Summary
Akatsuki's missions are run by purposefully constructed pairings, each with their own strengths and characteristics. Akatsuki's trajectory and identity are renewed through the partnership of Obito and Zetsu. Itachi and Kisame stand out as the best pairing in Akatsuki, with their easy chemistry and mutual respect.
Some organizations in Naruto more notorious than Akatsuki, Naruto ShippudenThe main antagonistic organization. Its foundations were laid very early in the original Naruto series, and its trajectory was foreshadowed long before. Akatsuki is a group of rogue ninja with independent motives, loosely united by a common goal – first to counter the effects of violent conflict; then to capture the Tailed Beasts from Naruto's many jinchuriki.
by Akatsuki The mission is run by purposefully constructed pairs. All of these pairs have unique features and strengthsThis results in very different lists depending on the criteria used to judge them. Rather than just comparing raw power, it's worth focusing on the duo's adaptability, specific motivations, narrative impact, and emotional sincerity.
The following Akatsuki members will be eliminated:
Orochimaru: While his relationship with Sasori and Itachi provides important context, his actual work with them is not shown enough to be fairly evaluated.
Juzo: Juzo provides some interesting backstory about the other Akatsuki members, especially Itachi, but he's basically just a temporary (and also pretty forgettable) side character.
Madara's Real Madara: The connection between Madara, Zetsu, and the Otsutsuki Clan plays a major role in the ending of Shippuden, but actually takes place outside of Akatsuki.
7 Black Zetsu & White Zetsu
A great character ruined by an unfortunate character
Notable Arc
The Fourth Great Ninja War
Memorable moments
White Zetsu appears in the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Zetsu's twist, when Zetsu is revealed to be a player in an incredibly long game to revive Kaguya, opens up a whole can of worms that fans rarely agree on. His betrayal of Madara was abrupt, uncontrollable, and ultimately changed the course of shinobi history. It seems easy to argue that Zetsu, simply put, should not have been a duo. Zetsu's origin and betrayal were a divisive enough choice to warrant low ratings.
6 Obito & Zetsu
A Smart Plan Becomes Destiny
Notable Arc
The Fourth Great Ninja War
Memorable moments
Zetsu and Tobi rip the Akatsuki ring from Sasori's body.
It's fascinating to watch this relationship play out. Obito has taken on three different identities over the course of Shippuden—Tobi, Madara Uchiha, and Obito—and his relationship with Zetsu effortlessly weaves these contrasting identities together into a cohesive narrative. Viewers discover exactly how in Shippuden's controversial ending. Together, the pair slowly ensure Obito's entry and rise within Akatsuki as part of a larger plan that is eventually revealed throughout the entire scheme.
It’s heavy, to say the least, but the foreshadowing is impressive. Narratively, it also gives Akatsuki a new grand purpose and refreshes its identity, which has been unsettled since the Pain Assault arc’s revelations. The duo’s importance to the overall story could be questioned for its low ranking. However, Obito and Zetsu’s partnership feels too intentional by the end of the series. If “good duo” means the pair have a unique relationship, the ending twist undermines that by making it too definitive. If it means anything else, there’s not much that makes the duo particularly compelling.
5 Tobi & Deidara
Akatsuki's accidental comedy duo is so much fun
Notable Arc
Pursuit of Itachi
Memorable moments
Deidara tries to trick Tobi into removing his mask.
During Obito's better days in Naruto Shippuden, he disguised himself as a very stupid man named Tobi. Deidara was also known and loved for his self-righteousness and his oppressive clay bombs. The pairing of these two characters lasted from Sasori's death to Deidara's suicide. When you combine their overall skill as shinobi with their comedic chemistry, this is one of the most hilarious pairings in the entirety of Shippuden. This pairing isn't the strongest or most iconic, but it's still one of the best.
This is also the only pairing of their kind in the entire Akatsuki. After Sasori's death, Deidara became reckless, obsessed with his explosive artistic ideals, and completely bent on revenge. Tobi often shows concern for Deidara's well-being. Given Ubito's grand scheme and ulterior motives, this raises some questions, but it should be taken at face value for the first viewing anyway. Doing so shows the relationship between Tobi and Deidara sweet, dynamic and dangerousThis pairing is often underrated, but their collaboration is a testament to the hidden depth of both characters.
4 Pain (Nagato) & Konan
The two remaining orphans of Amegakure live up to Akatsuki's original ideals.
Notable Arc
Pain attack
Memorable moments
The pair overpowered and killed Jiraiya, who was revealed to be their former teacher.
