The Ultimate Showdowns: Top 10 Most Epic Akatsuki Battles in Naruto

The fights against the Akatsuki in Naruto Shippuden, after they become the main villains, are some of the greatest in the series. This group of rogue ninja, who have either been expelled or betrayed by their home villages, possess an immense individual strength that poses a grave threat to the entire shinobi world. However, it is not just their formidable power that makes them interesting, but also their diverse range of abilities, which ensures that every battle they engage in becomes an instant classic.

The encounters with the Akatsuki bosses not only advance the story, but also serve as a test of the heroes' strength. Surprisingly, Naruto himself does not often participate in these fights, allowing the series' expansive and varied cast of characters to take center stage. Adding to the difficulty, the Akatsuki members always travel and fight in pairs, with each pair carefully selected based on their complementary powers. This ensures that battling against them becomes twice as challenging.

10 The Sensei Versus Itachi And Kisame

From the very beginning, even before the audience becomes familiar with the names Akatsuki, Itachi, and Kisame, their red and black cloaks serve as a clear warning sign. The genin greatly admire their own sensei, Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai, who always seem capable of protecting them. However, when faced with these two remarkably formidable shinobi, their skills prove ineffective.

With the first glimpses of the true power of the Sharingan, Itachi completely dominates this confrontation. He ensnares Kakashi in Tsukuyomi, leaving Asuma and Kurenai with no choice but to close their eyes to avoid falling victim to the technique, leaving them vulnerable to Kisame's blade that feeds off chakra. The situation turns dire, until Might Guy appears, having undergone intense training specifically to counter the Sharingan. Additionally, Itachi's own desire to minimize conflict prevents any actual bloodshed.

9 Sakura And Chiyo Versus Sasori

Sasori and Deidara triumphed as a team against Gaara and Kankuro, but now Sasori faces a new challenge alone. Trapped by Chiyo and Sakura, Sasori unleashes a formidable arsenal of puppets, including the puppet-body he controls only against truly threatening opponents.

Sakura showcases her immense growth and skill in Naruto Shippuden, putting up an impressive fight against Sasori. She bravely defends against all of his puppets and even takes a life-threatening attack meant for Chiyo. As for Chiyo, she proves that age is no obstacle for a skilled ninja. Her ten battle puppets easily match up against her grandson's hundred.

8 Konan Versus Obito

In a departure from the usual battles between members of Akatsuki and heroes, this fight is unique as it pits two members of Akatsuki against each other, albeit ones with contrasting beliefs about the purpose of the group. Following Nagato's demise, Obito arrives to claim the Rinnegan from his body. In defense of Nagato, Yahiko, and Naruto's pursuit of true peace, Konan engages in a deadly fight to the end against Obito.

Having always remained in the shadows alongside Nagato, Konan never had the opportunity to truly showcase her abilities like her comrades. However, in this moment, her power is fully on display and it is remarkably captivating. Her strongest techniques are capable of turning ordinary paper into lethal weapons, and she continues to fight with unwavering determination even after sustaining severe injuries. By astutely analyzing "Tobi's" techniques, Konan unleashes a devastating explosive attack that outlasts his lifesaving Kamui by twice the duration. Only the Sharingan, which he had concealed from her, saves Tobi's life in the end.

7 Team 10 Versus Hidan And Kakuzu

Hidan's murder of Asuma ranks as one of the most heart-wrenching moments in Naruto, making the retaliation from his students and friends all the more satisfying. Following Sasuke's lead, Shikamaru takes it upon himself to avenge Asuma's death, while Ino, Choji, and Kakashi unite against Kakuzu. Unfortunately, Hidan and Kakuzu remain formidable opponents even in their separated state.

Despite enduring deadly assaults, such as Kakashi's Lightning Cutter, Kakuzu's five hearts keep him alive. Ultimately, it is Naruto's Rasenshuriken and Shikamaru's clever utilization of Hidan's own techniques against him that succeed in finishing him off. As Kakashi aptly explains, this serves as a poignant example of the show's overarching theme of younger generations surpassing their elders. Shikamaru's prowess is further exemplified when he ingeniously entombs the immortal Hidan, ensuring he suffers for years before meeting his demise.

6 Might Guy Versus Kisame

The showdown between two prominent secondary characters in Naruto highlights Kisame's true strength. While Kisame's battle against Killer Bee and the Fourth Raikage is thrilling, he is swiftly overwhelmed and betrayed by Samehada. Consequently, he is forced to conceal himself. However, when Kisame makes a comeback, Guy is compelled to unleash his most advanced techniques to keep up with Kisame and his shark-like abilities.

This fight holds significance not only for the participants' survival but also for the crucial information that Kisame intends to deliver. Despite his defeat, Kisame displays unexpected depth by choosing to take his own life rather than betray Akatsuki, and he departs this world while remembering his late partner, Itachi. On the other hand, Guy's victory exemplifies his trademark respect for opponents, as he vows to never forget Kisame.

