Did Itachi Provide Intelligence on Akatsuki to the Leaf Village?

It is a common question among fans whether Itachi Uchiha ever supplied any intelligence to the Leaf Village regarding the organization, Akatsuki. This article will explore the different perspectives and analyze the available information to provide a comprehensive understanding of the matter.

Was Itachi a Spy?

The suspicion that Itachi was a spy for Akatsuki began with Obito Uchiha's statements. However, it is important to consider the possible motives behind Obito's claims. Given that Obito was known for his manipulative nature, he might have been telling half-truths to manipulate Sasuke. In the same conversation, Obito also denied being responsible for the Nine Tails attack, which adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

Genius intelligence officers like Jiraiya would have been skeptical of such claims. Jiraiya's information about Akatsuki came from his long-term espionage against Orochimaru. Jiraiya had been spying on Orochimaru ever since the latter left the village, long before Orochimaru joined Akatsuki. It is plausible that Jiraiya was also aware of Akatsuki's existence long before Itachi joined the organization. However, Jiraiya would only be a source of information rather than a leak.

Indirect Intelligence Through Allies

It is possible that Itachi provided indirect intelligence to the Leaf Village through his allies, Jiraiya and Kakashi. There is evidence that Itachi was subtly influencing Jiraiya and Kakashi without their direct knowledge. For instance, Itachi had chosen a time to infiltrate Konoha where Jiraiya would be present, taking advantage of the Third Hokage's death and the village's destruction for strategic opportunity. When Kakashi questioned Itachi's intentions, Itachi responded with the fourth Hokage's legacy, leaving Kakashi to draw the implications.

Itachi and his accomplice, Kisame, could have easily used genjutsu to control Naruto and left the village quickly. However, Itachi opted to take his time and ensure that Sasuke was thoroughly damaged before the arrival of Jiraiya. This move allowed Itachi and Kisame to create a strategic withdrawal.

This plan was indeed genius, as Itachi achieved three objectives: checking on Sasuke, warning the Leaf of Akatsuki's existence and their goals, and reminding the elders of his presence. The brilliance lies in the fact that Itachi was able to accomplish these without being caught, showcasing his tactical prowess.

Leaking Intelligence

Speculation also arises regarding Itachi's potential to leave intelligence behind for Jiraiya to decode, the so-called "intelligence relay" theory. However, given Jiraiya's close relationship with Naruto, Itachi would be unlikely to risk a direct confrontation. Jiraiya's primary focus was on Naruto, making it too risky to leave evidence if it led to a direct conflict.

Itachi as a Brutal Selfish Psychopath

Contrary to the above theories, some argue that Itachi betrayed Konoha with the hope of allowing Obito to succeed and kill off everyone in Konoha. This perspective portrays Itachi as a cold, ruthless, and selfish individual who prioritized himself over his village. Despite his cunning strategies, Itachi's motives underscore a lack of loyalty and compassion, leading some to view him as a tragic figure rather than a hero.

In conclusion, the question of whether Itachi ever provided intelligence to the Leaf Village remains complex and multifaceted, with varying theories and evidence. The truth may never be fully known, but Itachi's actions undoubtedly had a profound impact on the world of Naruto.