If it weren't for Itachi's love for Sasuke, this battle might not have happened.
Summary
- One of the most memorable battles in Naruto was the fight between Itachi and Kakashi.
- While the main purpose was to introduce Akatsuki, the reason for Itachi's appearance could have been much deeper.
- It was about the older brother's desire to protect Sasuke.
Regardless of how you feel about Boruto, it's hard to argue with how much its predecessor, Naruto, has done to popularize Japanese pop culture around the world. It was the story created by Masashi Kishimoto and its anime adaptation by Studio Pierrot that, even ten years after the original manga ended, is considered the most important example of the shōnen demographic, easily competing with titles like Bleach, One Piece, and Hunter x Hunter. So it comes as no surprise that fans still discuss the events of the classic story with great enthusiasm.
In particular, many remember the now iconic Sharingan vs. Sharingan battle between Kakashi Hatake and Itachi Uchiha, that took place in Chapter 142 of the manga and Episode 82 of the anime. The events of the battle were pivotal to the rest of Naruto's narrative, as Akatsuki made their presence known, Itachi showed his true power thanks to Tsukuyomi, and the aftermath of the battle set in motion Sasuke's desire to leave Konoha.
But why did the battle between the two Sharingan wielders take place in the first place? Why did Itachi decide to raid the Village Hidden in the Leaves? Fans believe there's a much deeper reason.
Fans Have Theorized as to Why the Itachi vs. Kakashi Fight Happened
Despite the iconic battle between Sasuke's older brother and his mentor, Masashi Kishimoto never provided a coherent explanation as to why Itachi and his partner Kisame basically raided Konoha. While one obvious reason is to introduce viewers to the Akatsuki and their threat, a fan theory has provided a far more heartbreaking explanation.
The theory revolves around Kakashi's Anbu arc, a filler prequel story whose episodes are easily the best original story Pierrot has provided. In one scene, after Itachi has killed all of his clan members at Danzō's request, he decides to secretly meet with the third Hokage, Hiruzen, to ask for Sasuke's safety. The compassionate Hokage agreed, and although Itachi was now a criminal, he promised not to change the formula of the village barrier so that he could visit his younger brother from afar.
After Hiruzen's death, the formula was undoubtedly changed and so Itachi, who approached Konoha with Kisame, should have known that he wouldn't be able to get close. In other words, the main reason for the clash between Itachi and Kakashi was Itachi's blind desire to visit his little brother.
One Moment in the Manga and Anime Supports This Theory
Of course, you might think that this is just a fan theory based on the events of the filler episodes of the anime rather than the story told by Masashi Kishimoto himself.
And yet, the story goes on to confirm that Itachi was so worried about Sasuke that he was willing to return to Konoha and face the strongest shinobi, especially Kakashi, in battle.
This is what Obito (under the disguise of Tobi) told Sasuke. Obito told him how Itachi had returned to Konoha after the death of the third Hokage to remind Danzō and the councelors that he was still a major threat to them, ready to expose whatever the leader of the Root had on Konoha at any moment.
As such, Itachi was always the unspoken guardian angel of his younger brother, rather than a crazed villain like his Akatsuki counterparts, willing to act as a villain and even face Kakashi in battle. Did the anime writers know this when they made the classic Naruto episodes? We don't think so. But Masashi Kishimoto certainly had it in mind.
All Naruto episodes are available for streaming on Crunchyroll.