If you would like to understand me or how I function in the world there’s one character who I resonate with so deeply it is almost absurd how much of an impact he has had on me. Itachi’s way of thinking and behavior was so interesting to me especially since I watched Naruto around my crucial developmental years. Further, Itachi was quite literally a genius. His level of perceptive and objective understanding of the world was second to Minato and even the Hokage acknowledged that he was not a normal child. In other words, he had perceptual and a level of intelligence second to that of a Hokage. Even at a young age he was exceptionally brilliant. Able to read through lines of attacks, precognition in battle, and a masterful way to manipulate you into a genjutsu. Similar to my convictions, the greater good mattered most according to his cold analytic mind. He went as far as to annihilate his entire clan to prevent a genocidal war. He killed everyone including his mom and dad in order to save countless others. He did so as a teenager and this altered his life in an unimaginable way. He, however, could not kill his younger brother. He had such a deep connection to him that he did everything to spare him. Itachi will always be my favorite character. He was extremely gentle, yet cold and distant. He was extremely manipulative, yet empathic. He was, afterall, an anbu member and made sure any mission would be complete even if it meant bearing a heavy burden psychologically. Itachi is one of most complex character’s I have ever encountered in anime. He projects qualities I share (except for the genocidal bx).