Kakashi Hatake discovers that Obito Uchiha is alive and operating under the guise of Tobi in Naruto Shippuden episode 343, “Obito Uchiha.” This revelation occurs during the climax of the Fourth Great Ninja War, a moment fraught with tension, emotional weight, and the crumbling of everything Kakashi believed to be true.
The Revelation: A Shattered Reality
The moment of revelation isn’t a slow burn; it’s a volcanic eruption. Kakashi and Naruto are engaged in a desperate battle against the masked figure they know as Tobi, who has been orchestrating chaos and destruction throughout the war. As the battle intensifies, Naruto’s Rasengan connects with Tobi’s mask, cracking it and revealing a glimpse of the face beneath.
A Fragmented Memory
The shock reverberates through Kakashi. The single exposed sharingan eye – the same eye he received as a gift from a dying Obito – confirms the impossible. The face, though partially obscured and older, is undeniably that of his former teammate. Years of guilt, the burden of carrying Obito’s will, and the belief that he had failed his friend come crashing down on him. This discovery shatters his composure and throws him into a state of disbelief. The weight of this truth changes everything he thought he knew about the war and his own role in it.
The Implications of the Truth
The realization that Obito is Tobi doesn’t just affect Kakashi; it changes the entire dynamic of the war. It reveals a deeper, more personal connection between the protagonists and the antagonist. It exposes the layers of manipulation and the pain that has driven Obito to seek a world of illusion. This revelation is a turning point, forcing both Kakashi and Naruto to confront the shared trauma and the corrupted idealism that fuels Obito’s actions. From this point on, the conflict becomes not just a battle for the ninja world’s survival, but a struggle to save Obito from himself.
Understanding the Context: Building to the Revelation
To fully appreciate the impact of this revelation, it’s crucial to understand the events leading up to it. The Fourth Great Ninja War had been raging for some time, and Tobi had consistently proven to be a formidable and enigmatic foe.
The Masked Man’s Manipulation
Tobi, as a member of the Akatsuki, had played a pivotal role in stirring up conflict, manipulating events from the shadows, and ultimately declaring war on the Allied Shinobi Forces. His motives were shrouded in mystery, his identity unknown. He presented himself as Madara Uchiha, a legendary figure from the past, adding to the confusion and fear.
Kakashi’s Internal Struggle
Throughout the series, Kakashi has grappled with the trauma of losing Obito during the Third Great Ninja War. He carries Obito’s sharingan as a constant reminder of his failure to protect his teammate. This guilt has shaped his character, making him a reserved and introspective figure. The belief that Obito died a hero has been a cornerstone of his identity. Therefore, the revelation that Obito not only survived but has become a villain strikes at the very core of his being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kakashi and Obito
This section addresses some common questions regarding the relationship between Kakashi and Obito, further illuminating the events surrounding the revelation.
1. How did Obito survive the cave-in?
Obito was rescued from the brink of death by Madara Uchiha, who was in the final stages of his life. Madara used the Zetsu to fuse Obito’s damaged body with Hashirama cells and rebuild his body. This allowed Obito to survive but also placed him under Madara’s influence.
2. What motivated Obito to become Tobi?
Obito witnessed Kakashi killing Rin Nohara, the girl he loved, during a mission. Madara manipulated this moment, showing Obito a fabricated version of the events that fueled his despair and convinced him that the current world was rotten and needed to be replaced with an idealized reality through the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
3. Why didn’t Kakashi recognize Obito sooner?
Obito’s identity was carefully concealed. He wore a mask and altered his voice. Furthermore, Kakashi, along with everyone else, believed Obito had died. The notion that he could have survived and become a villain was too unbelievable to consider. The use of Zetsu modifications also made Obito’s appearance different.
4. How did Obito acquire the Rinnegan?
After Nagato’s death, Obito retrieved the Rinnegan from Nagato’s body, implanting it into his left eye. He did this to further his plan to resurrect the Ten-Tailed Beast and cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
5. What role did Madara play in Obito’s transformation?
Madara Uchiha was the architect of Obito’s transformation. He manipulated Obito’s grief and despair, providing him with the power and the purpose to carry out his plan. Madara essentially groomed Obito to become his successor and execute the Eye of the Moon Plan.
6. What was Kakashi’s reaction after the revelation?
Kakashi was deeply shaken by the revelation. He felt immense guilt for failing Obito and for not recognizing him sooner. He also experienced a surge of hope, believing that there might still be a chance to save Obito from the darkness that consumed him.
7. How did Naruto react to the news of Obito’s identity?
Naruto was equally shocked and angered by the revelation. He felt betrayed by Obito’s actions and the suffering he had caused. However, he also recognized the pain and loss that fueled Obito’s actions and resolved to save him, just as he had saved others from darkness. Naruto, with his inherent belief in redemption, felt a connection to Obito’s suffering.
8. What was the significance of the “Kakashi Gaiden” episodes in relation to Obito’s character?
The “Kakashi Gaiden” episodes, which depict the events of the Third Great Ninja War where Obito seemingly died, provide crucial context for understanding Obito’s character and his motivations. They establish his initial idealism, his unwavering loyalty to his friends, and the tragic circumstances that led to his supposed demise. These episodes highlight the stark contrast between the Obito Kakashi knew and the Tobi he faced during the war.
9. How did Obito use his Sharingan abilities as Tobi?
Obito, as Tobi, made extensive use of his Kamui ability, granted by his Mangekyo Sharingan. This allowed him to become intangible, phase through objects, and teleport himself and others to a different dimension. He used this ability to evade attacks, launch surprise assaults, and manipulate the battlefield to his advantage. He also possessed the ability to control the Gedo Statue.
10. Was there any foreshadowing regarding Obito’s identity before the reveal?
Yes, there were subtle clues throughout the series that hinted at Obito’s survival and his connection to Tobi. These included similarities in fighting style, shared use of Kamui, and the masked figure’s knowledge of Kakashi’s past. These clues, while subtle, provided hints for attentive viewers.
11. What impact did the revelation have on the overall storyline of Naruto Shippuden?
The revelation of Obito’s identity had a profound impact on the overall storyline. It transformed the Fourth Great Ninja War from a simple battle between good and evil into a complex conflict fueled by personal pain, loss, and distorted ideals. It added layers of emotional depth to the narrative and forced the protagonists to confront their own past traumas and the consequences of their actions.
12. Did Obito ever redeem himself?
Yes, Obito eventually redeemed himself. Towards the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War, influenced by Naruto’s unwavering belief in him and witnessing the devastating consequences of his actions, he turned against Madara and fought alongside the Allied Shinobi Forces. He sacrificed himself to protect Naruto and Kakashi, ultimately becoming the hero he once aspired to be. He was able to use his Kamui abilities one last time to help Naruto and Sasuke.
In conclusion, the revelation of Obito’s identity in Naruto Shippuden episode 343 is a pivotal moment in the series. It marks a turning point in the Fourth Great Ninja War, adding depth, complexity, and emotional resonance to the conflict. It serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of loss, manipulation, and the importance of hope and redemption.