How Old Is Itachi Uchiha in the Naruto Universe?

Itachi Uchiha is one of the most enigmatic and tragic figures in the sprawling world of Naruto, consistently captivating fans with his incredible power, complex motivations, and heart-wrenching backstory. While we often receive questions asking "how old is Itachi Uchiha in Overlord," it's important to clarify right off the bat: Itachi Uchiha is exclusively a character from Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto series and does not appear in the Overlord anime or light novel series. He stands as a pillar of the Uchiha clan's legacy and a central force in the narrative of Konohagakure.
Understanding Itachi's age at different points in the story is key to appreciating his prodigal talents and the immense weight of the decisions he made. His short but impactful life casts a long shadow over the entire series, particularly his younger brother, Sasuke. This super pillar hub will break down Itachi's timeline, explore the ages of crucial characters around him, and guide you through the intricate web of relationships and events that defined his existence.


Itachi's Age: A Prodigy's Brief But Legendary Life

Itachi Uchiha was a genius from a young age, displaying capabilities far beyond his peers, which made his eventual actions even more shocking. His life, though tragically cut short, was packed with pivotal events that shaped the destiny of the Hidden Leaf Village and the Uchiha clan.
In Naruto Part One, when we are first properly introduced to him as a member of the Akatsuki, Itachi is between 17 and 18 years old. By the time of Naruto Shippuden (Part Two), he has aged slightly and is 20–21 years old. It was at the age of 21 that he met his demise during a climactic battle with his younger brother, Sasuke, succumbing not only to Sasuke's power but also to a mysterious, terminal illness that had plagued him for some time. Born on June 9th, his journey was a rapid ascent to legendary status, followed by a lonely existence marked by sacrifice.
For more on Itachi's remarkable abilities and his role in the infamous criminal organization, you might want to consider .


The Uchiha Bloodline: Itachi, Sasuke, and Their Shared Fate

The relationship between Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha is arguably one of the most compelling and tragic in Naruto. It defines much of Sasuke's journey and is the driving force behind many key events in the series. Itachi's actions in the past set Sasuke on a path of revenge, only for the truth to be revealed posthumously, leading to a profound understanding and a new direction for Sasuke.
When Itachi committed the horrific act of murdering his entire clan, Sasuke was just 7 years old, while Itachi himself was 14. This event forever scarred Sasuke, fueling his desire for revenge. Five years later, when Sasuke graduated from the Academy, he was 12. Throughout Naruto Part One, Sasuke remains 12, turning 13. In Shippuden (Part Two), Sasuke starts at 16 and ends the series at 17. This age difference and their respective timelines highlight the gap in experience and power that Sasuke desperately tried to overcome. Discover the emotional core of their story by exploring .


Naruto and Team 7: Navigating the Shinobi World Alongside Itachi's Shadow

While Itachi operated largely in the shadows, his presence and the consequences of his actions profoundly impacted the world, including Naruto Uzumaki and the members of Team 7. Their own growth and timeline offer a fascinating comparison to Itachi's brief life.
Naruto Uzumaki, the series' protagonist, begins Naruto Part One at 12, turning 13, just a few years younger than Itachi was when he massacred his clan. By the start of Part Two, Naruto is 15, and he concludes the series at 17, becoming the Seventh Hokage. This means Itachi was still alive and active for a significant portion of Naruto's early shinobi career. If you're curious about Naruto's full journey, you can dive deeper into .
The other members of Team 7 also grew up during this period:

  • Sakura Haruno: She matches Naruto's age, starting at 12, turning 13 in Part One, and then 15, ending at 17 in Part Two. She is the oldest member of Team 7 by a few months. Her transformation into a powerful medical ninja is remarkable, and you can trace her development by checking out .
  • Kakashi Hatake: Their enigmatic sensei, Kakashi, was 26 in Part One and 29 at the start of Part Two, ending around 31. By the time of Boruto, he's in his late 40s. His wisdom and experience far predated Itachi's birth. For a complete picture of his life, read .

