Why Did Kabuto Join the War?

In the complex world of Naruto, the motivations of characters often intertwine with personal betrayals and political maneuvering. One such character is Kabuto Yakushi—a spy for the Akatsuki who, as we'll explore, switched sides to Orochimaru. Understanding why he joined the Akatsuki and why he chose to continue fighting, despite their conflicting goals, involves delving into his personal history, betrayal, and desires for power.

Shinobi World Betrayal and Personal Sacrifice

Kabuto Yakushi was once a shinobi in Konoha, but he felt deeply betrayed by the shinobi world. The world he knew forced him to give up much that was dear to him. This feeling of betrayal and the sacrifices required deeply influenced his later decisions. He could relate well to Obito and Itachi, who also felt the pain of losing those they loved.

Madara's Solo Battle and Kabuto's Intentions

By the time Madara began his battle against the Kage single-handedly, Kabuto's only focus was on his perceived strength and power. According to Itachi, Kabuto was not merely lying to himself; he was trying to be something he was not. This exaggerated sense of power became his guiding light, leading him to engage in the war despite the conflicts between the Akatsuki and Orochimaru's goals.

Kabuto's Journey and Orphanhood

Kabuto's journey began with a battle in which he, along with many other shinobi, was part of a team that fought against Konoha. This battle marked the end of his previous life, and he was taken in by a medical nin, Nono Yakushi, who acted as a maternal figure. She gave him a new name, a new identity, and the guidance to become a skilled medical nin.

However, his life was not without danger. Danzo, who knew nono from their time in the founding ANBU, suspected her loyalty. To avoid revealing too much about Konoha, she had to give up one of her children to Danzo. Kabuto, in his vulnerable state after this betrayal, found himself once again a part of a dangerous world.

Spies and Anonymity

As a child, Kabuto became a spy for multiple countries, which led to a sense of leaving behind his national identity. It is believed that this happened in the Hidden Sand, where he was attacked by a shinobi who recognized him as a spy. Kabuto quickly neutralized the aggressor, but the encounter with his "mother," Nono, left him feeling even more lost and uncertain about his place in the world.

Meeting Orochimaru and Resentment Towards the Shinobi World

It was not until Orochimaru approached him that Kabuto found a new sense of purpose. Orochimaru, seeing Kabuto as a tool to further his ambitions rather than a person, offered him a new path. Orochimaru's intentions were clear: to use Kabuto's knowledge to advance his own goals, regardless of the consequences for Kabuto himself.

Throughout his journey, Kabuto's resentment towards the shinobi world grew. He felt that to be a shinobi meant sacrificing a large part of oneself to conform to the expectations of the ninja world. This is a similar feeling to Sasuke, who also sought vengeance against Konoha for the way it forced Itachi to live his life.

In conclusion, Kabuto's entry into the war is deeply rooted in his past experiences and the betrayals he has endured. His pursuit of power and his intention to strike back at the world that betrayed him shaped his decisions and motivations. Understanding these factors helps us better comprehend the complex character of Kabuto in the Naruto universe.

Keywords: Kabuto, Akatsuki, Orochimaru, Shinobi World, Madara