The Ultimate Power Scale: Ranking Every Akatsuki Member from Feeble to Formidable

Summary

Naruto's Akatsuki is an iconic villainous group with strong members. Founded to stop destruction, they evolved to seek power and mass death.

The initial generation of Akatsuki members proved to be inferior compared to their successors, as some were easily overpowered by leaders who aimed to recruit stronger individuals.

Among the formidable Akatsuki members are Madara Uchiha, Obito Uchiha/Tobi, and Nagato/Pain, all of whom possess immense abilities that render them almost invulnerable.

The Akatsuki, led by Naruto, are famous anime villains and are considered to be some of the most powerful characters. As the story progresses, the Akatsuki's motivations change, but they consistently seek mass destruction and death. Initially, the group was created to prevent larger nations from destroying smaller communities. However, their leader eventually believes that ruling over humanity is the only way to stop this destruction. Despite their small numbers, the Akatsuki is a formidable force and can take on elite ninjas as well as control the powerful Tailed Beasts. While some members are weaker than others, especially the earlier generation, there are also members who are nearly indestructible demigods. Considering the rankings of the Akatsuki members, one stands out as the strongest.

20 Kie

He isn't incredibly powerful and his abilities remain a mystery, but Kie was an original member of the Akatsuki, a guerilla organization dedicated to protecting the Hidden Rain Village from destruction by larger nations. Like other first-generation members, Kie was defeated by Madara Uchiha, who sought to manipulate Nagato into forming a stronger version of the Akatsuki to collect the Tailed Beasts. Although there is a slim possibility that Kie could have ranked higher among the Akatsuki's strongest, his minimal screen time and lack of impact on the overall story indicate that he was likely the weakest member of the organization.

19 Daibutsu

Daibutsu, a member of the first generation of Akatsuki, managed to survive Madara Uchiha's attack on the organization. His objective was to defeat Tobi and Zetsu before they could manipulate Nagato into using the organization for their own gain. Despite his immense size and strength, Daibutsu wielded large blunt weapons to weaken and tire his opponents, ultimately employing his Water Prison Jutsu to detain them. However, his more basic techniques and limited ninja abilities rendered him unable to compete against the other formidable members of the original Akatsuki.

18 Kyusuke

Kyusuke, a member of the original Akatsuki, stands out as one of the strongest. He possesses remarkable speed, overwhelming opponents with his sword techniques, and astonishing others with higher-level nature transformation techniques. In the original manga, his character remains unnamed and unexplored, but in the anime, Kyusuke showcases his immense power by combining fire and earth elemental transformations, enabling him to unleash formidable Lava Release techniques. Despite these abilities, he still falls short compared to the likes of Tobi, easily being outmatched by the masked ninja. Any other time, Kyusuke would undeniably be considered one of the most formidable ninjas, but when faced with these super-elite criminals, he simply cannot measure up.

17 Jūzō Biwa

Jūzō Biwa, the sole anime-exclusive member of Akatsuki's second generation, possesses impressive abilities but falls short in comparison to his canon counterparts. By employing water techniques, he catches opponents off guard and swiftly strikes them down with the distinguished Kubikiribōchō blade. Additionally, he exhibits remarkable physical strength, effortlessly brandishing the colossal sword while earning the respect to join forces with the immensely powerful Itachi Uchiha in a mission against the Fourth Mizukage. Nonetheless, his skill set seems to place him as nothing more than a discount version of Zabuza, leaving him considerably weaker than his fellow contemporaries. As a whole, his contributions to the organization were rather lackluster.

16 White Zetsu

White Zetsu, an Akatsuki member, possesses a unique genetic makeup that grants him a wide range of handy techniques and imparts a distinct, pale complexion along with plant-like appendages. He is proficient in all fundamental nature transformations and even possesses the ability to utilize advanced Wood Release techniques. Despite these formidable abilities, White Zetsu predominantly undertakes reconnaissance and information-gathering missions, as his combat prowess is limited. With his Mayfly technique, he can effortlessly navigate through solid surfaces. While White Zetsu poses a challenging opponent for most ninjas, the majority of other Akatsuki members possess the raw power or a more diverse array of peculiar techniques to overcome him.

15 Yahiko

14 Hidan

The leader of the Akatsuki, Yahiko, is widely regarded as an immensely skilled and formidable ninja. Having mastered the elements of fire, water, and wind, Yahiko acquired his ninjutsu knowledge from the renowned Sannin Jiraiya, thereby attaining a level of expertise that allowed him to lead an entire army of ninjas against the ruling authorities of the Hidden Rain Village. Such a feat necessitates exceptional power and charisma, surpassing that of most ninjas. Although Yahiko may not have played an overly active role in the series, he laid the foundation for the Akatsuki's emergence as a potent threat. Despite the misappropriation of his noble intentions, the creation of the original Akatsuki demanded an immense amount of strength. Consequently, Yahiko stands as one of the most formidable members within the original Akatsuki.

