Naruto: Orochimaru and Madara could have achieved immortality easier if an Akatsuki member helped them

The characters in the Naruto series were unique, with some harboring a desire for eternal life. Among them were Orochimaru and Madara Uchiha, who devoted their talents and abilities to discovering methods of achieving immortality. However, it was Hidan, a member of the Akatsuki, who already possessed the solution.

Hidan’s immortality was a result of his unwavering commitment to a religion centered around worshiping a deity called Jashin. This deity granted Hidan the gift of eternal life on the condition that he continued to make sacrifices. One may wonder why Orochimaru or Madara did not follow in Hidan’s footsteps, as it would have seemingly been a simpler route to achieving their goals. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that it is not as straightforward as it appears.

The Role of Hidan’s Religion and Sacrifices in Granting Him Immortality

In Naruto, Hidan's immortality came from worshipping God Jashin (Image via Studio Pierrot) — In Naruto, Hidan’s immortality came from worshipping God Jashin (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite its uniqueness, Hidan’s method of achieving immortality is limited and accompanied by strict requirements. It does not rely on strength, skill, or mastery of intricate techniques, but rather on his unwavering devotion to his religious beliefs. As a devoted follower of the deity Jashin, Hidan performs human sacrifices as a crucial aspect of his religious practices, fulfilling the deity’s desires. In return, Jashin bestows upon Hidan a power that can be interpreted as immortality.

Despite being able to withstand any devastating attack, Hidan is not invincible. While he can survive being decapitated, crushed, or stabbed, he is not immune to the effects of aging and neglect. As time passes, his body weakens like any other person’s. This ability to endure fatal injuries serves him well in battles, but it cannot protect him from the natural processes of life.

Moreover, Hidan’s immortality does not grant him immunity to the natural process of aging or neglecting his basic needs, such as nourishment and hydration. If he fails to attend to these necessities, he can still face death.

Naruto: The Rejection of Hidan’s Method by Orochimaru and Madara

Naruto: Madara has a different approach in this case (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite Hidan’s seemingly effortless method of achieving immortality, it does not align with Orochimaru and Madara’s visions.

Madara did not see immortality as his ultimate goal. Instead, he had devised a grand plan, known as the Moon’s Eye Plan, with the intention of achieving global domination rather than a never-ending life. He strategically made decisions and amassed power, rather than relying on the whims of a foreign deity, on his path to apparent ‘immortality’.

Naruto: Orochimaru and Madara didn't use Hidan's method (Image via Studio Pierrot) — Naruto: Orochimaru and Madara didn’t use Hidan’s method (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Conversely, Orochimaru’s desire for immortality stemmed from his pursuit of amassing a vast array of abilities and knowledge, which he believed could only be achieved by gaining control of various bodies.

For Orochimaru, immortality was not defined by a stagnant existence confined to one aging body, as was the case with Hidan’s method. He yearned for the freedom to switch bodies and gain a multitude of unique abilities. In his relentless pursuit of knowledge, Orochimaru found no appeal in following Hidan’s religious path.

Ultimately, although Hidan’s method may have seemed like a simpler and more straightforward way to achieve immortality, it did not align with the goals and desires of Orochimaru and Madara. For Orochimaru in Naruto, the pursuit of endless knowledge and power was paramount, while Madara sought complete domination.

Despite being a small aspect of their larger goals, the quest for everlasting life was a crucial part of their plans, and they sought it through means that would harmonize with their ultimate ambitions. However, Hidan’s approach to attaining eternal life, which centered around devout religious practices and a limited way of life, did not align with their deeper desires.