Kakashi Hatake is one of those rare characters who’s effortlessly cool while carrying the weight of an entire generation’s trauma. Whether he’s arriving late with a casual excuse, reading his beloved Icha Icha novels mid-battle, or unlocking mind-bending jutsu, Kakashi has always commanded respect with understated swagger. Known as the Copy Ninja and Kakashi of the Sharingan, he blends elite combat ability with wisdom, mystery, and an unmistakable charm. These moments reflect why Kakashi isn’t just one of the strongest ninja in the Hidden Leaf—he’s a fan-favorite whose legacy only grows with every rewatch. Here are the 10 best Kakashi moments that show exactly why he’s unforgettable.
#10: Kakashi’s Bell Test (Original Version)
The very first bell test between Kakashi and Team 7 was a masterclass in subverting expectations. Fresh-faced and arrogant, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura thought they could take on their new sensei easily. But Kakashi used unorthodox methods—such as sneaking up while reading his novel and setting traps to teach them valuable lessons about teamwork. He didn’t hold back, showing his speed, intelligence, and tactical thinking. Yet what made this moment truly special was his ultimate message: that ninja who abandon missions are scum, but those who abandon their friends are worse. This early lesson shaped the moral compass of the entire series and hinted at the deeper layers within Kakashi, who carried his own painful past. That single moment turned him from a mysterious sensei into a thoughtful, principled leader.
#9: Kakashi vs. Zabuza (Land of Waves Arc)
Kakashi’s battle against Zabuza was the moment fans realized just how dangerous and elite he truly was. From summoning a pack of ninja dogs to using his signature move—the Chidori—for the first time in battle, Kakashi outmaneuvered one of the Mist’s most feared assassins. But it was his Sharingan, concealed under his forehead protector, that truly stole the show. Copying Zabuza’s jutsu mid-battle with flawless precision gave him the title “Copy Ninja” for a reason. This wasn’t just a flex—it was a demonstration of incredible chakra control, insight, and battle IQ. Yet even more impressive was the way he assessed the situation holistically, not just focusing on brute strength but protecting his team and mentally breaking down his opponent. His calm, cool demeanor while facing death and turning the tide set the tone for how legendary Kakashi’s reputation would become.
#8: Kakashi’s Past Revealed in the Kakashi Gaiden
For years, fans wondered what made Kakashi the way he was. Kakashi Gaiden pulled back the curtain and revealed a heartbreaking tale of loss, responsibility, and trauma. We learned about his strict adherence to rules, the death of his father Sakumo (the White Fang), and his evolving relationship with Obito Uchiha and Rin. The moment Obito “died” after giving Kakashi his Sharingan reshaped everything. It wasn’t just a cool origin story—it was a tragic turning point that defined his personality for decades. Kakashi’s cold efficiency came from losing everything he cared about. This arc showed that beneath the mask and aloofness was a boy who had to grow up far too fast. It humanized Kakashi and made fans love him not just for his strength, but for his resilience in the face of emotional devastation.
#7: Kakashi’s Fight with Itachi Uchiha
Facing Itachi Uchiha—one of the most dangerous members of the Akatsuki—is a death sentence for most ninja. But Kakashi stood tall against him. Though Itachi’s Tsukuyomi overwhelmed him initially, Kakashi’s sheer willpower and later preparation demonstrated how seriously he took every threat. Even after being trapped in a genjutsu that lasted 72 hours in mere seconds, Kakashi recovered and adapted. His willingness to confront Itachi again later, armed with better genjutsu resistance, showed his growth. This battle also illustrated his deep tactical mind—analyzing patterns, protecting comrades, and risking himself to gauge an enemy’s full power. Fans loved this moment because it showed Kakashi wasn’t just a mentor—he was a battlefield titan capable of keeping up with the most dangerous shinobi in the world.
#6: Kakashi vs. Kakuzu and Hidan
When the Akatsuki duo of Kakuzu and Hidan came to capture Naruto, Kakashi stepped in without hesitation. While Shikamaru devised a brilliant trap for Hidan, Kakashi’s focus was on battling Kakuzu—a terrifying opponent with five hearts and multiple elemental attacks. Kakashi not only kept up with Kakuzu’s overwhelming strength, but he also cleverly used shadow clones, lightning release, and coordination with his team to bring him down. One of the standout moments was Kakashi using his Raikiri (Lightning Blade) to pierce one of Kakuzu’s hearts—a move timed perfectly under extreme pressure. It was a reminder of how lethal Kakashi was in one-on-one combat and how deeply he trusted and supported younger ninjas like Shikamaru. This battle was brutal, fast-paced, and highlighted his tactical genius under fire.
