The relationship between Itachi and Kisame in Naruto was one of the more amicable partnerships of the Akatsuki pairs. However, Obito ensured that the ninja he expected treachery from was paired with the ninja who was the most trustworthy, loyal and knowledgeable of the Infinite Tsukuyomi plan. Based on the behaviour of the pair and Kisame’s repeated inquisition of Itachi’s state of mind and loyalties, even if he approached it with a sense of humour, it is clear Kisame was paired with Itachi as a means to kill the Uchiha should he start to move against Obito.
Since Obito saw Itachi as his biggest threat, he required a ninja whom he could trust and who had the skill-set needed to counter the devastating effects of the Sharingan. Kisame was the perfect choice. And yet, as the story progressed and small fragments of their relationship were shown, it became clearer that Kisame’s initial intention of being Itachi’s watchdog shifted into that of a respectful comrade. Even through Itachi’s repetitive questioning of Kisame’s morality, the Monster of the Hidden Mist portrayed someone sick of the world of lies, pointless violence, and the murder of allies.
Kisame was Itachi’s Watchdog and Had the Skills to Counter Him
Throughout the series, Kisame made subtle indications of questioning Itachi’s loyalty. In Konoha, he questioned Itachi’s feelings of nostalgia and their conversation on the pier dissected their motivations, with Kisame hinting at his inherent ‘cannibalism.’ Itachi and Kisame were the strongest of the Akatsuki but since they worked together, it made the other teams less effective. These factors are evidence enough that Kisame was placed alongside Itachi to watch him.
One of the reasons Kisame would be so effective against Itachi is down to his fusion with Samehada. This mimicked the ability of a perfect jinchūriki, due to Samehada’s seemingly having a level of consciousness. As such, should he put under the effect of the Sharingan, Samehada would break him free, as the Eight Tails did for Killer B. Kisame would have the luxury of initiating a fight, should he believe Itachi a risk to the Akatsuki, and use whatever advantages he could. Alongside all the tools and skills Kisame had to counter the superior ninja, Obito viewed Kisame through the lens of his past actions of murdering his allies. However, this is not who Kisame developed into as the story progressed.
Kisame Was Traumatized From His Past, Unable to Fulfill His Duty
Kisame was stationed in ninja teams as a fail-safe. Should they be at risk of being captured and divulging sensitive information, Kisame was tasked with removing the threat. This staple of his ninja career lends itself to the reason Obito would have considered Kisame the perfect partner for Itachi. If there was any ninja who specialized in eradicating their ally, it was he. Kisame even stated as such in a roundabout way during their conversation on the pier, foreshadowing the purpose of their partnership.
However, Kisame’s interactions with Itachi portrayed a different interpretation, such as suggesting Itachi rest before they seal the Four-Tails rather than following Pain’s orders or blocking Taka, so Sasuke could head to Itachi alone. It showed his acceptance of Itachi’s motivations. Kisame proved time and time again that it was never his desire to kill his allies, or kill in general — regardless of his bravado — but it was to find an actual connection. This, he found in Itachi. Kisame lacked the desire to kill his allies, even more so one he had formed a working relationship with whereas in the past he had avoided any social interaction, and ended up ignoring all the indicators of Itachi’s betrayal.
Kisame is viewed as a violent man. Even so, he showed repeatedly that this was never his character. The intimidation worked in place of violence, which Kisame executed perfectly. Regarding his secret mission to watch and kill Itachi, that past life was what he wanted to escape. It was a continuation of a World of Lies and Kisame wanted to shatter that part of the world. Instead of being the man who was supposed to put Itachi down, Kisame came to respect Itachi and chose accepting ignorance over another ally’s death.
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