All Akatsuki Members Ranked: From the Weakest to the Strongest

The Akatsuki is one of the most unforgettable anime groups, especially for Naruto series fans. The Akatsuki members are rogue ninjas With mysterious red clouds on black cloaks who possess incredible power. But what does Akatsuki mean? How many Akatsuki members are there? Who created the Akatsuki? And, are the Akatsuki terrorists? In this article, we’ll rank all Akatsuki members from weakest to strongest, giving you a look at who they are and what makes them so powerful.

What Does Akatsuki Mean?

The word “Akatsuki” is rooted in the Japanese language, where it translates directly to “dawn” or “daybreak.” On the surface, this definition might suggest something hopeful or a new beginning, much like the break of day after a long night. However, the Akatsuki’s name is steeped in irony, especially when you look at the group’s goals and actions throughout the Naruto series.

The original Akatsuki, founded by Yahiko and later led by Nagato (under the alias of “Pain”), was created to bring about peace in the war-torn world. Their hope ushered in a “new dawn” for the world, ending endless cycles of violence. In this sense, “Akatsuki” reflected their idealistic dreams of revolution and renewal.

But as the organization evolved, especially after Nagato took control, the group’s interpretation of peace became darker and more forceful. They believed that only through immense suffering and fear could true peace be achieved. This shifted the meaning of “dawn” to something more ominous—representing the start of a new era dominated by control and manipulation, rather than hope and freedom.

Interestingly, the symbolism of “Akatsuki” is also reflected in their uniforms. The iconic black cloaks adorned with red clouds are said to represent the bloodshed of their home, the Hidden Rain Village, during the many ninja wars. The clouds symbolize the grief and destruction left in the wake of war, while the black cloak embodies the darkness the Akatsuki planned to dispel—ironically, through violent means.

How Many Akatsuki Members Are There?

The number of Akatsuki members can vary depending on how you define membership within the organization, as the group saw several changes and expansions throughout the Naruto series. However, the core group that most fans are familiar with consists of ten members, each chosen for their unique abilities and notorious reputations.

This group originally started as a small, idealistic group founded by Yahiko, with Nagato and Konan as key members. This initial version of the Akatsuki wasn’t the criminal organization we know today; instead, it was more of a resistance movement aimed at bringing peace to the war-torn Hidden Rain Village. However, after Yahiko’s death, Nagato took over the organization, and it began to evolve into something much darker, recruiting dangerous rogue ninjas from various villages.

All Akatsuki Members Ranked by Strength

This ranking gives you a look at the strengths of each Akatsuki member be it the past or the future ones, as well as some insight into their unique roles in the Naruto series.

12.) Jūzō Biwa: The Strength of a Seven Ninja Swordsman

Jūzō Biwa was one of the lesser-known members of the Akatsuki, but his background as a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist speaks volumes about his strength. The Seven Ninja Swordsmen are a group of elite shinobi from Kirigakure (the Hidden Mist Village), each wielding a legendary and uniquely powerful sword. These swordsmen are known for their exceptional combat abilities, particularly in terms of their swordsmanship, brutality, and strategic combat in battle.

He was the wielder of the Kubikiribōchō, the Executioner’s Blade before it was passed on to Zabuza Momochi. Although Jūzō didn’t have as much screen time as other members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, his inclusion in this elite group is a testament to his strength and skill in combat. The Executioner’s Blade, with its regenerative properties, allowed Jūzō to remain a constant threat on the battlefield, as the sword could repair itself after each use, ensuring that Jūzō always had a formidable weapon at his side.

His fighting style would have been similar to that of Zabuza Momochi, who later wielded the same blade. This style emphasizes brute strength, precision, and the ability to exploit the weapon’s regenerative capabilities. As a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Jūzō was likely proficient in the use of the Hidden Mist Jutsu, which creates a dense fog to obscure the battlefield and allows for silent, deadly strikes.

11.) Sasori: The Master of Human Puppetry

Known as “Sasori of the Red Sand,” this Akatsuki member was one of the most feared and skilled puppet masters to ever emerge from Sunagakure. Trained by his grandmother Chiyo, a master puppeteer in her own right, Sasori pushed the boundaries of this deadly art, creating an innovation that set him apart: Human Puppetry.

