What is akatsuki?

Akatsuki: The Dawn

Akatsuki (暁, literally meaning "Dawn" or "Daybreak") was a notorious criminal organization composed of S-rank missing-nin who had defected from their villages. Founded by Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan, its initial goal was to bring peace to the violent world through non-violent means. After Yahiko's death, the organization was taken over by Obito Uchiha, operating under the alias of Madara Uchiha, and later manipulated by Zetsu, who twisted its goals.

Goals and Objectives

Under Obito's leadership, the Akatsuki's primary objective shifted to capturing all the Tailed Beasts (Bijū) to extract their chakra and revive the Ten-Tails, a monstrous being with unimaginable power. With the Ten-Tails' power, they planned to cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi, a genjutsu that would trap the entire world in an illusion, thus achieving "peace" by eliminating free will and conflict.

Membership and Structure

The Akatsuki was composed of ten core members, usually operating in teams of two. Each member possessed unique abilities and was highly skilled in combat, making them formidable opponents. Members wore similar attire: long, black cloaks adorned with red clouds, symbolizing the blood shed during the formation of the organization. They also wore a ring on a specific finger, each ring representing a unique designation within the group. Notable members included:

  • Pain (Nagato): The de facto leader after Yahiko's death.
  • Konan: The only female member and Nagato's loyal companion.
  • Itachi Uchiha: A Leaf Shinobi tasked with spying on the Akatsuki.
  • Kisame Hoshigaki: Itachi's partner and a master swordsman.
  • Deidara: An artist who used explosive clay.
  • Sasori: A puppet master of unparalleled skill.
  • Hidan: An immortal zealot who worshipped Jashin.
  • Kakuzu: A veteran ninja with multiple hearts.
  • Orochimaru: A former member who defected after failing to take Itachi's body.
  • Tobi (Obito Uchiha): Initially acted as a comedic relief character, later revealing himself as the mastermind.

Downfall

The Akatsuki ultimately crumbled due to internal conflicts, defections, and the efforts of the Allied Shinobi Forces. Many members were defeated in battle, and Obito's plans were thwarted by Naruto Uzumaki and his allies, bringing an end to the organization's reign of terror.