Hidan's strength lies not in his ninja skills, but in his remarkable endurance. He possesses only two distinct abilities: an extraordinary form of immortality and the power to transform into a voodoo doll, inflicting harm on anyone who attacks him while within a specific symbol. While this makes him a formidable opponent to vanquish, it is fairly simple to render him incapacitated once aware of his abilities. Shikamaru Nara, for instance, effortlessly defeats Hidan by preventing him from drawing his symbol and disabling his limbs, thereby limiting his ability to launch any attacks. While defeating Hidan may seem daunting without prior knowledge, even rudimentary planning is sufficient to overcome this undying ninja.

13 Sasori

Sasori, the renowned puppet master ninja in Naruto, possesses unparalleled skills and an enduring existence. He commands a formidable army of human puppets, numbering over a hundred, each retaining their unique abilities and concealing an array of concealed weapons. Having transformed his own body into a puppet, Sasori is impervious to all poisons and impervious to harm unless his vulnerable flesh core is struck.

Nevertheless, Sasori's true prowess in battle lies in catching his adversaries off guard through his diverse range of covert attacks and exceptional abilities. Once his secret puppet physicality and arsenal are unveiled, his threat diminishes significantly, as he becomes susceptible to defeat through sheer force or by exploiting the weaknesses inherent in his puppets. Nevertheless, even amongst the lower-ranked Akatsuki members, he remains an immensely powerful force, surpassing any other group of ninjas.

12 Deidara

11 Kisame Hoshigaki

Deidara, a member of the Akatsuki, is renowned for his flashy nature and expertise in explosives. He excels in causing widespread destruction by combining earth and lightning elements to create explosion techniques. Utilizing the mouths on his body, Deidara manipulates clay, transforming it into mobile explosives that he controls with his chakra. This unique ability grants him remarkable versatility within the Akatsuki ranks, enabling him to overcome opponents unless they possess exceptional speed or defense. However, Deidara does have vulnerabilities; his explosive clay can be neutralized by lightning attacks, and his own lack of foresight is a notable weakness. Undeniably, he stands as one of the most formidable ninjas in the Naruto universe, demanding every ounce of Sasuke's cunning and skill to finally be defeated in their epic confrontation.

Possessing a formidable and monstrous visage, Kisame Hoshigaki proves to be an invaluable asset within the ranks of the Akatsuki. Not only is he proficient in a wide range of water-based jutsu, but his true might is amplified when he wields the sentient blade known as Samehada. This remarkable weapon grants Kisame the ability to nullify any chakra-based attack, as it feeds on the very energy it absorbs. Additionally, Kisame can merge with the sword, transforming into a shark-like creature and recovering from injuries that would otherwise prove fatal. With such extraordinary capabilities and an unwavering loyalty towards the Akatsuki, it comes as no surprise that a united team of ninja was required to put an end to Kisame's reign. Consequently, Kisame rightfully claims a notable middle-ranking position amongst the Akatsuki's fiercest members.

10 Kakuzu

9 Konan

Kakuzu, an Akatsuki member, is both nearly immortal and monstrous. He possesses the extraordinary ability to harness the full potential of each chakra element, while his entire body consists of tendrils that function like threads. With this unique anatomy, he can not only manipulate anything his threads touch but also heal fatal injuries by swiftly replacing his damaged organs with those of others. Only by simultaneously inflicting damage on Kakuzu's entire body and obliterating all his reserve organs can this ageless ninja be vanquished. Considering his immense physical strength, capable of taking on a Tailed Beast, it is an extremely challenging task that only a select few talented ninjas in Naruto can accomplish.

Konan, a core member of the Akatsuki group, stands out as the sole female among the second generation. Serving as the trusted advisor to the group's leader, Pain, she possesses exceptional strength and an unwavering cautiousness. What sets her apart is her unique ability to infuse her chakra into paper, granting her an array of innovative attacks. Furthermore, she demonstrates her agility by transforming her body into paper fragments, enabling her to swiftly maneuver and evade danger. Given sufficient time for preparation, Konan proves her formidable skill by relentlessly bombarding the enigmatic Tobi with explosive paper for an astonishing duration of ten minutes. With her unparalleled versatility, remarkable mobility, and undeniable destructive prowess, Konan rightfully secures a prominent position among the most formidable members of the Akatsuki, as recognized in Naruto's world.

8 Shin Uchiha

Shin Uchiha, although not officially a member of the Akatsuki or of Uchiha lineage, is an incredibly formidable opponent. He adopted the name Uchiha due to his deep interest in the near-extinct clan and seeks to revive the Akatsuki in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, as he believes that violence is necessary for human evolution.

With numerous implanted Sharingan eyes spanning his body and a unique ability to accept transplanted organs without rejection, Shin possesses incredible power. Through his Sharingan, he can telekinetically control anything he marks with a special seal, and his army of clones provides him with a vast amount of manpower and spare body parts. It took the combined efforts of Sakura and Sasuke to ultimately defeat this skilled ninja.

7 Black Zetsu

Black Zetsu is an enigmatic being embodying the god-like Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. With this connection, he possesses a diverse array of extraordinary powers and the cunning to carry out a scheme to revive his sealed mistress. His mastery encompasses all elements of ninjutsu, the advanced Wood release, chakra absorption from others, and absorption of unique techniques from fellow ninjas.

