Itachi Uchiha’s final moments after being reanimated occur in episode 338 of Naruto Shippuden, titled “Izanami Activated.” This episode marks the conclusive end to Itachi’s battle against Kabuto Yakushi and solidifies his legacy as one of the most complex and beloved characters in the series.
The Road to Resolution: Itachi’s Reanimation Arc
The reanimation of Itachi Uchiha by Kabuto Yakushi through the Impure World Reincarnation technique was a pivotal moment in the Fourth Great Ninja War. This unexpected revival brought Itachi face-to-face with his younger brother, Sasuke, and ignited a series of events that ultimately led to the undoing of the reanimation jutsu and Itachi’s true death. The story arc is one of the most popular, emotional, and strategically important narratives within the broader Naruto universe. Understanding the nuances of this arc is crucial for appreciating Itachi’s character and the overall plot.
The Initial Conflict: Reanimated Corps and Internal Struggle
Itachi’s initial resurrection left him under the control of Kabuto, forced to fight against the Allied Shinobi Forces. However, Itachi, a shinobi of unparalleled skill and intellect, quickly regained a measure of autonomy. This stemmed from his mastery of genjutsu and his unwavering desire to protect Konoha, even in his reanimated state. He managed to break free from Kabuto’s control with the help of Naruto, beginning his quest to stop the Impure World Reincarnation.
The Confrontation with Sasuke: Truth and Reconciliation
The most emotionally charged aspect of this arc is the reunion and subsequent battle between Itachi and Sasuke. Though Sasuke was initially driven by vengeance and hatred towards his brother, the fight against Kabuto allowed Itachi to reveal the truth behind the Uchiha Clan Massacre and his sacrifices to protect Sasuke and Konoha. This confrontation served as a catalyst for Sasuke’s own character development and his eventual shift away from the path of darkness.
The Final Battle: Itachi vs. Kabuto and the Power of Izanami
Itachi’s ultimate goal after breaking free from Kabuto’s control was to end the Impure World Reincarnation jutsu, which required defeating Kabuto himself. He partnered with Sasuke, forming a temporary alliance to achieve this shared objective. The battle against Kabuto was intense, showcasing Itachi’s strategic brilliance and innovative use of his abilities.
Izanami Activated: A Genjutsu to Trap Destiny
To defeat Kabuto, Itachi employed the forbidden genjutsu, Izanami. This technique sacrifices the user’s vision in exchange for creating a loop of fate, trapping the target within a repeating sequence of events until they accept their true self and destiny. Itachi cleverly used Izanami to force Kabuto to recognize the error of his ways, ultimately compelling him to release the Impure World Reincarnation.
The Dissipation: Itachi’s Farewell
With Kabuto defeated and the Impure World Reincarnation undone, Itachi’s reanimated body began to dissipate. He used his final moments to impart crucial wisdom to Sasuke, reinforcing the importance of protecting Konoha and embracing the truth. This emotional farewell served as a powerful conclusion to Itachi’s complex and tragic story, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the ninja world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Itachi’s Reanimated Death
Here are some frequently asked questions that further explore the circumstances surrounding Itachi’s death during the Fourth Great Ninja War:
FAQ 1: What exactly is the Impure World Reincarnation (Edo Tensei)?
The Impure World Reincarnation, or Edo Tensei, is a forbidden jutsu that binds the soul of a deceased person to a living vessel, allowing them to be resurrected and controlled by the summoner. The reanimated individual retains their personality and abilities but is essentially a puppet under the summoner’s command. Kabuto Yakushi utilized this technique extensively during the Fourth Great Ninja War, reanimating powerful shinobi to fight against the Allied Shinobi Forces.
FAQ 2: How did Itachi break free from Kabuto’s control?
Itachi was able to break free from Kabuto’s control through the use of Shisui Uchiha’s Mangekyo Sharingan ability, Kotoamatsukami, which allowed him to subtly manipulate the actions of others without their awareness. He had previously implanted a crow imbued with Kotoamatsukami into Naruto, intending for it to activate against Sasuke if Sasuke ever threatened Konoha. However, Itachi’s reanimation triggered the crow’s ability, causing it to influence him to protect Konoha, thus overriding Kabuto’s control.