One of his most notable creations was the puppet made from the Third Kazekage, who was once the most powerful leader in Sunagakure and wielded the deadly Iron Sand technique. By turning the Kazekage into a puppet, this S-rank missing-nin gained control over this formidable power, showcasing his incredible skill and ambition.

In a final, chilling display of mastery, he even transformed his own body into a puppet, achieving a form of immortality. This allowed him to control hundreds of puppets simultaneously, making him nearly unstoppable. His dedication to his craft, even at the cost of his humanity, solidified his terrifying legacy within the Akatsuki.

10.) Deidara: The Explosive Artist of the Akatsuki

Deidara, a former member of Iwagakure’s Explosion Corps, is one of the most explosively destructive members of the Akatsuki. His art—focused on creating and detonating explosive clay—was not just a weapon but a philosophy, one that he passionately defended and showcased in every battle. His abilities made him a formidable opponent, and his ranking within the Akatsuki reflects just how deadly he could be. He is ranked higher than the former members in the ranking, due to the fact that he could potentially be a higher threat overall, especially in a massive battle.

His intelligence, versatility, and ability to think several steps ahead of his opponents made him one of the most dangerous and unpredictable members of the Akatsuki. However, his downfall serves as a reminder that even the most powerful shinobi can be undone by their pride and obsession. One of his most notable victories was against Gaara, the Fifth Kazekage of Sunagakure, and the jinchūriki of the One-Tailed Beast, Shukaku. Gaara was known for his absolute defense, using sand to protect himself and his village from any threat.

However, Deidara’s strategic brilliance and cunning allowed him to bypass Gaara’s defenses and ultimately defeat him, capturing him for the Akatsuki. This victory was particularly significant because it demonstrated that Deidara could take down one of the strongest shinobi in the world single-handedly, despite the immense power that Gaara wielded as both Kazekage and a jinchūriki.

9.) Hidan: The Immortal Fanatic of the Akatsuki

Hidan is one of the most unique and terrifying members of the Akatsuki, primarily due to his extraordinary ability to defy death. An S-rank missing-nin from Yugakure, Hidan’s immortality is the result of his deep devotion to the cult of Jashin, a mysterious and malevolent religion that worships a god of death and destruction. Hidan’s gruesome methods and fanatical devotion to Jashinism make him one of the most feared members of the Akatsuki, as he blends his immortality with a sadistic love of pain and suffering.

Hidan’s immortality is only one aspect of his terrifying combat style. His most fearsome ability is his unique ritual, a technique that he uses in conjunction with his immortality to inflict immense pain and suffering on his opponents. The ritual begins with Hidan drawing a Jashin symbol on the ground with blood, creating a ritual circle. Once this circle is complete, Hidan uses his scythe to inflict a wound on his opponent and collect their blood. After ingesting their blood, Hidan transforms, turning his skin black with white markings resembling a skeleton, symbolizing his connection to death.

This ritual allows Hidan to link his body with his opponent’s, effectively turning his own body into a living voodoo doll. Any injury that Hidan inflicts upon himself is mirrored on his opponent’s body, no matter how far away they are. This technique is exceptionally lethal, as Hidan can inflict fatal wounds on his opponents by merely stabbing or injuring himself. Given his immortality, Hidan can do this without fear of dying, making him a nearly unstoppable force in battle.

8.) Kakuzu: The Master of Elemental Hearts

Kakuzu, an S-rank missing-nin from Takigakure, is one of the Akatsuki’s most formidable members, known for his ruthless efficiency and near-immortality. Early in his life, his village entrusted him with the task of assassinating the legendary Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage. Although he failed, surviving such a mission speaks volumes about his strength.

Kakuzu’s most fearsome ability is his use of the Earth Grudge Fear technique, which allows him to steal the hearts of other shinobi, granting him multiple lives and incredible durability. With up to five hearts, each stored in a different part of his body, he was nearly impossible to kill. This near-invincibility, combined with his relentless greed, made him a deadly force within the Akatsuki.

7.) Konan: The Angel Of Death

Konan, often referred to as the “Angel” by those who revered her, was one of the founding members of the Akatsuki and a former kunoichi of Amegakure. Her reputation as one of the most powerful and loyal members of the Akatsuki was well-deserved, owing to her incredible abilities, unyielding determination, and the deep bonds she shared with her comrades, Nagato and Yahiko. Konan’s story is one of tragedy, resilience, and the pursuit of peace in a world torn by endless conflict.