#5: Kakashi Unmasks Himself (Sort Of)
After years of teasing, Naruto gave fans a delightful and hilarious episode where Kakashi’s face was finally revealed sort of. In a filler episode, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke go to absurd lengths to see Kakashi without his mask. The punchline? A simple disguise all along. But then the episode ends with Kakashi actually removing his mask when no one is looking, revealing a surprisingly handsome face. This meta moment was both a joke and a payoff, endearing Kakashi even more to fans. It reminded everyone that beyond the brooding genius was a man with a sense of humor and a mischievous streak. It also cemented Kakashi’s legacy as the coolest ninja in Konoha, even when he wasn’t fighting.
#4: Kakashi’s Kamui Awakening Against Deidara
During the battle against Deidara, Kakashi unleashed his Mangekyō Sharingan and used Kamui—a space-time jutsu capable of erasing targets into another dimension. It was the first time viewers saw the true extent of his Sharingan’s evolution. The fact that he developed such a powerful technique on his own, without Uchiha blood, made it even more impressive. Kamui became one of the most feared abilities in the ninja world, used to disarm, defend, and even transport allies across battlefields. This moment was monumental because it elevated Kakashi from elite jōnin to someone who could rival the most powerful shinobi of any era. His sacrifice in overusing the eye, even at great physical toll, highlighted his selflessness and willingness to protect others no matter the cost.
#3: Kakashi Becomes Hokage
It was only fitting that the man who had sacrificed so much and guided so many would become the Sixth Hokage. Though reluctant at first, Kakashi accepted the role after the Fourth Great Ninja War. He brought calm, wisdom, and diplomacy to a village recovering from disaster. Unlike previous Hokage, Kakashi didn’t rely on overwhelming power—he led with experience, empathy, and intelligence. He bridged the gap between generations and helped modernize the Hidden Leaf. Fans celebrated this moment because it wasn’t about spectacle—it was about recognition. Kakashi didn’t need to declare he’d be Hokage—he earned it, quietly and humbly, like everything else in his life.
#2: Kakashi vs. Obito (Final Battle)
The showdown between Kakashi and Obito in the Kamui dimension was a beautifully choreographed fight with emotional stakes as high as the action. Former friends and teammates, their clash was about more than jutsu—it was about grief, betrayal, and lost potential. The hand-to-hand combat scenes were fluid, grounded, and symbolic of their past sparring sessions. Kakashi, always wracked with guilt over Obito’s “death,” finally got closure. When he stabbed Obito through the heart, it was a moment of heartbreak and resolve. It proved that Kakashi, even after everything, could do what was necessary to stop the cycle of hatred. This fight is still one of the most poignant and powerful in the series.
#1: Kakashi Wields Perfect Susanoo
Kakashi wielding the Perfect Susanoo during the final fight against Kaguya was the ultimate “wait, WHAT?!” moment. After Obito’s death, his spirit briefly lent Kakashi both Mangekyō Sharingan eyes, allowing him to use the most powerful Uchiha techniques—despite not being an Uchiha himself. In this godlike form, Kakashi flew, phased through attacks, and hurled lightning kunai with pinpoint accuracy. It was a stunning climax to his journey—finally given the chance to fight on par with Naruto and Sasuke and protect his team with overwhelming force. Fans had waited years to see Kakashi at full power, and this scene delivered beyond expectations. The calm, focused intensity with which he used that brief gift showed that even when fate gave him a taste of power, Kakashi used it to protect, not dominate. That’s what made him legendary.
Kakashi Hatake isn’t just a great ninja—he’s a complex, multi-layered character whose strength lies not only in combat but in his heart, wisdom, and resilience. Whether battling Akatsuki, teaching the next generation, or carrying the burden of his past, Kakashi consistently proved why he remains one of the most beloved figures in anime. He’s not just the Copy Ninja—he’s the heart of Konoha, wrapped in a mask, holding a book, and always showing up when it matters most.
