Kakashi Hatake, the enigmatic Copy Ninja, is one of the most popular and complex characters in the Naruto universe. His iconic Sharingan, received as a gift from his fallen teammate Obito Uchiha, became synonymous with his name and fighting style. But this powerful tool, integral to his identity, was eventually lost. Understanding how and why Kakashi lost his Sharingan is crucial to appreciating his character arc and the overall narrative of Naruto. This article delves deep into the circumstances surrounding this loss, its impact, and Kakashi’s subsequent growth.
The Significance of Kakashi’s Sharingan
The Sharingan is a powerful dojutsu (eye technique) unique to the Uchiha clan. It grants the user incredible perceptive abilities, allowing them to see chakra flow, predict movements, and copy almost any jutsu they witness. For Kakashi, a non-Uchiha, possessing the Sharingan was both a blessing and a burden.
The Gift and its Cost
Obito Uchiha, on his supposed deathbed, bequeathed his Sharingan to Kakashi as a parting gift. This single act profoundly shaped Kakashi’s life. It gave him immense power and recognition, earning him the moniker “Copy Ninja” due to his ability to replicate a vast array of jutsu. However, because Kakashi wasn’t an Uchiha, he couldn’t deactivate the Sharingan. This constant activation drained his chakra significantly, forcing him to conserve energy and rely on it strategically. He had to keep it covered most of the time to prevent overexertion.
Mastering the Sharingan
Despite the drawbacks, Kakashi became incredibly skilled at wielding the Sharingan. He developed his own signature moves, like the Lightning Blade (Chidori), which were enhanced by the Sharingan’s predictive capabilities. He used it defensively to anticipate attacks and offensively to exploit weaknesses in his opponents’ techniques. He learned to use the Sharingan not just for copying but for analysis and strategy.
The Fourth Great Ninja War: The Turning Point
The Fourth Great Ninja War served as the stage for countless pivotal moments in the Naruto storyline, and it was also the catalyst for Kakashi losing his Sharingan. The war was a conflict of immense scale, pitting the Allied Shinobi Forces against the Akatsuki and the reanimated forces of Kabuto Yakushi.
Obito’s Redemption and the Shinobi Alliance
During the war, Obito, having been manipulated by Madara Uchiha, underwent a significant transformation. After witnessing Naruto’s unwavering resolve and the power of friendship, Obito began to question his allegiance to Madara. He started to fight against the very forces he had previously supported. This internal conflict culminated in Obito ultimately betraying Madara and joining the Allied Shinobi Forces.
Madara’s Godly Power and the Extraction of the Sharingan
As the war progressed, Madara, having achieved his goal of becoming the Ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki (host), became an incredibly powerful adversary. He possessed abilities that far surpassed those of ordinary shinobi. In a desperate attempt to turn the tide of the battle, Obito and Kakashi fought alongside Naruto and Sasuke against Madara. However, Madara’s power proved too great.
During a critical moment, Madara managed to seize Kakashi’s Sharingan. He reached across dimensions, plucking the eye directly from Kakashi’s socket. This left Kakashi severely weakened and without the very power that had defined him for so long. This extraction was brutal and swift, marking a turning point for both Kakashi and the war itself.
The Loss and its Impact
The loss of the Sharingan was a profound moment for Kakashi. It stripped him of his signature ability and forced him to re-evaluate his identity as a ninja. He was no longer the “Copy Ninja”; he was simply Kakashi Hatake, a skilled but fundamentally changed warrior.
Initial Weakness and Adaptation
Initially, the loss of the Sharingan severely weakened Kakashi. He was no longer able to react as quickly to attacks, predict his opponents’ movements with the same accuracy, or utilize the countless jutsu he had copied over the years. However, Kakashi is nothing if not resourceful. He quickly adapted to his new circumstances, relying on his innate intelligence, strategic thinking, and remaining ninjutsu skills.
He began to refine his existing techniques, focusing on mastering those he could still effectively use without the Sharingan’s aid. He also started to rely more on teamwork and collaboration, understanding that his strengths now lay in his leadership and tactical abilities.
