If you are a fan of Naruto, one of the most popular and influential anime series of all time, you probably know who Madara Uchiha is. He is the main antagonist of the series, a powerful and charismatic leader of the Uchiha clan, who seeks to bring peace to the world by plunging it into an eternal illusion.
Madara is a complex and fascinating character, who has a deep and tragic backstory, a twisted and ambitious vision, and a ruthless and cunning personality. He is also a master of speech, who can inspire, manipulate, and intimidate others with his words.
One of his most memorable speeches is the one he gave to Obito Uchiha, his former disciple and successor, when he revealed his true identity and motives to him. This speech is known as the “Wake Up to Reality” speech, and it is widely regarded as one of the best and most impactful speeches in anime history.
In this article, we will analyze the content, meaning, and significance of this speech, and why it resonates with so many fans. We will also provide you with the full text and video of the speech, so you can enjoy it in its entirety.
The Content of the Speech
Here is the full text of Madara’s speech, as transcribed (copy and paste) from the English dub of the anime:
Wake up to reality! Nothing ever goes as planned in this accursed world. The longer you live, the more you realize that the only things that truly exist in this reality are merely pain, suffering and futility. Listen… Everywhere you look in this world, wherever there is light, there will always be shadows to be found as well. As long as there is a concept of victors, the vanquished will also exist. The selfish intent of wanting to preserve peace initiates wars and hatred is born in order to protect love. There are nexuses, causal relationships that cannot be separated.
I want to sever the fate of this world. A world of only victors. A world of only peace. A world of only love. I will create such a world. I am…the ghost of the Uchihas. For truly this reality…is a hell.
Here is the video of Madara actually saying the words, as they sound ten times as powerful and memorable if you hear them directly from him: (Source: YouTube)
The Context of the Speech
The “Wake Up to Reality” speech appears in the 344th episode of the Naruto: Shippuden anime called “Obito and Madara”. In this episode, we see the first encounter between Madara and Obito, right after he was saved from under the boulders by the then old Madara. This is when Madara delivered his “Wake Up to Reality” speech.
Obito was a young and idealistic ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village, who was part of Team Minato, along with Kakashi Hatake and Rin Nohara. He had a crush on Rin, but she only had eyes for Kakashi. Obito also admired Kakashi as a friend and rival, but they often clashed due to their different personalities and views.
During the Third Shinobi World War, Obito was presumed dead after he sacrificed himself to save Kakashi from being crushed by falling rocks. However, he was actually rescued by Madara, who took him to his hideout and treated his wounds. Madara replaced half of Obito’s body with artificial limbs made from Hashirama Senju’s cells, giving him enhanced abilities and access to the Wood Release technique.
Madara claimed that he wanted to end the cycle of hatred and war that plagued the shinobi world, and that he needed Obito’s help to complete his plan.
Obito initially refused to believe Madara’s words, and tried to escape from his hideout. However, he soon witnessed Rin’s death at the hands of Kakashi, who was forced to kill her to prevent her from becoming a jinchuriki for the Hidden Mist Village. This traumatic event shattered Obito’s faith in reality, and made him embrace Madara’s vision.
Obito then returned to Madara’s side, and agreed to become his apprentice and successor. He also adopted Madara’s name and identity, posing as him for many years. He formed the Akatsuki and gathered the nine tailed beasts to revive the Ten-Tails.
The Meaning of the Speech
When you first hear the words, you can immediately feel the darkness behind them. However, it’s not so much destructive, evil darkness that consumes the speech. It’s rather a different view of the world we live in, and Madara’s way of expressing his truth about it.
We are drawing a parallel between our reality and the one in the Naruto world because this particular speech seems to have a more general message, easily applied to us as well.
The weight and intent behind what Madara has to say walk a fine line between crushing realism and bleak pessimism. He exposes the harshness and futility of life, the inevitability of conflict and suffering, and the impossibility of achieving true peace and happiness.
He also introduces the concept of karma, which he defines as the invisible forces that rule the world and determine the fate of all living things. He implies that karma is a cruel and unjust system that rejects those who do not fit in its predetermined order.
Madara’s speech is an invitation to wake up from our illusions and face reality as it is. He challenges us to question our beliefs and values, our hopes and dreams, our actions and consequences.
He also offers us an alternative: his vision of a perfect world where everyone’s wishes would come true, where there would be no winners or losers, no war or hatred, no pain or suffering. He claims that he can create such a world by using his power and plan.
He presents himself as the ghost of the Uchihas, a symbol of his clan’s tragic history and legacy. He also declares that reality is a hell, a place where there is no salvation or escape.
