What If Orochimaru Had Successfully Taken Itachi Uchiha’s Body?
Orochimaru stands out as one of the most relentless and ambitious antagonists in the Naruto universe. His insatiable quest for immortality and mastery over every ninja technique shapes his narrative. Among his most daring ambitions was the intent to seize the body of a Uchiha, specifically to harness the power of the Sharingan. While he aimed to do this with Sasuke, his true target was, without a doubt, Itachi Uchiha. But imagine if Orochimaru had actually succeeded in claiming Itachi’s body.
At the time, Itachi was already one of the most feared ninjas of his generation, possessing unparalleled control over the Mangekyō Sharingan, which endowed him with formidable techniques like Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu, and Susano’o. His intelligence, speed, and chakra control were exceptionally refined, making him a formidable opponent. If Orochimaru had managed to inhabit Itachi’s body, he wouldn’t just inherit the ocular powers; he would also gain Itachi’s natural talent and physical resilience.
With Orochimaru’s unique ability to regenerate and switch bodies, combined with the formidable powers of the Mangekyō Sharingan, he would effectively become nearly immortal. This new version of Orochimaru would wield powerful genjutsu techniques, and with Susano’o, he would have a supreme defense at his disposal. Furthermore, since Orochimaru had access to numerous forbidden jutsus and experimental techniques, his arsenal would become almost unbeatable.
Had Orochimaru succeeded in taking over Itachi’s body prior to the confrontation with Sasuke, he would have posed a far greater threat than the Akatsuki itself. With the Sharingan at his command, he would have had a legitimate chance of controlling Bijūs (tailed beasts), manipulating other villages, and potentially standing up to formidable figures like Madara or Obito.
The formation of the Shinobi Alliance might have occurred much earlier, triggered by the emergence of this new Orochimaru-Itachi hybrid. Sasuke would find himself devoid of his revenge quest, as Itachi would be permanently out of the picture. On the flip side, Naruto would face a worthy adversary even before the onset of the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Moreover, this shift would have revolutionized the internal dynamics of the Akatsuki. With Orochimaru being more potent than Pain or Obito, he could have attempted to seize control of the organization, accelerating the execution of plans such as the Infinite Tsukuyomi or pursuing his own ambitions of domination.
Ultimately, if Orochimaru had successfully taken Itachi’s body, the ninja world would confront an unprecedented threat. The combination of Itachi’s natural abilities and dojutsu with Orochimaru’s ambition and knowledge of forbidden arts would create an almost invincible opponent. The Fourth Great Ninja War might not have unfolded in the same manner—or Orochimaru could have triumphed before it even began.
The Narrative of Naruto Shippuden
"Naruto Shippuden" aired from 2007 to 2017, marking the second phase of the anime series. The storyline picks up with Naruto returning after two years of rigorous training, tasked with combatting the Akatsuki and rescuing Sasuke from Orochimaru’s clutches. Meanwhile, the Akatsuki initiates its quest for the Bijūs, propelling the ninja world toward the most significant crisis it has ever faced.
The series comprises a total of 500 episodes, including filler arcs, and concludes the arc of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi. Additionally, "Naruto Shippuden" lays the groundwork for the direct continuation of the story, connecting the characters and their journeys in a seamless narrative.
Fans can enjoy the complete series of Naruto on platforms like Crunchyroll, allowing them to experience the full depth of the characters and the intricate plot lines that have captivated audiences worldwide.
The Implications of Orochimaru’s Success
Had Orochimaru actually succeeded in taking Itachi’s body, the implications for the Naruto universe would be vast and transformative. Orochimaru’s ambition, paired with Itachi’s exceptional abilities, would create a new paradigm of power in the ninja world. This fusion could lead to a scenario where Orochimaru not only dominates the battlefield but also influences political dynamics among the ninja villages.
The new Orochimaru, equipped with Itachi’s Sharingan, would likely have the capability to manipulate and control the Bijūs, drastically altering the balance of power. This enhanced version of Orochimaru could establish himself as a ruler over the ninja world, instilling fear and reverence among both allies and enemies. His quest for immortality, once a personal obsession, would take on a broader ambition to reshape the world according to his vision.
Naruto, as the protagonist, would find himself in a race against time to confront this new threat. The stakes would be higher than ever, as he would not only be fighting for his friends but for the very future of the ninja world. With Sasuke’s motivations shifted due to the loss of Itachi, the emotional landscape of the series would also undergo a radical transformation. The themes of revenge, redemption, and the bonds of friendship would take on new meanings.
Conclusion
In this alternate scenario, the dynamics of "Naruto Shippuden" and the broader ninja world would shift dramatically. Orochimaru’s success in taking Itachi’s body would create a new antagonist who embodies both the cunning and ambition of Orochimaru, combined with the unparalleled power of Itachi Uchiha. This conceptual exploration invites fans to reflect on character motivations, the consequences of power, and the intricate web of relationships that define the Naruto series. The potential ramifications of such a change extend beyond immediate battles, influencing the very fabric of the ninja world and altering the destinies of its beloved characters.
