Sasuke Uchiha’s relationship with his older brother Itachi is one of the most complex and central elements in the Naruto series. Over the course of the narrative, their bond evolves dramatically, marked by tragedy, betrayal, revenge, and ultimately, understanding. One of the most intriguing aspects of this relationship is the way Sasuke refers to Itachi—his words carrying weight and significance that change as the story progresses. In this article, we will explore the various ways Sasuke calls Itachi, the context behind each of these names, and what they reveal about their tumultuous relationship.
The Initial Perception: “Brother”
At the very beginning of the Naruto series, Sasuke’s relationship with Itachi is rooted in admiration. Sasuke, as a child, looks up to Itachi, who is his older brother and role model. Their family bond, shaped by the Uchiha clan’s history and values, is strong at first, and Sasuke refers to Itachi in a simple, affectionate manner, calling him “brother” or “oniisan” (the Japanese word for older brother). This term is used throughout Sasuke’s childhood, before the horrific events that would forever change his perception of Itachi.
The Early Years: The Bond of Family
Sasuke’s admiration for Itachi is clear in their early interactions. Itachi is portrayed as a prodigy, someone with incredible talent and intellect. Sasuke, though young, idolizes him and wants to be just like him. For Sasuke, calling Itachi “brother” is an expression of love and respect, as he doesn’t yet know of the darker forces at play within the Uchiha clan and the world around him.
At this point in Sasuke’s life, his relationship with Itachi is largely shaped by the ideals of family and respect that are common in many traditional societies, particularly those that value lineage and strength. Sasuke views Itachi as the epitome of the Uchiha legacy, someone who embodies the clan’s excellence. The word “brother” carries a sense of loyalty, respect, and a shared future.
The Breaking Point: “Murderer”
The peace and affection Sasuke feels for Itachi are shattered when, at the age of seven, he witnesses the brutal massacre of their entire clan. Itachi, whom Sasuke once revered, is revealed to be the one responsible for the slaughter of the Uchiha clan. This revelation marks a turning point in their relationship, and Sasuke’s perception of Itachi undergoes a drastic transformation.
The Discovery of the Truth
When Sasuke first learns the truth about his brother’s actions, it shatters him emotionally and psychologically. The brother he once loved and respected is now a murderer in his eyes. Sasuke’s response to this trauma is both intense and complicated. The word “brother” now carries the weight of betrayal, confusion, and heartbreak. Sasuke’s internal conflict is palpable, as he is forced to reconcile the image of the brother he loved with the reality of the man who slaughtered their entire family.
In the years that follow, Sasuke’s sole focus becomes revenge. Itachi’s actions turn Sasuke’s life upside down, and his desire for vengeance consumes him. This is when Sasuke begins to refer to Itachi with terms that reflect the disdain, anger, and pain he feels—terms such as “murderer” or “traitor.”
Sasuke’s Obsession with Revenge
Sasuke’s transformation from a respectful younger brother to a vengeful individual is marked by his growing hatred toward Itachi. Throughout much of the Naruto series, Sasuke’s motivation is driven by the desire to avenge his clan’s death and to kill Itachi. The term “murderer” becomes a significant part of Sasuke’s thoughts and speech, symbolizing his overwhelming thirst for revenge.
In his pursuit of strength, Sasuke isolates himself from his friends and his former sense of identity. His sole goal is to become powerful enough to take down Itachi. This phase in Sasuke’s life represents a key moment in his emotional and psychological development. His perception of Itachi as a “murderer” reinforces the bitterness and anger that define his character during this period.
The Final Confrontation: “Itachi”
When Sasuke finally confronts Itachi after years of training and obsession, the two brothers engage in a fierce battle. At this point, Sasuke has grown considerably stronger and is determined to exact his revenge. However, Itachi, knowing that Sasuke is coming for him, does not resist in the way one might expect. The encounter is tense and emotionally charged, and Sasuke’s anger reaches its peak.
