When the Hero of Konoha Walks the Path of Shadows
We know Naruto Uzumaki as the sunshine of the shinobi world—a loud, passionate dreamer who defied all odds and became Hokage. But what if, instead of fighting against the Akatsuki… he joined them?
Let’s explore a world where Naruto didn’t resist the darkness—but embraced it.
Why Would Naruto Join Akatsuki?
To imagine Naruto becoming Akatsuki, we need a believable break from his core values. Here’s how that could happen:
1. He Never Found His Bonds
Naruto’s strength came from connections—Iruka, Team 7, Jiraiya, Hinata.
But imagine:
Iruka feared him like everyone else.
Sasuke never acknowledged him.
Jiraiya died before training him.
No one ever told him he mattered.
A Naruto abandoned by everyone might accept Akatsuki’s offer—not out of evil, but because they noticed him.
“If the world sees me as a monster… maybe I’ll become one.”
2. Pain’s Philosophy Breaks Him
In canon, Naruto resists Pain’s ideology. But what if he didn’t?
What if, after seeing Jiraiya die, the destruction of Konoha, and endless war, Naruto agreed with Nagato?
“True peace can’t come from kindness. Maybe Pain is right. Maybe peace has to be forced.”
That could turn Naruto into the new generation’s Pain—a jinchūriki with vision and rage.
Naruto’s Role in Akatsuki
He wouldn’t just be a recruit. He’d be a game-changer.
Jinchūriki Insider: He knows how they think and where they hide.
Nine-Tails Power: With Kurama, he’s easily among the strongest in Akatsuki—possibly surpassing even Itachi or Kisame.
New Face of Pain: If he replaces Nagato or becomes his successor, he could lead a new vision of peace through fear.
Team-Ups: What They Look Like
Naruto & Itachi: Philosophical equals. Naruto might learn Itachi’s truth early and respect his sacrifices.
Naruto & Kisame: Pure destruction. Naruto’s energy and Kisame’s brutality make a terrifying pair.
Naruto & Konan: She could be the emotional bridge—both lost Yahiko/Jiraiya.
If he replaces Nagato, Konan might follow him as the “new hope.”
How Would Konoha React?
1. Heartbreak and Chaos
Tsunade would mourn Jiraiya’s dream dying with Naruto’s betrayal.
Kakashi would feel personally responsible—he trained him.
Sasuke might hunt Naruto down—not to save him, but because they’ve fully switched roles.
2. Ninja World Panic
If Akatsuki gains the Nine-Tails willingly, it throws off the entire balance of power:
Other villages may rush to form coalitions.
The Five Kage might consider killing Naruto before he ascends too far.
Even Orochimaru might fear what he’s become.
Naruto’s Impact Inside Akatsuki
He’s a wildcard:
He might push Akatsuki to go bigger—destroy entire villages.
Or, he might reform them from within, replacing Pain’s philosophy with his own twisted version of peace.
His influence could fracture Akatsuki: some follow him, others rebel.
He may even make his own faction: Neo-Akatsuki.
What Kind of Leader Would He Be?
Imagine a version of Naruto who:
Leads the jinchūriki.
Challenges the Five Kage.
Uses Kurama not as a partner… but a weapon.
He’s still obsessed with peace—but the price he’s willing to pay is everyone else’s freedom.
“No one cared until I made them listen. So now, I won’t stop until they do.”
Could He Be Saved?
Hard… but not impossible.
Hinata might be the last light left who sees Naruto, not the monster.
Sasuke, ironically, might try to “bring him back”—a complete reversal of their original dynamic.
Or maybe… he doesn’t come back. Maybe he burns the world to build a new one.
Final Thoughts
Naruto joining Akatsuki isn’t just about switching sides.
It’s a total shift in ideology.
He goes from fighting to be accepted… to forcing the world to kneel.
It’s not the story of a villain.
It’s the tragedy of a hero no one saved in time.
What do you think?
Would Naruto still be “Naruto” if he embraced Akatsuki?
Who could bring him back—or stop him?
Would his vision for peace have worked?
Let’s talk shinobi politics and philosophy. The Hidden Leaf’s sun just turned blood red.
Related Reading:
What If Naruto Betrayed Konoha?
What If Sasuke Heroically Became Hokage?
What If Naruto Sadly Never Existed
