Itachi Uchiha, the legendary Akatsuki member, one ofKonoha’s best shinobi, and his clan’s prodigy, has always been a favorite amongNarutofans and a sensitive subject of debate among the fandom. He might have only a few scenes in the series, but his impact became much greater. Whether Itachi is a villain, hero, anti-hero, or anti-villain is like the samedebate surroundingAttack on Titan’s Eren Yeager; however, he undeniably fits the definition of a hero, and his love interest is a testament to that.
The classicNarutofranchise is not an anime or manga that centers on love stories and happily ever after. Many sacrificed and died through its hundreds of episodes, and Itachi Uchiha is no exception.The clan’s prodigy had taken a huge responsibility at a young age. While some fans are still divided about whether to hate or pity him, it’s different to those who found out that Itachi could have also gotten his own kind of happy ending through Izumi Uchiha.
Itachi’s Untold Love Story Reshapes the Hero-Villain Narrative
Naruto’s creator, Masashi Kishimoto, has revealed that Itachi’s heartwrenching killing of his clan was not motivated by anger. This act was done to save Konoha and his little brother, Sasuke Uchiha. However, beneath this narrative is a romance connecting him to one of the girls from his clan, Izumi Uchiha, which adds a layer to his tragic heroism. The end result doesn’t justrank amongNaruto’smost tragic love stories, it also sheds light on who Itachi was before he killed his clan.
The night of the Uchiha massacre was told differently in the anime, manga, and the spin-off novel. In the anime, Obito Uchiha killed Izumi while Itachi went to kill the rest. However, in the novel,Itachi first goes to Izumi to give her a peaceful death, sparing her from the violence that the rest of their clan would endure. Using tsukuyomi, a powerful genjutsu practiced only by a few, Itachi placed Izumi into a dream-like illusion.
Izumi lived a beautiful life in the illusion and grew old with Itachi. She fulfilled her goals and became a great kunoichi. Izumi passed away in reality and during the genjustu; however,her death was peaceful and serene in the illusionsurrounded by love, especially from Itachi.
Naruto: Itachi Uchiha’s Betrayal & Clan Backstory Explained
Itachi’s betrayal and the story of the Uchiha clan is one of Naruto’s biggest plot lines. Here are all the twisting reveals in the character’s past.
InNaruto’s canon spin-off novelItachi Shinden: Book of Bright Light, more of the human side of Itachi was unveiled. Izumi and Itachi’s relationship as highlighted in one ofNaruto Shippuden’sbest filler episodes, episode #453, even shows a special connection that allows Itachi to momentarily engage in a genuine conversation with her, something he seldom gives to others.Even one of Itachi’s fellow shinobi labeled their interactions as flirting, emphasizing their warmth and familiarity. The circumstances around Itachi made him undeserving of a normal and simple life with his brother and the girl he would have ended up with, Izumi.
Izumi Uchiha’s Death Puts an End to the Debate on Itachi Uchiha’s Character
If there’s a better way to describe Itachi, it would be none other than a broken hero. If not for Itachi’s sacrifice, Konoha and its people would cease to exist. For years, he was willing to be portrayed as the villain in the eyes of the people and his beloved brother.Itachi was one ofNaruto’s most tragic charactersbecause he was so disadvantaged that living a life with the girl he liked was also taken away. Izumi Uchiha’s character and their short time together are sufficient to end the debate about his heroism.
Itachi Uchiha was not an ideal hero, but is still considered to be one. OtherNarutocharacters, such as the protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Kakashi Hatake, know thatbeing in the opposition was only a facade for Itachi’s heroic intentions.Furthermore, not everyone might be aware of Izumi’s special relationship with Itachi, but Obito Uchiha recognized that she was his lover way back in the manga.
Itachi might have been a prodigy, but even his unparalleled skills could not overpower the authorities, which led him to commit the massacre.
Itachi was a victim of Konoha’s dark side, especially the village elders, which included Danzo. For years, he carried the unbearable guilt and grief that came from his deep loyalty and desire for a more peaceful environment, mainly for Sasuke. Itachi and Izumi’s tragic love story proves he was a man with compassion and selflessness. He proved that even during his toughest and cruellest mission, he acted out love, making him the entireNarutofranchise’s most overlooked broken hero.
Naruto
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.
