Kakashi Hatake fromNarutois one of the most iconic characters in both his respective series and in all of anime. He is thesensei ofNaruto’s main trio, also known as Team 7, which consists of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. He is also one of the most skilled ninjas in the Naruto world, earning the titles “Kakashi of the Sharingan” and the “Copy Ninja” due to his formidable abilities and reputation.
Outside his reputation as an exceptionally skilled ninja, Kakashi is also beloved for his compelling backstory and unique personality. Throughout the series, he has numerous standout moments that highlight his growth, leadership, and skills. From him becoming Hokage to his epic battles with some of the series' strongest villains,Kakashi consistently proves why he’s one of the best characters in the series.
10Kakashi Using the Iconic Bell Test
One of Kakashi’s best moments is when he uses the bell test on his Team 7. The first sensei to use the bell test was actually Hirzuen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. Minato was also shown to use it and, from there, it became something Kakashi used with his students. The test requires two students to take the two bells from their sensei, leaving one member without a bell. The student who fails to grab a bell is sent back to the Academy. However, beneath this stressful challenge lies a hidden lesson about how well three students can work together.
When Team 7 fails to get the bells due to lack of teamwork, Kakashi gives them another chance by allowing only Sasuke and Sakura to eat lunch and build strength, meaning Naruto has to starve. Sasuke and Sakura break the rules by sharing their food with Naruto anyway, and Kakashi realizes they’ve learned the true lesson that teamwork is more important than following orders. This moment highlights one of Kakashi’s best moments as it depicts his role asa sensei who values teamwork above all else.
9Getting a Sharingan from Obito
One of most important moments in Kakashi’s life is when he gets a Sharingan from his friend and teammate, Obito Uchiha. He lost his original eye during the Third Shinobi War, when it was cut out by a shinobi from Iwagakure. The same day he lost his eye, he also seemingly lost Obito, whose body was half crushed by a rock.Obito entrusted Kakashi with one of his eyes, which was the starting point of “Kakashi of the Sharingan.”
Losing Obito was a devastating moment for Kakashi, especially when he realized too late how much he meant to him. Kakashi wields Obito’s gifted eye in his honor, carrying his memory with him every time he uses the Sharingan.Even though Kakashi isn’t an Uchiha, his skill with the Sharingan is still impressive, though it tires him out more quickly.
8Kakashi’s Lesson to Sasuke About Loss
Kakashi isn’t just a sensei who trains students in combat, but also someone who gives important life lessons. When discussing revenge with Sasuke, Kakashi warns him that it will only lead to emptiness. In response, Sasuke threatens by saying, “What if I killed the person you love?” Kakashi, with a calm smile, replies that there’s no one left for Sasuke to kill, as everyone he loved is already dead.
Even after losing all his loved ones, Kakashi never became corrupt.This moment highlights Kakashi’s strength of character and his ability to guide his students through not only physical battles but emotional ones as well.
7Kakashi’s Fight Against Pain
Kakashi’s fight against Pain is one of his best moments in the series. In this fight, Kakashi highlights his mastery of lightning techniques, using several lightning jutsu to slow down Pain’s attacks. Pain appears to land a fatal blow by sending a nail toward Kakashi’s head, but Kakashi uses his Mangekyou Sharingan’s Kamui to send the nail into another dimension, faking his death and buying precious time to gather information on Pain’s abilities.
Even while on the verge of death, Kakashi remained focused on his duty as a shinobi. He orders Choji to report Pain’s abilities to Tsunade.Kakashi’s loyalty to the village and his willingness to sacrifice himself for its safety is a true testament to his embodiment of the “Will of Fire.”
6Kakashi Shows Naruto He Can Use Rasengan
One of the best Kakashi moments in Naruto history is when he shows Naruto that he can use Rasengan, solidifying his role as the “Copy Ninja.” The Rasengan is a high-level wind-style technique designed by his sensei, Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage. Kakashi’s ability to master the Rasengan, despite his affinity for lightning-based jutsu like Raikiri and Chidori, showcases his exceptional skill at using various nature types.
