by MangaMoon

Naruto - Itachi Uchiha’s Path to Akatsuki 3D panel

Remember… Itachi leaving Konoha and putting on the black cloak of the Akatsuki? His path begins with the Uchiha massacre. Facing the clan’s planned coup and Danzo’s ultimatum, Itachi kills his clan with Obito’s assistance but spares Sasuke. He carries the village’s secret away, publicly branded a murderer and a traitor. When he enters the Akatsuki, Pain and Orochimaru introduce him as a former Leaf ANBU member who slaughtered his own clan. Nobody sees the brother who secured Sasuke’s survival. They see a dangerous young shinobi whose reputation makes him valuable. In the anime, his first partner is Juzo Biwa, a former swordsman of the Hidden Mist. They undertake missions together until a battle in the Land of Water ends with Juzo’s death. Kisame subsequently becomes Itachi’s partner. Orochimaru also attempts to seize Itachi’s body, only to be stopped by his Sharingan. Unable to claim the power he coveted, Orochimaru leaves the organization. Behind Itachi’s membership lies another purpose: watching the Akatsuki from within while continuing to protect Konoha. The red-cloud cloak marks a life built around secrecy. He protects his homeland while wearing its enemy’s colors—and remains a villain in the eyes of the brother he loves.

Material: Wooden