Kisame Hoshigaki, the “Tailless Tailed Beast,” a formidable member of the Akatsuki, met his end in a manner befitting his loyalty and dedication. His death is one of the most impactful moments in the Naruto series, showcasing his unwavering resolve and providing crucial information to the Allied Shinobi Forces. This article delves deep into the circumstances surrounding Kisame’s demise, exploring the events leading up to it, the details of his final battle, and the ultimate sacrifice he made.
The Pursuit and Capture Attempt
Kisame, partnered with Itachi Uchiha, was initially tasked with capturing the Four-Tails jinchuriki, Roshi. After Itachi successfully subdued Roshi, Kisame’s primary mission shifted to collecting tailed beasts and assisting in the Akatsuki’s ultimate goal: the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
After Itachi’s death during his battle with Sasuke Uchiha, Kisame was assigned to partner with Tobi (later revealed to be Obito Uchiha), further solidifying his commitment to the Akatsuki’s cause. He remained steadfast in his duties, often acting as a guardian and enforcer for the organization.
Kisame’s formidable strength and unique abilities made him a particularly difficult target for the Allied Shinobi Forces. His mastery of Water Release ninjutsu and his symbiotic relationship with Samehada, the sentient sword, made him a fearsome opponent.
Eventually, the time came for Kisame to fulfill a critical mission: to safeguard information about the Akatsuki and the tailed beasts. This mission would ultimately lead to his final confrontation.
The Battle on Turtle Island
The Allied Shinobi Forces, aware of the Akatsuki’s plans, established a headquarters on a giant turtle island, seeking to protect Naruto Uzumaki and Killer Bee, the jinchuriki of the Eight-Tails. Kisame, tasked with infiltrating the island and gathering intelligence, infiltrated it, disguised within Samehada, who was now bonding with Killer Bee.
Kisame successfully extracted information about the Allied Shinobi Forces and attempted to escape. However, his presence was discovered, and he was forced to reveal himself, triggering a fierce battle.
Confrontation with Might Guy
Might Guy, known for his taijutsu prowess and unwavering spirit, took the lead in confronting Kisame. Recognizing the threat Kisame posed, Guy was determined to stop him from escaping with the vital information he had gathered.
The battle between Guy and Kisame was a clash of titans. Guy’s incredible speed and power, fueled by his Eight Gates Released Formation, were pitted against Kisame’s immense chakra reserves and Samehada’s ability to absorb chakra.
Kisame’s Water Release techniques proved to be a significant challenge for Guy. He was able to create massive water formations and use his Water Prison Technique to try and immobilize Guy.
Guy, however, was able to overcome these obstacles using his powerful taijutsu. He opened more and more of the Eight Gates, increasing his speed and strength exponentially.
The Seventh Gate and Hirudora
As the battle intensified, Guy was forced to unleash his Seventh Gate, the Gate of Wonder. This allowed him to use his signature technique, Hirudora, a devastating punch that creates a massive air pressure wave in the shape of a mythical beast.
Hirudora proved to be a decisive blow. The sheer force of the attack overwhelmed Kisame, severely damaging him and separating him from Samehada. It also created significant damage to the surroundings.
Kisame’s Desperate Measures
Despite being heavily injured, Kisame refused to yield. He attempted to merge with Samehada to regain his strength and continue the fight. He even started draining Killer Bee’s chakra. However, Guy’s relentless assault made it nearly impossible for Kisame to recover.
Kisame’s Ultimate Sacrifice
Following the devastating Hirudora attack, Kisame was captured and restrained by the Allied Shinobi Forces. Ao, a sensor ninja from the Hidden Mist Village, prepared to extract information from Kisame’s mind.
However, Kisame, loyal to the Akatsuki to the end, was not willing to betray his comrades or reveal any information that could jeopardize their plans. He knew the information he possessed was crucial, and he would rather die than let it fall into enemy hands.
The Water Prison and Suicide
Faced with the prospect of being interrogated and having his secrets revealed, Kisame made a momentous decision. He used his remaining chakra to create a Water Prison Technique around himself.
Within the water prison, Kisame summoned his own sharks and instructed them to devour him. This gruesome act ensured that no information could be extracted from his mind.
His suicide was a testament to his unwavering loyalty and his belief in the Akatsuki’s cause. He chose death over betrayal, cementing his status as a dedicated and formidable opponent.
The Significance of Kisame’s Death
Kisame’s death had a significant impact on the overall storyline of Naruto. While his sacrifice prevented the Allied Shinobi Forces from immediately gaining access to his intelligence, his demise also revealed the depth of the Akatsuki’s commitment and the lengths to which they were willing to go to achieve their goals.
His death served as a reminder of the dangers that Naruto and his allies faced and the sacrifices that were necessary to protect the world. It also showed the audience just how deep the loyalty of Akatsuki members ran.
The intelligence, though not extracted through conventional means, was eventually obtained through indirect methods, emphasizing the importance of every action and decision in the grand scheme of the Fourth Shinobi World War.
Kisame’s death also highlighted the contrast between his unwavering loyalty and the conflicting loyalties and motivations of other characters, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. He followed Obito without question, highlighting the extent of Obito’s manipulation.
His final act solidified his legacy as a complex and compelling character, a formidable warrior who remained true to his beliefs, even in the face of death.
Kisame’s Legacy
Kisame Hoshigaki’s impact on the Naruto series extends beyond his physical strength and his role in the Akatsuki. He represents a fascinating exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexities of morality in a world consumed by conflict.