Rasengan is one ofNaruto’sstrongest jutsus, requiring immense control and precision to use and when Kakashi demonstrated it to Naruto, Naruto was shocked and envied how effortlessly Kakashi could perform such a difficult jutsu.This moment truly proves how Kakashi is one of the most skilled and versatile shinobi in the Naruto world.
5Kakashi Mangekyou Sharingan Reveal
Kakashi’s reveal of his Mangekyou Sharingan ability is a standout moment for him. He first uses it during his fight against Deidara in episode 82 ofNaruto Shippuden, where he uses Kamui to send Deidara’s right arm into another dimension. Despite not being an Uchiha, Kakashi’s ability to use this high-level technique is remarkable.
However, using Mangekyou takes a huge toll on Kakashi. He becomes exhausted and requires several days of rest after using it. Nonetheless, Kakashi’s contribution to turning the tide in the battle against Deidara is still impressive, as Deidara’s abilities require his hands to cause huge destruction.
4Kakashi Becoming Hokage
A defining moment for Kakashi is when he becomes the Sixth Hokage. Initially, he was chosen to be Hokage after Danzo’s death, but was delayed when Tsunade regained consciousness. However, after the Fourth Shinobi War, Tsunade steps down, and Kakashi officially takes the title. This achievement marks the highest ranking a shinobi can attain in the village.
Kakashi’s selection as Hokage is well-deserved. His intelligence, selflessness, and exceptional skills make him the ideal candidate. Above all,his unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and protecting Konohagakure solidifies his legacy as a true leader.
3Kakashi vs Obito
One of Kakashi’s best moments comes from his fight with Obito, his former comrade and close friend. This battle was both meaningful and symbolic, as it showcased the deep connection the two once shared. Flashbacks of their childhood are shown throughout, highlighting how their friendly rivalry turned into two enemies fighting for two different causes.
This fight is one of the most emotional and personal battles in the entire series.This fight is one of Kakashi’s best moments because it perfectly showcases both his and Obito’s abilities, making it not just an emotional encounter but a display of their abilities.
2Kakashi Wielding Susanoo
Though Kakashi isn’t an Uchiha, it’s impressive that he was still able to unlock a full-body Susanoo. After receiving Obito’s other Mangekyou Sharingan, Kakashi completes the full set of Sharingan eyes. With Six Paths chakra and the Mangekyou’s power, Kakashi is able to manifest a full-body Susanoo that he used to stand againstKaguya Otsutsuki.
Kakashi’s ability to wield Susanoo in battle truly solidifies his legendary status as “Kakashi of the Sharingan.” Kakashi’s Susanoo is blue, and its most notable weapon is Kamui shaped shurikens that can warp an opponent away. Kakashi’s Susanoo shurikens are very reminiscent of both Obito’s Mangekyou design and of Obito’s Kamui ability to warp objects away into another dimension.
1Kakashi Unmasking Reveal
Kakashi’s face reveal is still his best moment inNaruto, as his face remained hidden under his mask for over 400 episodes. Kakashi’s face was revealed in episode 469, during a flashback when Team 7 were still Genin. Disguised as a photographer named Sukea, Kakashi used this disguise to help his team get closer. When taking off his disguise, Kakashi’s face is finally revealed, and it is shown to be normal, withthe only notable feature being his beauty mark.
Though it is never truly stated in theNarutoseries why Kakashi wears a mask, theNarutospin-off,Rock Lee and His Ninja Pals,states Kakashiwears the mask to cover nosebleeds. Nosebleeds are a common anime trope that symbolizes excitement or arousal. Given that Kakashi loves Jiraiya’s Icha Icha novels, the spin-off’s theory adds a humorous layer to his character.
Naruto
Cast
Naruto is an action-adventure anime series based on the manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto. The titular Naruto Uzumaki is a fearsome Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit sealed inside him, which once wreaked havoc on his village. Shunned by his community yet determined to earn their respect, Naruto dreams of becoming the greatest ninja, the Hokage. This series follows his journey through the Ninja Academy as he continues to train and grow, hoping to prove himself to his peers- and himself.