Konan’s most distinctive and formidable ability was her mastery of Paper Ninjutsu. She could transform her body into thousands of sheets of paper, which she could manipulate with incredible precision. This technique allowed her to create weapons, wings, and even complex structures out of paper, making her an incredibly versatile and unpredictable fighter. Her paper-based techniques were so advanced that she could even create explosive tags from paper, which she used to devastating effect in battle.

Her meticulous preparation was so thorough that even Obito Uchiha nearly died from her massive paper explosion, demonstrating her tactical brilliance and the extreme danger of her abilities.

6.) Kisame Hoshigaki: The Unstoppable Monster of the Mist

Kisame Hoshigaki, often referred to as the “Monster of the Hidden Mist,” was a fearsome member of the Akatsuki and one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. Known for his shark-like appearance and immense strength, Kisame was a formidable shinobi with a reputation for brutality and unmatched combat skills.

Samehada,his signature weapon, is one of the most unique and powerful swords in the Naruto series. This massive blade is covered in scales resembling a shark’s skin and possesses the ability to absorb chakra. Samehada not only enhances Kisame’s physical attacks but also allows him to drain his opponents’ chakra, giving him a significant advantage in prolonged battles.

Kisame’s combat style is heavily reliant on Samehada, which he wields with exceptional skill. The sword’s ability to absorb chakra makes it a formidable weapon against chakra-based attacks and jutsu. Kisame’s use of Samehada in conjunction with his abilities creates a devastating combination, capable of overwhelming even the most powerful opponents.

5.) Sasuke Uchiha: The Last of the Uchiha Clan

Sasuke Uchiha, one of the most complex and iconic characters in the Naruto series, has a journey that spans from a vengeful youth to a powerful and conflicted hero. As the last surviving member of the Uchiha clan, his story is marked by tragedy, ambition, and redemption.

Sasuke’s abilities are deeply connected to his Uchiha heritage. His Sharingan, a powerful dōjutsu, grants him enhanced perception, the ability to read opponents’ moves, and formidable genjutsu techniques. As he progressed, Sasuke awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, which bestowed him with even greater powers, such as Amaterasu, an inextinguishable black flame, and Susanoo, a colossal ethereal warrior providing both offense and defense.

While Sasuke’s abilities continued to evolve and reach incredible heights in the later parts of the series, when ranked among Akatsuki members, he is placed 5th. This ranking reflects his strength during his time with the Akatsuki, before he reached his full potential with the acquisition of the Rinnegan and further advancements in his abilities.

4.) Orochimaru: The Serpent Sage of the Akatsuki

Orochimaru was a highly skilled and feared shinobi whose ambition and quest for immortality. Known for his serpentine appearance and mastery of forbidden jutsu, he was someone that any shinobi feared to encounter.

He was originally known as a member of the Legendary Sannins of Konohagaure, alongside Jiraiya and Tsunade. His primary goal was to achieve immortality and gain unparalleled knowledge of jutsu and the human body. His obsession with these goals led him to leave the Shinobi Village, to seek out forbidden techniques and experiments.

During his time with the Akatsuki, Orochimaru’s strength was considerable and derived from his mastery of various jutsu and forbidden techniques. His exceptional skills included his ability to use the Forbidden Jutsu for immortality, allowing him to transfer his soul into new bodies and evade death. He was also adept at Snake-Based Jutsu, enabling him to summon and control gigantic snakes for both combat and support.

Orochimaru’s development of Cursed Seals granted enhanced abilities to his subordinates, creating powerful and loyal followers like the Sound Four. Additionally, his profound knowledge of forbidden techniques and his innovative use of advanced taijutsu and ninjutsu made him a versatile and dangerous adversary, capable of adapting to and overcoming a wide range of challenges.

3.) The Clan Killer Itachi Uchiha

Itachi Uchiha, often hailed as the “Clan Killer,” stands as one of the most formidable members of the Akatsuki, earning him recognition as the third strongest within the organization. His power is a blend of raw talent, strategic genius, and the overwhelming might of the Uchiha clan’s dojutsu, the Sharingan.

