Kakashi Hatake is a top-level ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village, also called Konohagakure. In the series, he first appears as the leader of Team 7, the squad made up of Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno. Known for his talent and skill, Kakashi is famous for using the Sharingan.
At the start of Naruto, Kakashi is around 26 or 27 years old. Despite his age, he acts far older, bringing a calm, almost lazy approach to life and teaching. He’s always seen with a book in hand, usually a volume from the Icha Icha series, a collection of romantic thrillers he seems to enjoy just as much as his ninja duties.
Why Does Kakashi Cover His Face?
One of Kakashi’s defining traits is the mask he wears, hiding his mouth and part of his chin. Fans have speculated for years about why he covers his face. Some think it’s to hide a scar, while others believe it’s just a quirky habit. In reality, the mask mostly adds to his mystique—and a bit of humor too. There’s a running joke in the series where Naruto and his friends try to catch a glimpse of Kakashi’s face, only to fail every time.
According to Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto, the mask makes Kakashi stand out. It gives him a mysterious charm that keeps fans curious.
Kakashi’s Backstory
Early Life
Kakashi didn’t have an easy childhood. He was born in the Hidden Leaf Village (Konohagakure) as the son of Sakumo Hatake, a legendary ninja known as the “White Fang.” Sakumo was respected for his strength, courage, and dedication. But when a mission went wrong, Sakumo made a choice that would change everything. He prioritized saving his teammates over the mission, a decision that the village strongly criticized. Unable to handle the shame, Sakumo took his own life.
This loss hit Kakashi hard. He became serious, distant, and dedicated to following the rules—believing they were the only way to avoid his father’s fate. Even as a child, Kakashi was known as a prodigy, graduating from the ninja academy at an exceptionally young age. Despite his skill, though, he carried a cold, reserved attitude, often keeping his emotions hidden.
Team Minato and the Gift of the Sharingan
As Kakashi grew, he joined a team led by Minato Namikaze, who would later become the Fourth Hokage. His teammates were Obito Uchiha, an optimistic, warm-hearted boy, and Rin Nohara, a caring and loyal friend. At first, Kakashi clashed with Obito, who felt that Kakashi’s strict, rule-abiding nature lacked compassion. Despite their differences, the three became close friends over time.
Then, during a mission in the Third Great Ninja War, everything changed. The team found themselves in a deadly situation, trapped behind enemy lines. In a battle to protect Kakashi and Rin, Obito sacrificed himself, suffering a fatal injury. Before he died, he gave Kakashi a priceless gift: his Sharingan eye. This act left a lasting impact on Kakashi, marking both his heart and his body.
With the Sharingan, Kakashi gained a unique ability that became his signature as a ninja. This eye allowed him to see through opponents’ moves and even copy their jutsu instantly. Kakashi became known as the “Copy Ninja,” mastering over a thousand techniques by mimicking others in combat. But the Sharingan didn’t just make him powerful; it also reminded him of the cost of war and the importance of loyalty and friendship.
Becoming an Elite Ninja
After losing Obito and Rin, Kakashi rose quickly through the ranks. His talent and new Sharingan made him a highly respected and feared ninja. He became a Jounin, then joined the ANBU Black Ops—a secretive, elite group in the Hidden Leaf Village. In ANBU, he took on dangerous missions that tested his skills, judgment, and resolve.
During his time in ANBU, Kakashi worked under the Third Hokage and later the Fourth Hokage, Minato. This experience, though intense and sometimes dark, shaped him into a balanced leader. He learned the value of compassion, especially from Minato, who encouraged him to value people as much as missions. This helped soften the hardened edges of his personality.
Eventually, Kakashi left ANBU. Although he didn’t show it openly, he longed for a different kind of life, one that didn’t involve as much violence and secrecy. When the Third Hokage asked him to become a teacher, Kakashi accepted, hoping he could guide the next generation away from the losses he had faced.