FAQ 3: Why did Itachi want to stop the Impure World Reincarnation?
Itachi aimed to stop the Impure World Reincarnation because he understood the danger it posed to the world. He recognized that the reanimated shinobi, even those with good intentions, were being used as tools of war, causing immense suffering and threatening the balance of the ninja world. His commitment to protecting Konoha and the innocent motivated him to end the jutsu.
FAQ 4: What is Izanami, and how does it work?
Izanami is a forbidden genjutsu that rewrites the target’s destiny by trapping them in an infinite loop. It doesn’t rely on the senses, but rather on the target’s own experiences and perceptions. The user records a specific moment in time, then recreates that moment with a different outcome. The target is then trapped in a loop between those two moments until they accept their true self and break free from the illusion. The price for using Izanami is the permanent loss of sight in the eye used to activate it.
FAQ 5: Why did Itachi choose to use Izanami against Kabuto?
Itachi used Izanami against Kabuto because he realized that conventional methods wouldn’t be enough to defeat him. Kabuto’s ability to use Sage Mode and his intricate understanding of the human body made him a formidable opponent. Izanami offered a unique way to force Kabuto to confront his inner self and make the decision to release the Impure World Reincarnation.
FAQ 6: Did Sasuke forgive Itachi before Itachi dissipated?
Yes, although Sasuke didn’t explicitly say the words “I forgive you,” his actions and understanding towards the end of the battle with Kabuto demonstrated a level of acceptance and reconciliation. Itachi, in his final moments, was able to impart his true feelings and motivations to Sasuke, leading Sasuke to finally understand the sacrifices Itachi made for him and Konoha. Sasuke’s subsequent actions in the war reflected this newfound understanding.
FAQ 7: How did Itachi’s death affect Sasuke’s character development?
Itachi’s death had a profound impact on Sasuke’s character. Initially, Sasuke was consumed by vengeance, driven by a desire to avenge his clan and kill Itachi. However, learning the truth about Itachi’s sacrifices and the reasons behind the Uchiha Clan Massacre led Sasuke to question his own path and motivations. It ultimately helped him move away from darkness and become a protector of Konoha, fulfilling Itachi’s wishes.
FAQ 8: Was Itachi’s reanimated death truly the end for him?
Yes, Itachi’s reanimated death was his final departure. Unlike his reanimation, which was artificial, his soul was finally released after Kabuto deactivated the Impure World Reincarnation. This allowed him to move on to the afterlife, free from the burdens and responsibilities he carried throughout his life.
FAQ 9: What was Itachi’s last message to Sasuke before he disappeared?
Itachi’s last message to Sasuke was a heartfelt expression of love and regret. He told Sasuke that he would always love him, regardless of his choices. He also expressed remorse for not being able to show Sasuke his true feelings while he was alive, and hoped that Sasuke would find his own path and protect Konoha.
FAQ 10: Did Itachi regret his actions regarding the Uchiha Clan Massacre?
While Itachi believed that his actions during the Uchiha Clan Massacre were necessary to prevent a larger conflict and protect Konoha, he carried a deep sense of regret and guilt for the lives he had to take, especially those of his own family. He wished he could have found another way to resolve the situation, but ultimately believed that his actions were the lesser of two evils.
FAQ 11: How does Itachi’s story impact the overall themes of Naruto?
Itachi’s story significantly contributes to several key themes in Naruto, including sacrifice, redemption, the cycle of hatred, and the importance of protecting those you love. His life and death serve as a powerful example of the difficult choices individuals must sometimes make for the greater good, and the lasting consequences of those choices. His story also highlights the importance of understanding and forgiveness, even in the face of unimaginable pain.
FAQ 12: What makes Itachi Uchiha such a popular and beloved character?
Itachi Uchiha’s popularity stems from his complex and tragic backstory, his immense strength and intelligence, and his unwavering dedication to protecting his loved ones and his village, even at great personal cost. His actions, though often morally ambiguous, were always driven by a deep sense of love and responsibility. He embodies the themes of sacrifice and redemption, making him a relatable and inspiring figure for many fans.