Tobi, whose true identity is Uchiha Obito, adopted the name of the legendary Uchiha Madara primarily to instill fear and command belief within the shinobi world, leveraging Madara's fearsome reputation and historical significance.
Strategic Deception and Intimidation
Uchiha Madara was an iconic and terrifying figure, renowned as the co-founder of Konohagakure and the rival of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama. His name alone invoked a profound sense of dread and immense power across all shinobi nations. By claiming to be Madara, Obito immediately gained an unparalleled level of credibility and authority, making it easier to manipulate individuals and organizations like Akatsuki. This masquerade allowed him to operate from the shadows, executing his grand plans without revealing his true, much younger, identity.
Leveraging a Fearsome Legacy
The entire shinobi world had long feared Uchiha Madara due to his immense power, particularly his Mangekyo Sharingan and Rinnegan, and his role in major historical conflicts. Obito's goal was to plunge the world into an illusionary peace via the "Moon's Eye Plan." To achieve this, he needed to be perceived as an unstoppable force, a resurrected legend capable of bringing about such a monumental change. The identity of Madara provided the necessary gravitas and psychological impact to force nations into action or submission.
Key Reasons Tobi Assumed Madara's Identity
| Reason | Explanation | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Credibility | To make others believe his power and the validity of his grand schemes. | Gained immediate acceptance and leadership among formidable foes. |
| Intimidation | To leverage Madara's legendary and feared status. | Instilled fear and discouraged resistance from shinobi forces. |
| Concealment | To hide his true identity as Uchiha Obito. | Maintained anonymity and strategic advantage over opponents. |
| Power Projection | To project an image of overwhelming, ancient power. | Convinced people of his capability to reshape the world. |
Establishing Authority
Within organizations like Akatsuki, assuming the identity of Uchiha Madara allowed Obito to command respect and obedience from powerful S-rank criminals. Few would question the resurrected Madara. This deception provided him with the perfect cover to orchestrate events leading to the Fourth Great Shinobi War, manipulating various factions from behind the scenes.
Obito's decision to impersonate Madara was a calculated move to harness the terror and prestige associated with the legendary ninja, enabling him to advance his complex agenda with maximum impact and minimal scrutiny of his true self.