5 Jiraiya Versus Pain And Konan

The revelation that Jiraiya personally trained Akatsuki's leaders is one of the most mind-blowing plot twists in Naruto. However, while it is the most crucial moment in Jiraiya's ultimate battle, it is not the most impressive. Konan and Nagato, his former students, show no mercy as they confront their sensei, proving to be formidable adversaries.

Jiraiya manages to defeat three of the Six Paths of Pain before being overwhelmed, but his true triumph lies in uncovering Pain's true identity and relaying the vital information to the village. In his younger days, he was prophesied that a child he mentored would either save or destroy the world. Faced with uncertainty, Jiraiya places his faith in Naruto during his final moments, unaware of whether Naruto or Nagato is the child of destiny or what they will ultimately choose to do.

4 Sasuke Versus Deidara

Deidara holds a deep grudge against Sharingan users, particularly Itachi, believing they fail to appreciate his explosive art. Despite never overcoming his loss to Itachi, Deidara is willing to settle for killing Itachi's younger brother if he cannot defeat the older Uchiha. Similarly, Sasuke views Deidara as merely an obstacle to overcome before facing Itachi.

Although Sharingan eyes and genjutsu continue to frustrate Deidara, he finds joy in unleashing his most powerful techniques. He relentlessly attacks Sasuke from various angles, using massive bombs. In contrast, Sasuke achieves victory through quietly analyzing the weaknesses in Deidara's techniques. Eventually, Sasuke manipulates Deidara into self-destruction and sacrifices a snake to shield himself from Deidara's final explosion.

3 Kakashi Versus Obito

One of anime's most memorable flashback episodes showcases the relationship between a young Kakashi and his teammates, Rin Nohara and Obito Uchiha. Tragically, Obito is fatally injured on a mission, passing his Sharingan to Kakashi before his death. However, to Kakashi's dismay, it is revealed that Obito himself has become the enemy, driven by a deep resentment towards the society that shaped them as shinobi.

Engaged in an intense battle, both Kakashi and Obito skillfully mimic each other's techniques using their Sharingan. The emotional intensity is heightened as Kakashi reminisces about their childhood sparring matches, all while Obito seeks to end his life. The values that Kakashi imparts on his students, particularly Naruto who he sees as a reflection of a young Obito, were instilled in him by Obito himself. Sadly, when Kakashi attempts to remind Obito of this, his former friend rejects these teachings.

2 Sasuke Versus Itachi

The long-awaited clash between brothers, known as the Fated Battle Between Brothers arc, lives up to its hype. Sasuke, driven by revenge and the desire to avenge the Uchiha clan, finally feels capable of defeating Itachi. However, Itachi, being one of the most notorious shinobi in the world, remains unwavering in his determination to test and push his younger brother to his limits.

In this epic battle, both Sasuke and Itachi unleash their most formidable techniques, including the awe-inspiring Kirin and Susanoo. Yet, what truly sets this fight apart is the profound revelation about Itachi's character. As he draws his last breath, Itachi surprises everyone by flashing a final smile at Sasuke. This fleeting moment exposes the truth behind Itachi's actions, revealing that every decision he made - from sparing Sasuke during the Uchiha clan massacre to freeing him permanently from Orochimaru's curse mark - was for the sake of his beloved brother, profoundly altering Sasuke's path once again.

1 Naruto Versus Pain

When the leader of Akatsuki finally appears, all six of them, he does so with a powerful display: devastating much of Konoha in a single massive attack. Nagato, Naruto's polar opposite in ideology and considerably stronger, makes Naruto's victory here one of his greatest accomplishments. If this doesn't establish him as the hero of the Leaf Village, nothing else could.

Naruto's utilization of Sage Mode against an adversary who has wreaked havoc on every shinobi in the Leaf Village is truly exhilarating. Hinata also receives more attention, putting up a strong fight against Pain to safeguard Naruto before her iconic confession. When Pain seemingly takes her life, Naruto's ability to rein in his anger and return to his normal state not only demonstrates extraordinary willpower, but also allows him to confront Nagato one-on-one. While some fans may be skeptical of Naruto's ability to persuade the leader of Akatsuki, it serves as a genuine testament to the unwavering convictions of this younger shinobi.

The fights against the Akatsuki in Naruto's story are not only essential but also thrilling and dramatic battles. These encounters force the heroes to adapt and evolve in order to survive. Beyond being mere spectacles, they serve as significant character moments and offer intriguing strategic perspectives. What sets Naruto's best Akatsuki battles apart is the way they genuinely test the combatants' intelligence, as they continually discover new and imaginative ways to utilize their powers.