Sharingan Mastery and Mangekyō Sharingan:
Itachi’s Sharingan is a tool of unparalleled power, allowing him to perceive and counter even the most subtle movements of his opponents. His mastery of the Mangekyō Sharingan grants him access to two of the most terrifying techniques: Amaterasu, the inextinguishable black flames that can burn anything in their path, and Tsukuyomi, a genjutsu so powerful that it can trap opponents in an illusionary world where Itachi controls time and reality. These techniques alone make Itachi nearly invincible in battle, capable of ending fights before they even begin.

Susanoo and the Yata Mirror:
Itachi’s Susanoo is an embodiment of his will and power, acting as both an offensive and defensive force. With the Yata Mirror, a shield that is said to repel any attack, and the Totsuka Blade, a sword that seals anything it pierces into a genjutsu-induced eternal dream, Itachi becomes an unstoppable force. His Susanoo is regarded as one of the most complete and impenetrable among the Uchiha, allowing him to dominate battles with minimal effort.

Strategic Genius:
Beyond his immense power, Itachi’s intellect is his greatest weapon. He is a master strategist, always several steps ahead of his opponents. His ability to analyze and counter his enemies’ moves with precise timing and foresight makes him nearly unbeatable. Itachi’s decisions in battle are calculated, ensuring that he maintains control over any situation.

Illness and Unfulfilled Potential:
Even more remarkable is the fact that Itachi was suffering from a terminal illness during much of his time in the Akatsuki, yet he remained one of its strongest members. Despite his deteriorating health, he could still challenge and defeat some of the most powerful shinobi in the Naruto universe. His illness prevented him from reaching his full potential, making his feats all the more awe-inspiring.

Loyalty to Konoha:
Itachi’s true strength lies not only in his combat abilities but also in his unwavering loyalty to the Hidden Leaf Village. His decision to annihilate his own clan was driven by a deep sense of duty to prevent a coup that could lead to a disastrous civil war. This internal conflict, coupled with his commitment to protect his younger brother Sasuke, adds layers to his character, making him one of the most complex and compelling figures in the Naruto series.

In the Akatsuki, Itachi is respected and feared by all, with even the most powerful members acknowledging his strength. His combination of deadly jutsu, unparalleled intellect, and unyielding resolve make Itachi Uchiha the third strongest Akatsuki member—a shinobi whose legacy is etched in both power and tragedy.

2.) Nagato Uzumaki (Six Paths Of Pain)

Nagato Uzumaki, operating through the Six Paths of Pain, is one of the most powerful and feared members of the Akatsuki. His strength lies in his mastery of the Rinnegan, one of the most legendary and potent dojutsu, and his ability to control multiple bodies simultaneously, each with its unique abilities. Here’s a summary of his key strengths:

1. Rinnegan Mastery:
   • Six Paths Technique: Nagato controls six different bodies, each representing a different ability of the Rinnegan, allowing him to dominate battles with overwhelming force and versatility.
   • Deva Path: Controls gravity, enabling him to perform techniques like Shinra Tensei (repels anything) and Chibaku Tensei (creates a massive gravitational force to imprison targets).
   • Other Paths: Each of the remaining five paths has its unique powers, such as summoning creatures (Animal Path), extracting souls (Human Path), and absorbing chakra (Preta Path).
2. Six Paths of Pain:
   • Coordination and Control: Nagato’s ability to control six bodies simultaneously gives him a massive tactical advantage, allowing him to attack from multiple angles and overwhelm opponents with a variety of jutsu.
   • Shared Vision: Each body shares its field of vision with the others, making it nearly impossible to catch him off guard or launch a surprise attack.
3. Immense Chakra Reserves:
   • As a member of the Uzumaki clan, Nagato has vast chakra reserves, allowing him to maintain control over the Six Paths for extended periods and perform powerful jutsu without quickly exhausting his energy.
4. God Complex and Ruthless Determination:
   • Nagato, under the alias of Pain, views himself as a god, carrying out his vision of peace through fear and destruction. His resolve is unwavering, and he is willing to go to any lengths, including destroying entire villages, to achieve his goals.
5. Almighty Push and Planetary Devastation:
   • Shinra Tensei (Almighty Push): Capable of leveling entire cities with a single technique.
   • Chibaku Tensei (Planetary Devastation): Creates a massive gravitational force that pulls everything into a central point, forming a giant sphere, effectively trapping and neutralizing opponents.
6. Resilience and Endurance:
   • Despite his frail physical condition, Nagato can sustain his Six Paths of Pain technique over long periods, demonstrating immense resilience and the ability to endure great pain.

