Unveiling Kakashi Hatake's Top 10 Inspiring Quotes from Naruto

Kakashi Hatake's distinctive personality has made him a beloved figure in the Naruto franchise and the wider anime community. Despite his laid-back and carefree attitude, Kakashi is an incredibly skilled and dedicated ninja. Renowned for his exceptional abilities since childhood, he played a crucial role in the Fourth Ninja War and ultimately became the Sixth Hokage.

Kakashi's 10 best quotes from Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, ranked

Kakashi, whether as a formidable Sharingan user or a compassionate teacher to his students, was present for numerous unforgettable moments. Despite experiencing the loss of many loved ones, he never harbored resentment towards the world, highlighting his exceptional mental strength. Continue reading for an in-depth exploration of the quotes that epitomize Kakashi's unique personality.

10) Ninjas must be unforeseeable

Kakashi is an unpredictable and cunning fighter (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Kakashi often employs Shadow Clones to assess his opponent's abilities. His ingenuity was evident when he outwitted Pain using a Lightning Clone, despite Pain's remarkable Rinnegan vision. Additionally, he identified and exploited the vulnerability of Obito's Kamui, countering it with his own space-time jutsu. Kakashi's cunning tactics allow him to deceive and outmaneuver his enemies, ultimately delivering a decisive blow.

9) Being a teacher can be truly difficult

Sasuke tried to kill him, but Kakashi continued talking (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Kakashi blamed himself for Sasuke's criminal actions and the suffering of Naruto and Sakura, feeling unable to keep his team united. After the Five Kage Summit, Sasuke almost killed Sakura, but Kakashi intervened just in time.

Sasuke stated his intention to kill Kakashi, who responded with no intention of killing him. Kakashi compared their situation to the Third Hokage's struggle with Orochimaru, where a teacher could not bring himself to harm his student.

Despite Sasuke's best efforts, including using his most powerful Susanoo stage in an attempt to kill him, Kakashi only defended himself and maintained a calm conversation with his student. Eventually, Kakashi's patience paid off when Sasuke rejoined Team 7 long after the battle.

8) A selfless man who risks his life for the others

Protecting his comrades is Kakashi's primary aim (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

"I will not let my fellow soldiers perish. I will shield you with my life. Have faith in me!" Kakashi had endured the devastating loss of numerous companions, including those from his own team. Stricken by these events, he made a solemn promise to himself to prevent any more of his comrades from being killed.

Witnessing Sasuke's fearful tremble in the presence of Zabuza, Kakashi offered the young Uchiha reassurance that he would never let him or his companions perish. With a comforting smile, Kakashi vowed to protect them at any cost, even if it meant risking his own life.

True to his word, Kakashi proved his loyalty time and time again. He rescued everyone from Deidara during the Kazekage Rescue Arc, shielded Team 10 from Kakuzu, and even bravely sacrificed himself to safeguard Choji from Pain.

He also sheltered Naruto from Obito several times, and that's not considering the countless times he protected Sakura, especially during the Fourth Ninja War.

7) Messing with Kakashi's moral beliefs is not a good idea

It's never a good idea to make Kakashi angry. (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Kakashi is consistently calm, to the extent that he appears detached from reality. Despite his exceptional fighting abilities and strong reputation, he remains humble and never boasts. However, when Kabuto used the Impure World Resurrection to resurrect powerful ninjas, including Zabuza and Haku, whom Kakashi respected, to fight on his behalf, Kakashi couldn't help but feel anger at seeing them used as mere tools.

Outraged, Kakashi unleashed the power that earned him the moniker "Copy Ninja" and began wreaking havoc on the battlefield. Supported by his loyal friend Guy, Kakashi successfully defeated the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist before going to assist Naruto.

6) No one is saved alone

Anchoring himself to his loved ones, Kakashi didn't end like Obito (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Devastated by Rin's death, Obito Uchiha descended into a path of violence, seeking to create a dream world free from suffering. He committed numerous atrocities, posing a threat to the entire world.

In their intense battle in the Kamui dimension, Obito confided in his former friend Kakashi, claiming that the world had left him feeling disillusioned and empty. Kakashi, too, had endured immense suffering, surpassing that of many characters in the series.

After losing his father Sakumo, teammate Rin, teacher Minato, and supposedly Obito as well, who had apparently died years earlier, Kakashi never placed blame on anyone or the world for these tragedies. Despite his immense suffering and even thoughts of suicide, Kakashi found a way to keep moving forward. He expressed to Obito that the pain in one's heart can be eased by the love and support of others.

5) Opening to each other, enemies go back to being friends

Obito and Kakashi eventually renewed their friendship (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

After being unable to break Naruto's resolute determination, Obito finally understood the folly of his actions, as the unwavering will of the ninja in orange brought back fragments of his former self.

