The Naruto Franchise draws heavily from folklore and mythologies, symbolizing almost every aspect of the series with a profound meaning. While some references are more apparent and overt, such as techniques being named after Shinto deities, others are much more vague and difficult to decipher. The Akatsuki’s rings are one such element of the series that has an air of mystique around it, and though their purpose may remain vague, the symbolic nature of these rings certainly makes it worth exploring what they embody.
The rings were initially worn by members in specific fingers, each signifying their place on the Gedo Statue’s fingers while extracting the tailed beasts. Due to the chakra link between the rings, they could also be used as communication devices between the Akatsuki’s members. The idea was eventually given the backseat by Kishimoto, primarily due to the story moving in a different direction, with little time to focus on this relatively meager concept. During the initial parts of Shippuden, however, these rings were depicted to be of high value, with a few members even risking their lives to retrieve the rings. The rings themselves may not be of considerable use anymore, yet their symbolic nature serves as an insight into the Akatsuki’s characters.
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Pain’s Ring
Pain’s ring is etched with the kanji ‘rei’, meaning ‘zero’, demarcating a base or starting point. Since Yahiko was one of the founding members of the Akatsuki, it makes perfect sense for his body to be adorned with the word ‘zero’, denoting him as the instigator of the revolution. While the Akatsuki was certainly the result of Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan’s collective efforts, Nagato still viewed Yahiko as the sole force behind the organization’s existence, with the ring serving as an homage to his ideals.
Konan’s Ring
Konan presented herself as a divine entity to the people of the Hidden Rain, even calling herself ‘Lady Angel.’ Therefore, the Kanji ‘Bya’, which means ‘white’, is quite befitting for a pure and angelic being. Her entire fighting style also revolved around transforming herself into white papers, with the ring accurately symbolizing this fact.
Hidan’s Ring
Hidan’s Ring has the kanji for ‘san’ etched on its surface, meaning ‘three’ in Japanese. Three is quite symbolic as many aspects of Hidan’s life can be found in threes. The emblem of his home village in the Land of Hot Waters is represented by three wavy lines, and his infamous scythe also boasts three blades. However, the most significant reference is Hidan’s god, Jashin, represented by a triangle within a circle.
Itachi’s Ring
The word ‘shu’ is adorned on Itachi’s ring, representing the color crimson. This color has many implications in Itachi’s life, either embodying his ruthless past of massacring his entire clan in cold blood, or referencing his famed Sharingan. Though the red color could also be reminiscent of Itachi’s bravery and sacrifice, one that forced him to forego his entire clan in a bid to protect the Hidden Leaf.
Sasori and Tobi’s Ring
The ring originally belonged to Sasori, and after his demise, it was passed on to Tobi. The Kanji for ‘gyoku’ is etched onto the ring, meaning ‘jeweled sphere.’ However, the word has a double-meaning as it also represents the ‘jeweled general’ in Shogi, the Japanese equivalent of chess.
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The first meaning of the word symbolizes Sasori’s obsession with eternal youth and beauty, as he turned himself into a living puppet simply to stay young forever. The latter meaning accurately represents Tobi or Obito, as he was the true mastermind behind the Akatsuki, manipulating every other member of the organization as his pawns.
Orochimaru’s Ring
The Kanji for ‘Ku’ is inlaid upon Orochimaru’s ring, meaning ‘sky,’ ‘empty,’ or ‘void.’ All three meanings relate to Orochimaru’s character in different ways. Sasuke states that a snake can never fly except when caught in the talons of a hawk, an analogy that perfectly fits the two as Orochimaru is a snake-like being, meaning he could never reach the sky.
‘Void’ describes Orochimaru’s disposition, as he believed that his short life had no meaning, prompting him to pursue his own version of an immortal yet meaningful life. ‘Empty’ potentially represents his place in the Akatsuki, since he left the organization without ever returning his ring. Since his ring could never be passed down to a new member, his position in the Akatsuki remained empty forever.
Zetsu’s Ring
The letter on Zetsu’s ring is ‘gai’, which could mean ‘boar’ or ‘pig’. Both animals are known for being gluttonous, consuming all that comes in their way. Zetsu could be seen in a similar way, as he could attach himself to other beings, leeching off their chakra and leaving them devoid of life.
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