[NARUTO] A Complete Look at the Akatsuki’s True Purpose — Unmasking the Charismatic Villains

Who was secretly manipulating the Akatsuki? What was the hidden purpose?

As the story progresses, the identity of the figure working behind the scenes is revealed: Uchiha Obito, who was believed to have died during the Battle of Kannabi Bridge in his youth.
Obito orchestrated events from the shadows, pushing Yahiko to found the Akatsuki so he could ultimately carry out the Eye of the Moon Plan — a scheme to cast a massive illusion over the world and create a single controlled reality.

Behind Obito, however, was the real Madara Uchiha — the one who saved the dying Obito and taught him how to carry out the plan.

The plan involved gathering and sealing all the tailed beasts, reviving the Ten-Tails, and having Obito become its jinchūriki. By projecting his eye onto the moon, he intended to activate the large-scale genjutsu Infinite Tsukuyomi. Obito sought reunion with Rin, while Madara sought “true peace,” and both pressed forward with the Eye of the Moon Plan.

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Who was secretly manipulating the manipulators? What was the ultimate hidden purpose?

Near the end of the story, it is revealed that the one operating behind both Obito and Madara was Black Zetsu. Although believed to be an embodiment of Madara’s will, Black Zetsu was actually the manifestation of the will of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki — mother of Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki (the Sage of Six Paths) and a figure who once gained power by consuming the chakra fruit of the Divine Tree and brought order to the warring world. Black Zetsu subtly guided Madara toward Infinite Tsukuyomi and the revival of the Ten-Tails, all to resurrect Kaguya. Madara was unaware of this true goal and was ultimately used as a pawn.

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That concludes our overview, focusing on the founders of the Akatsuki and their objectives.
We hope this gives you a renewed appreciation of the depth and complexity of the Akatsuki as you revisit Naruto’s story.

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Bonus Track

For those who want to continue the story beyond NARUTO, we recommend BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS, which follows Naruto’s son as the new protagonist.
Kishimoto serves as the original creator and supervisor, while Mikio Ikemoto — Kishimoto’s former assistant — handles the artwork. Opinions are divided because NARUTO was such a complete masterpiece, but if you approach it as a separate work within the same universe, you can enjoy it!

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Image Sources:
[1] Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto, Vol. 1 (English Edition) Kindle & comiXology, VIZ Media / SHONEN JUMP, 2010, cover
[2] Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto, Vol. 48 (English Edition) Kindle & comiXology, VIZ Media / SHONEN JUMP, 2011, p.69
[3] Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto, Vol. 48 (English Edition) Kindle & comiXology, VIZ Media / SHONEN JUMP, 2011, p.91
[4] Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto, Vol. 27 (English Edition) Kindle & comiXology, VIZ Media / SHONEN JUMP, 2011, p.66
[5] Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto, Vol. 41 (English Edition) Kindle & comiXology, VIZ Media / SHONEN JUMP, 2011, p.91
[6] Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto, Vol. 63 (English Edition) Kindle & comiXology, VIZ Media / SHONEN JUMP, 2013, p.172
[7] Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto, Vol. 54 (English Edition) Kindle & comiXology, VIZ Media / SHONEN JUMP, 2011, p.82
[8] Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto, Vol. 50 (English Edition) Kindle & comiXology, VIZ Media / SHONEN JUMP, 2011, p.79
[9] Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto, Vol. 63 (English Edition) Kindle & comiXology, VIZ Media / SHONEN JUMP, 2013, p.93
[10] Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto, Vol. 63 (English Edition) Kindle & comiXology, VIZ Media / SHONEN JUMP, 2013, p.161
[11] Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto, Vol. 71 (English Edition) Kindle & comiXology, VIZ Media / SHONEN JUMP, 2015, p.32
[12] Masashi Kishimoto, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations,Vol. 1 (English Edition) Kindle & comiXology, VIZ Media / SHONEN JUMP, 2017, cover