A Return: The Six Paths Power
In an unexpected turn of events, towards the end of the war, Obito, having been resurrected briefly through Rinne Rebirth, channeled his remaining chakra to Kakashi, granting him access to both of Obito’s Sharingan – including the Mangekyo Sharingan. This temporary boost wasn’t just a return to his old power; it was a significant upgrade.
With both Mangekyo Sharingan active, Kakashi could manifest the Complete Body – Susanoo. This allowed him to fight on par with Kaguya Otsutsuki, the Rabbit Goddess and ultimate antagonist. He used this power, combined with Naruto and Sasuke’s abilities, to ultimately seal Kaguya.
Permanent Absence: The Sharingan Vanishes
After the battle with Kaguya, with the war concluding, Kakashi’s temporary power-up from Obito faded. The Sharingan eyes that he had regained were gone, disappearing as Obito’s chakra dissipated completely. This meant that Kakashi was permanently without the Sharingan.
Kakashi’s Post-Sharingan Life
The loss of the Sharingan was not the end of Kakashi’s story; it was a new beginning. It allowed him to grow and evolve as a character, ultimately leading him to become the Sixth Hokage.
Embracing a New Identity
Without the Sharingan, Kakashi was forced to define himself by his own merits, not by the borrowed power of the Uchiha clan. He focused on honing his skills as a leader, strategist, and teacher. He became a mentor to the next generation of shinobi, guiding them with his wisdom and experience.
He developed new techniques and strategies that didn’t rely on the Sharingan, proving that his strength came not just from his dojutsu but from his own inherent abilities and his understanding of the ninja world. He redefined what it meant to be a powerful ninja, showing that true strength lies in adaptability, intelligence, and the unwavering bonds of friendship.
Becoming the Sixth Hokage
Kakashi’s growth and leadership qualities were recognized by the village, and he was eventually chosen to become the Sixth Hokage. As Hokage, he focused on rebuilding Konoha after the war, fostering peace between nations, and training the next generation of shinobi. He led with compassion and wisdom, earning the respect and admiration of his people.
He emphasized the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and understanding, promoting a vision of a world where peace and unity were achievable goals. His tenure as Hokage was marked by progress and prosperity, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest leaders in Konoha’s history.
The Legacy of the Copy Ninja
Even without the Sharingan, Kakashi remained a legend. His contributions to the ninja world, both during and after the war, were immense. He served as a role model for countless shinobi, inspiring them with his resilience, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to protecting his friends and his village.
His legacy extends beyond his individual achievements. He represents the power of adaptation, the importance of teamwork, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Kakashi’s story is a testament to the fact that true strength comes not from inherent abilities but from the choices we make and the bonds we forge. The “Copy Ninja” may have lost his Sharingan, but he never lost his heart or his determination, solidifying his place as one of the most beloved and influential characters in the Naruto universe. He remained the same Kakashi, the intelligent, strategic, and deeply caring ninja, who, more than any eye, served as a symbol of hope and resilience.
Why did Kakashi receive the Sharingan?
Kakashi received the Sharingan from his dying teammate, Obito Uchiha, during the Third Shinobi World War. While on a mission, Obito was crushed by a rockslide. Believing himself to be near death, Obito asked Rin Nohara, a medical-nin and their teammate, to transplant his left Sharingan eye into Kakashi’s damaged left eye socket as a parting gift, so that Kakashi could still see the future. This act effectively saved Kakashi’s life and granted him a powerful advantage.
The Sharingan Obito gifted to Kakashi was a fully matured Sharingan, capable of evolving into the Mangekyo Sharingan under the right circumstances. However, because Kakashi was not an Uchiha, he could not deactivate the Sharingan and it constantly drained his chakra. This was a significant drawback and a primary reason why he was often late and exhausted, often masking it with excuses.
What are Kakashi’s unique abilities with the Sharingan?
As a non-Uchiha wielding the Sharingan, Kakashi’s primary ability was his exceptional mastery of the Sharingan’s predictive capabilities and copy techniques. He could accurately predict an opponent’s movements, anticipate their attacks, and perfectly mimic their ninjutsu after only seeing it once. This skill earned him the moniker “Copy Ninja Kakashi,” solidifying his reputation and greatly enhancing his combat effectiveness.
