Naruto Strongest Characters Who Could Have Joined The Akatsuki

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The Akatsuki is a hugely popular group among anime fans. Their distinctive black cloaks with red clouds are instantly recognizable, even for people who haven’t seen Naruto. The group’s popularity stems from its compelling characters and unique methods.

The story of Naruto initially centered around Akatsuki, a group formed during the Third Great Ninja War with the aim of protecting the village of Amegakure. After their leader, Yahiko, died, Nagato took control, and Akatsuki changed its direction. While both versions of the organization included many members, several strong characters from the series could have joined and significantly increased its power.

The post contains spoilers for Naruto.

6. Madara Uchiha

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf, Uchiha Clan

  • Possessed the Eternal Mangkyou Sharingan

Madara Uchiha was a powerful leader of the Uchiha clan, rising to prominence during a time of constant warfare. Though he appeared harsh and ruthless, Madara actually deeply valued peace and loved his family. After experiencing the loss of all his siblings, he dreamed of building a village where everyone could live together safely and avoid the pain of losing loved ones.

Madara was manipulated by Black Zetsu, who constantly convinced him that he’d been betrayed. Before Black Zetsu’s influence, Madara would have been an ideal member of Yahiko’s Akatsuki, as he understood the pain of loss firsthand.

5. Shisui Uchiha

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf, Uchiha Clan

  • Had access to Kotoamatsukami

Shisui Uchiha was a dedicated shinobi who faithfully served the Hidden Leaf Village for many years. He worked tirelessly to keep the peace, even monitoring members of his own clan. Shisui greatly inspired Itachi, who admired and followed his example. A powerful fighter, Shisui possessed Kotoamatsukami, a Genjutsu widely considered to be the strongest in the Naruto world.

Shisui was incredibly skilled with the Body Flicker technique, making him very hard to follow during fights. Because he valued peace, he would have been a valuable asset to the Akatsuki, potentially expanding their reach and even protecting people from conflict.

4. Haku

Affiliation:Land of Water

  • Could use Ice Release, a rare Kekkei Genkai

Many fans feel Haku appeared in the story too soon. He was a compelling villain with a unique background and a rare power. Haku came from a village that disliked people with special abilities like his. When the villagers discovered Haku and his mother had these abilities, they killed his mother.

Haku narrowly survived a dangerous situation and was rescued by Zabuza, who trained him to be a skilled fighter. Though Zabuza remained emotionally distant, Haku deeply respected him and ultimately sacrificed himself to save Zabuza’s life. Haku’s unwavering loyalty was exceptional, and he had the potential to become a valuable member of any version of the Akatsuki organization.

3. Neji Hyuuga

Affiliation: Hidden Leaf, Hyuuga Clan

  • A genius who mastered the Byakugan

It might be surprising to see Neji on this list, considering he was a Jonin in the Hidden Leaf Village until his passing. However, the incredibly talented Byakugan user very well could have become a member of the Akatsuki.

Neji, born into a lesser branch of the Hyuuga clan, suffered mistreatment from the main family. They branded him with a cursed seal and forced him into a position of servitude, giving him ample reason to resent them. Had the Akatsuki organization exploited this bitterness, they could have recruited a very powerful ally.

2. Zabuza

Affiliation: Hidden Mist Village

  • One of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist

Zabuza’s situation is similar to Haku’s. Both characters were introduced too early in the series, which unfortunately made them appear less powerful and caused fans to quickly lose interest.

Zabuza often operated solo, but he and Haku worked incredibly well together and could have become members of the Akatsuki. Their strong teamwork would have made them effective villains later in the storyline.

1. Gaara

Affiliation: Hidden Sand Village

  • Was the jinchuriki of the One-Tails

It’s hard to believe that Gaara from Naruto Shippuden was once the same person who caused so much destruction and loss of life during the Chunin Exams. Naruto played a huge role in Gaara’s positive change; his words were what ultimately helped Gaara turn his life around.

If Gaara hadn’t changed as a person, he likely would have been a natural fit for the Akatsuki organization. He had several compelling reasons to join them: he suffered intense abuse and neglect from his father and the village, endured multiple assassination attempts, and was even betrayed by someone he trusted. Given everything he went through, seeking revenge with the Akatsuki would have been completely understandable.

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2025-12-27 17:35