Team 7
Kakashi’s role as a teacher led him to become the leader of Team 7, which included Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno. The three students were wildly different, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Naruto was energetic, optimistic, and impulsive. Sasuke was serious, reserved, and burdened by a desire for revenge. Sakura was intelligent and balanced, but initially lacked the fighting skills of her teammates.
To introduce them to teamwork, Kakashi gave them a task: capture two bells he held. He warned that the one who failed to get a bell would be sent back to the academy. However, he was testing them not on skill but on teamwork and cooperation. Through this exercise, he taught them that working together was more important than personal gain.
Fourth Great Ninja War
During the Fourth Great Ninja War, Kakashi is at the front lines, fighting tirelessly to protect his friends and the village. In one of the most powerful moments, he confronts his former friend, Obito, who has turned against the village and joined the Akatsuki. This reunion is both painful and revealing, as Kakashi learns the reasons behind Obito’s choices and reflects on their shared past.
Eventually, Kakashi and Obito join forces one last time, working together to save the world. Obito’s death in the war, while tragic, brings their story full circle. Kakashi mourns the loss but carries on, knowing Obito would have wanted him to continue protecting the village.
Becoming the Sixth Hokage
After the war, Kakashi’s journey brings him to a new role: the Sixth Hokage. Although he never sought power, he accepts the position to serve and protect the village. As Hokage, he takes on the responsibility of leading with wisdom, fairness, and compassion. He focuses on healing the village after the war, creating policies that encourage peace and unity.
Kakashi’s Powers and Abilities
Kakashi has an impressive set of skills, even among high-level ninjas. Here’s a look at some of his main abilities:
- The Sharingan: Kakashi’s most iconic ability, the Sharingan, was a gift from Obito Uchiha. This eye technique boosts his perception, allowing him to copy his opponent’s moves instantly. Because of this, Kakashi earned the title “Copy Ninja.” He’s learned over a thousand techniques by watching others in battle. Though the Sharingan drains his energy quickly, Kakashi uses it masterfully.
- Chidori (Lightning Blade): One of Kakashi’s signature moves, the Chidori, channels lightning chakra into his hand, creating a deadly, high-speed blade. Later, he refines it into the “Lightning Blade,” a more controlled version.
- Ninjutsu Mastery: Kakashi has mastered a wide range of jutsu across different elements, including Earth, Water, and Lightning styles. His versatility makes him adaptable in almost any battle, giving him an edge against many opponents.
- Intelligence and Strategy: Kakashi’s strength doesn’t just come from physical skills. He’s also highly intelligent and strategic, often analyzing his opponents to find weaknesses. This makes him a brilliant tactician and a reliable leader in battle.
Kakashi’s Personality
Kakashi’s laid-back, a bit sarcastic, and usually has his head buried in an Icha Icha novel. But he’s far from lazy. His calm attitude comes from years of experience, loss, and learning. Beneath that relaxed exterior, he’s a serious, thoughtful person who cares deeply about his friends and students.
As a teacher to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, Kakashi shows both patience and wisdom. He pushes them to reach their full potential but supports them when things get tough. Even when Naruto feels like an outsider, Kakashi sees the potential in him and helps him grow into the leader he’s meant to be.
Memorable Moments
Kakashi has some unforgettable scenes throughout the series, from intense battles to quiet moments of mentorship. Here are a few highlights:
- Bell Test: Early on, Kakashi tests Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura by challenging them to take two bells from him. This exercise teaches them the importance of teamwork over individual success. It’s a simple but powerful introduction to his values as a teacher.
- Kakashi vs. Zabuza: In one of the early arcs, Kakashi battles Zabuza Momochi, a rogue ninja. Their fight shows off Kakashi’s tactical mind and his skill with the Sharingan.
- Reunion with Obito: In Naruto Shippuden, Kakashi’s reunion with Obito is intense and emotional. The two old friends find themselves on opposite sides, bringing their shared past full circle.
- Becoming Hokage: By the end of Naruto Shippuden, Kakashi’s journey comes full circle as he becomes the Sixth Hokage. Though he doesn’t seek power, he takes on the role to protect his village.
