Zetsu/original

Zetsu is a member of the Akatsuki and former shinobi of the Hidden Grass. He is easily recognized by what seems to be a venus fly trap flanking his face, which is split down the center, his left half of his human components bleach white, and the right side pitch black.

Zetsu's appearance seems to be manifested from the fact he has a split personality, two halves which argue from time to time, before one side gives in or a compromise is reached. His venus fly trap appearance seems to allow him to camouflage himself by merging or concealing himself within trees and plants.

Zetsu is the only Akatsuki member without a partner, and acts as the organization's spy and messenger. He is also the only member shown capable of moving around while performing the astral projection jutsu used when extracting tailed-beasts. The reason why isn't entirely clear, since by sheer power or chakra, Zetsu is able to move around while powerful members like Kisame Hoshigaki and Itachi Uchiha are rendered prone to their meditative states. However, it seems plausible this may be linked to his split personality, one side controlling the jutsu, the other controlling the body, but this is only speculation on the part of fans.

Zetsu was the primary proponent that Tobi be made a full Akatsuki member, though Kisame has also seemed to taken a liking to him.

Zetsu, or at least one side of him, is cannibalistic, devouring human bodies which could be used as evidence against them. In one instance, one side of his personality eggs the other on to devour the subordinates Sasori offered to Pein as sacrifices to create copies of Itachi and Kisame, after they were defeated by Team Kakashi and Team Guy, respectively.