The Uchiha Clan Massacre, or the Uchiha Clan Downfall, is one of the most remarkable moments in Naruto. Itachi Uchiha, who was merely 13-year-old at that time, carried out the tragic massacre. Along with his entire village, he killed his parents, only sparing his 7-year-old brother, Sasuke.
The Uchiha Incident nearly wiped out the entire Uchiha clan, but three Uchihas, including Itachi and Sasuke, survived the tragedy. The third was Tobi aka Obito Uchiha, who claimed to be Madara Uchiha. While the tragic incident was carried out by Itachi Uchiha, the mastermind behind it was Danzō Shimura, a prominent member of Konohagakure.
Why did Itachi carry out the Uchiha clan massacre?
The infamous massacre took place in Konohagakure, after Kyuubi’s attack on the village. Residents grew suspicious of the Uchihas, believing that they orchestrated the attack. Hence, the Uchihas isolated and were kept under strict surveillance. Being treated like culprits pressed the Uchihas’ nerves and fueled their resentment. Following this, Fugaku Uchiha led a coup, involving the 13-year-old Itachi as a spy. However, Itachi soon became a double-agent as he started sharing the inside plans of the coup with Konoha.
Shisui tried swaying the leaders with his Kotoamatsukami, but he eventually failed and died, leaving everything to Itachi. Itachi then faced the select ANBU members, revealing the Uchihas’ civil war plan, and was given two grim options by Danzō. As such, Itachi could either let the coup happen as planned, or he could kill the Uchiha clan and spare his brother, Sasuke. Facing conflicting feelings, Itachi decided to save Sasuke and kill his clan. Within one night, using Tobi’s help, Itachi slaughtered the entire clan, thereby awakening his Mangekyou Sharingan.
Inevitably, this led to a series of events, including Sasuke training hard to avenge the massacre and kill his brother. Itachi, having carried out the tragedy by going against his principles, demanded the Third Hokage to protect Sasuke, and went on to join Akatsuki.
