Did Sasuke Become Stronger Than Kakashi by the Beginning of Shippuden?

In the anime series Naruto, there is a considerable debate about the strength of Sasuke Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake by the time they reunite at the beginning of Naruto Shippuden. This article explores the evidence that supports the assertion that Sasuke surpasses Kakashi in various aspects, particularly speed and raw power.

Early Shippuden: Strength and Speed Comparison

By the beginning of the Shippuden series, Sasuke, having perfected his Sharingan and mastered new techniques, stands out in terms of power and speed. He is capable of defeating his teammates, Naruto and Sakura, effortlessly, while Kakashi, despite his own high skills, cannot claim such effortless victories over his students. This is evident from the bell test exercise during the beginning of Part 1, where Naruto and Sakura could keep up with Kakashi’s speed, indicating a decent match alongside Sasuke, who was blitzing team 7.

Speed Superiority: Sasuke vs. Kakashi

Speed is a critical factor in determining overall combat prowess, and Sasuke's speed stands out significantly. Throughout the series, Sasuke's speed is praised as he makes a joke out of his opponents. Even in Naruto Shippuden, Sasuke's speed is evident when he can catch out team 7 members at a level where they are surprised by his movements. Notably, Kakashi, even in his Mangekyou Sharingan form, failed to catch Sasuke during the search and rescue mission, illustrating that Sasuke's speed is well above that of a standard ANBU member, including Kakashi.

During the wave arc, Sasuke's speed is also highlighted. He was able to defeat Orochimaru's apprentice Deidara, who is known for his explosive nature and speed. Moreover, Sasuke's speed allowed him to overwhelm and cause Deidara to quit, reflecting his superior mobility and reaction time. This further emphasizes Sasuke's speed advantage over Kakashi, who did not show any notable speed feats in the series.

Raw Power and Techniques: Sasuke vs. Kakashi

While Kakashi is a highly skilled and experienced ninja, his raw power and specific techniques do not match Sasuke's. Even before the CM2 boost, Sasuke had mastered Chidori and had various forms of it, such as Chidori Stream and Chidori Senbon. Additionally, Sasuke's mastery of fire-style techniques and shuriken jutsu provides him with a versatile offensive arsenal. However, the most impressive display of Sasuke's power was his confrontation with Itachi Uchiha.

In the confrontation with Itachi, Sasuke managed to give Itachi a hard fight. Itachi, who was also holding back to an extent, was forced to use Amaterasu and Susanoo. On the other hand, Itachi barely thought about using Susanoo against Kakashi in their earlier encounters. The strength and skills required to use such high-level techniques indicate that Sasuke has surpassed Kakashi in terms of raw power and ability.

Endurance and Stamina: Sasuke vs. Kakashi

Another crucial factor is endurance and stamina. Sasuke's speed and power are sustained throughout longer durations. For instance, Sasuke's ability to use Chidori without significant strain is evident in his battles against various opponents. In contrast, while Kakashi's use of the Sharingan and Mangekyou requires significant energy, he often struggles to maintain his usage for extended periods.

Kakashi's technique of Kamui, while useful, takes a considerable toll on his body and takes time to activate. This technique, combined with the intense use of the Sharingan, indicates that Kakashi is not able to keep up with Sasuke's sustained efforts. In the climactic battle against Itachi, Sasuke's stamina allowed him to endure the intense battle without a significant drop in his performance.

Conclusion: Sasuke Surpasses Kakashi Early on

Based on the evidence provided, it is abundantly clear that Sasuke surpasses Kakashi in various aspects by the beginning of the Shippuden series. Sasuke's speed, raw power, and technique mastery significantly outshine Kakashi's capabilities. While Kakashi maintains tactical advantages and experience, Sasuke's raw speed and power make him a formidable opponent.