How Kishimoto’s Inclusion of Hashirama Cells for Itachi Uchiha Could Have Accelerated the End of the Shinobi War in Naruto

The main reason that held Itachi Uchiha back from achieving an even greater status in Naruto may be attributed to an enigmatic illness that ultimately led to his downfall during his encounter with Sasuke. Had this debilitating condition been absent, fans often speculate that Itachi could have ascended to become the most formidable shinobi from the Hidden Leaf Village.

You might wonder: what if this mysterious disease could be removed? One plausible solution involves a fellow member of the Uchiha clan who managed to extend his life using Hashirama’s cells. Had Itachi gained access to these cells, he might have altered the course of the Fourth Great Ninja War or even averted it entirely, as these cells possess remarkable healing properties that could potentially eliminate his illness.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.

Naruto: Imagining Itachi’s Journey Without His Deadly Disease

Itachi in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Itachi Uchiha stands out as a beloved character in Naruto and ranks among the most powerful of the Uchiha clan, embodying a distinct life philosophy. After the tragedy of annihilating his entire clan, he faced his younger sibling, Sasuke Uchiha, igniting Sasuke’s lifelong ambition to eventually avenge their clan by killing Itachi. The fateful confrontation finally arrived, leading to a fierce showdown between the brothers.

However, their battle concluded in an unexpected manner, as Itachi’s frail body succumbed just before he could fully engage with Sasuke, resulting in his untimely death. Although the specifics surrounding the disease that ultimately claimed Itachi’s life remain undisclosed by the author, it’s widely viewed as the sole factor in his demise.

This raises a compelling question: if Itachi were free from this illness, how would it impact his abilities as a shinobi and the outcome of his fight with Sasuke? To entertain this scenario, one must consider how such an extraordinary event could unfold. Interestingly, a similar situation has already occurred with another Uchiha clan member who successfully lengthened his lifespan.

Madara in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Madara Uchiha, recognized as one of Naruto’s primary antagonists, encountered a closely related plight during his lifetime. Following his climactic battle with Hashirama Senju, Madara sought refuge while searching for a worthy successor to continue his legacy. With his injuries hampering his lifespan, Madara resorted to injecting himself with Hashirama’s cells he had preserved from their confrontation, subsequently awakening the Rinnegan. After achieving this, he invoked the Gedo Statue to cultivate additional Hashirama cells, enabling him to survive until Obito’s arrival.

Madara with Hashirama in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Hashirama’s cells are known for their capacity to extend life and potentially eradicate diseases. Thus, if Itachi had received these cells prior to his encounter with Sasuke—or even earlier—he could have enjoyed a significantly longer lifespan.

Possessing such an extended lifespan, Itachi, a naturally peaceful individual, might have chosen to forgo the battle against Sasuke, instead attempting to guide his brother back to a path of righteousness. Furthermore, if the Fourth Great Ninja War had unfolded, Itachi, armed with his enhanced capabilities, might have effectively thwarted Madara Uchiha’s advances, leading to a swifter resolution of the conflict.

Concluding Thoughts

While this theory presents a fascinating premise, it is ultimately incongruous with the established narrative due to numerous inconsistencies within the plot. Masashi Kishimoto has not clarified the timeline of Itachi’s illness.

Had Itachi contracted his illness prior to the tragic events surrounding his clan’s massacre, it may have influenced his decision to spare them, thus altering the course of subsequent events. Moreover, unlike Madara, Itachi did not have a direct connection to Hashirama Senju, leaving him without access to those vital cells. Hence, this theory should be viewed primarily as an entertaining speculation.

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