Although he prefers to operate discreetly, the majority of his abilities are essentially a diluted version of Kaguya's techniques. Consequently, he stands as an immensely formidable force, capable of overpowering most adversaries in a direct confrontation and potentially defeating any opponent through surprise. Only a select few ninja, at their absolute peak, stand a chance against this extraordinarily powerful member of the Akatsuki.

6 Kabuto Yakushi

5 Itachi Uchiha

Kabuto, though not officially a part of the Akatsuki, serves as a spy for them and fights on their behalf during the Fourth Shinobi World War. Utilizing the knowledge gained while working under Orochimaru, Kabuto has honed his skills to the point where he can overcome almost any opponent in direct combat. He has undergone modifications to his body, making him nearly impervious to harm, and possesses the ability to passively absorb natural energy, allowing him to maintain Sage Mode indefinitely. Itachi Uchiha was only able to defeat Kabuto by ensnaring him in an unending genjutsu that forced the enhanced ninja to reevaluate his life choices. Kabuto's strength and fighting prowess are unmatched, and only the most formidable of ninjas can momentarily incapacitate him.

Regarded as the epitome of mastery in the world of Naruto, Itachi Uchiha stands unrivaled in the realms of ninjutsu and genjutsu. Concealed within the ranks of the Akatsuki, he dedicates himself to the covert surveillance of the organization. Itachi wields the extraordinary power of the Sharingan, the pinnacle of which encompasses its fabled abilities. From the immortal inferno of Amaterasu to the bewitching illusions of Tsukuyomi, and the formidable entity known as Susanoo, he effortlessly commands these advanced techniques with unparalleled finesse.

If not for his chronic illness, Itachi would likely have been the most powerful ninja alive during his time in the series. Few opponents can compare to Itachi's extraordinary intellect and the exceptional skills he has honed. Only those with even greater natural talents or years of training can hope to match Itachi's devastating and diverse Sharingan abilities. His story is one of the most captivating in the series, and his absence is deeply felt in the Naruto universe.

4 Orochimaru

Orochimaru stands out as a formidable character in the Naruto universe, embodying both intense self-interest and exceptional strength. As one of the renowned Sannin and a former member of the Akatsuki, he strategically aligned himself with this notorious group to further his own agenda. Orochimaru has engaged in intense battles against some of the most powerful individuals within the series, emerging victorious and accumulating valuable knowledge from these encounters. Through extensive body modifications, Orochimaru has acquired an extensive array of unique abilities by absorbing the essence of other individuals.

3 Pain/Nagato

No other character in the series surpasses Orochimaru's knowledge and mastery of ninjutsu. His vast repertoire of techniques goes far beyond what any human could possibly achieve. Only a being with unimaginable power can even come close to matching Orochimaru at his peak state, when he is fully motivated and puts his every ounce of energy into a battle.

Blessed with the legendary Rinnegan,

Nagato transformed the Akatsuki into a malevolent organization, adopting the name Pain. His ultimate ambition was to rule over humanity and become the focal point of the world's animosity. Utilizing his Rinnegan, Nagato exerted control over six corpses, each possessing unique abilities. His mastery over the elemental transformations was unmatched, enabling him to decimate entire cities in an instant with his immense power. Essentially an army in himself, Nagato's reign was brought to a halt solely by Naruto's Sage Mode and the chakra of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox. Thanks to his formidable strength and ranking among the Akatsuki's mightiest members, Nagato commanded the organization's strongest incarnation.

2 Obito Uchiha/Tobi

1 Madara Uchiha

Obito Uchiha, also known as Tobi when concealing his identity from other Akatsuki members, possesses numerous extraordinary abilities. These include the Sharingan, the Rinnegan, and the power of the Ten-Tails. Through these powers, he can become intangible, manipulate the six chakra elements, access all of Nagato's capabilities, and even annihilate almost anything using the Truth-Seeking Balls technique. Despite having this formidable form for a brief period, it required the collective efforts of the Allied Shinobi Forces to halt his rampage. Obito was virtually invincible, and only the combined strength of a massive army and the manipulations of Madara prevented him from becoming unstoppable.

Madara Uchiha, the man who paved the way for the Akatsuki and orchestrated its operations from behind the scenes, reached a mastery beyond Obito's powers. By fusing the Sharingan and Rinnegan, he achieved the Rinne Sharingan, surpassing all expectations. Madara emerged triumphant against the entire Allied Shinobi Forces and even held off the combined efforts of Naruto and Sasuke. He stands as one of the most formidable foes in the Naruto series. However, his downfall came when he allowed Black Zetsu to manipulate his decisions, leading to the possession and transformation of his body by the goddess Kaguya. It is undeniable that Madara is the most dominant member of the Akatsuki and the most formidable character in Naruto when it comes to one-on-one combat.

The Akatsuki, a villain organization in Naruto, play a crucial role in defining a great shonen. They possess formidable power, captivating personalities, and conflicting motivations, making them iconic within the realm of anime. Many consider the highest-ranked Akatsuki members to be among the strongest characters in the Naruto series.