Kisame's View On Itachi's True Power

It's a question that has sparked countless debates among Naruto fans: Did Kisame ever truly acknowledge Itachi's power? While Kisame Hoshigaki was known for his own formidable strength, often referred to as the "Monster of the Hidden Mist," his interactions with Itachi Uchiha painted a complex picture. Kisame, a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and a powerful Akatsuki operative, was no stranger to overwhelming force. However, his relationship with Itachi transcended simple camaraderie or rivalry; it was a dynamic shaped by shared goals, mutual respect, and a profound understanding of each other's capabilities. This article delves deep into their interactions, analyzing Kisame's words, actions, and unspoken sentiments to uncover the extent of his recognition of Itachi's unparalleled power.

The Foundation of Respect: Kisame and Itachi's Partnership

From the moment Kisame Hoshigaki joined the Akatsuki, he was partnered with Itachi Uchiha. This pairing was not arbitrary; it was a strategic decision by the organization to pair two exceptionally dangerous individuals. Kisame, wielding the massive "Samehada" sword capable of draining chakra, was a force of nature. Itachi, the prodigy of the Uchiha clan, possessed the Sharingan and Mangekyo Sharingan, along with mastery of ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu. Their initial interactions set the stage for a unique bond. Kisame, often portrayed as gruff and direct, seemed intrigued by Itachi's calm demeanor and enigmatic aura. He recognized Itachi's intelligence and tactical prowess, often deferring to him in strategic planning. This deference wasn't born out of fear, but rather a pragmatic acknowledgment of Itachi's superior intellect and foresight. When they first encountered Team 7, Kisame was ready to engage head-on, but Itachi's intervention, using his genjutsu to incapacitate Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, demonstrated a level of power and control that even Kisame, with his own immense strength, couldn't ignore. He observed Itachi’s effortless manipulation of powerful shinobi, including Kakashi Hatake, with a mixture of awe and respect. This early observation was crucial; it wasn't just about Itachi's fighting skill, but his ability to control situations and enemies with a mere glance, a testament to the devastating potential of the Sharingan.

Kisame also witnessed firsthand Itachi’s profound knowledge of shinobi warfare and his ability to anticipate enemy movements. During their mission to capture the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer B, Kisame was instrumental in the fight, utilizing his water style jutsu and Samehada to their fullest. However, it was Itachi’s tactical brilliance and his ability to coordinate their efforts that often led to their successes. Kisame, despite his own thirst for battle, understood that Itachi’s strategic mind was often the key to their mission’s completion. He saw Itachi’s restraint, his calculated approach, and the sheer devastating power held in check, and it clearly impressed him. The quiet moments, where Itachi would simply observe and analyze, spoke volumes to Kisame, who himself was a keen observer of his opponents. He recognized that Itachi’s power wasn’t just raw strength, but a refined and controlled force, honed by years of intense training and a tragic past. This was a level of power that transcended brute force, a fact that Kisame, a warrior who had seen and done much, deeply respected. His respect for Itachi was not just for his combat abilities, but for the disciplined and overwhelming power that Itachi embodied, a power that few, if any, could truly match.

The "Glazed" Moment: Kisame's Admission of Itachi's Superiority

While the term "glazed" might be an oversimplification, there are several instances where Kisame's dialogue and reactions strongly suggest an acknowledgment of Itachi's overwhelming power, bordering on deference. One of the most prominent examples occurs during their confrontation with Jiraiya. Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin, presented a significant threat, even to the formidable Akatsuki duo. As they prepared to engage Jiraiya, Kisame expressed a sense of caution, but it was Itachi who took the lead, his calm confidence radiating through the tense atmosphere. When Itachi unleashed his powerful genjutsu, the Tsukuyomi, upon Jiraiya, Kisame watched in stunned silence. The Tsukuyomi, a genjutsu that traps the victim in an illusion for what feels like days within a fraction of a second, is one of Itachi’s most devastating abilities. The sheer mental fortitude and chakra control required to execute such a technique, and the absolute incapacitation it wrought upon Jiraiya, was a spectacle that even the "Monster of the Hidden Mist" couldn't fail to notice. Kisame's subsequent reaction was not one of envy or rivalry, but of a deep, almost reverent, understanding of the power he was witnessing. He knew Jiraiya was a formidable opponent, and to see him so utterly defeated, so completely at Itachi's mercy, solidified his perception of Itachi's might. It wasn't just that Itachi won; it was how he won – effortlessly, decisively, and with an artistic touch that spoke of absolute mastery.

