Why does Kakashi cover his eye? Many Naruto fans wonder about the reason behind Kakashi Hatake’s consistently covered left eye. It’s a source of mystery and speculation, adding to the enigmatic nature of this popular character. Unraveling this mystery involves understanding the Sharingan, its power, and its impact on a non-Uchiha wielder. Navigating this can be complex, with many conflicting theories and explanations circulating online.
Why does Kakashi cover his eye? Kakashi covers his eye because, as a non-Uchiha, he cannot deactivate the Sharingan, and its constant use drains his chakra reserves significantly. He keeps it covered to conserve chakra and prevent exhaustion.
Kakashi Hatake is known as “Kakashi of the Sharingan”, an interesting and unique character of the series Naruto. If you’ve followed the Naruto and Boruto series, you know Kakashi is a central figure with many unique abilities. But understanding Kakashi’s covered eye requires more than just a quick answer. We’ll delve into the intricacies of the Sharingan, explore its impact on Kakashi’s chakra levels, and discuss how it affects his combat abilities. We will also tackle common questions about this topic, providing a comprehensive overview of why Kakashi keeps his Sharingan hidden. Let’s uncover the details together!
Key Facts:
* Kakashi received his Sharingan from his teammate Obito Uchiha during the Third Shinobi World War.
* Unlike Uchiha clan members, Kakashi cannot deactivate the Sharingan.
* The Sharingan constantly consumes chakra, even when not actively in use by a non-Uchiha.
* Kakashi’s chakra reserves are significantly lower than those of a true Sharingan wielder.
* Covering the Sharingan conserves Kakashi’s chakra, allowing him to fight effectively for longer periods.
What is the Sharingan and Why Does It Drain Chakra?
The Sharingan is a powerful dojutsu (eye technique) unique to the Uchiha clan in the Naruto universe. The Sharingan is a dojutsu that grants the user enhanced perception, the ability to copy jutsu, and see through genjutsu. It’s a highly coveted ability, known for its versatility in combat. The Sharingan grants abilities like seeing chakra flow, predicting movements, and copying techniques. But for a non-Uchiha like Kakashi, it comes at a significant cost.
For Uchiha clan members, the Sharingan, while powerful, consumes a manageable amount of chakra. The chakra use is insignificant to an Uchiha. This amount is insignificant because, within the Uchiha body, the Sharingan uses a small, unnoticeable amount of chakra. However, for someone who is not a member of the Uchiha clan, this consumption is greatly amplified.
Kakashi Hatake, not being a natural-born Uchiha, experiences this drain constantly. Because his body isn’t adapted to the Sharingan, it’s always active, siphoning his chakra even when he’s not consciously using its powers. This constant drain explains why he often keeps it covered – to conserve energy. According to CBR, the Sharingan takes “a serious toll on his chakra reserves and can quickly leave him fatigued.” This fatigue necessitates strategic use and conservation of his chakra, making covering his eye a necessity rather than a choice.
How Does the Sharingan Work for Uchiha Members vs. Non-Uchiha?
For Uchiha clan members, the Sharingan is a natural extension of their abilities. For Uchiha, the Sharingan is a Kekkei Genkai, activated and deactivated at will. This provides them with fine control over its use and chakra consumption. They can activate and deactivate it at will, minimizing unnecessary chakra drain. The Uchiha can switch it on during combat and turn it off when it’s not needed, effectively managing their energy levels.
For non-Uchiha, the Sharingan presents a completely different scenario. Kakashi, receiving his Sharingan through a transplant from Obito Uchiha, exemplifies this. Because he’s not a biological Uchiha, Kakashi can’t deactivate the Sharingan. As explained by Sportskeeda, “Kakashi can’t activate and deactivate his Sharingan at will, which is why he keeps it concealed behind his Konoha forehead protector.” This constant activation means a continuous drain on his chakra, a significant disadvantage compared to Uchiha clan members. It’s a fundamental difference that shapes Kakashi’s entire fighting style and necessitates the covering of his eye.
Why Can’t Kakashi Turn Off His Sharingan?
Kakashi cannot deactivate his Sharingan because he is not a member of the Uchiha clan. Kakashi lacks the biological traits of the Uchiha clan, preventing deactivation. The ability to activate and deactivate the Sharingan at will is a genetic trait inherent to the Uchiha clan.
Kakashi’s Sharingan was transplanted from Obito Uchiha during a critical moment in the Third Shinobi World War. This transplant, while saving Kakashi’s life and granting him the Sharingan’s power, did not give him the genetic makeup of an Uchiha. This is why Kakashi keeps his Sharingan constantly covered. According to FanVerse, “When the Sharingan is exposed, chakra is used up, so Kakashi must cover his Sharingan eye in order to conserve chakra.” He physically covers the eye to mitigate the constant chakra drain.
How Did Kakashi Get His Sharingan?
Kakashi Hatake received his Sharingan from his teammate, Obito Uchiha. Kakashi obtained the Sharingan as a gift from Obito, who was fatally injured. This transpired during the Third Shinobi World War. During a mission, Kakashi lost his left eye protecting Obito. Later, when Obito was crushed by a rockslide and believed he was dying, he offered his left Sharingan to Kakashi as a parting gift and a replacement for Kakashi’s lost eye.
This act, performed by their teammate Rin Nohara under Obito’s instruction, was a pivotal moment in Kakashi’s life. It not only gave him the Sharingan but also deeply shaped his philosophy and combat style. The transplant was a significant event, marking a turning point for Kakashi, imbuing him with both power and responsibility. This explains why he keeps that very important eye hidden.
