Akatsuki (literally "Dawn" or "Daybreak") is a criminal organization that is the most wanted group in all of the shinobi world. Akatsuki at any given time is composed of no more than ten primary members, all of whom were S-rank criminals of their own respective villages. Members always work in teams of two and make use of their unique skills to the team's advantage. Team members must function very well or at least to accomplish their task even though they have a mutual problems with each other.

Akatsuki members wear Members wear long, dark cloaks with red clouds, a red interior, and a chin-high collar. Some have a similar hooded mantle. Some members cross out the symbol on their forehead protectors to symbolise the broken ties with their former villages. Everyone also wears a ring with a kanji on different fingers depending on who the member is. These rings signify what position each member holds.

Right thumb: "Zero"--Leader


Right index finger: "Blue"


Right middle finger: "White"


Right ring finger: "Crimson"


Right little finger: "Wild"


Left little finger: "Void"


Left ring finger: "South"


Left middle finger: "North"


Left index finger: "Triad"


Left thumb: "Jewel"

There is also the Akatsuki's mercenary group.