Furthermore, Kakashi eventually unlocked the Mangekyo Sharingan, a more advanced form of the Sharingan, and awakened the unique ability called Kamui. Kamui allows Kakashi to warp objects and even parts of himself to another dimension, providing both powerful offensive and defensive capabilities. The version of Kamui he possessed allowed him to target distant objects within a limited range.
How did Kakashi unlock his Mangekyo Sharingan?
Kakashi unlocked his Mangekyo Sharingan after witnessing the death of Rin Nohara at his own hand. Rin had been implanted with the Three-Tailed Beast by Madara Uchiha, who intended for her to rampage within Konoha. In a desperate attempt to prevent this, Rin purposefully jumped in front of Kakashi’s Chidori, which he was using to attack enemy ninja.
The shock and grief of unintentionally killing his beloved teammate, who was also Obito’s love interest, triggered the awakening of the Mangekyo Sharingan in both Kakashi and Obito simultaneously, despite Obito being unaware of Rin’s death at the time. This shared trauma was a necessary condition for the evolution of their Sharingan eyes.
What are the drawbacks of Kakashi using the Sharingan?
The most significant drawback for Kakashi was the constant chakra drain associated with using the Sharingan. Since he was not an Uchiha, his body was not naturally adapted to handle the Sharingan’s energy consumption. This meant that constantly activating the Sharingan would quickly deplete his chakra reserves, limiting his stamina and combat effectiveness.
Using the Mangekyo Sharingan’s Kamui ability further exacerbated this issue, requiring immense amounts of chakra and physical strain. Overuse of Kamui would leave Kakashi extremely exhausted and incapacitated, sometimes for extended periods. This limited his ability to rely on Kamui in prolonged battles or consecutive engagements.
How did Kakashi lose his Sharingan?
Kakashi lost his Sharingan during the Fourth Shinobi World War after Obito Uchiha, who had become the Ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki, was defeated. Naruto, empowered with the Sage of Six Paths’ chakra, managed to extract the Tailed Beasts from Obito. Simultaneously, Obito willingly allowed his spirit to join Kakashi to help him fight against Madara.
With Obito’s spirit assisting, Kakashi temporarily received both of Obito’s Sharingan eyes and unlocked the perfect Susanoo, granting him immense power. After the battle with Kaguya Otsutsuki, Obito’s spirit faded away, and with it, the Sharingan eyes that had been temporarily given to Kakashi vanished.
Did losing the Sharingan weaken Kakashi?
While the Sharingan was undoubtedly a significant part of Kakashi’s identity and fighting style, losing it didn’t necessarily weaken him drastically. Kakashi remained a highly skilled and experienced ninja, retaining his tactical brilliance, ninjutsu knowledge, and physical prowess. He had spent years honing his abilities and developing his own unique techniques, independent of the Sharingan.
Furthermore, Kakashi was eventually granted the Six Paths Chakra by Hagoromo Otsutsuki, albeit briefly, which significantly enhanced his abilities. Even after the Six Paths Chakra faded, his experience and tactical skills allowed him to continue serving as a powerful asset to Konoha, ultimately leading to his appointment as the Sixth Hokage.
What is the legacy of Kakashi’s Sharingan?
Kakashi’s Sharingan is a symbol of sacrifice, camaraderie, and the extraordinary potential that can emerge from unexpected circumstances. It represents the bond between Kakashi and Obito, the power of friendship in overcoming adversity, and the idea that strength can be found even in the face of loss. His skillful use of the borrowed eye also showcases adaptability and resourcefulness, qualities that define Kakashi’s character.
Moreover, Kakashi’s Sharingan significantly impacted the course of the Naruto storyline. It granted him unparalleled abilities, shaped his reputation as a formidable ninja, and played a crucial role in several key battles. His mastery of the Sharingan, despite not being an Uchiha, became a testament to his talent and dedication, solidifying his legacy as one of the most respected and influential figures in the Naruto universe.