The Unforgettable Saga: How Naruto's Writing Shaped Sasuke's Tragic Fate and the Impact of Itachi's Demise

Naruto's final storyline faced significant criticism, particularly when it comes to Sasuke's character development after the death of Itachi. Over the years, Sasuke had been a highly beloved character, thanks to Masashi Kishimoto's strong writing. However, after Itachi's demise, it appeared that Sasuke, the younger Uchiha brother, lacked direction and became a purposeless secondary protagonist.

This issue isn't limited to Sasuke alone; in fact, Naruto as a series had numerous disappointing moments in its later stages. However, Sasuke's prominent role in the story amplifies the frustration. Throughout the series, his main motivation had been to avenge Itachi's death. Once he achieved this, it seemed his involvement in the plot became more for the sake of furthering the storyline or to merely keep him occupied.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Naruto.

Sasuke's character declined in Naruto after Itachi's death

Before Itachi's demise, many Naruto enthusiasts unanimously acknowledged Sasuke as a formidable character with logical progress. Driven by his desire to avenge his clan's massacre at the hands of his elder sibling, Sasuke embarked on a journey outside the Leaf Village alongside Orochimaru. Determined to acquire the necessary strength, he recognized his own shortcomings during their initial encounter and resolved to step up his game.

All of this made perfect sense. Although Sasuke became colder and more distant in Shippuden, he still maintained his goodness by refusing to kill on a whim and even forming a new team with Orochimaru's outcasts. However, everything started to unravel for his character when he encountered Itachi and engaged in a deadly battle.

Tobi, who was actually Obito Uchiha disguised as Madara (it's a bit complicated), unveils the truth to Sasuke: Itachi was a virtuous individual who slaughtered the Uchiha clan under the Leaf Village's orders to prevent an internal conflict. This revelation completely altered Sasuke's perspective, leading him to make the decision to annihilate the Village. While this decision may have had its reasoning, Kishimoto's handling of the situation fell short.

The problem with Sasuke post-Itachi's death

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Sasuke's inconsistency in the latter part of the series, following Itachi's death, is a recurring problem for Naruto. After learning the truth about his brother, Sasuke's personality and decision-making become erratic, leaving fans uncertain if he would become an anti-hero or a pure villain.

Initially, it seemed logical for Sasuke to adopt a vengeful, murderous path upon discovering the circumstances surrounding Itachi's actions. However, the story takes a turn when Itachi is brought back, and he tries to dissuade Sasuke from seeking revenge. This conflicting influence on Sasuke's decisions further raises doubts, particularly during his final confrontation with Naruto.

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Sasuke's indecisiveness has tarnished his reputation among fans over the years. Many argue that his fluctuating character can be attributed to his traumatic past as a teenager. While this reasoning holds some weight, it does not justify the poor writing for a character of such significance in the story. Despite his prior consistency, Sasuke's constant change of heart has left a lasting impact on his legacy.

Final thoughts

Sasuke's character in Naruto was coherent until the revelation of Itachi's truth, suggesting that Kishimoto may have encountered a narrative challenge. Sasuke's substantial role in the plot is widely recognized, which now prompts the question of how the author could maintain his integrity while also orchestrating a final confrontation with Naruto. This convergence felt contrived in its execution, as if the author desired to simultaneously preserve Sasuke as a virtuous figure or anti-hero while providing a climactic battle between him and Naruto.

Sasuke remains an enduring figure in the realm of anime, carrying immense significance. Despite the unfavorable turn his character took towards the end of Naruto, his complexity undeniably suffered a setback following Itachi's demise.