While Naruto Uzumaki‘s journey from an abandoned outcast to a revered shinobi is the heart of Naruto, the themes and plot are enriched by the complex relationship and rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke Uchiha. However, Sasuke’s role in the story is far from just a creative tool to add narrative tension and in-story dynamism. Rather, it’s a fundamental element of the story that is essential to its ultimate ending.
In an interview with the series’ French distributor, Kana, Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto discusses, among other elements of the story, the special relationship that exists between Naruto and Sasuke, and why – due to the fact that the two are inseparable for story purposes – their connection is so unique.
While there are many threads to their connection, Kishimoto points out that the philosophical dynamic is the core element of their inseparability. Naturally, the philosophical perspective with its focus on complex issues such as loneliness, family tragedy, friendship, and morality is less obvious and more difficult to discern than the more outstanding parts of Naruto and Sasuke’s relationship. According to Kishimoto, however, to fully understand the series’ ending, one must first comprehend its philosophical underpinnings.
Uzumaki versus Uchiha Is The Ultimate Rivalry
Created by Masashi Kishimoto
According to Kishimoto, Naruto and Sasuke were necessary for each other’s existence. Despite the fact that Sasuke “disappears” from the story for extended periods, there’s no other person more integral to Naruto’s growth than him. Conversely, without Naruto’s influence, it’s unlikely that Sasuke would have been able to redeem himself. Kishimoto draws an analogy between their relationship and complementary colors, emphasizing their interdependence by stating that each cannot exist in isolation from the other.
The dynamics of their relationship – and its centrality throughout the series means that any suitable ending to the story would have to reconcile the tensions that are inherent in their interactions. Kishimoto identified that as Naruto’s need to be acknowledged and Sasuke’s inability to acknowledge anyone but himself. When these tensions were ultimately resolved, which Kishimoto points to as the time when Naruto hands back Sasuke’s headband, then there was no further need to continue the story.
Naruto and Sasuke Are Bound Together For Life
They’re perfect foils, and the best of friends
There are few rivalries in manga or anime as iconic as the one between Naruto and Sasuke. It has the duality and contrast that is necessary in any rivalry. Naruto and Sasuke represent two wildly different perspectives on life, especially concerning family connections and a son’s place in the clan legacy. There’s also the requisite narrative tension of great rivalries. Naruto and Sasuke have tried to “one-up” each other since they were kids. But even so, there’s also been a thread of camaraderie that only got stronger as they aged and began to see life from the other’s perspective.
While there is no unbreakable rule that rivalries in other series are inseparable, Kishimoto makes clear that Naruto and Sasuke’s rivalry is intrinsically connected. But while there is no unbreakable rule that other rivalries are inseparable and acutely symbiotic, Kishimoto makes clear that Naruto and Sasuke’s relationship is indivisible. Put another way, while rivals in other series, such as Batman and the Joker, can exist independently of one another – Naruto and Sasuke cannot. The resolution of their inherent and inevitable conflict could only mean the end of their story – and the series.
Read Now On Manga Plus
Watch Now On Crunchyroll
Naruto: Shippuden
Set two and a half years after the events of Masashi Kishimoto’s original anime, Naruto Shippuden continues the titular hero’s attempts to become the best ninja in the Hidden Leaf Village and bring his former friend Sasuke Uchiha back to the light. The 500-episode series features the return of allies such as Sakura Haruno and Naruto Uzumaki’s mentor Jiraiya, as well as the villainous organization Akatsuki.
