Itachi
Naruto: Starting with a Challenge to Itachi Uchiha
Biodata
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Uchiha Itachi (鼬) |
| Gender | Male |
| Affiliation | Uchiha Clan; Konoha |
| Occupation/Role | Ninja; early-graduated genin 12 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 1 |
Power Progression
| Stage / Realm / Level | Chapter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Genin | 12 | Graduated from the Academy early and began undertaking missions with a team. |
| Two-tomoe Sharingan | 29 | Awakened his Sharingan after witnessing the deaths of his teacher and teammates; the awakened dōjutsu manifested with two tomoe. |
Background / History
Itachi trained with Uchiha Shisui at Training Ground No. 7 while still attending school. When Uchiha Chen challenged him, Itachi detected Chen's trap and used a Shadow Clone to absorb the explosive ambush. He then confronted Chen in person and easily countered Chen's wire-guided kunai attack, though Chen's smoke-based repositioning briefly caught him by surprise 1.
During their second exchange, Itachi attempted to pull Chen clear of his own explosive tags at the same time Chen tried to save him. Both avoided serious injury, but Itachi was thrown into Izumi in an embarrassing accident. He initially appeared unaware of the romantic implications, while Izumi was visibly flustered 2. By the time Chen saw them later, Itachi and Izumi were holding hands; Itachi showed unusual worry and affection toward her 6.
After Shisui began accepting Chen, Itachi trained alongside them and was shocked when Chen produced an unusually large Great Fireball Technique. Shisui later assigned Itachi to supervise Chen's combat training, which Itachi did without displaying jealousy over Chen's rapid growth 8 9. Itachi subsequently graduated early and left on missions with his team 12.
A mission ended in the deaths of Itachi's teacher and teammates, leaving him withdrawn and despairing. The trauma awakened his two-tomoe Sharingan earlier than Chen expected. Although Itachi encountered a masked man whose body could not be struck normally, he did not trust him; Shisui's explanation of Chen's warnings further increased his vigilance 29.
Itachi was initially skeptical of Chen's proposal to preserve part of the Uchiha Clan outside Konoha, but accepted it because he trusted Shisui 30. He later maintained a deliberately altered demeanor after his Sharingan awakening, partly to account for the deaths of his comrades and the masked man's influence 45. As tensions between the village leadership and the Uchiha escalated, he agreed to tell Izumi about the situation and discuss future plans with her and Shisui 48.
Personality
Itachi is composed and highly focused in combat. Even as a child, he quickly assessed traps, used a clone to avoid damage, and maintained the initiative against Chen's unconventional attacks 1. He also shows concern for others: he returned after his clone was destroyed to determine whether Chen had been hurt, and he tried to pull Chen from an imminent explosion despite being Chen's opponent 1 2.
In personal matters, Itachi is initially reserved and seemingly oblivious to Izumi's feelings. His later concern for her is more visible, but he tries to keep her away from the danger surrounding the Uchiha Clan and the masked man 2 6 48. The deaths of his team make him noticeably colder and more distant, though this behavior is later described as at least partly intentional 29 45.
Abilities & Skills
Sharingan
Itachi awakened a two-tomoe Sharingan after the loss of his teacher and teammates.
- Awakening trigger: Witnessing his comrades' deaths during a mission 29.
- Manifestation: Two tomoe in each revealed Sharingan eye 29.
- Limitation: His awakening did not prevent the emotional impact of the mission or his distrust of the masked man he encountered 29.
Shadow Clone Technique
Itachi uses Shadow Clones tactically rather than relying on direct exposure.
- A Shadow Clone deliberately triggered Chen's opening trap, allowing Itachi to appear behind Chen unharmed 1.
- Chen later realizes that Itachi had been sending a Shadow Clone to school while personally training elsewhere 1.
Shurikenjutsu and Combat Awareness
Even before awakening the Sharingan, Itachi demonstrates skill in reading and countering projectile-based attacks.
- He silently closed in on Chen after the trap explosion and held a kunai to Chen's throat 1.
- He deflected Chen's hidden, wire-controlled kunai despite being caught in the setup's blind spots 1.
- Chen assesses seven-year-old Itachi as nearing chunin-level strength while training under Shisui 1.
Training Ability
Itachi serves as part of Chen's training support under Shisui's direction.
- He trains with Chen and Shisui to improve Chen's practical combat application 9.
- He is assigned to supervise Chen's training when Shisui recognizes Chen's talent 9.
Relationships
- Uchiha Chen — Began as Chen's target in a system-mandated challenge; their encounters developed into training and cooperation around the Uchiha Clan's future 1 9 30.
- Uchiha Shisui — Training partner and trusted confidant. Itachi accepts Chen's controversial plan largely because he trusts Shisui's judgment 1 30.
- Uchiha Izumi — Close companion with clear mutual romantic tension. They are later seen holding hands, and Itachi agrees to tell her about the dangerous situation facing the clan 2 6 48.
- Uchiha Sasuke — His younger brother, whom Itachi is said to dote on; concern for Sasuke influences reactions to Chen's treatment of him 32 48.
- Masked man — A mysterious figure Itachi encountered after his team's deaths. His attacks passed through the man's body, but Itachi remained distrustful of him 29.