Still, because I am nice,
HUGE SPOILERS!!!
There, last warning
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Well it has been theorized for quite some time that Minato Namikaze(Fourth Hokage) was indeed the true identity of Pein, active leader of Akatsuki. However, up until the latest chapter (371), it was only speculation. We now have enough definitive evidence to prove that the fourth hokage is actually Pein.
The deciding factor was revealed recently in chapter 371: When Pein mentions Jiraiya, he refers to him as Jiraiya-sensei. Now as subtle as that is, remember this: Jiraiya is said to have been the one who trained the fourth hokage (first mentioned by Tsunade).
Remember, Naruto's father was recently revealed to be the Fourth Hokage. On top of that, Pein's hair style is quite similar to Naruto's (despite a difference in hair-color with Pein's being dark orange).
PeinMinato Namikaze (Fourth Hokage)NarutoSo this leads me to this conclusion:
Naruto's father = Fourth Hokage = Pein.
To add to it, Jiraiya stated recently, there may have been another reason involved for Minato sealing the nine-tails into his son. He also mentioned that the nine-tails was actually "summoned" to the village during it's attack years ago. The only person who could summon the nine-tails, was said to be Madara Uchiha, the founder of the Uchiha clan. Now that brings up another connection between Minato Namikaze, Madara Uchiha, and the nine-tails demon. So if Tobi of Akatsuki is Madara Uchiha (which he claims he is) and if Fourth Hokage did seal the nine-tails in his son for a greater purpose, then it would make sense he would be involved in Akatsuki as Pein, along with Tobi (Madara) in which their current goal revolves around collecting the tailed demons.
Also interesting to note is that when Jiraiya encounters Konan, the female member of Akatsuki, Jiraiya tells her she has improved her jutsu and grown into a fine woman. Jiraiya obviously knows her so it leads me to believe that Konan was one of the three students trained by Jiraiya, the Fourth Hokage being another. This would explain why she serves as Pein's Akatsuki partner and why she even calls him by his name (instead of as leader as the other members of Akatsuki do).
Also, Pein has a chamber with six other versions of himself. As of yet it is unknown what this represents BUT, he just recently switched into one of these new bodies. The new body has longer hair and bigger piercings. Maybe this could lead to an explanation of how he became Pein as he is now?
Another interesting note is this. Remember when Orochimaru tried to summon the fourth hokage after summoning the first two? He was interupted before the coffin could be opened. Sounds like well-hidden foreshadowing to me. I wonder if Orochimaru had succeeded in completing the ritual, would the coffin have been empty?
Oh and on a side note, I guess I will quickly state the other theories floating around about Pein's identity.
1.) Naruto's future incarnation. Now as dumb as it sounds, it could possibly hold some merit. I personally don't believe this one but I admit I could be wrong.
2.) Naruto's half-brother (on his mother's side). This could also be possible as his moher hailed from the Whirlpool village. If she had another child he may have migrated to the rain village since both village titles suggest an affinity for water. Another theory I disbelieve however. The brothers fighting plot is already being used in this series with Sasuke and Itachi (which is actually my next plot theory, see my other thread).
3.) Asuma Sarutobi's brother, Konohamru's father, Third Hokage's son. Yea, this one makes no sense to me either. I don't see where in the plot that would come into play. Granted, we have not really seen this character yet but I still doubt he will ever play a major role.
Well that is all for now. Please feel free to add to my theory or even try to argue it. Just be warned, I am not just another novice trying to figure out the plot. I am a skilled writer and studying plots is my specialty. Haha, I will not hold back when it comes to proving my point across or in proving a point wrong if I have to!
Well, enjoy!