The Pain Assault arc is one of the most memorable arcs. throughout the series, and the Amegakure orphans' backstory is a harrowing exploration of the consequences of Konoha's actions (and Naruto's world-building). The pair helped found Akatsuki along with a mutual friend, Yahiko, who tragically died. This led to a radical desire to punish pain with pain by confronting societies and regimes that declared war in the name of peace. This goal is far more inhumane than the rest of Akatsuki.
Konan carries a undying loyalty to Nagato and the ideals they shared. What makes them so irresistible is the way their long, intimate history has created a deep trust and understanding of each other. This ensures their total dedication to their chosen ideals, even if it means turning their backs on the organization they founded. However, despite being technically a duo and constantly communicating, they mostly operate independently. The story of the Ame orphans is one of the most fascinating, provocative, and brutal backstories in Naruto, but there are better duos in Akatsuki – though perhaps not better friends.
3 Deidara & Sasori
Chaos meets tragedy as two artists cause disaster
Notable Arc
Kazikage Rescue Mission
Memorable moments
Deidara fights Gaara while Sasori remains on guard.
It will be difficult to come up with a more iconic couple in Akatsuki than Deidara and Sasori. Deidara is a disaffected artist who enjoys destruction; Sasori has a tragic past that cannot be ignored. Overall, Deidara is selfish and enjoys prolonged action, while Sasori is more detached and enjoys joining and getting out of missions. The two often bicker, which can be entertaining to watch.
However, there is another important level to their relationship: complete faith and respect. Both were artists, and Deidara greatly respected Sasori, calling him “master”. The two worked together to carry out missions that would otherwise be unthinkable, such as the Kazikage attack. One of the most heartbreaking moments involving Akatsuki was the level of hurt and anger Deidara felt when Sasori died.
2 Hidan & Kakuzu
The Immortal Violent Duo Are a Match Made in Heaven
Notable Arc
Akatsuki Suppression Mission
Memorable moments
Asuma's team had to face Hidan and Kakuzu head on.
This underrated duo appeared early in Naruto Shippuden and were one of the first introductions to the ferocious Akatsuki. Known as the “Immortal Duo” for their ability to avoid death, Hidan and Kakuzu were different from the other Akatsuki members. For both, Akatsuki is a means to achieve other goals.rather than a cause in itself. For the materialistic Kakuzu, Akatsuki was a path to wealth; for Hidan, Akatsuki granted him immortality as he sacrificed his slain victims to Jashin in return.
Neither of them truly cares for Akatsuki, but they are loyal for Akatsuki's sake. Their relationship can be likened to Deidara's partnership, as they bicker and go overboard. Neither of them are suited to being partners with the other. Kakuzu's immortality is a contrast to Hidan's murderous outbursts, and Hidan's brutality gives Kakuzu steady paydays. Hidan's relentless hunting is also justified by Kakuzu's wisdom and experience. Their unique abilities and motivations leading them to approach combat in a way that no other Akatsuki member could.. The simplicity in their goals and the sincerity in their relationships is what makes them so interesting.
1 Itachi and Kisame
Naruto's first duo is also the best duo
Notable Arc
Akatsuki Suppression Mission
Memorable moments
Their debut in Shippuden as the first true members of Akatsuki
Itachi sets the tone of Shippuden. On both sides of his fateful confrontation with Sasuke, one finds an indirect plot. always linked back to Itachi and his legacy. Also, his right-hand man, Kisame, cannot be forgotten. At first, the two worked together so that Itachi's cold demeanor could keep Kisame in check. Kisame had so much chakra that he was called the Tailed Beast, and his motivation was his complete commitment to Akatsuki. As a result, Kisame could easily become too stubborn. His cooperation with Itachi was intended to curb that tendency.
Although they weren't close at first, mutual respect eventually developed. Itachi's own motivation was to fulfill his life's mission for Konoha and the Uchiha clan. Despite not having the full story, Kisame was happy to support Itachi, and even joined him in the infamous Sasuke Retrieval arc, where the two also had a legendary battle with Kakashi. Itachi and Kisame shared the most natural chemistry of any couple, understanding each other with just a few words. They organized their battles around this, meaning they weren't often seen together – but Surnamework perfectly as a duo Anyway, perfect combination.
The fact that their fighting and communication seemed so effortless speaks to the overwhelming power of the pair. One important thing that sets this pair apart from the rest: Itachi never cared much about the larger vision of Akatsuki. However, Kisame grew to support him completely, despite caring enough about Akatsuki commit suicide to avoid revealing information to Guy. That alone shows why this duo, who introduced Akatsuki to fans, is not only Akatsuki's best pairing, but also one of the NarutoThe greatest relationship written.