These strengths make Nagato, through the Six Paths of Pain, one of the most formidable shinobi in the Naruto universe, capable of taking on entire armies and enforcing his will with an iron fist.

1.) The Strongest Akatsuki Member: Obito Uchiha

Obito Uchiha, often regarded as the strongest member of the Akatsuki, is a character of immense power, driven by a dark and complex past. His strength is rooted in a combination of advanced Uchiha abilities, including the Sharingan and Mangekyō Sharingan, as well as his cunning intellect and mastery over space-time ninjutsu. Below is a summary of his key strengths:

• Mangekyō Sharingan and Kamui:
  • Kamui (Space-Time Ninjutsu): Obito’s Mangekyō Sharingan grants him the ability to manipulate space and time, allowing him to phase through attacks by warping parts of his body to another dimension. This makes him nearly invincible in combat, as attacks pass right through him.
  • Teleportation: He can teleport himself or others to the Kamui dimension, making him highly elusive and giving him an enormous advantage in battle and strategic planning.

• Control of the Ten-Tails and Becoming the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki:
  • Ten-Tails Jinchūriki: After absorbing the Ten-Tails, Obito gains unparalleled power, including access to god-like abilities such as Truth-Seeking Orbs and enhanced regenerative capabilities. His physical strength, speed, and chakra reserves are vastly amplified, making him one of the most formidable beings in the Naruto universe.
  • Infinite Tsukuyomi: With the power of the Ten-Tails, Obito aims to cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi, a genjutsu that traps the entire world in an illusion, reflecting his ambition to control the fate of all living beings.

• Mastery of Uchiha Abilities and Genjutsu:
  • Sharingan: Obito’s regular Sharingan provides him with exceptional perception and the ability to cast powerful genjutsu, which he uses to manipulate and control others, including powerful shinobi like the Mizukage.
  • Strategic Manipulation: Obito uses his Sharingan to deceive and manipulate events from the shadows, orchestrating major conflicts and controlling key figures, such as Nagato and the Akatsuki, to further his plans.

• Zetsu Alliance and Access to Hashirama’s Cells:
  • Zetsu Partnership: Through his alliance with Zetsu, Obito gains access to vital information and additional support, which aids in his long-term plans.
  • Hashirama’s Cells: After implanting Hashirama Senju’s cells into his body, Obito gains enhanced healing abilities, increased chakra reserves, and the power to use Wood Release techniques, further amplifying his already formidable abilities.

• Tactical Genius and Cunning:
  • Manipulation of Events: Obito is a master manipulator, orchestrating the Fourth Great Ninja War and deceiving even the most powerful shinobi into furthering his plans. His ability to think several steps ahead of his enemies makes him one of the most dangerous adversaries in the Naruto world.
  • Hidden Identity: For most of the series, Obito operates under the alias of “Madara Uchiha,” using this identity to instill fear and control others. This deception allows him to maneuver without revealing his true intentions until it is too late.

• Emotional Resilience and Dark Resolve:
  • Tragic Backstory: Obito’s transformation from an optimistic young shinobi into the cold and calculating leader of the Akatsuki is driven by deep emotional trauma, particularly the loss of Rin. This pain fuels his determination to reshape the world according to his vision, making him relentless in pursuit of his goals.
  • Unyielding Will: Despite numerous setbacks, Obito’s resolve remains unshaken, pushing him to overcome obstacles that would break others. His willpower is so strong that even after becoming a Ten-Tails Jinchūriki, he retains his sense of self and continues to fight for his beliefs.

These strengths make Obito Uchiha the strongest member of the Akatsuki, a shinobi who wields immense power, intelligence, and resolve to shape the world according to his dark vision. His influence and actions set the stage for some of the most significant events in the Naruto series, solidifying his place as one of the most powerful and complex characters in the entire story.