The question of whether Itachi Uchiha knew that the masked Madara was actually Obito Uchiha is a complex one, steeped in the intricate lore of Naruto. Delving into this topic requires a careful examination of Itachi's motivations, his interactions with Obito, and the overall narrative structure orchestrated by Masashi Kishimoto. Guys, let's break down what we know and try to piece together the puzzle of Itachi's knowledge.

Unraveling Itachi's Actions and Motivations

To understand if Itachi knew Obito's true identity, we must first understand Itachi himself. Itachi was a prodigy, a shinobi of unparalleled skill and intellect, who chose a path of unimaginable sacrifice for the sake of his village and his younger brother, Sasuke. His actions were almost always calculated, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to protect Konoha from internal and external threats. When the Uchiha clan planned a coup, Itachi was thrust into the role of a double agent, forced to choose between his clan and his village. He chose the latter, slaughtering his entire clan, except for Sasuke, whom he vowed to protect at all costs. This single act defined Itachi's existence, casting him as a villain in the eyes of the world, while he secretly worked to safeguard the future.

Itachi's primary concern was always Konoha's safety. He understood the delicate balance of power and the potential for chaos if the Uchiha clan's rebellion were to succeed. His decision to eliminate the clan was a desperate measure to prevent a full-scale civil war that could have weakened Konoha and made it vulnerable to its enemies. Moreover, Itachi was aware of the lurking threat of Madara Uchiha, or so he believed. This brings us to the crux of the matter: what did Itachi know about the man he believed to be Madara?

Itachi and "Madara": An Alliance of Necessity

Following the Uchiha clan massacre, Itachi joined the Akatsuki, an organization of powerful rogue ninjas. It was here that he encountered the masked figure who claimed to be Madara Uchiha. This individual, of course, was Obito Uchiha, using Madara's name to instill fear and manipulate events from behind the scenes. Itachi's alliance with "Madara" was one of necessity. He needed the Akatsuki's resources and influence to keep an eye on the organization and protect Sasuke from afar. By joining their ranks, he could monitor their activities and intervene if necessary, ensuring that Sasuke remained safe and that Konoha was not threatened.

The question is, did Itachi ever suspect or discover that this "Madara" was not the real deal? There are several clues that suggest he might have. Itachi was incredibly perceptive, with an almost unmatched ability to analyze situations and see through deception. It is hard to believe that he would not have noticed inconsistencies or oddities in Obito's behavior or abilities. For instance, Obito's use of Kamui, his unique space-time ninjutsu, might have raised questions in Itachi's mind. While Itachi might not have known the specifics of Kamui, he certainly would have recognized that Obito's abilities were different from what he would expect from the legendary Madara Uchiha.

Hints and Implications in Their Interactions

Throughout their interactions, Itachi likely observed subtle hints that pointed to Obito's true identity. Obito's relative youth, compared to the historical timeline of Madara, could have been a red flag. Moreover, Obito's motivations and goals, while aligned with Madara's grand plan, might have seemed slightly off to someone as astute as Itachi. Itachi was a master of deception himself, so he would have been keenly aware of any inconsistencies in Obito's persona. It is plausible that Itachi pieced together the truth over time, recognizing that the masked man was someone else entirely.

However, even if Itachi suspected or knew that "Madara" was Obito, it wouldn't necessarily change his actions. His primary goal remained the same: to protect Konoha and Sasuke. Whether he was dealing with the real Madara or an imposter, the threat to Konoha was still very real. Obito, as the mastermind behind the Akatsuki and the Fourth Shinobi World War, posed a significant danger to the village. Itachi's strategy would likely have remained the same, regardless of who was behind the mask. His focus was on neutralizing the threat, not necessarily on exposing the true identity of the enemy.

Evidence from the Story

There's no explicit confirmation in the Naruto manga or anime that Itachi definitively knew Obito was not Madara. However, there are several instances that suggest he was at least suspicious. One key moment is Itachi's encounter with Naruto. When Itachi uses his Mangekyo Sharingan to imbue Naruto with Amaterasu, a powerful black flame, he does so with the intention of using it against Obito. Itachi tells Naruto that this is a safeguard to protect Sasuke, implying that he anticipates Obito will try to manipulate Sasuke in some way. This shows that Itachi was wary of Obito and prepared a countermeasure against him.

Furthermore, Itachi's final conversation with Sasuke before his death is filled with cryptic messages and hidden meanings. He tells Sasuke that he wants to sever the connection to Orochimaru and remove the Curse Mark. He also shares his knowledge about the Mangekyo Sharingan and how to obtain the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. While he doesn't explicitly mention Obito's true identity, the context of their conversation suggests that Itachi is preparing Sasuke for a future confrontation with Obito. It's as if he's giving Sasuke the tools and knowledge he needs to survive, knowing that Obito will be a major obstacle in his path.

Why It Matters: The Impact on the Narrative

Whether Itachi knew Obito's true identity or not, his actions had a profound impact on the narrative of Naruto. Itachi's sacrifices and his complex relationship with Sasuke are central to the story's themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. If Itachi knew Obito was not Madara, it would add another layer of complexity to his character. It would mean that he was not only fighting to protect Konoha and Sasuke but also playing a game of deception against a powerful and manipulative enemy.

Moreover, Itachi's knowledge of Obito's true identity could have influenced his decisions and strategies in ways that we don't fully understand. He might have been subtly manipulating events from behind the scenes, using his intelligence and cunning to undermine Obito's plans. It's even possible that Itachi had a contingency plan in place to deal with Obito, in case Sasuke was unable to defeat him.

Conclusion: An Unanswered Question with Compelling Evidence

In conclusion, while there is no definitive answer to whether Itachi knew that the masked Madara was actually Obito, there is compelling evidence to suggest that he was at least highly suspicious. Itachi's intelligence, perceptiveness, and his interactions with Obito all point to the possibility that he pieced together the truth. Whether he knew for certain or not, his actions were driven by a desire to protect Konoha and Sasuke, and his legacy as a hero and a tragic figure remains intact. The ambiguity surrounding Itachi's knowledge only adds to his mystique and makes him one of the most fascinating characters in the Naruto series. So, while we may never know for sure what Itachi truly knew, the evidence certainly leans towards him being more aware than he let on.