 Kishimoto created Obito early in the series to explore his relationship with Kakashi and explain how his friend possessed the eye technique of , unique to the Uchiha clan.Since Obito kept his identity secret, Kishimoto teased fans to anticipate the true identity of Tobi (most notably when the actual Madara Uchiha was revealed, which shocked fans and his voice actor).Critical reception of Obito's character has been positive for his portrayal as a child soldier in Kakashi's backstory and his role across the series' manga and anime, particularly his fight scenes.