Sasuke Uchiha May Be Controversial, But Naruto Wouldn't Have Succeeded Without Him

Sasuke is one of the most divisive characters introduced to the Naruto franchise due to his many crimes and toxic behaviors. While many fans have always loved him, the last Uchiha was also a cause of rage for others, as his actions during the series could be considered unforgivable. Many believe that Naruto would have lived a better life without Sasuke constantly causing him issues.

Yet, although there is no way to defend Sasuke during most of the Shippuden era, the series would have suffered greatly if it had not followed his story. The most important themes of the Naruto series needed a foil for the protagonist who would allow audiences to see the other side of the coin. While Naruto was actively trying to end the cycle of violence, Sasuke was a victim and a participant in its spreading.

Sasuke’s Story Mirror’s Naruto

He Was Unable To Live With the Pain of His Loss

As the story of Naruto progressed, fans became aware that one of its main themes was the perpetuation of the cycle of violence and hatred that kept the Shinobi World at war. Most characters in the series have been victims of this unjust system one way or the other. Many lost friends and family in wars they had never signed up for, while others were taught from birth that hatred and mistrust were necessary for any ninja to survive. Naruto was one of the few warriors who saw the flaws of this set of beliefs and worked to change it.

Sasuke was presented as the complete opposite, unable to escape the pain he felt and motivated by a desire to inflict it on others. His quest to kill Itachi would not bring back his family, nor would it take away the pain from his loss, but it would give him the small satisfaction of hurting the person who caused him to suffer. Without his point of view, the audience would not have understood nearly as well as they did the effects and consequences of the cycle of violence.

Naruto's New Mangekyo Sharingan Proves Sasuke's Daughter Is His Total Opposite

Unlike Sasuke's dark path to power, Sarada's Mangekyo Sharingan shines with love and care, showcasing her as a true contrast to her father.

Posts5

Naruto, despite being one of the best and most endearing characters in the franchise, typically disregards the experiences of his opponents in favor of spreading his message of peace. Sasuke was essential for the viewers to witness firsthand how much damage the desire for vengeance and power could cause. His character was created to be despised by audiences, as most of his crimes could not be justified. Still, he was also included to make fans understand that sometimes pain and grief can lead even the most righteous of people into the darkest of paths.

The Uchiha Tragedy Also Explains Another Major Issue

The Shinobi World Had Been Suffering From Generational Trauma for Decades

The Uchiha and Senju negotiating the terms of their alliance.

Another one of Naruto’s core messages was the trauma that guided the Shinobi World into chaos and war with each new generation. After humans acquired Chakra, thanks to the most notable member of the Otsutsuki clan, Kaguya, they began a never-ending battle for power. Entire clans would fight against each other in a vain attempt to prove their superiority. The Uchiha were a perfect example of this trend, with their war against the Senju being the motive behind the creation of Konoha. Lamentably, not even after the peace treaty was signed did these beliefs subside.

The trauma left behind by decades of fighting caused the leaders of the village to see the Uchiha as a possible threat. They were shunned and forced to live on the outskirts of the town. This caused the clan to become resentful, ultimately ending with their attempted coup and extermination, one of the darkest moments in the series. Sasuke, as the only survivor of this cruel fate, inherited the pain and trauma that his clan had dragged with them for generations.

His Crimes Still Should Not Be Forgiven

The Man Caused Pain and Suffering Everywhere He Went

Sasuke holding his head as he laughs. Behind him, Itachi's Tsukuyomi and Shisui's Kotoamatsukami can be seen.

Although Sasuke is a victim of the system and the circumstances he was forced to live under, there is no denying that his crimes cannot be overlooked. One of the biggest and most important lessons of Naruto is the belief that destiny does not control people’s actions. Everyone is responsible for forging their path, and their decisions cannot be blamed on others. Sasuke was motivated by pain, but he still caused suffering to many others, making it impossible for his crimes to be easily forgiven.