Akatsuki: meaning "Dawn," or "Daybreak" is a criminal organization, whose role in the series is to capture the jinch riki (tailed beasts inside great ninjas). It is extremely influential due to its elite membership. The admission criteria are extraordinary fighting ability and deadly ruthlessness. In order to join the Akatsuki one must prove himself to be a strong fighter, but also to sever his previous connection to his past relations. We see Uchiha Itachi's slaughtering of his clan to become a member of this group. Akatsuki's members wear special rings and village headbands with a strike line across the village symbol on the plate.
