by Yahiko’s idea of peace gave rise to the Akatsuki, which, under Nagato’s direction, changed.
One of Naruto’s most formidable adversary groups, the Akatsuki, has gained international recognition as one of anime’s most recognizable factions. The group’s founding principle was the pursuit of peace, despite its notorious tactics.
Yahiko, the first leader of the Akatsuki, founded the organization with the goal of bringing about peace. Unfortunately, Yahiko was killed by his close friend Nagato, which was a major turning point for the group. The Akatsuki evolved into a powerful criminal organization that ruled the Naruto realm over time.
However, their impact on the narrative remained relatively subdued during the series’ initial stages, prompting speculation about their significance.
But throughout the early going of the series, their influence on the story stayed very muted, which led to conjecture on their importance.
In order to better understand the Akatsuki’s position in the early chapters of the series, this article will examine their steady rise to prominence as well as the small but important contributions they contributed to the main plot.
The Development of the Akatsuki: From the Dream of Yahiko to the Pain of Nagato
The Akatsuki were a band of outlaw shinobi who worked outside of Naruto’s Hidden Villages. They had a line of commanders, all with different objectives.
Although Black Zetsu coined the phrase in an attempt to bring their mother, Kaguya Otsutsuki, back to life, Yahiko, a shinobi from Hidden Rain Village, was the group’s first commander.
Yahiko, a war orphan, formed the Akatsuki with his friends Konan and Nagato, who were also previous students of the renowned Sannin Jiraiya. Their main goal, which was motivated by Yahiko’s principles, was to resolve disputes within their village and promote peace.
In particular, Nagato looked up to Yahiko’s vision and tried to imitate his mentor’s dedication to promoting harmony among shinobi. But there were many who opposed their goals, most notably Hanzo, the village chief of Hidden Rain.
Under the influence of Danzo, one of the Hidden Leaf Village’s officials, Hanzo set up a dangerous meeting that ended with Yahiko’s untimely death at his own hands—a crucial turning point in the group’s evolution.
Following Yahiko’s death, Nagato became the Akatsuki’s leader and took on the name “Pain.” After the Third Hokage was killed, the group appeared on the Naruto story stage under his leadership.
There are a number of reasons why their debut was delayed.
At first, Yahiko’s Akatsuki was just concerned with promoting peace and refrain from taking violent measures against neighboring communities. But under Nagato’s command, the group’s goals were changed to apprehend Jinchuriki, people who harbor tailed animals inside of them, in an effort to gain power and influence over other countries.
With Naruto as the final Jinchuriki on their list, their methodical strategy of focusing on Jinchuriki in chronological sequence most likely caused them to postpone their major involvement in the early stages of the series.
The strong fortifications of Hidden Leaf Village prevented the Akatsuki from acting hastily, preferring to wait for favorable circumstances to take advantage of weaknesses, like the funeral of the Third Hokage.
Nagato sought to assemble S-rank shinobi after Yahiko’s death, strengthening the group’s position. They were assiduously preparing for their future significance in the series, which may have led to their relative silence in the first half of Naruto.
