Kisame Hoshigaki, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and a member of the Akatsuki, is known for his shark-like appearance in the Naruto series. There are several reasons why Kisame resembles a shark which relate to his abilities, background, and role in the story.
His Appearance Reflects His Shark Abilities
The most obvious reason Kisame looks like a shark is because he possesses shark-based abilities. As one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Kisame wields the sentient sword Samehada which shaves and absorbs an opponent’s chakra. Samehada’s scales and bandage-like wrappings give it a shark-like appearance as well. Additionally, Kisame can fuse with Samehada to gain even more shark-like attributes including gills, fins, and skin that makes him resistant to damage.
Kisame also utilizes powerful shark-inspired Water Release techniques such as Water Shark Bullet and Water Shark Bomb. His nature transformation combination of water and lightning Releases allows him to overwhelm opponents with devastating water-based attacks. Kisame’s monstrous chakra levels, dubbed “The Tailless Tailed Beast”, also resemble a shark’s endless hunger.
By having the appearance of a shark, it reflects Kisame’s affinity for shark abilities and establishes him as a ruthless predator. The shark-like traits give him an enhanced, aquatic hunting style suited for his role as the “Monster of the Hidden Mist”.
He Originates From the Village of the Bloody Mist
Kisame’s shark-like look is also a representation of his background as a shinobi from Kirigakure, the Village Hidden in the Mist. Kirigakure was notorious for its brutal training rituals and massacres, thus earning the moniker “The Bloody Mist”. This gave rise to the group of powerful shinobi known as the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, including Kisame, who were feared throughout the ninja world.
As someone born in the bloody, aquatic environment of the Mist Village, it makes sense that Kisame would take on an amphibious appearance. His blue skin, beady eyes, gill-like facial markings, and razor-sharp teeth resemble adaptive traits for underwater combat and hunting. The hostility of the Mist fostered a generation of cold-blooded killers, perfectly reflected by Kisame’s predatory shark form.
He Has an Animalistic, Feral Fighting Style
On top of his Water Release techniques, Kisame’s taijutsu and kenjutsu styles also encompass his ruthless, shark-inspired combat tactics. He wields Samehada for devastating slashes or can grow spikes from his skin to shred groups of enemies. Kisame’s strength and reflexes make him incredibly difficult to hit, while his massive chakra reserves enable him to fight for extended periods.
In battle, Kisame displays animalistic aggression and an intent to completely consume opponents’ chakra. He rips off limbs, overwhelms with waves of water, and keeps attacking no matter how much damage he takes. Even against beast-like jinchūriki, Kisame maintains a savage fighting spirit.
Kisame’s design as an unstoppable ocean predator reflects his innate savagery when fighting. It establishes him as a true “Tailless Tailed Beast” in terms of stamina and vicious tenacity against enemies.
He Forms an Animalistic Duo with His Shark Sword Samehada
As Samehada’s long-time wielder, Kisame shares a close partnership with the sentient, shark-like sword. They represent an animalistic duo capable of devouring opponents’ chakra without hesitation. Samehada reacts to Kisame’s bloodthirsty nature by shredding victims with its scales.
When fused together, Kisame gains even more brutal shark characteristics that complement Samehada’s abilities. They can synchronize attacks for maximized carnage, such as using Water Release: A Thousand Feeding Sharks after draining chakra with the sword. Even their personalities match, with both Kisame and Samehada willing to turn against allies if needed.
Kisame’s appearance enhances the primal, predatory dynamic between him and Samehada. Together they function as interchangeable shark and sword, making them one of the most feared duos in Akatsuki.
He Serves as an Animalistic Counter to Tailed Beasts
As Akatsuki’s “Tailless Tailed Beast”, Kisame serves as the beastly counter to jinchūriki like Naruto and Killer B. While jinchūriki harness the power of tailed beasts, Kisame’s monstrous traits and energy let him fight on par against them.
His shark-like animosity contrasts with jinchūriki who struggle to control their tailed beasts. Kisame has fully merged with his inner “tailed beast” nature for maximum lethality. Furthermore, his ability to absorb and suppress jinchūriki chakra presents him as the natural predator to tailed beasts.
Making Kisame animalistic establishes his dynamic as the savage counterpart to jinchūriki within Akatsuki. It reinforces his role as the chaotic force which balances out the stability brought by tailed beasts.
He Represents the Primitive Instincts of the Akatsuki Members
Kisame’s appearance as a shark-man highlights the primitive, animalistic instincts of the Akatsuki’s members. Despite appearing human, many members harbor inner bestial urges including Kisame himself, Kakuzu, Deidara, and Orochimaru. They satisfy these desires through violence, experiments, or inhuman transformations.
As the most blatantly feral member, Kisame symbolizes the unrestrained id which fuels Akatsuki’s quest for power. His partnership with the equally chaotic Hidan reinforces this. In contrast, members like Itachi and Konan represent Akatsuki’s more philosophical, human aspects.
Kisame’s monstrous design encapsulates the buried animal impulses of the Akatsuki which drive them to destabilize the ninja world. It provides an important contrast between Akatsuki’s human and animal qualities.
Conclusion
Kisame’s resemblance to a shark stems from various factors related to his abilities, origins, fighting style, and role within the Naruto story. His affinity for shark abilities and status as one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist establish his aquatic, predatory traits. In battle, Kisame displays savage aggression and an intent to devour chakra like a shark. His partnership with Samehada highlights their feral dynamic which counters tailed beasts. Finally, Kisame’s bestial nature symbolizes the inner animal urges of Akatsuki’s members.
By merging traits of a shark and a man, Kisame’s monstrous design captures his ruthless combat capabilities and primal instincts. It solidifies him as the “Monster of the Hidden Mist” feared across the shinobi world for his devastating Water Release techniques and unyielding stamina. Kisame’s appearance stays true to his character as Akatsuki’s animalistic brute and a “shark of the land”.