Why Didn't Kakashi Take Madara’s Eyes when He Was Laying on the Ground Dying?

Kakashi Hatake's reluctance to take Madara Uchiha's Sharingan during the latter's final moments in the series is a significant moment in the storyline, reflecting complex character development and ethical considerations. This analysis delves into the underlying reasons behind Kakashi’s decision, providing insight into the themes of legacy and redemption.

The Complexities of the Moment

Kakashi’s decision not to take Madara’s eyes when he was incapacitated on the battlefield is multifaceted. Several factors contributed to this moment, including respect for Obito’s sacrifice, situational awareness, moral and ethical considerations, and Madara’s condition at the time.

Respect for Obito’s Sacrifice

Kakashi was greatly impacted by Obito Uchiha's heroic sacrifice. Given this, taking Madara’s eyes might have felt like a betrayal of Obito’s wish to ensure that the Sharingan is used for good, not for destructive purposes. Obito’s unwavering dedication to this principle underscores the depth of his influence on Kakashi. The decision, therefore, symbolizes Kakashi’s commitment to honoring Obito’s legacy.

Situational Awareness

The battle itself was chaotic and dangerous, which likely left little room for Kakashi to contemplate such a move. The urgency of facing a powerful adversary made immediate action a priority. Simply put, the focus during the battle was on surviving and overcoming the immediate threat, rather than considering the potential acquisition of Madara’s eyes.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

Kakashi is portrayed as a character with strong moral and ethical principles. Even if the Sharingan was incredibly powerful, taking Madara’s eyes might not have aligned with Kakashi’s sense of right and wrong. His consistent adherence to ethical behavior reinforces the notion that he prioritizes integrity over raw power.

Madaras Condition

At the time of his defeat, Madara was in a weakened state. However, he was still a formidable opponent. Approaching him to take the eyes under these conditions might have been too risky. The danger posed by Madara’s status as a powerful and determined adversary likely precluded such a move.

The Changing Dynamics of Power

It is worth noting that Madara's body was not laying on the ground during the fight. Instead, he was transformed into Kaguya ōtsutsuki, a powerful being with significant abilities. Zetsu, one of Madara's allies, used a technique that reanimated Madara's body. This transformation and reanimation were only possible after Kaguya was defeated.

Moreover, Madara did not retain his Sharingan during this transformation. Consequently, Kakashi had no practical way to take the eyes under these circumstances. The complexity of the situation adds another layer to the narrative, highlighting the intricate nature of power dynamics within the series.

Reevaluation of Sharingan

Despite the above factors, one could argue that Kakashi could have hypothetically taken Madara’s eyes if the plot required it. Kakashi has already used a Sharingan belonging to a non-Uchiha, Obito Uchiha, showing that he is capable of handling Sharingan eyes. Even the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, which Obito possessed, could be technically categorized as such, as it remains active regardless of cover or concealment.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Kakashi’s decision to not take Madara’s eyes reflects a deep moral and ethical framework, as well as complex narrative and situational factors. The interplay of respect, ethics, and the chaotic nature of battle underscore the intricate character development present in the series. These elements not only enrich the storyline but also provide critical insights into the themes of legacy and redemption.