Madara Uchiha

Madara Uchiha (うちはマダラ, Uchiha Madara), who posed as Tobi (トビ) when first introduced, is a founder of, Akatsuki and the founder of the Uchiha clan (according to Jiraiya) When he joined Akatsuki as Tobi (replacing ), he was partnered with , revealing himself as Madara after Deidara's death. He has been recognized by Kisame Hoshigaki as once being the of, although it is unknown when.

Decades before the start of the series, Madara grew up in constant competition with his younger brother, Izuna Uchiha, who were both known as the most gifted members of their clan. Their competition led to both gaining the Mangekyo Sharingan, and, with it, they were able to take control of the Uchiha Clan, Madara acting as its leader. Even by his clan's standards, Madara's chakra was unusually strong. Under his leadership, the clan conquered all they came across, but, over time, he began to lose his sight because of the Mangekyo Sharingan. To regain his vision, he took his brother's eyes (an act Madara said his brother had consented to), allowing him to continue to lead the Uchiha to prosperity.

In the years that followed, the Uchiha constantly clashed with the equally powerful. To bring an end to the constant fighting, the leader of the Senju,, approached the Uchiha with an offering of peace. Although Madara never wanted peace with the Senju, the rest of the Uchiha wanted to end the fighting, and Madara had no choice but to go along with their decision. The Senju, the Uchiha, and all the clans they had conquered came together to form the village of. Against Madara's wishes, the villagers selected Hashirama as the village's First. Madara feared that Hashirama would oppress the Uchiha, and tried to rally support for challenging his leadership. Rather than help him, however, the Uchiha turned their backs on him, believing his only motives were due to pride and the desire for more power.Abandoned by his clan, Madara left the village, later returning in order to challenge Hashirama in battle. They fought at the site that would someday be called the, where, although Madara called upon the Nine Tailed Demon Fox ,he was defeated, and was believed to have died. Madara faded into memory, and, in time, would found. thumb|300px|right
 * Twelve years before the start of the series, the Nine-Tails attacked Konoha. Although Madara denied having had any involvement in the attack,Itachi Uchiha and Minato Namizakee the flames of war. He was found by Itachi first, who convinced Madara to spare the village in exchange for helping to wipe out the Uchiha clan for deserting him decades earlier. Madara complied, training Itachi and providing assistance. Itachi never truly trusted Madara, however, and kept an eye on him for the rest of his life.