Itachi Uchiha. The name itself conjures images of profound mystery, unparalleled skill, and a legacy shrouded in both darkness and self-sacrifice. For many Naruto fans, Itachi remains one of the series' most compelling and tragic figures, a genius ninja whose true intentions were hidden beneath layers of perceived villainy. But beyond his enigmatic gaze and formidable Sharingan, a fundamental question often sparks curiosity and debate among enthusiasts: how old is Itachi Uchiha during his pivotal moments in the Naruto storyline?
Understanding Itachi's age is key to appreciating his extraordinary journey, from a child prodigy to a legendary Akatsuki member, and eventually, a revered hero. His relatively short life was packed with monumental events that shaped the fate of Konoha and the entire shinobi world.

The Enigma of Itachi's Age: A Quick Overview

At the heart of many fan discussions is the question: how old is Itachi Uchiha? The straightforward answer is that Itachi was 17-18 years old in Naruto Part I (the original series) and 21 years old in Naruto Part II (Naruto Shippuden) at the time of his fated confrontation with Sasuke. Born on June 9th, this Gemini prodigy packed more life-altering experiences into two decades than most shinobi do in a lifetime.
His age isn't just a number; it's a testament to the immense pressure and responsibility he shouldered from a startlingly young age. If you're eager to across every major event, from his graduation from the Academy to his final breath, our detailed guide has you covered.

A Prodigy's Brief Life: Key Milestones and Burdens

Itachi's life began with immense promise and an equally immense burden. Born into the powerful Uchiha clan, he was recognized as a genius from early childhood. He witnessed the horrors of the Third Great Shinobi World War at just four years old, an experience that forged his pacifist ideals. By age 7, he graduated from the Ninja Academy, mastered the Sharingan at 8, became a Chunin at 10, and rose to the rank of ANBU Captain by the tender age of 13.
These incredible achievements, occurring at such a young age, underscore the sheer weight of expectation placed upon him. His rapid ascent meant he was privy to the political tensions brewing between the Uchiha clan and Konohagakure, tensions that would eventually lead to a devastating choice. To truly , including the profound internal struggles that shaped him into the person he became, dive into our dedicated analysis. Furthermore, to truly appreciate the weight of his decisions, it helps to , understanding the history and expectations he carried.

The Path of a Double Agent: Itachi in Akatsuki

Following the Uchiha clan massacre—a horrific act he committed at just 13 years old under Danzo Shimura's orders to prevent civil war—Itachi was branded a traitor and fled Konoha. He then joined the Akatsuki, a clandestine organization of S-rank rogue ninja, where he partnered with Kisame Hoshigaki. For years, he operated as a double agent, protecting Konoha from within while keeping a watchful eye on his younger brother, Sasuke.
During his time in the Akatsuki, Itachi began to suffer from a terminal illness. His reliance on medication allowed him to prolong his life just long enough to orchestrate his death at Sasuke's hands. His time in the Akatsuki, from roughly 17 to 21 years old, was a period of calculated deception and immense personal suffering. For a deeper dive into and the sacrifices he made, our comprehensive article lays out the full story.

The Fated Confrontation: Itachi's Sacrifice

The climax of Itachi's tragic story arrived when he faced Sasuke in a battle that was meticulously planned by Itachi himself. At 21 years old, already weakened by his illness, Itachi pushed Sasuke to his limits, using the confrontation as a means to free Sasuke from Orochimaru's curse mark and implant him with Amaterasu as a final layer of protection. His death, a bittersweet moment of apparent villainy masking profound love, served his ultimate goal: to make Sasuke strong enough to avenge their clan and be seen as a hero.
His final act was not one of defeat, but of ultimate sacrifice and manipulation born of love. To , from his battle strategy to his poignant final moments, explore our in-depth examination.

Beyond the Grave: Reincarnation and Legacy

Itachi's story didn't end with his death. He was later brought back during the Fourth Great Shinobi World War through Edo Tensei, a reanimation jutsu. During this period, he was able to briefly reunite with Sasuke and finally convey the truth of his actions, helping to turn the tide of the war. His final moments as a reanimated ninja cemented his legacy as one of Konoha's greatest heroes and a true Uchiha.
His unique abilities, from the Mangekyō Sharingan's Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu to the ultimate Susanoo, made him an almost unstoppable force, even in his final weakened state. Curious to like the Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu, and Susanoo? Our guide breaks down every aspect of his jutsus and Sharingan evolution. Beyond the canon, many fans still , debating everything from alternate timelines to deeper interpretations of his actions and their lasting impact.
Itachi Uchiha's journey, though tragically short, leaves an indelible mark on the Naruto universe. His story reminds us that true strength often lies not in power, but in the willingness to make unimaginable sacrifices for the greater good. His enduring legacy continues to inspire discussion, analysis, and admiration among fans worldwide.