The Naruto universe is filled with complex characters and intricate plot twists, and one of the most debated topics among fans is whether Itachi Uchiha knew that the Madara Uchiha he interacted with was actually Obito Uchiha. This question delves into the depths of Itachi's knowledge, his strategic mind, and the agreements he made to protect his village and his younger brother, Sasuke. Let's explore the evidence and arguments surrounding this fascinating theory.

The Initial Premise: Madara's Return

When Madara Uchiha reappeared in the Naruto storyline, he was presented as the legendary figure from the past, a founder of Konohagakure, and a ninja of immense power. This re-emergence sent shockwaves through the ninja world, creating fear and uncertainty. However, as the story progressed, it was revealed that the Madara everyone believed to be the real deal was, in fact, Obito Uchiha, a former student of Minato Namikaze, manipulated by the real Madara before his death. This revelation raises a critical question: How much did Itachi know about this charade?

Itachi's Intellect and Information Gathering

Itachi Uchiha was not only a formidable ninja but also a brilliant strategist. His ability to gather information and analyze situations was unparalleled. As a double agent working for both the Akatsuki and Konohagakure, Itachi had access to a wealth of knowledge that few others possessed. He was aware of the Akatsuki's plans, their members, and their objectives. Given his keen intellect and access to information, it is plausible that Itachi knew more about the true identity of "Madara" than he let on. Itachi's ability to see through deceptions and understand the underlying truths of situations was a key aspect of his character. He was always several steps ahead, anticipating his enemies' moves and planning accordingly. This level of awareness makes it highly likely that he had pieced together the puzzle of Obito's true identity.

The Akatsuki Partnership and Limited Interactions

Itachi joined the Akatsuki to keep an eye on the organization and protect Konoha from the shadows. While he partnered with Kisame Hoshigaki, his interactions with "Madara" (Obito) were limited and carefully orchestrated. This distance could have been a deliberate choice by Itachi to maintain a level of secrecy and control over his own actions. By not getting too close to Obito, Itachi could observe him from a safe distance, gather information, and make his own assessments without revealing his true intentions. The limited interactions also allowed Itachi to maintain plausible deniability, should his allegiance ever be questioned. Itachi's strategic mind would have recognized the importance of keeping his cards close to his chest, especially when dealing with a manipulative figure like Obito.

The Role of Tobi: A Clumsy Facade?

Initially, Obito operated within the Akatsuki under the guise of Tobi, a seemingly clumsy and foolish character. This persona was a stark contrast to the menacing Madara Uchiha, leading many to underestimate him. However, Itachi was not one to be easily fooled. His sharp mind and attention to detail would have allowed him to see through Tobi's facade. It is possible that Itachi recognized the discrepancies in Tobi's behavior and deduced that he was not who he claimed to be. The Tobi persona may have even been a clue that Itachi used to unravel the mystery of Obito's true identity. Itachi's ability to analyze people and situations would have made it difficult for anyone to maintain a false persona around him for long.

The Suspicions and Motives

Itachi's primary goal was always to protect his younger brother, Sasuke, and the village of Konohagakure. His actions, even the most ruthless ones, were driven by this unwavering commitment. If Itachi suspected that "Madara" was not who he claimed to be, he would have had several motives for keeping this information to himself. First, revealing the truth about Obito could have jeopardized his mission to protect Sasuke and Konoha. Second, Itachi may have believed that he could better control the situation by allowing Obito to believe that he was still in the dark. Third, Itachi may have been waiting for the right moment to expose Obito, when it would have the greatest impact on the Akatsuki's plans.

The Tsukuyomi Encounter: A Glimpse of Truth?

When Itachi confronted Sasuke, he used the Tsukuyomi to show him the truth about the Uchiha clan massacre and his own role in it. Some fans speculate that Itachi may have also used this opportunity to subtly reveal the truth about Obito's identity to Sasuke. By showing Sasuke the events surrounding the Uchiha clan's downfall, Itachi may have indirectly pointed the finger at Obito's involvement and manipulation. This theory suggests that Itachi was not only imparting the truth about the past but also preparing Sasuke for the future, arming him with the knowledge he would need to confront the real enemy. The Tsukuyomi encounter could have been a carefully orchestrated lesson, designed to awaken Sasuke to the true nature of the forces at play.

The Edo Tensei Revelation: A Confirmation?

During the Fourth Shinobi World War, when Kabuto Yakushi used the Edo Tensei to resurrect Madara Uchiha, Itachi was visibly surprised. However, some argue that this surprise was not due to the revelation of Madara's resurrection but rather the timing and circumstances of it. Itachi may have already known that Obito was impersonating Madara, but the actual resurrection of the real Madara would have been an unexpected development. This twist could have thrown a wrench into Itachi's plans and forced him to reassess the situation. The Edo Tensei revelation may have confirmed Itachi's suspicions about Obito while simultaneously introducing a new and even greater threat to the ninja world.

The Contradictory Evidence: Doubts and Uncertainties

Despite the compelling arguments, there is also contradictory evidence that suggests Itachi may not have known the full extent of Obito's deception. Some argue that Itachi's actions and statements throughout the series indicate that he genuinely believed Obito to be the real Madara Uchiha. Additionally, Itachi's focus was primarily on protecting Sasuke and Konoha, and he may not have had the time or resources to fully investigate Obito's true identity. It is also possible that Itachi only had partial information and was working with incomplete knowledge. The complexities of the Naruto storyline and the intricate web of deception make it difficult to definitively conclude whether Itachi knew the truth about Obito.

Conclusion: A Matter of Interpretation

Ultimately, whether Itachi knew that Madara was Obito is a matter of interpretation and speculation. There is evidence to support both sides of the argument, and the truth may lie somewhere in between. Regardless of what Itachi knew, his actions were always driven by his love for his brother and his desire to protect his village. Itachi's legacy as a complex and enigmatic character continues to fascinate Naruto fans, and the debate over his knowledge of Obito's true identity is likely to continue for years to come. Itachi's story serves as a reminder that in the world of Naruto, things are rarely as they seem, and the truth is often hidden beneath layers of deception and intrigue.