In the world of Naruto, meaningful rivalries are a common theme, and among them is the clash between Kakashi Hatake and Obito Uchiha. Their relationship evolved from animosity to understanding, ultimately making them both better individuals.
The roots of their rivalry were explored in the Kakashi Gaiden story arc, which delved into Kakashi's early years before Naruto's time. Back then, Kakashi didn't consider Obito a worthy rival and even looked down on him. The crux of their ideological conflict lay in their differing views on friends versus missions. Obito valued friendship above all else, while Kakashi, influenced by his father's tragic past, believed in prioritizing the mission at any cost.
Kakashi And Obito Clashed Over Friends Vs. Missions
Disaster struck when Obito seemingly died during a mission, but before parting, he selflessly gave his left Sharingan eye to Kakashi. This act of sacrifice planted a seed of change in Kakashi's heart. Later, when faced with the choice to kill his friend Rin, Kakashi refused to follow through, regardless of the consequences. The loss of both Obito and Rin had a profound impact on Kakashi's perspective.
As the years passed and they became adults, Kakashi and Obito symbolically switched ideologies. Kakashi, deeply affected by Obito's belief in friendship, internalized the notion and integrated it into his life. Meanwhile, Obito, unbeknownst to Kakashi, had survived and fallen under the influence of Madara Uchiha. He became a villain, forsaking his old ideals for a vengeful path, even adopting the persona of "Tobi" and serving the real Madara.
Kakashi Honored Obito's Memory While Obito Went Rogue
Their paths finally intersected again during the Fourth Great Shinobi War, where Obito posed as Madara and declared war on the world. It seemed that Obito was beyond redemption, but events took an unexpected turn. When faced with Team 7, Obito found himself humbled and in a moment of reconciliation, he joined forces with Kakashi and the others to fight against the true villains threatening the world.
In their final battle together, Obito fought valiantly, inspired by Naruto's words and Team 7's unwavering determination. Even though Obito ultimately lost his life, he found closure and died as a true hero. This time, Kakashi was at peace with Obito's passing, as they had finally resolved their differences and parted on good terms.
Kakashi & Obito Got Meaningful Closure In Naruto Shippuden
In Naruto Shippuden, Obito Uchiha, disguised as Madara, initiated the Fourth Great Shinobi War, embodying his most villainous persona. At that moment, it seemed as if Obito had lost all hope and had become a fallen hero beyond redemption, impervious to any attempts at reconciliation. He fought tirelessly for Madara's cause, even wielding the formidable power of the Ten Tails during the war's climax.
Engaging in a fierce confrontation with Team 7, Obito utilized his full range of powers, including the Kamui. However, the true villains of Shippuden made their presence felt, and Obito was humbled by the unfolding events. It was during this crucial juncture that Kakashi and Obito found themselves face-to-face once again.
In a remarkable turn of events, the former rivals set aside their animosity and rekindled their friendship, standing side by side to face their common adversaries. It took a formidable foe like Kaguya Otsutsuki to bring these ideologically clashing Leaf ninjas together, forging them into genuine partners in battle.
Obito fought valiantly alongside his former rival and Team 7, drawing inspiration from their unwavering determination and Naruto Uzumaki's heartfelt words. In the climactic fight, Obito sacrificed his life for the cause, leaving behind a sense of closure for both himself and Kakashi.
Oddly enough, Kakashi found a sense of peace with Obito's passing this time, unlike before. They finally parted ways on good terms, and Obito died as the true hero he had always aspired to be. It was a poignant moment of agreement between him and his former rival, Kakashi, on the friends versus mission debate, solidifying the growth and transformation of their relationship from antagonistic rivalry to profound understanding and respect.
