretty cool depth to them," u/Komnenos_Kasuki wrote.

Other fans highlighted that the concept of the Akatsuki members serving as different symbolic reasons for war isn't so much a theory as it is canon. "Why is everyone acting like this is groundbreaking information? Pretty sure Pain said this almost verbatim at one point," u/Agorbs wrote. The particular "Naruto: Shippuden" episode fans are talking about is "Sad News" (via Crunchyroll). In one scene, Pain makes a speech to Naruto about the different reasons people choose war. But what's noteworthy about this moment is that while he lists various motives for war, images of the Akatsuki members appear as if they're tied to each specific reason Pain lists. It adds the belief that maybe series creator Masashi Kishimoto wanted fans to carefully consider the complexities of war and peace through this antihero group.