The Significance of the Speech
Madara’s speech is significant for several reasons:
- It reveals his true identity and motives to Obito and the audience.
- It summarizes his philosophy and ideology, which are central to his character and role in the story.
- It contrasts with Naruto’s speech, which represents a different perspective and approach to life.
- It influences Obito’s decision and actions in the following events.
- It resonates with many fans who relate to Madara’s views or find them compelling.
Madara’s speech is not only a powerful piece of dialogue, but also a reflection of his character development and impact on the story. He is not just a villain who wants to destroy or conquer the world for selfish reasons. He is a visionary who wants to change or save the world.
The Impact of the Speech
Madara’s speech had a profound impact on Obito and the audience. It was a pivotal moment in the story, as it marked the climax of Obito’s character arc and the final confrontation between Madara and Naruto.
For Obito, Madara’s speech was a reminder of his past and a test of his resolve. He had to choose between following Madara’s plan or listening to Naruto’s words. He had to decide whether to accept reality or reject it.
Obito was torn by his inner conflict, as he still had some feelings for his former friends and comrades. He also realized that Madara was using him as a pawn, and that he had betrayed his own ideals and values.
However, Obito ultimately chose to side with Madara, and declared that he would become the Ten-Tails’ jinchuriki and cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi on the world. He believed that Madara’s vision was the only way to end his pain and suffering, and to fulfill his dream of being with Rin again.
He also challenged Naruto to a final battle, where he would prove that his reality was superior to Naruto’s. He claimed that he was the true savior of the world, and that Naruto was a naive fool who did not understand the truth.
For the audience, Madara’s speech was a shocking and captivating revelation. It gave us a glimpse into Madara’s mind and personality, and explained his motives and goals. It also showed us how persuasive and charismatic he was, and how he could manipulate others with his words.
Madara’s speech also made us question our own views and beliefs, and wonder what we would do if we were in Obito’s shoes. It made us think about the nature of reality, the meaning of life, and the value of peace.
Madara’s speech also set up the stage for the final showdown between him and Naruto, who represented two opposing ideologies and visions for the world. It created a contrast between Madara’s dark and cynical outlook, and Naruto’s bright and optimistic attitude.
The Legacy of the Speech
Madara’s speech is one of the most iconic and memorable speeches in anime history. It has been quoted, referenced, parodied, analyzed, and praised by many fans and critics alike.
It has also inspired many fan works, such as fan art, fan fiction, fan videos, fan games, fan comics, etc. Some fans have even recreated or reimagined Madara’s speech in different languages, styles, formats, or contexts.
Madara’s speech has also become a source of memes, jokes, humor, satire, irony, etc. Some fans have used Madara’s speech to mock or troll others, or to express their own opinions or feelings about various topics or situations.
It has also been compared or contrasted with other famous speeches in anime or other media, such as Lelouch vi Britannia’s “Zero Requiem” speech from Code Geass, Light Yagami’s “I am Justice” speech from Death Note, Eren Yeager’s “I am Free” speech from Attack on Titan, etc.
It has also been recognized as one of the best examples of writing and voice acting in anime. The speech was written by Masashi Kishimoto (the creator of Naruto) and Yasuyuki Suzuki (the scriptwriter of Naruto: Shippuden), and voiced by Naoya Uchida (the Japanese voice actor of Madara) and Neil Kaplan (the English voice actor of Madara).
Madara’s speech has also been praised for its depth and complexity, its emotional impact and resonance, its philosophical and psychological implications, its rhetorical devices and techniques, its poetic language and imagery, its dramatic delivery and timing, etc.
Madara’s speech is a masterpiece of anime storytelling that will be remembered for generations to come.
Conclusion
Madara’s speech ends with a powerful and provocative statement: “For truly this reality…is a hell.” This is his final verdict on the world he lives in, and the world he wants to change.
He uses the word “hell” to describe reality, implying that it is a place of torment, suffering, and despair. He also uses the word “truly” to emphasize his certainty and conviction, as if he has seen the ultimate truth and nothing can change his mind.
He also pauses before saying the word “hell”, creating a dramatic effect and a sense of anticipation. He then says it with a deep and solemn voice, conveying his seriousness and gravity.
Madara’s speech concludes with a strong and memorable impression, leaving us with a lot to think about and feel.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article, and learned something new and interesting about Madara Uchiha and his legendary speech. If you did, please let us know by leaving a comment, a like, or a share. We would love to hear your feedback and opinions.
Thank you for your time and attention, and until next time, remember: Wake up to reality!