Kakashi Hatake stands out as one of the most beloved and iconic characters in the Naruto series. From his very first appearance, this enigmatic ninja, often seen with his signature mask, captivated audiences with his mysterious demeanor, impressive skills, and a backstory filled with loss, redemption, and bravery. More than just a mentor, Kakashi played a crucial role in shaping the emotional and technical development of his students, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. He also participated in significant battles that ultimately influenced the fate of the Hidden Leaf Village.
Let’s delve into some of the most memorable moments of Kakashi’s journey throughout the series, highlighting the reasons he has become a legendary figure in the ninja world.
### 1. The Bell Test
Kakashi introduced his newly formed team to a perplexing test involving two bells, with the stipulation that only two of the three students could “pass.” While this might have seemed harsh, the underlying goal was to teach that a team’s true strength lies in cooperation. When Kakashi witnessed Sasuke and Sakura sharing their lunch with Naruto despite breaking the rules, he realized they had grasped the lesson. This moment marked the initial and most significant step in solidifying their bond as teammates.
### 2. The Legacy of Obito
During the tumultuous events of the Third Ninja War, Kakashi faced a devastating loss: his dear friend Obito Uchiha. In a final act of sacrifice, Obito gifted Kakashi his Sharingan eye. This moment marked the birth of the “Copy Ninja Kakashi,” a figure feared among other ninjas for his ability to replicate any jutsu. More than just a powerful tool, Obito’s eye serves as a constant reminder of Kakashi’s past, the pain that shaped him, and the promise he carries throughout the series.
### 3. Confrontation with Pain
During the intense invasion led by Pain, Kakashi found himself facing one of the most formidable villains in the anime. Even in the face of imminent death, he displayed remarkable strategic intelligence by utilizing Kamui to safeguard crucial information. His unwavering commitment to protecting the Hidden Leaf Village and its inhabitants until the very end exemplifies the true spirit of the “Will of Fire,” a core principle in the Naruto universe.
### 4. A Lesson for Sasuke
In an effort to steer Sasuke away from a path of vengeance, Kakashi opened up about his own pain. One of the series’ most poignant exchanges occurs when he confides in Sasuke, revealing that he has lost everyone he ever loved. However, unlike Sasuke, who was consumed by his grief, Kakashi chose to move forward. This emotional dialogue underscores Kakashi’s role not merely as a jutsu instructor but also as a moral guide for his students.
### 5. Unveiling the Rasengan
Despite his specialization in lightning techniques, Kakashi surprises Naruto by demonstrating his mastery of the Rasengan, a complex technique created by Minato, Naruto’s father. Naruto’s astonishment at his mentor’s effortless execution of the jutsu highlights Kakashi’s extraordinary talent in manipulating various chakra natures. This moment serves as a testament to Kakashi’s versatility and skill as a ninja.
### 6. The Mangekyō Sharingan
In a fierce battle against Deidara, Kakashi unveils his new technique: Kamui, activated through his Mangekyō Sharingan. By sending parts of his enemy’s body to another dimension, he showcases his evolution as a ninja. However, the immense power comes at a cost, leaving him drained, which illustrates the theme that every ability has its price.
### 7. Ascending to Hokage
After the conclusion of the Great Ninja War and Tsunade’s recovery, Kakashi is officially appointed as the Sixth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village. His name had long been associated with the title, but the timing of his appointment was perfect, crowning a journey marked by loyalty, intellect, and courage. As Hokage, he embodies the values of leadership, guiding the next generation of ninjas.
### 8. The Duel with Obito
One of the most emotionally charged confrontations in Naruto Shippuden is the battle between Kakashi and Obito. This fight transcends mere physical combat; it is deeply psychological, as their shared history unfolds through flashbacks during the battle. Old bonds are revisited, and the weight of past decisions becomes palpably intense, adding layers of depth to their confrontation.
### 9. Kakashi’s Susanoo
Even though he is not an Uchiha, Kakashi manages to manifest a complete Susanoo after receiving Obito’s two eyes and the chakra of the Sage of Six Paths. This incredible feat allows him to stand against Kaguya in one of the most epic battles of the series. His blue Susanoo, adorned with space-time shurikens, reinforces his legendary status among ninjas and showcases the extraordinary power he has attained.
### 10. The Mystery Unveiled
For years, fans speculated about what Kakashi’s face looked like beneath his mask. The long-awaited reveal occurs in episode 469, when he appears disguised as a photographer and finally removes his mask at the end of the day. To everyone’s surprise, Kakashi possesses an ordinary face, yet his charm and charisma remain undiminished. This lighthearted moment provides a humorous conclusion to one of the series’ longest-running mysteries.
Throughout its run from 2007 to 2017, Naruto Shippuden explored the second phase of Naruto’s journey. This storyline follows Naruto’s return after two years of training, where he aims to confront the Akatsuki and rescue Sasuke from Orochimaru’s grasp. Meanwhile, the Akatsuki intensifies their pursuit of the Bijuus, leading the ninja world to the brink of an unprecedented crisis.
The anime consists of 500 episodes, including filler arcs, and wraps up the stories of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi while paving the way for the continuation of their saga. Fans can enjoy the complete series on Crunchyroll, where they can also discover the intricate relationships and conflicts that shape the world of Naruto.
