The secret Akatsuki, or "Dawn," organization wants to collect the world's demonic Bijuu creatures to turn themselves into Jinchuuriki, or humans that can transform into tailed beasts. This group includes the diminutive Uchiha Madara, or "Tobi," who actually leads the organization. Pain, known for his numerous facial piercings, was originally thought to be the leader of Akatsuki before the truth was revealed. Other members include the ruthless Uchicha Itachi, who slaughtered his own ninja clan; the sharklike creature Hoshigaki Kisame; the genius puppet creator Akasuna no Sasori; the clay craftsman Deidara and the group's only female, Pain's partner Konan.
Otogakure, the "Village Hidden in Sound," serves as the home base for Naruto's primary antagonist, its ruler Ororchimaru. This pale, long-haired villain's ambition and thirst for knowledge led to exile from his home. He inhabits various bodies, transferring his soul from vessel to vessel in a quest for immortality. His servants Kabuto Yakushi and Kimimaro carry out Ororchimaru's dirty work while the Sound Four -- including the super strong Jirobo, the spider-like Kidomaru, the twin unit Sakon and Ukon and the demon-summoner Tayuya -- serve as his muscle.
Uchicha Sasuke, the number one student at the Ninja Academy, formed the Otogakure splinter group known as Taka. The group eventually sets out to destroy Konohagakure, the "Village of Leaves." The group includes the sharp-toothed Hozuki Suigetsu, who teamed with Sasuke to find the legendary Decapitating Carving Knife, and the red-eyed Karin, Orochimaru's former servant who becomes obsessed with Sasuke. The bipolar Jugo, a cold-blooded killer who can transform his body, rounds out the group.
Some Naruto villains claim no affiliation to larger groups, acting out their own personal quests. The prominent villain Zabuza Momochi seeks bloody revenge on the Hidden Mist Village after being exiled due to a failed coup d'etat. This swordsman wields a massive chopping blade and travels with his follower Haku. Haku, orphaned after his father killed his mother, finds a sense of purpose in serving Zabuza.