Later, after their encounter with Jiraiya and during their pursuit of Naruto, Kisame openly discusses Itachi's abilities. He acknowledges that Itachi is not someone to be trifled with, and that his power extends beyond mere combat prowess. Kisame understands that Itachi's strategic mind and his control over various jutsu, including his signature Amaterasu and Susanoo, make him an unparalleled force. There's a moment where Kisame, perhaps reflecting on Itachi's ability to manipulate events and people, remarks on how Itachi always seems to have a plan, always one step ahead. This implies a recognition of Itachi's foresight and strategic genius, something Kisame, as a seasoned warrior, deeply respects. He doesn't just see Itachi as a powerful fighter; he sees him as a strategist, a master of manipulation, and a shinobi who wields power with an almost supernatural grace. The fact that Kisame, a man known for his bluntness and immense personal power, would express such observations about his partner speaks volumes. It wasn't just about Itachi being strong; it was about Itachi being fundamentally superior in ways that Kisame himself couldn't replicate. He admired Itachi's composure under pressure, his ability to remain detached even in the face of overwhelming odds, and the sheer destructive potential he could unleash when necessary. This admiration and respect, bordering on awe, is the closest Kisame ever came to a direct, verbal "acknowledgment" of Itachi's supreme power, a testament to Itachi's legendary status.

The Final Acknowledgment: Kisame's Last Thoughts

Perhaps the most poignant and definitive moment of Kisame's acknowledgment of Itachi's power comes during his own final moments. After his capture and subsequent escape from the Hidden Leaf Village, Kisame finds himself facing Guy Sensei, the Taijutsu master. Despite his desperation and the immense power he wields, Kisame is outmatched. He knows he cannot defeat Guy. In his final confrontation, facing an inevitable defeat, Kisame’s thoughts turn to Itachi. He reflects on their time together as partners, on Itachi's strength, his resolve, and his seemingly unshakeable demeanor. It’s in this moment of ultimate reflection, facing death, that Kisame’s true feelings about Itachi are revealed. He doesn't lament his own failure or curse his enemies; instead, he recalls Itachi's words and his unwavering strength. This final reflection is not just a memory; it's a testament to the profound impact Itachi had on Kisame. Even in his dying breaths, Kisame’s mind is occupied by the memory of Itachi’s power and his unwavering will. He remembers Itachi’s determination and his willingness to sacrifice everything for his goals. Kisame, a man who had lived a life defined by battle and his own formidable strength, recognized in Itachi a level of dedication and power that surpassed his own. He saw Itachi not just as a partner, but as someone who embodied the pinnacle of shinobi strength and resolve, a benchmark against which all others, including himself, could be measured.

Kisame’s final act is to unleash a powerful jutsu, a desperate attempt to destroy the information he carried and prevent it from falling into enemy hands. This act of self-sacrifice, while driven by loyalty to the Akatsuki and his mission, also mirrors the resolve he admired in Itachi. He understood Itachi's willingness to bear any burden, to make any sacrifice, for the greater good or for a perceived necessity. In his last moments, Kisame doesn’t question Itachi’s power; he cherishes the memory of it. His internal monologue during his final fight is filled with references to Itachi, highlighting the deep respect he held. He acknowledges the burden Itachi carried and the immense strength required to bear it. This isn't just a passive observation; it’s an active recognition of Itachi's superiority. Kisame, the "Monster of the Mist," a shinobi known for his brutal efficiency and immense power, ultimately acknowledges that Itachi Uchiha stood on a different plane. His final thoughts are a somber tribute to the Uchiha prodigy, solidifying that while Kisame was a force to be reckoned with, he recognized and deeply respected the unparalleled power of his Akatsuki partner. It's a powerful closing statement on their unique dynamic and Kisame's ultimate view of Itachi.

Conclusion: A Bond Forged in Power

In conclusion, the relationship between Kisame Hoshigaki and Itachi Uchiha within the Naruto universe is a fascinating study in contrasts and mutual respect. While Kisame was a powerhouse in his own right, his interactions with Itachi consistently displayed a profound, albeit often unspoken, acknowledgment of Itachi's superior abilities. From their early missions together, where Kisame observed Itachi’s strategic brilliance and overwhelming genjutsu, to his quiet moments of reflection during his own final battle, Kisame’s respect for Itachi’s power never wavered. The "glazed" moments, where Kisame witnesses Itachi’s devastating techniques like the Tsukuyomi, or simply marvels at his planning, are clear indicators of his recognition. More importantly, Kisame's final thoughts, recalling Itachi's strength and resolve, serve as the ultimate testament to his admiration. Kisame understood that Itachi’s power was not just about destructive force, but about intellect, control, and an unwavering will – qualities that he deeply respected. Their partnership, forged in the crucible of the Akatsuki, was built on a foundation of understanding and a shared sense of purpose, but it was Itachi's unparalleled strength that truly commanded Kisame's awe and respect. For fans of Naruto, this dynamic adds another layer of depth to two of the series' most compelling characters.

For those who wish to delve deeper into the world of shinobi and explore the intricate power dynamics within the Naruto universe, I highly recommend visiting the Naruto Wiki. It's an invaluable resource for understanding character backstories, jutsu, and the overarching narrative. You can find extensive information on Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki, their abilities, and their place in the shinobi world. The Naruto Wiki is an excellent external link for comprehensive details.