Jiraiya engages Itachi and Kisame in episodes 81-85 of the Naruto anime, specifically within the Search for Tsunade arc. While their direct combat is relatively brief, the encounter is pivotal, showcasing the power levels of all involved and furthering the overarching narrative.
The Legendary Sannin Confronts Akatsuki
The clash between Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin, and Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki, two formidable members of Akatsuki, remains a highlight for many Naruto fans. This confrontation wasn’t just about raw power; it was a strategic dance of deception, observation, and a glimpse into the darker forces at play. The encounter occurs as Itachi and Kisame attempt to capture Naruto to extract the Nine-Tailed Fox.
A Clash of Titans: Initial Skirmishes
The initial confrontation sees Jiraiya utilizing his Ninja Art: Toad Mouth Bind technique, attempting to trap the Akatsuki members. However, Itachi’s Amaterasu, the inextinguishable black flames, quickly nullifies this attempt. Kisame’s immense strength and Samehada, his living sword, further complicate matters. The speed and precision of the battle are breathtaking, highlighting the prowess of all participants.
Jiraiya’s Tactical Retreat
Recognizing the threat posed by the Akatsuki duo, Jiraiya strategically retreats. This isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a calculated decision to avoid a prolonged fight without the resources to properly contain them. He employs his Summoning Technique, calling upon the toad Gamabunta to create an escape route. This allows Naruto and himself to escape, preventing a capture by Akatsuki, at least for that time.
The Unveiling of Itachi’s True Power
This encounter also provides a crucial, albeit limited, insight into Itachi’s abilities. While he refrains from unleashing his full potential (reportedly due to concerns about damaging Konoha and drawing unwanted attention from other powerful figures), his use of Amaterasu and Sharingan-based genjutsu is enough to demonstrate his overwhelming power. It showcases the gap in experience and potential that still existed between Naruto and the top-tier shinobi.
Why This Fight Matters
The confrontation between Jiraiya and Itachi/Kisame is more than just a spectacle of ninjutsu. It plays a crucial role in several narrative aspects:
- Power Scaling: It establishes the power levels of the Akatsuki members, portraying them as a significant threat to even the most experienced shinobi.
- Character Development: It underscores Jiraiya’s wisdom and strategic thinking, highlighting his ability to assess threats and make calculated decisions.
- Plot Progression: It advances the overarching plot by emphasizing the danger Naruto faces and the lengths that Akatsuki will go to acquire the Tailed Beasts.
- Iatchi’s Complex Character: It hinted the fact that Itachi wasn’t necessarily an antagonist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Jiraiya’s encounter with Itachi and Kisame, providing further insights into this pivotal moment in the Naruto storyline.
FAQ 1: Why didn’t Jiraiya use Sage Mode during the fight?
Jiraiya likely refrained from using Sage Mode due to several factors. Firstly, he wouldn’t have had prior knowledge that the fight would occur. Secondly, the process of entering Sage Mode takes time and concentration, and in such a fast-paced battle, he might not have had the opportunity to properly prepare. It also would have revealed more of his hand early in the fight. And finally, his primary objective was escape and protection of Naruto, not necessarily outright victory. He would need to hold this move for a better moment.
FAQ 2: Was Itachi using his full power during the fight?
No. It is widely believed that Itachi was not using his full power. He was likely holding back to avoid damaging Konoha and attracting the attention of other powerful individuals, like Danzo or the Third Hokage. A full-blown battle between him and Jiraiya could have resulted in significant collateral damage and revealed too much about Akatsuki’s plans.
FAQ 3: Could Jiraiya have defeated Itachi and Kisame if he had used Sage Mode?
The outcome is debatable. While Sage Mode would have significantly enhanced Jiraiya’s abilities, Itachi’s Sharingan, particularly his Mangekyo Sharingan, would still pose a formidable challenge. It’s likely that a fully engaged battle would have been extremely close and could have gone either way, depending on the specific circumstances.
FAQ 4: Why did Itachi and Kisame retreat instead of pursuing Naruto?
Itachi and Kisame retreated because they had accomplished their primary objective: to gauge Konoha’s defenses and assess the situation. Engaging in a prolonged battle with Jiraiya, a Legendary Sannin, would have been too risky and potentially alerted other powerful shinobi in Konoha. They also had other missions to prioritize within Akatsuki. Plus, capturing Naruto in his current state may have been a risk, he needed time to develop.
FAQ 5: What was the significance of Itachi using Amaterasu in this fight?
The use of Amaterasu served as a powerful demonstration of Itachi’s abilities and the devastating potential of his Mangekyo Sharingan. It also showcased his mastery of fire style jutsus, a stark contrast to Kisame’s water techniques. It further solidified his status as a dangerous and formidable opponent.
FAQ 6: How did this fight impact Naruto’s training?
This encounter served as a wake-up call for Naruto. Witnessing the immense power of Itachi and Kisame motivated him to train harder and improve his skills. It fueled his desire to become stronger and protect his friends. He wanted to get on Itachi’s level. This realization ultimately led him to train with Jiraiya and learn more powerful techniques.
FAQ 7: Did Kisame use his full potential in the fight against Jiraiya?
Much like Itachi, it’s unlikely that Kisame utilized his full potential. While he demonstrated considerable strength and skill with Samehada, he likely held back some of his more devastating techniques to avoid revealing too much about Akatsuki’s capabilities.
FAQ 8: Why didn’t Jiraiya use a stronger barrier than the Toad Mouth Bind?
The Toad Mouth Bind was a quick and versatile technique intended to capture the Akatsuki members momentarily. Deploying a more complex or powerful barrier would have required more time and preparation, which Jiraiya didn’t have in the heat of the moment. Speed and surprise were essential.
FAQ 9: How does this fight compare to other battles featuring Jiraiya?
This fight differs from Jiraiya’s other battles in that it’s more of a strategic encounter than a full-blown showdown. While he engages in combat, his primary goal is to escape with Naruto and prevent their capture. Other battles, such as his fight against Pain, showcase his full power and determination to protect Konoha.
FAQ 10: What did Jiraiya learn about Akatsuki from this encounter?
From this encounter, Jiraiya learned that Akatsuki posed a far greater threat than he initially anticipated. He witnessed the immense power of Itachi and Kisame firsthand and realized that their organization was composed of highly skilled and dangerous individuals. This prompted him to investigate Akatsuki further, ultimately leading him to Amegakure and his fateful battle with Pain.
FAQ 11: Was there any dialogue in the anime that was cut from the manga version during this fight?
While the core narrative of the fight remains consistent between the anime and manga, the anime often expands upon certain scenes with additional dialogue and visual flourishes to enhance the dramatic impact. There might be small additions for character exposition or internal monologues not present in the original manga panel.
FAQ 12: Why is this fight considered a classic moment in the Naruto series?
The encounter between Jiraiya and Itachi/Kisame is considered a classic moment due to its perfect blend of action, suspense, and strategic thinking. It showcases the power of both sides, highlighting the threat Akatsuki poses while underscoring Jiraiya’s wisdom and tactical prowess. It also serves as a pivotal moment in Naruto’s journey, inspiring him to become stronger and protect those he cares about. This fight, above all, shows the power levels of the ninjas at the beginning of the show.