The Akatsuki first came to be known as formidable villains throughout the Naruto story. Comprised of infamous rogue ninjas ranked as S-class criminals, they terrorized many lands with heinous acts during the series. Figures like Itachi Uchiha, Kisame Hoshigaki, and Pain became some of the most feared antagonists our heroes ever faced. With such dangerous members, the Akatsuki organization seemed like a clear threat.