

When Samehada absorbs chakra, its scales grow and it slowly begins to unwrap itself. Samehada is also capable of detecting and absorbing chakra, but requires Kisame's own chakra to perform the latter. Kisame's signature weapon is called Samehada, a sentient, scale-covered sword, that shaves flesh instead of cutting it. Samehada without bandages.Kisame is a powerful swordsman, and savors the use of brute strength and melee fighting over any technique. Though a difficult task, by his own admission, Kisame merely complained that he was "a bit tired". Kisame is a powerful member of Akatsuki who successfully captured the Four-Tailed Monkey's jinchūriki, Rōshi, all by himself, despite noting his target's exceptional powers. Kisame also has a deep loathing for Might Guy since their first encounter, and Guy seemed to continue to agitate him by not remembering who Kisame was when they met again. Madara has noted that, out of all of Akatsuki, Kisame was the closest to Itachi, implying that they were indeed good friends. Although Kisame does have his pride, he acknowledged Itachi as the stronger of the duo. He was very loyal to Itachi, willing to take any commands he was given without question, and constantly looked out for his well-being. Kisame is one of the few members of Akatsuki that got along well with his partner. He is also shown to be analytical, able to quickly deduce the basics behind an opponent's technique. He is seemingly aware of any potential danger to his person and can immediately react to it. Despite his aggressive nature, Kisame is very perceptive in battle. When this happens, he has been known to inform his opponent(s) that they "don't know how lucky they are." Like other characters who have trained to be one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Kisame will not hesitate to mutilate his opponents, as seen when he suggested cutting off Naruto's legs to make him easier to carry, and to prevent the latter from escaping on foot. However, he was usually unable to finish his battles, being paired with Itachi who only fights when necessary.

On his left ring finger is his Akatsuki ring, which bears the kanji for South (南, nan). Underneath his Akatsuki cloak, Kisame wears an outfit similar to the one that his colleague, Zabuza Momochi, wore during his first appearance. Kisame also wears a dark purple nail color, like Itachi. Even his name, Kisame (鬼鮫), means "Demon Shark". When he removed his cloak he was shown to have gills on his shoulders. Kisame is a very tall and strong shinobi, with a distinctive shark-like appearance, complete with pale blue skin, small white eyes, gill-like facial structures, and sharp triangular teeth. Pain stated that his reason for joining Akatsuki was "spite". Kisame later joined Akatsuki, and was partnered with Itachi Uchiha. His former country, the Land of Water, sought him out, for plotting to overthrow its government and being involved in numerous assassinations, including that of a daimyo of an unknown country. He is also known to have formed a connection to Suigetsu Hōzuki and Mangetsu Hōzuki. While in Kiri, Kisame is given the title of "Monster of the Hidden Mist". Kisame is a former member of Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, an ever-changing group of ninja that wield particularly large weapons in battle.