Despite his initial desire to kill Obito for his actions, Kakashi had a change of heart when he realized the extent of Obito's suffering. He also acknowledged that he could have ended up on the same dark path without the support of those around him.

After clashing as enemies, Kakashi and Obito came to understand each other's struggles. This newfound understanding led them to reconcile and restore their friendship, united by their shared belief in the hope embodied by Naruto Uzumaki.

4) Leaving behind all regrets, Kakashi decided the most important battle

Kakashi's incredible powers were decisive to end the Fourth Ninja War (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

"Thank you, Obito... now watch as I protect them and the entire world this time!" Kakashi vowed, as Obito sacrificed his life and left him a priceless parting gift. The "Copy Ninja" gained Obito's Mangekyo Sharingan space-time abilities and his Six Paths chakra.

This pivotal moment marked the culmination of Kakashi's character arc. Long burdened by guilt over the deaths of those he cared for, Kakashi at last shed his self-blame and vowed to protect his students and the world. Utilizing a combination of Kamui powers and the formidable might of Perfect Susanoo, Kakashi successfully incapacitated Kaguya's colossal form. Employing the Kamui Raikiri technique to evade her attacks and launch a devastating counteroffensive, he ultimately inflicted severe injuries upon her. Finally, harnessing the power of Kamui, Kakashi thwarted Kaguya's space-time jutsu, allowing Naruto and Sasuke to seal her away.

3) Always late, but for a reason

Kakashi demonstrated unparalleled combat effectiveness through his flawless defense and unstoppable offense. He played the most crucial role in achieving victory over the all-powerful Kaguya, showcasing feats that surpassed even Naruto and Sasuke's. Even the Sage of Six Paths was impressed by Kakashi's actions against Kaguya.

Kakashi continued smiling despite losing many dear ones (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

“Sorry I’m late, I’m afraid I got lost on the path of life...”

As someone who is consistently late, Kakashi once used the complexities of life as a creative excuse for his habitual tardiness. This phrase, introduced early in the series, manages to evoke both amusement and a sense of the seriousness that is characteristic of Kakashi.

Beneath his carefree smile, Kakashi is a man who, despite his youth, has experienced the loss of nearly all those he holds dear. While he may offer amusing excuses for his lateness, the truth behind his behavior is the hours he spends mourning the deaths of his comrades, Rin and Obito.

2) Kakashi Hatake, the subtle troll

Kakashi made fun of the entire Team 7 (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Kakashi's sarcastic introduction to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura is a prime example of his humorous behavior, as he amusingly caters to their curiosity without revealing any personal information. It's clear that Kakashi likely felt awkward admitting to his young students that his favorite hobby is reading the Icha Icha novels. This ongoing contrast between Kakashi's embarrassment over the book's content and his intense fascination with it becomes a running joke throughout the series.

1) A lesson learned at great cost

Kakashi learned the value of teamwork, and taught it to his students (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

"Breaking the rules is bad, but abandoning friends is even worse." These words were first spoken by Obito, inspired by Kakashi's father, Sakumo Hatake, who tragically died after being criticized for his selfless actions. This phrase highlighted the importance of loyalty to one's teammates, even above completing a mission.

Eventually, Kakashi came to see eye to eye with Obito, but it was too late, setting off a chain of events with devastating results. In the years that followed, Kakashi embraced Obito's supposed death, internalizing his ideals. He became devoted to teamwork, prioritizing the safety of his comrades over the completion of missions, and instilled the value of teamwork in his students.

Final Thoughts

This could be deemed as Kakashi's most renowned quote. In the midst of the Fourth Ninja War, while battling and also striving to reconcile with Obito, Kakashi reiterated the statement, emphasizing that those who do not honor the memories of their fellow warriors are truly despicable.

Kakashi, a versatile character, is highly respected even by his enemies. He is considered a living legend of the Hidden Leaf Village due to the exceptional feats and abilities he showcased in the battle against Kaguya. Kakashi can be seen as the strongest Sharingan user ever. (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Despite the tragedies that marked his life, Kakashi persevered in supporting his students and the Hidden Leaf village. Although he carried a natural melancholy, he did not succumb to the darkness that consumed other characters in the Naruto series who faced similar hardships.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I find Kakashi Hatake to be a deeply inspiring character. His unwavering dedication to his comrades and moral principles, despite the personal tragedies he has endured, is truly admirable. His top 10 quotes, as presented in the article, perfectly encapsulate his enigmatic personality and highlight his exceptional mental strength.

Kakashi's emphasis on unconventional thinking and strategic combat resonates with me, as it underscores the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in facing challenges. His ability to outwit formidable opponents through cunning tactics and quick reflexes is a testament to his exceptional ninja skills. Moreover, his compassion and patience towards Sasuke, even in the face of betrayal, demonstrate his unwavering commitment to his students and his belief in their potential for redemption.