Mentors, Villains, and Legends: A Timeline of Influential Figures

Itachi's world was populated by powerful individuals, both allies and enemies, whose ages and stories intersect with his own in significant ways. Understanding their timelines provides essential context to the events Itachi was a part of.
The Legendary Sannin: These three figures were legends even before Itachi was born, deeply impacting Konoha and characters like Naruto and Sakura.

  • Jiraiya: Naruto's godfather and mentor, Jiraiya was 50 at the beginning of Part One and 54 when he tragically fell in battle during Part Two. His encounters with Itachi and Kisame showed Itachi's fearsome capabilities. To learn more about this beloved sage, visit .
  • Tsunade Senju: The Fifth Hokage and a legendary medical ninja, Tsunade was 51 in Part One and 54 at the start of Part Two, ending at 55. She was the oldest of the Sannin.
  • Orochimaru: The cunning and elusive Orochimaru was 50 at his introduction in Part One and 54 in Part Two. His pursuit of immortality led him to clash with many, including Itachi. Get the full scoop on his age and various forms by reading .
    For a comparative look at these three iconic figures, be sure to check out .
    Key Uchiha Figures and Antagonists:
  • Obito Uchiha: A pivotal figure in the Fourth Shinobi World War, Obito was significantly older than Itachi. He appears at 13 in flashbacks from Part One, but as the masked man, he was 32–34 in Part Two. His manipulation and history deeply intertwined with Itachi's actions. Uncover his complex timeline through .
  • Madara Uchiha: One of the most powerful shinobi in history, Madara was introduced at an astounding 90 years old (though resurrected) in Part Two. His ancient plans influenced generations, including Itachi and Obito. To grasp the full scope of his age and power, read .
  • Nagato (Pain): The leader of the Akatsuki during much of Itachi's tenure, Nagato was 35 years old when he was introduced in Part Two. His tragic backstory and ultimate goals formed a dark mirror to Itachi's own. Delve into his story by visiting .

Expanding the Timeline: Other Notable Characters

To fully appreciate Itachi's place in the Naruto narrative, it's helpful to see where other beloved characters fit into the grand timeline. Their ages provide additional reference points and show the broad scope of Kishimoto's world.

  • Minato Namikaze: Naruto's father and the Fourth Hokage, Minato tragically died at 24 years old, sacrificing himself to save the village before the main events of Part One. His story is further explored in .
  • Kabuto Yakushi: Orochimaru's loyal aide and later a formidable antagonist, Kabuto was 19–20 in Part One and 23–24 in Part Two. His growth and transformation are detailed in .
  • The Konoha 11 (Rookie Nine):
  • Rock Lee: Ages 13–14 in Part One and remains 17 throughout Part Two. Discover his journey by clicking on .
  • Hinata Hyūga: 12–13 in Part One and stays 16 throughout Part Two. Learn more about her by exploring .
  • Neji Hyūga: 13–14 in Part One and 17–18 in Part Two. His insightful character arc is explored in .
  • Gaara: Starts at 12 in Part One and is 15–17 in Part Two, becoming the Kazekage. His powerful story awaits you at .
  • Shino Aburame: The oldest of the "rookie nine" genin, born on January 23rd.
  • Ancient Beings:
  • Kurama (Nine-Tails): The powerful Tailed Beast sealed within Naruto, Kurama is over 1000 years old before its reincarnation.
  • Kaguya Otsutsuki: The progenitor of chakra, Kaguya is unequivocally the oldest character in the Naruto series, predating all known shinobi history.
    For a fascinating look at the most ancient figures in the entire Naruto saga, don't miss .

Itachi's Enduring Legacy

Though his life was short, marked by unimaginable choices and profound solitude, Itachi Uchiha's impact on the Naruto universe is immeasurable. From his early days as a prodigious child to his complex role within the Akatsuki and his eventual tragic death, every year of his existence contributed to the intricate tapestry of the shinobi world. His story serves as a powerful reminder that heroes and villains are rarely black and white, and true understanding often comes only after all truths are revealed. We hope this overview provides a clear understanding of Itachi's age and role, inspiring you to delve deeper into the many linked pillars that flesh out his incredible journey and the world he inhabited.