How Does Covering His Eye Help Kakashi Conserve Chakra?
Covering his Sharingan significantly reduces the chakra drain Kakashi experiences. Covering the eye minimizes chakra consumption by limiting its activity. The Sharingan, when active in a non-Uchiha, constantly consumes chakra. This constant activation is a significant disadvantage, leading to rapid fatigue.
By physically covering the Sharingan with his forehead protector, Kakashi mitigates this drain. While it doesn’t completely eliminate chakra consumption, it significantly reduces it. It’s a practical solution to a physiological problem. A Reddit discussion on the topic points out that “Closing his eye lets him conserve chakra.” Think of it like turning off a light when you leave a room – it’s a way to conserve energy.
Does Closing His Eye Completely Stop Chakra Drain?
Closing the eye behind the covering, while helpful, does not completely eliminate chakra drain. Closing the eye reduces, but doesn’t eliminate, the chakra consumption of the Sharingan. The Sharingan still consumes chakra, albeit at a reduced rate, even when the eyelid is closed.
Covering the Sharingan with the forehead protector adds another layer of conservation. It’s a more effective method than simply closing the eye, likely because it blocks more visual stimuli and reduces the Sharingan’s activity. The combination of closing his eye and covering it provides the best conservation method for Kakashi, allowing him to manage his chakra more effectively. It is speculated that less light reaching the eye means that less chakra is spent.
How Did Kakashi Become So Skilled with the Sharingan Despite Its Drawbacks?
Kakashi Hatake, despite the drawbacks of his transplanted Sharingan, became incredibly skilled with it through rigorous training and strategic combat. Kakashi compensated for the chakra drain through intense training and tactical prowess. He honed his skills to maximize the Sharingan’s benefits while minimizing its energy consumption.
Kakashi’s proficiency stemmed from years of dedicated practice, mastering various Sharingan techniques like copying jutsu and using genjutsu. He developed a fighting style that prioritized efficiency, utilizing the Sharingan’s predictive abilities to minimize unnecessary movements and chakra expenditure. This strategic approach, combined with his natural talent and intelligence, allowed him to become known as “Kakashi of the Sharingan,” a testament to his mastery despite the limitations. Naruto Explained on YouTube mentions Kakashi’s power, even noting that he was a force to be reckoned with.
What Techniques Did Kakashi Master Using the Sharingan?
Kakashi mastered a wide range of techniques using his Sharingan, becoming known as the “Copy Ninja.” Kakashi is known for copying over a thousand jutsu, showcasing the Sharingan’s versatility. He learned to use techniques that were previously impossible. This included the ability to copy ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu techniques by observing his opponents.
Beyond copying, Kakashi also developed his own unique jutsu, most notably the Chidori (and later, the Lightning Blade/Raikiri), a powerful lightning-based attack. He also learned to use the Kamui technique. He honed the Sharingan’s predictive capabilities to anticipate enemy movements, enhancing his taijutsu skills significantly. This combination of copied and original techniques, coupled with his strategic mind, made him an exceptionally versatile and formidable shinobi.
FAQs About Why Does Kakashi Cover His Eye
What is Obito’s Role in Kakashi’s Sharingan?
Obito Uchiha gifted his left Sharingan to Kakashi Hatake during the Third Shinobi World War.
Did Kakashi Ever Get Both Sharingan?
Yes, temporarily during the fight against Kaguya Otsutsuki, Obito’s spirit granted Kakashi both Sharingan.
How Does the Sharingan Affect Kakashi’s Stamina?
The Sharingan significantly drains Kakashi’s stamina due to constant chakra consumption.
Why is Kakashi Called the “Copy Ninja?”
Kakashi is called the “Copy Ninja” because he has copied over a thousand jutsu using his Sharingan.
Does Kakashi’s Sharingan Evolve?
Yes, Kakashi’s Sharingan evolved to the Mangekyo Sharingan, granting him the Kamui ability.
Why Does Kakashi Wear a Mask Over His Mouth?
Kakashi wears a mask over his mouth for personal reasons, unrelated to the Sharingan. According to Screen Rant, Kakashi’s mask partially hid a small mole and a generally handsome face.
Can Kakashi Use Susanoo?
Yes, Kakashi briefly used Susanoo after temporarily receiving both of Obito’s Sharingan.
Is Kakashi Stronger Than Sasuke?
Sasuke ultimately surpasses Kakashi in strength, especially after receiving the Rinnegan.
How Did Kakashi Lose His Sharingan?
Kakashi lost his Sharingan during the Fourth Shinobi World War when Madara Uchiha took it.
Does Kakashi Still Have the Sharingan in Boruto?
No, Kakashi no longer has the Sharingan in the Boruto series.
Summary of Why Kakashi Covers His Eye
Kakashi Hatake’s covered eye is a defining characteristic, stemming from the unique circumstances of his Sharingan. As a non-Uchiha, he cannot deactivate the Sharingan, leading to constant chakra drain. Covering the eye is a crucial tactic to conserve energy and maintain his effectiveness in combat. This limitation, while significant, didn’t prevent Kakashi from becoming a legendary shinobi. Instead, it shaped his fighting style, pushing him to master techniques and strategies that compensated for the Sharingan’s drawbacks.
The story of Kakashi’s covered eye is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and dedication. What began as a necessity – conserving chakra – became a symbol of his unique path as a shinobi. He turned a disadvantage into a defining aspect of his identity. His journey highlights that even with great power, strategic limitations may apply. What are your thoughts about his use of the Sharingan? Does his mastery inspire admiration, or do you believe the drawbacks outweigh the benefits?
