What Episode Does Itachi Die and How Did He Die?

Itachi Uchiha died in episode 138 of Naruto Shippuden, titled “The End.” He died during his final battle with his younger brother Sasuke.

Itachi had been suffering from a mysterious illness, and during their fight, he exhausted himself trying to keep Sasuke away from Orochimaru, who had planned to take over Sasuke’s body. Although Sasuke’s attacks caused some injuries, Itachi ultimately succumbed to his illness and passed away peacefully with a smile on his face.

Itachi Uchiha’s death is a pivotal moment in the Naruto Shippuden series. Throughout the series, he was portrayed as an incredibly powerful and enigmatic figure, which made his death all the more impactful. He was a tragic character who had been forced to make difficult choices in order to protect his loved ones and the Hidden Leaf Village. Itachi’s death marked the end of one of the most complex and fascinating characters in the Naruto Shippuden series.

When Does Itachi Die?

Itachi “dies” twice in the series. Itachi, who was suffering from a mysterious illness that had weakened him, died the first time when Sasuke and his team, along with Naruto and his team, confront Itachi in an attempt to save Sasuke in episode 138 of Naruto Shippuden, titled “End.” After using his abilities extensively and being hit by Kirin, Itachi passed away beside Sasuke, who was left terrified by his brother’s death. Itachi never intended to kill Sasuke and had hoped that his brother would become stronger both physically and mentally, as the Sharingan’s visual prowess grows stronger with deep and strong emotions.

The second time and final time Itachi dies is during the Fourth Great Ninja War, in episode 339 of Naruto Shippuden. He is reanimated by Kabuto Yakushi and forced to fight against his brother Sasuke and the Allied Shinobi Forces. Despite Kabuto’s control, he manages to break free and use his powers to help fight against Kabuto’s other reanimated ninja.

Itachi eventually uses a forbidden technique, the Izanami, to trap Kabuto in an infinite loop and break the reanimation jutsu. After completing his mission, Itachi’s soul is finally able to rest, and he vanishes into the afterlife.

Technically, Itachi only dies once after his battle with Sasuke because he was reanimated by Kabuto against his wish.

What Episode Does Itachi Die and How Did He Die?
Image Source

How Did Itachi Die?

Itachi and Sasuke engage in a fierce battle, during which Sasuke launches a series of attacks that Itachi manages to evade using his Susanoo technique. In a desperate attempt to defeat Itachi, Sasuke releases Orochimaru, who aims to take over Sasuke’s body.

Itachi successfully keeps Orochimaru at bay and removes the cursed seal from Sasuke. Itachi’s excessive use of his Mangekyo Sharingan abilities, Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu, had deteriorated his eyesight and brought him to the brink of blindness. During his fight with Sasuke, he coughed up blood multiple times, indicating his deteriorating health.

By this point, Itachi has depleted all of his chakras, and Sasuke believes that he has won. However, he surprises Sasuke by poking his forehead, a gesture that they used to share as children. This act also seals Amaterasu in Sasuke’s eyes, and Itachi apologizes to Sasuke before passing away with a smile.

Later, after being reincarnated by Kabuto, Itachi discovers a way to end the Impure World Reincarnation. He shares the truth with Sasuke and bumps his forehead against his brother’s, acknowledging him as an equal. Before he dies again, Itachi tells Sasuke that he does not expect forgiveness but will always love him, no matter what.

Why Did Itachi Die?

Itachi died from a combination of factors. First, he exhausted himself during his fight with Sasuke. He also suffered from an unknown illness that weakened his stamina and physical abilities. Although Sasuke’s attacks may have caused additional injuries, it was the illness that ultimately claimed his life. While Sasuke did not technically defeat him, his prolonged battle with Itachi likely contributed to his exhaustion and weakened state.

Itachi’s death allowed him to redeem himself in the eyes of his brother and the audience. Itachi’s selfless sacrifice and love for his brother are ultimately what save the village and the world from destruction. Thus, after pushing himself to his limits during his fight with Sasuke, Itachi passed away with a smile on his face.

Why Did Itachi Die With A Smile?

Itachi died with a smile because he felt contentment and inner peace. He was relieved that his mission was completed and his brother was safe. It also symbolized his acceptance of his fate and his life choices, despite not being able to live the life he wanted.

His primary objective was to help his younger brother Sasuke, ever since he was forced to kill their clan. During their final battle, Itachi deliberately waited for Orochimaru to appear, so he could seal him and keep Sasuke away from him. He knew that by pushing Sasuke to his limits, he would be able to unleash the Cursed Seal and force Orochimaru out.

Itachi always encouraged Sasuke to train hard and become stronger than him. He wanted his brother to be the one to protect the Hidden Leaf Village and make amends for his past actions. He believed that pushing Sasuke to hate him was the only way for him to become powerful. When Itachi realized that Sasuke had matured and become powerful enough to match him, he was content that he had fulfilled his duty.

Itachi died happy, knowing that he could leave the future of the village in his brother’s capable hands.

At What Age Did Itachi Die?

Itachi died at the age of 21. His age at the time of his death is a topic that has been discussed among fans of the Naruto manga and anime. Some speculate that he was a month away from his 22nd birthday. This conclusion was drawn based on the age difference between Itachi and his younger brother Sasuke, who was 12 or 13 years old in the first part of Naruto and 16-17 in the second part.

By adding the age difference between them to Sasuke’s age during a specific arc, it can be estimated that Itachi was 21 and a half years old when he died. His youth adds to the tragedy of his story, as he was forced to make difficult decisions at a young age and carry the weight of those decisions with him for the rest of his life.

Adaugo
Adaugo
Princess is a writer and an enlightened being.

Recommended

Featured Today

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness, if you've found a possible error, be it factual, editorial or something that needs updating, please contact us

Read This Next