Itachi’s Secret Illness REVEALED! You Won’t Believe What He Had!

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Summary

  • Itachi Uchiha‘s illness is likely microscopic polyangiitis, matching his symptoms.
  • Itachi’s backstory is explored in spinoff novels, but fans want more depth.
  • The Naruto franchise continues with new content like Boruto, keeping the legacy alive.

The following article contains major spoilers for Naruto, especially related to Itachi’s story.

The character Itachi Uchiha from the series Naruto is undeniably captivating, eliciting diverse feelings among fans – admiration for some, resentment for others. His complex past is so compelling that it often sparks strong sentiments. Some Naruto enthusiasts find his actions towards Sasuke and the Uchiha clan unforgivable, while others view him as a tragic figure wronged by Konoha.

In the Naruto series, regardless of whether he was a victim or an offender (or even both), Itachi emerged as one of the most powerful antagonists. Unlike many prominent characters in Naruto, Itachi does not meet his end on the battlefield; instead, he succumbs to a fatal illness. Although specifics about his illness are scarce, many fans ponder if there is a real-life disease that mirrors Itachi’s symptoms – and indeed, there is one such disease.

What Do We Know About Itachi Uchiha’s Illness?

In Naruto Chapter 401, towards the end of the series, Itachi’s condition is disclosed as a life-threatening illness. Although Kishimoto didn’t delve into specific symptoms like a medical textbook, readers are encouraged to infer the possible disease based on signs such as weakness, persistent coughing, and blood coughing up (hemoptysis).

In his final fight against Sasuke, Itachi seemed to suffer from chest discomfort which might suggest heart issues. Additionally, he exhibited signs of bleeding from the eyes, a symptom that could be linked to his excessive use of the Mangekyo Sharingan. This is concerning because the Mangekyo Sharingan drains a significant amount of Itachi’s chakra and puts stress on his body, potentially exacerbating his condition. Furthermore, it was expected that Itachi would soon lose his sight due to the Mangekyo Sharingan, but it’s possible that the illness also affected his eyes.

Disease was eating away at him from the inside, and he knew his time was short.

— Madara Uchiha to Sasuke

Later on, Madara explains to Sasuke that Itachi’s affliction was gradually destroying him from within, implying that the illness targeted his internal organs. Moreover, he mentions that Itachi had been consuming numerous medications in an attempt to manage the disease, hinting at the possibility that common medicines in the Naruto universe could help alleviate some of its symptoms.

Which Disease Could Itachi Have Had?

As an observer, I find the details given in the series regarding Itachi’s condition somewhat unclear, possibly due to the creator not intending to fully disclose his disease at the time. Nevertheless, fans have pieced together evidence and propose a likely diagnosis: microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), a potentially fatal autoimmune disorder if left untreated with appropriate immunosuppressive therapies. Remarkably, MPA shares many symptoms with Itachi’s condition, and it’s even known to affect the visual system albeit rarely. However, it should be noted that the series does not show common MPA manifestations such as kidney damage. Yet, the absence of these depictions in the story doesn’t necessarily mean they didn’t occur.

If Itachi were to have had a real illness, the Mangekyo Sharingan might have been the cause, according to one fan theory. However, there’s also a chance that the author merely gave Itachi severe symptoms, without officially diagnosing him.

Is It Time for Another Itachi Gaiden?

Itachi’s character is quite captivating, however, a significant portion of his background is delved into more in spin-off novels instead of the main manga. The books titled “Naruto: Itachi’s Story, Vol. 1—Daylight” and “Naruto: Itachi’s Story, Vol. 2—Midnight” explore events leading up to and following the Uchiha Clan Massacre that was executed by Itachi Uchiha under Danzo Shimura’s influence. These stories were later adapted into episodes 451–458 of “Naruto Shippuden“.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel that the “Shinden” novels offer an outstanding foundation for the character of Itachi, yet they could explore his depth even further. A captivating idea might be to craft a few brief narratives centered around pivotal moments in Itachi’s life. Although he may not have been the strongest antagonist in the series, there’s no denying that he will continue to stand out as one of the most intriguing characters within this beloved franchise.

What’s Next For Naruto Now?

The ongoing “Naruto” series is still producing fresh content through the serialization of “Boruto: Two Blue Vortex,” the official follow-up to the initial series. This spinoff offers thrilling twists and continues to expand upon the storyline established in “Naruto,” delving further into the intricate history of the infamous Otsutsuki clan. In addition, a special “Naruto” anime is slated for release soon, marking the original anime’s 20th anniversary; it might even feature the return of fan-favorite character Itachi.

Naruto is available to stream on Crunchyroll, Hulu and Netflix.

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2025-06-04 15:14