Naruto follows the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja from the Village Hidden in the Leaves. The lore of Naruto is rich, featuring numerous characters, but two figures that stand out prominently are Itachi Uchiha and Jiraiya.

Among the theories circulating in the Naruto fandom, one intriguing speculation revolves around a potential relationship between Jiraiya and Itachi. Some fans suggest that Itachi may have secretly served as Jiraiya's informant within Akatsuki and although this may seem far-fetched, there may be some merit to this theory.

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Legendary Figures: Jiraiya and Itachi Uchiha

Jiraiya, the Toad Sage, and Itachi Uchiha, a prodigious talent from the prestigious Uchiha clan, are two legendary figures in the Naruto universe. Their paths, marked by exceptional skill and profound sacrifices, intersected with pivotal moments in the series, shaping the fate of the Hidden Leaf Village.

Jiraiya

Jiraiya, known as the Toad Sage, is a legendary figure in the Naruto universe, revered for his exceptional skills as a shinobi and his profound wisdom. Born into the Hidden Leaf Village, Jiraiya's journey began as a talented but headstrong young ninja under the tutelage of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Alongside his teammates Orochimaru and Tsunade, Jiraiya earned renown as one of the legendary Sannin, revered for their prowess in battle and mastery of advanced techniques.

Throughout his life, Jiraiya wandered the world, seeking knowledge and honing his skills while also mentoring the next generation of shinobi, including Naruto, whom he recognized as the key to fulfilling the prophecy of the Child of Prophecy. Jiraiya's demise came during a crucial mission in his efforts to uncover the truth about the Akatsuki organization and its leader, Pain. Despite his formidable skills and valiant efforts, Jiraiya ultimately fell in battle against the forces of Pain, succumbing to his injuries while leaving behind invaluable intelligence that would aid his allies in the ongoing struggle against their enemies. Jiraiya's unwavering dedication to protecting the village and nurturing its future leaders cemented his legacy as one of the greatest heroes in ninja history.

Itachi Uchiha

Itachi Uchiha, born into the prestigious Uchiha clan, emerged as a prodigious talent from a young age. Renowned for his exceptional intelligence and skill in combat, Itachi quickly rose through the ranks of the Hidden Leaf Village's ninja forces. However, Itachi's path took a dark turn when he became embroiled in the complex political machinations of his clan, culminating in a tragic confrontation that led to the massacre of his own family.

Despite the heinous nature of his actions, Itachi's true motives remained veiled in secrecy until revelations later in the series unveiled his sacrificial mission to protect the village and safeguard his younger brother, Sasuke, from the darkness consuming their clan. Itachi's enigmatic persona and profound sacrifices underscored the complexities of duty, loyalty, and sacrifice in the tumultuous world of ninja warfare.

Could Itachi Have Been Jiraya’s Informant the Whole Time?

One Reddit user suggested that Itachi may have secretly served as Jiraiya's informant within Akatsuki, aiding him in gathering crucial information. Several factors lend credibility to this theory, including Itachi's intricate knowledge of Akatsuki's inner workings and his strategic brilliance.

Master of Deception

Itachi Uchiha was renowned for his unparalleled skills in deception and espionage. Throughout the series, he demonstrated his ability to manipulate situations and conceal his true intentions, even deceiving his own brother, Sasuke. This mastery of deceit suggests that Itachi could have easily assumed the role of Jiraiya's informant without raising suspicion.

Deep Cover within Akatsuki

As a high-ranking member of Akatsuki, Itachi had access to crucial information about the organization's plans and activities. His position allowed him to gather intelligence discreetly while maintaining the facade of loyalty to Akatsuki's cause. Itachi's dual role as an Akatsuki operative and potential informant for Jiraiya would have provided him with a unique vantage point to monitor the organization's movements and report back to the Hidden Leaf Village.

Strategic Advantage

Itachi's alliance with Jiraiya would have conferred significant strategic advantages to both parties. By feeding Jiraiya insider information about Akatsuki's operations, Itachi could have undermined the organization's efforts and thwarted their sinister plans from within. In return, Jiraiya could have provided Itachi with valuable insights into the Hidden Leaf Village's defenses and potential threats, enhancing Itachi's effectiveness as a covert operative.

Shared Goals

Despite their different allegiances, Itachi and Jiraiya shared a common goal: protecting the Hidden Leaf Village and preserving peace in the ninja world. Both characters were driven by a sense of duty and sacrifice, willing to go to great lengths to safeguard their home and its inhabitants. This shared commitment to their village could have motivated Itachi to collaborate with Jiraiya in secret, leveraging their combined efforts to combat external threats.

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Subtle Clues and Foreshadowing

Throughout the series, there were subtle clues and foreshadowing moments that hinted at a deeper connection between Itachi and Jiraiya. For example, Itachi's cryptic conversations with Naruto during their encounters hinted at his broader motivations and allegiances. Additionally, Jiraiya's investigation into the Akatsuki organization and his eventual confrontation with Pain suggested that he possessed insider knowledge that could only have been obtained through a reliable informant within Akatsuki's ranks.

Ultimate Sacrifice

Itachi's ultimate sacrifice for the greater good further supports the theory of his collaboration with Jiraiya. Despite his allegiance to Akatsuki and the atrocities he committed in its name, Itachi ultimately sacrificed his own life to protect the Hidden Leaf Village and his brother, Sasuke, from harm. This act of selflessness aligns with Jiraiya's values and dedication to protecting the village, suggesting that Itachi may have been working alongside Jiraiya all along to safeguard their shared home.

While the theory of Itachi serving as Jiraiya's informant within Akatsuki remains speculative, it presents a compelling narrative that adds depth to both characters' roles in the Naruto universe. Itachi's mastery of deception, strategic brilliance, shared goals with Jiraiya, and ultimate sacrifice lends credence to the possibility of their clandestine collaboration. Whether true or not, this theory exemplifies the intricate storytelling and character dynamics that continue to captivate fans of the Naruto series.

Naruto is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

Naruto

A popular shonen anime based on Masashi Kishimoto's manga, Naruto follows its eponymous shinobi's journey as he goes from his town's outsider to its hero.

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