Why Does Kakashi Wear A Mask? & More Questions About Him ...

Hatake Kakashi is undoubtedly one of the most mysterious characters in the Naruto franchise. His devilish good looks and title as the famous Copy Ninja for possessing the Sharingan, a dojutsu only the Uchiha Clan are known to have, has put him in the spotlight throughout the anime. Of course, such attention is sure to raise some questions about his character.

RELATED: Naruto: 10 Strongest Opponents Kakashi Hatake Has Fought

The most pressing question about him that fans ought to know is why he concealed his face with a mask throughout the anime. Let's address that critical question, and others fans wish to learn about their favorite sensei, Kakashi Hatake.

10 Why Does He Wear A Mask?

The age-old question that has had fans doubting his identity—what's with that mask? Some fans are of the view that his mask was a symbol of his membership in the Anbu Black Ops. However, that would be incorrect, because he's had the mask on from before that timeAs it was so delicately put in the Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals spin-off series, the primary reason that Kakashi wore a mask over his face is because he didn't want anyone to see his nosebleeds.

For some crazy reason, he knew he wouldn't have his authority if he was having repeated nosebleeds. Nosebleeds are the best way anime creators know to portray a character indulging in indecent thoughts. Coincidentally, the mask also concealed a mole he has on his chin. So, maybe he wanted to hide that, too.

9 Who Trained Him As A Genin?

According to the official databooks, Kakashi became a Genin at the age of 5 while Rin and Obito did so at the age of 9. Since they were of the same age, there is no official mention about which team Kakashi was in when he graduated (if he was in one at all).

The only official mention of his activities after becoming a Genin is that he started undertaking missions. It was probably because he was far too ahead of his age-fellows and wasn't suited to be assigned to a team yet. During this time, he very well could have trained under the supervision of his father, Sakumo Hatake as it is clear that he took his life when Kakashi was 7 years old.

8 What Book Is He Always Reading?

Make-Out Paradise—Icha Icha Paradise, as the Japanese name goes—is the name of the novel that Kakashi is always seen holding in his hand reading. As the name suggests, it's an adult romance series written by the perveted sensei himself, Jiraiya.

They're meant for a mature audience — 18 and above. So, that clearly explains why Kakashi would be trying to hide his nosebleeds.

7 Why Did He Kill Rin?

Kakashi didn't kill Rin. In fact, when Rin asked him to kill her as a sacrifice to protect the village, he promptly refused. Prior to these events, Madara Uchiha had kidnapped Rin, made her the Jinchuuriki of the Three-Tailed Beast, programmed her so that it would be let loose if she and Kakashi were to return to Konoha, and branded her with the Forbidden Individual Curse Tag that would prevent her from killing herself. So, he really thought everything through.

RELATED: Naruto: 5 Times We Hated Kakashi (& 5 Times We Loved Him)

The only way for her to save everyone was to have Kakashi do it. However, since he straight-up refused as he vowed to Obito to protect her at all costs, Rin decided to jump in front of his Chidori.

6 How Did He Leave The Anbu Black Ops?

Guy and Kakashi go way back. In fact, they're very close friends. But that comes as no surprise to Naruto fans since their friendship is one of the most valued relationships in the whole show. Kakashi never actually left the Anbu Black Ops; he was relieved of his duties by the Third Hokage, Sarutobi.

Might Guy was adamant about joining the Anbu himself to keep tabs on Kakashi because he used to accept very dangerous missions and went into a dark place. However, Sarutobi refused. So, Guy proposed another solution that was promptly accepted; to put Kakashi's skills to good use by making him a sensei to the academy graduates.

5 At What Age Did He Recieve The Sharingan?

There is a lot of speculation about Kakashi's age primarily because fans believe that the timelines seem to be fumbled up. It is clearly mentioned that Kakashi graduated from the Academy at the age of 5 while Rin and Obito did so at the age of 9. Moreover, these three were in the same Genin team so that must mean that they graduated at the same time. This leaves fans with only one conclusion: Kakashi was 4 years younger than his teammates. However, that's raised a lot more questions than it answers.

Later on, in episode 385 of Naruto Shippuden, all these speculations were put to rest as Obito said it himself, “but he is the same age as us” while referring to Kakashi when Rin mentioned about his taking the graduation test. So, by that logic, he and Obito were both around 13 when Obito, just before he was about to be crushed by a rock, sacrificed his Sharingan eye to replace the one that Kakashi lost trying to protecting him.

4 Why Did His Father Take His Own Life?

Kakashi's dad was Sakumo Hatake; a very powerful and famous ninja of Konoha known as the ‘White Fang.' Sakumo and his team were sent on a highly critical mission that the very safety of Konoha depended on. Instead of risking the lives of his teammates, Sakumo abandoned the mission and put Konoha in harm's way.

The impact of the mission's failure led Sakumo to be berated and insulted by not only the land of fire and the villagers of Konoha, but his comrades as well. Consequently, Sakumo fell into a deep state of depression, and eventually he was unable to cope so he ended up taking his own life.

3 When Did He Activate The Mangekyo Sharingan?

The Mangekyo Sharingan is activated when a person experiences something traumatic—something along the lines of losing a loved one. When Obito witnessed Kakashi's Chidori piercing through Rin's chest, that was the moment the Mangekyo Sharingan awakened in both his eyes; one of which was then possessed by Kakashi.

RELATED: Naruto: 6 Strongest Mangekyo Abilities (& 4 Characters Whose Abilities Were Never Revealed)

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It hasn't been made entirely certain whether it awakened because of Kakashi's own sentiment or the fact that his eye was still connected to Obito's in some way. Either way, Rin's sacrifice was traumatic for both of them.

2 How Did He Lose Both Sharingan After The Ninja War?

During the 4th Ninja War, it was Team 7 — Team Kakashi — and Obito against Kaguya. Obito was killed soon at the hands of Kaguya, leaving Team 7 as the last ray of hope. This is where it gets a little 'sketchy' to say the least.

Somehow Obito's spirit traveled inside Kakashi's body, possessing him completely. This way, he was able to lend Kakashi his Mangekyo Sharingan. Kakashi had Sharingan in both his eyes. After the war was over, Obito's spirit went away and so did his Sharingan, leaving Kakashi with none.

1 Why Did He Become The Hokage When Lady Tsunade Was Alive?

It's not exactly the first time that someone took the title while the current holder was still alive; Minato took over when Sarutobi was still alive. Lady Tsunade was aware that she had grown old and it was high time to have someone new as the leader.

She happily stepped down. Moreover, Kakashi had proven himself in battle time and again that he possessed all the skills suitable for him to become the Hokage; wisdom, intelligence, sharp analytical skills, as well as unwavering strength and power.

NEXT: Boruto: 10 Burning Questions From Naruto That The Sequel Has Yet To Answer