Naruto: Unraveling the Mystery Behind Itachi Uchiha's Enigmatic Illness and its Real-life Parallels

Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, is renowned for his storytelling skills in the industry. However, one secret he has kept from fans is Itachi's illness. When Itachi's sickness was revealed during his fight with Sasuke, fans have been speculating about the Mangekyo Sharingan user's mysterious illness.

After Itachi's massacre of the Uchiha clan, Sasuke sought to avenge his clan and dedicated his life to training to defeat his older brother. However, when he finally achieved this, he learned from Tobi that Itachi had planned his own death.

Naruto: What illness did Itachi have?

It seems that Itachi was suffering from a terminal illness and was not expected to live much longer. As a result, he orchestrated his own death at the hands of his younger brother Sasuke, enabling him to fulfill his desire for revenge.

Itachi Uchiha in the Naruto Shippuden series (Image via Studio Pierrot)

It was disclosed in Naruto chapter 401 that Itachi Uchiha was suffering from a terminal illness. However, neither the series nor the manga creator Masashi Kishimoto has revealed the specific disease Itachi was afflicted with. While there are theories within the Naruto universe, it is worth considering the real-life parallels of his illness.

Over ten years ago, a theory emerged online suggesting that Itachi Uchiha might have developed Microscopic Polyangiitis, a rare form of systemic vasculitis and an autoimmune disorder. This disorder occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body.

Itachi Uchiha as seen in Naruto Shippuden (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Microscopic Polyangiitis is characterized by antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies attacking the small vessels, causing them to bleed and become damaged and inflamed. This can have fatal consequences on different organ systems due to the importance of these vessels.

Itachi's most notable symptom was coughing up blood from his lungs, which aligns with the symptoms of Microscopic Polyangiitis, including shortness of breath and coughing.

Itachi Uchiha depicted in Naruto Shippuden (Image courtesy of Studio Pierrot)

Furthermore, Itachi displayed signs of experiencing chest pains throughout the series, which is also a symptom of the illness. It is worth noting that Itachi was depicted as nearly blind during his battle with Sasuke, with the anime attributing his blindness to his Mangekyo Sharingan usage. However, this aspect could potentially have a real-world explanation.

The extensive use of Mangekyo Sharingan and its jutsu is well-known to have taken a significant toll on the user's body, potentially worsening the impact of his disease. Although fans might assume that Itachi's bloodshot eyes were solely due to the Mangekyo Sharingan, it is important to note that retinal hemorrhage and scleritis are also symptoms of Microscopic Polyangiitis.

While Itachi's specific illness remains unconfirmed, it is plausible to assume that he may have suffered from this autoimmune disorder.

What could be Itachi's disease in Naruto universe?

Naruto and Sasuke as seen in Sasuke Retsuden manga (Image via Shueisha)

It is speculated that Itachi Uchiha may have developed a chakra illness, although this cannot be confirmed. In the Sasuke Retsuden storyline, it was revealed that Naruto Uzumaki had also suffered from a chakra illness as a result of prolonged exposure to a tailed beast's chakra.

Likewise, Itachi's extensive use of his Mangekyo Sharingan could have potentially led to a chakra illness. Having acquired the Mangekyo Sharingan at the age of 12 and passing away at 21, he had been using his eyes for nearly a decade, which may have caused damage to his chakra paths and resulted in illness.

This might prompt the question of why other Mangekyo Sharingan users didn't suffer from the same illness. The difference is that, unlike Itachi, most Uchiha didn't unlock their Mangekyo Sharingan at such a young age, so they had less exposure to it. Sasuke, on the other hand, was able to instantly achieve Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, bypassing the illness and its symptoms altogether.

Editor's P/S

Itachi Uchiha, a complex and enigmatic character in the Naruto series, captivated fans with his mysterious illness. While the specific nature of his ailment remains undisclosed, theories suggest that he may have suffered from Microscopic Polyangiitis, a rare autoimmune disorder. This condition is characterized by inflammation and damage to small blood vessels, leading to symptoms such as coughing up blood, chest pains, and impaired vision.

Itachi's illness adds depth to his character, showcasing his resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite his declining health, he remains committed to protecting his loved ones and ensuring the safety of the Hidden Leaf Village. Fans can't help but admire his unwavering spirit, even as he faces his own mortality.