Written by The Akatsuki was filled with some of the strongest ninjas in the Naruto series. But what made the group even more dangerous was its two-person team system. Every mission was carried out by a pair, and each duo had its own way of getting the job done. Some worked together almost perfectly, while others spent more time arguing than completing missions.
Not every Akatsuki duo was equally successful. Some captured multiple Jinchuriki and played a huge part in the organization’s plan, while others barely stayed together long enough to leave an impact. Looking at their teamwork, mission success, and overall contribution, here is every Akatsuki duo ranked by efficiency.
TitleAnime Rating (IMDb)Naruto8.4 / 10 (As of June 28, 2026)Naruto Shippuden8.7 / 10 (As of June 28, 2026)
8. Itachi Uchiha and Juzo Biwa Were Together for a Short Time
Itachi Uchiha and his partner Juzo Biwa. | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Before Kisame became Itachi’s partner, Juzo Biwa was the one working beside him. The anime showed this during Itachi’s Akatsuki flashback, where the two were sent on a mission in the Land of Water. Their partnership came to an end after Juzo was killed by the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura.
Because they were together for such a short time, it is difficult to call them an efficient team. They were never part of the Akatsuki’s Jinchuriki hunting missions and did not complete any major operation that affected the group’s overall plan. They simply did not have enough time to build a strong record.
7. Orochimaru and Sasori Never Worked Well Together
Sasori’s first Akatsuki partner was Orochimaru, but the duo never really worked well together. Orochimaru had his own ambitions and became more interested in stealing Itachi’s Sharingan than helping the Akatsuki. After failing, he left the organization, as explained through several flashbacks later in the series.
That decision ended the partnership before it could achieve anything meaningful. There is no canon mission that stands out as a major success for the pair. When one member walks away before the real work begins, it is hard to rank the duo any higher.
6. Black Zetsu and White Zetsu Helped Every Mission
Zetsu, a prominent member of the Akatsuki organization. | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Black Zetsu and White Zetsu were very different from the rest of the Akatsuki. They were not sent out to fight powerful enemies every time. Instead, they gathered information, watched battles, delivered messages, and helped the group stay one step ahead throughout Naruto Shippuden.
Their work often happened behind the scenes, so it is easy to overlook them. Even so, many Akatsuki missions became easier because of the information they provided. White Zetsu’s clones also played a huge role during the Fourth Great Ninja War, proving that this duo contributed in ways that most others could not.
5. Hidan and Kakuzu Captured the Two-Tails
Hidan and Kakuzu from Naruto Shippuden. | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Hidan and Kakuzu may have argued all the time, but they still got results. During the Akatsuki Suppression Mission, they successfully defeated Yugito Nii and captured the Two-Tails, giving the Akatsuki another important victory in its hunt for the Tailed Beasts.
The funny part is that they barely liked each other. Kakuzu was always annoyed by Hidan’s reckless nature, while Hidan enjoyed testing Kakuzu’s patience. Even with all that fighting, they knew how to finish a mission. That makes them one of the more effective teams in the organization.
4. Sasori and Deidara Took Down Gaara Together
Deidara and Sasori from Naruto Shippuden. | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Deidara and Sasori gave the Akatsuki one of its biggest early victories during the Kazekage Rescue Mission. Deidara defeated Gaara, while Sasori kept the Sand Village’s forces busy.
Even though they constantly argued about the meaning of art, they never let those disagreements affect the mission. Capturing the Kazekage was one of the Akatsuki’s biggest achievements, and both played an important role in making it happen.
3. Obito Uchiha and Deidara Captured the Three-Tails
Akatsuki members Deidara and Tobi from the anime Naruto Shippuden. | Credit: Studio Pierrot
After Sasori’s death, Deidara teamed up with Tobi, who was secretly Obito Uchiha. At first, Tobi acted like a clumsy and harmless new member, but that changed during the mission to capture Isobu in the Three-Tails’ Appearance Arc.
This mission showed that the duo worked much better than people expected. Deidara provided the attack power, while Obito quietly handled everything else without revealing his true abilities. Together, they completed another important mission that pushed the Akatsuki closer to its final goal.
2. Pain and Konan Led the Akatsuki to Success
Pain and Konan from Naruto Shippuden. | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Pain and Konan were more than just partners. They were the heart of the Akatsuki. Pain was the one behind the Akatsuki’s biggest plans and personally captured powerful opponents, including Utakata, the Six-Tails’ Jinchuriki, before the attack on the Hidden Leaf, in Pain’s Assault Arc.
Konan was ready to back Pain in everything, from gathering information to battle. Their full confidence in one another helped the Akatsuki function smoothly for a long time. Without their leadership, the Akatsuki would not have developed into such a big threat.
1. Itachi and Kisame Were the Best Jinchuriki Hunters
Itachi and Kisame from Naruto Shippuden. | Credit: Studio Pierrot
No Akatsuki duo was as reliable as Itachi and Kisame. They handled several important missions throughout the series and were responsible for capturing Roshi, the Four-Tails’ Jinchuriki. They also infiltrated the Hidden Leaf early in Naruto and consistently completed the assignments they were given, making them one of the Akatsuki’s most dependable teams. Also, Kisame fought Killer B after Itachi’s death.
What really puts them at the top is how well they worked together. Itachi stayed calm and planned every move, while Kisame backed him up with incredible strength and massive chakra reserves. Unlike many other Akatsuki pairs, they rarely argued and almost always completed the mission they were given. When it comes to efficiency, no other duo matched their consistency.
Here is a quick overview of all the Akatsuki duo we have mentioned above –
RankAkatsuki DuoJinchuriki CapturedFailed to Capture1Itachi Uchiha & Kisame HoshigakiRoshi (Four-Tails), Killer B (Eight-Tails, captured by Kisame but then escaped) Naruto Uzumaki (Nine-Tails)2Pain & KonanUtakata (Six-Tails)Naruto Uzumaki (Nine-Tails)3Obito Uchiha & DeidaraNone (Captured the Three-Tails itself after Yagura’s death)None4Sasori & DeidaraGaara (One-Tail)None5Hidan & KakuzuYugito Nii (Two-Tails)Naruto Uzumaki (Nine-Tails)6Black Zetsu & White ZetsuNone (Support role)None7Orochimaru & SasoriNoneNone8Itachi Uchiha & Juzo BiwaNoneNone
Now the big question – Which Akatsuki duo do you think was the most efficient, and would you change this ranking? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are both currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
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