The Definitive Answer to "Who killed Kisame?"
For fans of the hit anime and manga series Naruto Shippuden, the question "Who killed Kisame?" has lingered in the minds of many. Kisame Hoshigaki, one of the infamous Akatsuki members and a formidable ninja wielding the sword Samehada, met his end in a rather unexpected and ultimately self-inflicted manner. While he was a formidable foe, his death wasn't at the hands of a direct opponent in a climactic battle, but rather a desperate act of defiance.
The Confrontation and Kisame's Final Stand
Kisame's demise occurred during the Fourth Shinobi World War. He was encountered by the Konoha 11, specifically Guy Sensei and his team, including Lee, Tenten, and Neji. Kisame, at this point, was being controlled by the reanimated body of his former comrade, Itachi Uchiha, through the use of a jutsu. This reanimated Kisame was a significant threat, and the Konoha ninjas were tasked with stopping him.
During the fierce battle that ensued, Kisame was eventually defeated by Might Guy's powerful techniques. However, he wasn't killed outright by Guy's final blow. Instead, Kisame found himself trapped, his chakra reserves depleted, and facing imminent capture by the Allied Shinobi Forces. The thought of being interrogated and revealing the secrets of the Akatsuki, or more importantly, the secrets of the Leaf Village that he had managed to glean, was something he absolutely refused to allow.
The Role of Samehada
Kisame's signature weapon, Samehada, a sentient sword that absorbed chakra, played a crucial role in his final moments. Even though Kisame was reanimated and not fully in control of his own body, his connection to Samehada remained. When faced with the prospect of capture, Kisame, with a degree of his former will still intact, used Samehada to his advantage, albeit in a self-destructive way.
Kisame's ultimate decision was driven by his unwavering loyalty to the Akatsuki's ideals and his fear of betrayal or the revelation of vital information.
The Self-Inflicted Death
Knowing he was defeated and that interrogation was inevitable, Kisame made a pact with himself. He instructed Samehada to absorb all of his remaining chakra. This was a move designed to prevent any information from falling into enemy hands. In essence, Kisame Hoshigaki committed suicide by having his own chakra-draining sword consume him entirely. This way, he believed he was dying with honor, as a true shinobi of the Akatsuki.
Therefore, to answer the question directly: Kisame Hoshigaki was not killed by an opposing ninja in a traditional sense. He died by his own hand, forcing his sword, Samehada, to absorb all of his chakra, leading to his complete disintegration.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Kisame's death, though self-inflicted, was the culmination of his battle with Might Guy and his subsequent capture. The Konoha ninjas achieved their objective of stopping the threat he posed. His demise, while tragic for his character arc, solidified his reputation as a dedicated and ruthless member of the Akatsuki, someone who would go to extreme lengths to protect his organization's secrets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Kisame manage to commit suicide if he was reanimated?
While Kisame was reanimated and under the control of Kabuto's jutsu, he retained some residual consciousness and his innate personality. His deep-seated loyalty to the Akatsuki and his shinobi pride were still present. He was able to communicate his intentions to Samehada, his sentient sword, which then acted on his will to absorb his chakra, leading to his death.
Why did Kisame choose to die rather than be captured?
Kisame was a devoted member of the Akatsuki and believed strongly in their mission. He understood the importance of secrecy and the potential damage that could be done if any information about their plans or operatives fell into the hands of the Allied Shinobi Forces. He viewed capture and interrogation as a greater failure than death.
Was Kisame's death entirely his own choice, or was he influenced by the reanimation jutsu?
His death was ultimately his own choice, but the circumstances were dictated by the reanimation jutsu. He was already defeated and facing capture. The reanimation technically allowed him to be in that position to make that choice, but the desire to die on his own terms, to prevent information leaks, was a core part of his character even when alive.