His unique fighting style, centered around water manipulation and his symbiotic relationship with Samehada, made him a memorable and formidable opponent. His battles, particularly his final confrontation with Might Guy, are considered some of the most visually stunning and action-packed in the entire series.
Furthermore, Kisame’s unwavering dedication to the Akatsuki, even in the face of death, raises questions about the nature of loyalty and the extent to which individuals are willing to sacrifice themselves for a cause.
His death serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the sacrifices that are often made in the name of ideology. While Kisame was an antagonist, his unwavering commitment to his beliefs, however misguided, commands a certain level of respect.
In conclusion, Kisame Hoshigaki’s death was a pivotal moment in the Naruto series, showcasing his unwavering loyalty, his formidable strength, and his ultimate sacrifice. His legacy continues to resonate with fans, solidifying his place as one of the most memorable and complex characters in the Naruto universe. His death continues to be discussed and analyzed, highlighting the enduring impact of his character and his role in the larger narrative. He remains a symbol of unwavering loyalty and the ultimate sacrifice.
Why did Kisame Hoshigaki sacrifice himself?
Kisame sacrificed himself to protect information vital to Akatsuki. He knew that if captured by the Allied Shinobi Forces, particularly under Ibiki Morino’s interrogation, he would be forced to reveal details about Akatsuki’s plans, including the locations of the remaining Jinchuriki and the true purpose of the Eye of the Moon Plan. He saw this as a betrayal of Akatsuki and his mission, a fate worse than death.
He also felt a deep connection to Samehada and believed that if he was captured, Samehada would be taken from him, perhaps even used against him. His bond with Samehada was a defining aspect of his identity and power. Preferring to die than betray his comrades and lose his companion, Kisame chose to end his own life, ensuring the secrets of Akatsuki remained safe.
What was Kisame’s primary role within Akatsuki?
Kisame Hoshigaki primarily served as a combatant and enforcer within Akatsuki, often paired with Itachi Uchiha. He was one of the most powerful members of the organization, possessing immense chakra reserves and formidable fighting skills. His role involved capturing Jinchuriki for Akatsuki’s plan to extract the Tailed Beasts and resurrect the Ten-Tailed Beast.
Beyond his combat abilities, Kisame also acted as a spy and informant for Akatsuki, using his Water Release techniques and the abilities of Samehada to gather information. He frequently patrolled and secured locations important to Akatsuki’s operations. His loyalty and effectiveness made him a crucial asset to the organization.
How did Kisame manage to avoid detection for so long while spying on Team Kakashi?
Kisame employed a unique method of concealment using his Samehada and chakra absorption abilities. He hid within Samehada, effectively becoming one with the sword. This allowed him to blend in with the weapon’s chakra signature and move undetected, even by sensory ninja.
Furthermore, he remained submerged in water, masking his chakra and further reducing the chance of detection. He specifically hid within Samehada while it was being carried by Killer Bee, allowing him to stay close to Team Kakashi without arousing suspicion, as the Allied Shinobi Forces considered Killer Bee an ally. This cunning strategy allowed him to gather valuable intelligence.
What were Kisame’s final moments like?
Facing capture by Might Guy and the Allied Shinobi Forces, Kisame broke free from his restraints, creating a water prison within the Water Prison Shark Dance Technique. He then summoned sharks that devoured him, ending his life. This was a deliberate act of suicide to prevent the Allied Shinobi Forces from extracting information about Akatsuki’s plans.
His final thoughts involved reflections on his life and his role within Akatsuki. Despite acknowledging the emptiness and lack of genuine purpose in his existence, he remained loyal to his comrades and his mission until the very end, choosing death over betrayal. The scene showed a stoic acceptance of his fate.
What was the significance of Kisame being called the “Tailless Tailed Beast”?
Kisame earned the nickname “Tailless Tailed Beast” due to his immense chakra reserves, which were comparable to those of a Tailed Beast. This was largely attributed to his symbiotic relationship with Samehada, a living sword that could absorb and transfer chakra. He could absorb the chakra of his opponents, adding to his own already substantial reserves.
His water style ninjutsu, combined with his immense chakra, allowed him to create massive water-based attacks and overwhelm his opponents. This sheer power and the vast amount of chakra he possessed made him a force to be reckoned with and earned him the moniker, highlighting his exceptional abilities despite not being a Jinchuriki.
How did Kisame’s relationship with Itachi impact his actions and loyalty?
Kisame’s relationship with Itachi was one of mutual respect and understanding, deeply impacting his actions and loyalty. He viewed Itachi as a comrade and recognized his immense power and intelligence. Itachi’s calm demeanor and unwavering commitment to his mission greatly influenced Kisame’s own sense of purpose within Akatsuki.
He trusted Itachi’s judgment implicitly, and this trust extended to Akatsuki’s overall objectives, regardless of their moral ambiguity. Itachi’s quiet leadership solidified Kisame’s loyalty to the organization, even when faced with the prospect of death. He followed Itachi’s lead without question, contributing to his unwavering commitment to Akatsuki’s goals.
What was Kisame’s overall impact on the narrative of Naruto Shippuden?
Kisame served as a significant antagonist, posing a formidable threat to the protagonists and hindering their efforts to stop Akatsuki’s plans. His powerful abilities and cunning strategies created numerous challenges for Naruto and his allies, highlighting the strength of the opposition they faced.
Beyond his role as an adversary, Kisame’s character also added depth to the narrative by exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the nature of identity. His complex relationship with Samehada and his unwavering devotion to Akatsuki raised questions about the morality of his actions and the motivations behind them. His death underscored the stakes of the Fourth Shinobi World War and the sacrifices made on both sides.