The Complexity of the Final Battle
In the climactic battle between Sasuke and Itachi, Sasuke’s feelings are complex. While he still holds onto the notion of revenge, the encounter with Itachi exposes deeper layers of the relationship between the two. Itachi’s actions during the fight reveal that he has a different motivation than Sasuke initially believed. Itachi’s willingness to die at Sasuke’s hands speaks to his own personal sacrifice and the painful truth that Sasuke has yet to fully grasp.
During this confrontation, Sasuke repeatedly refers to his brother simply as “Itachi,” marking a shift in the way he views him. The formality of using only his brother’s name without any familial affection or respect is indicative of Sasuke’s emotional distance at this moment. The term “Itachi” is no longer imbued with the familial love or admiration it once held; instead, it is a cold, detached acknowledgment of his brother as the enemy, the one he must defeat to achieve his goal.
The Revelation of Itachi’s Sacrifice
At the end of their battle, Sasuke learns the tragic truth about Itachi’s actions. Itachi had not killed their clan out of malice, but rather under orders from Konoha’s higher-ups to prevent a coup that would have led to civil war. Itachi’s actions were, in fact, a sacrifice for the sake of the village and to protect Sasuke from the truth. Itachi’s true motives are revealed to Sasuke, and this revelation profoundly impacts him.
In the aftermath of this revelation, Sasuke is left with a deep sense of confusion, regret, and sorrow. The word “Itachi” now takes on a new meaning for Sasuke. It is no longer associated with the hatred and vengeance he once felt. Instead, it becomes a symbol of loss, the painful realization that his brother was a tragic figure, not a mere villain.
The Aftermath: “Brother” Once Again
After Itachi’s death, Sasuke’s feelings toward his brother become even more complicated. While Sasuke’s desire for revenge has been fulfilled, the truth behind Itachi’s actions leaves him emotionally shattered. Sasuke is torn between his old feelings of admiration and love for his brother and the painful reality of the sacrifice Itachi made.
Sasuke’s Emotional Struggles
In the wake of Itachi’s death, Sasuke is left to process the depth of his emotions. He begins to question his own purpose and the meaning of his quest for vengeance. Sasuke’s relationship with Itachi evolves once again as he grapples with feelings of grief, regret, and anger. The word “brother” re-emerges in Sasuke’s mind, but it is no longer the word of an innocent child longing for his brother’s approval. Instead, it represents the complex bond of love, hatred, and sorrow that defines their relationship.
Sasuke’s internal struggles are reflected in his actions in the later parts of the series, particularly during his time with the Akatsuki and his eventual confrontation with Naruto. He begins to understand that his desire for revenge has consumed him and has led him down a dark path. Despite this, Sasuke’s relationship with Itachi remains central to his identity, and he starts to see his brother not as a murderer but as a tragic hero.
The Redemption of Sasuke’s Character
By the end of the Naruto series, Sasuke has undergone significant emotional growth. His understanding of Itachi’s true motives and the sacrifice his brother made for him helps Sasuke come to terms with his past. In a symbolic way, Sasuke’s use of the term “brother” once more reflects his reconciliation with Itachi’s memory. While Sasuke may never fully understand the extent of Itachi’s pain, he learns to honor his brother’s legacy and the choices he made.
Conclusion
The words Sasuke uses to refer to Itachi—whether it be “brother,” “murderer,” or simply “Itachi”—reflect the emotional and psychological evolution of Sasuke’s character throughout the Naruto series. What begins as an innocent bond between siblings evolves into a complex web of love, hate, guilt, and understanding.
Sasuke’s journey is one of self-discovery, and his relationship with Itachi serves as both a source of motivation and a catalyst for his growth. By the end of the series, Sasuke has come to terms with the truth about his brother, acknowledging both the pain and the sacrifice that Itachi endured. The evolution of how Sasuke calls Itachi, from “brother” to “murderer” and back again, reflects the depth of their bond and the emotional complexity of Sasuke’s journey.
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