Itachi Uchiha’s death in Naruto Shippuden remains one of the most pivotal moments in the series, not only for the character of Sasuke but for the entire narrative of the anime. His death is the culmination of a complex tale of sacrifice, guilt, and redemption. Without it, the story would have lacked the emotional depth and direction needed for Sasuke’s development and the ultimate resolution of the Uchiha clan’s tragic fate.
At first glance, Itachi’s death might appear to be an act of unnecessary violence, as he was a powerful and enigmatic character. However, his demise was essential for Sasuke’s character growth. Itachi’s death forced Sasuke to confront the harsh realities of the Uchiha clan’s history, setting him on a path that ultimately led to his transformation into a more complex and multifaceted character. This event also allowed for the uncovering of the true motivations behind Itachi’s actions.
Itachi’s True Motivation
Itachi Uchiha (via Pierrot)
Itachi’s death became a crucial turning point in Sasuke’s life because it revealed the truth about Itachi’s actions. While many believed that Itachi killed the Uchiha clan out of malice, it was later exposed that he had sacrificed everything to protect his younger brother and the village of Konoha. This revelation gave Sasuke the chance to understand his brother’s pain and sacrifice. Itachi’s actions were the foundation for Sasuke’s internal struggle, leading him to question the concept of justice and revenge.
The death of Itachi also highlighted the complexity of the relationship between siblings and the lengths to which Itachi went to protect Sasuke. Itachi’s ultimate goal was not to harm Sasuke but to ensure that Sasuke would remain alive to fight for the future. His death was not only a personal loss for Sasuke but a powerful moment of realization about the cost of power and the sacrifices made in the name of love and duty.
Sasuke’s Path After Itachi’s Death
Itachi Uchiha (via Pierrot)
After Itachi’s passing, Sasuke’s entire perspective on the world was altered. He initially sought revenge, driven by a desire to avenge his brother’s death and his clan’s destruction. However, upon learning the truth, Sasuke’s motivations became more complicated. Itachi’s death forced him to grapple with conflicting emotions, ultimately pushing him to challenge his own beliefs about revenge, justice, and the future of the Uchiha legacy.
Itachi’s death, while tragic, set the stage for Sasuke’s eventual redemption. It allowed Sasuke to step out of the shadow of his brother and create his own path. The grief and confusion that followed Itachi’s death were necessary for Sasuke to realize his true purpose and to break free from the cycle of hatred. Itachi’s sacrifice became the foundation for Sasuke’s eventual decisions and actions that would affect the entire shinobi world.
Naruto centers on Naruto Uzumaki, an orphaned boy shunned by his village because of the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside him. Unaware of why he’s rejected, he yearns for acceptance and sets his sights on becoming Hokage, the village’s strongest ninja, in hopes of earning recognition and respect.
Makima’s true nature in Chainsaw Man is one of the most shocking moments in the series, changing the trajectory of the story and the fates of several key characters. Her reveal as a manipulative and power-hungry entity was crucial to the narrative, highlighting the darker themes of control, manipulation, and sacrifice. Without this moment, the series would have lacked the intense emotional and psychological depth that fans have come to appreciate.
Makima’s seemingly benevolent persona made her one of the most fascinating and dangerous characters in Chainsaw Man. For much of the series, she was portrayed as a calm and composed mentor figure, guiding Denji through the world of devils and contracts. However, as the story unfolded, it became clear that her true goals were far more sinister. Her actions and manipulations were all part of a larger plan to control and reshape the world according to her desires.
Makima’s Manipulative Control
Denji and Makima
The revelation of Makima’s true nature was necessary for the story to explore themes of power and control. She had been secretly pulling the strings behind much of the chaos in the series, using people like Denji and others to achieve her ultimate goal: world domination. Her death-focused methods were a testament to her cold, calculating nature, as she viewed human life as expendable in her quest for power. This revelation marked a shift in the series, as it pushed the characters to confront their own vulnerabilities.
Makima’s manipulative control over Denji was one of the most disturbing aspects of her character. She exploited his desires and emotions to further her own agenda, giving him false promises of a better life while ensuring his loyalty through fear and dependency. By revealing her true nature, the series exposed the damaging effects of unchecked power and manipulation, offering a stark contrast to Denji’s more innocent and impulsive personality.
The Impact of Makima’s Reveal on Denji
Chainsaw Man (Credits: Mappa)
Makima’s true nature had a profound effect on Denji’s character development. Initially, Denji saw her as a figure of authority and someone who could provide him with the life he always dreamed of. However, once the truth was exposed, Denji was forced to confront the reality of his situation. His feelings of betrayal were overwhelming, but they also pushed him to grow and take control of his own destiny.
Makima’s manipulations ultimately led Denji to challenge her, giving him the strength to break free from her control. Her reveal not only served as a turning point in the plot but also marked Denji’s transformation from a naive and dependent individual into someone who could make his own decisions. The complex relationship between the two characters added layers of emotional depth to the story, making their eventual confrontation all the more impactful.
Chainsaw Man follows Denji, a young devil hunter saddled with debt, who merges with his pet devil Pochita to become Chainsaw Man. Recruited by the mysterious Makima into Public Safety, Denji battles devils while navigating power, purpose, and desire in a world of unpredictable chaos.
