The Unwavering Strength of Sasuke Under the Loss of the Rinnegan

The narrative's progression in the Naruto series has led to varying interpretations of Sasuke's power levels. These changes are largely attributed to the fluctuating creative decisions made by the author, Kishimoto, who may not have fully defined Sasuke's logical power progression. Despite losing the Rinnegan, Sasuke remains a formidable shinobi in the world.

Sasuke's Current Power Level

Without the Rinnegan, Sasuke's power situates him slightly below his peak when he possessed the Rinnegan. However, he remains on the edge of the absolute top tier of shinobi. His strength is such that he easily outmatches the current Naruto and no other living shinobi can match his prowess in combat.

Capable of Defeating Powerful Enemies

If motivated by bloodlust, Sasuke could potentially defeat powerful antagonists such as Borushiki and the current version of Kawaki. Additionally, his ability to decimate Code's Ten Tails army using his Amaterasu technique showcases his crippling strength. While he might not be able to overpower Code directly, he could theoretically engage in close combat with extended genjutsu to nullify teleportation techniques or other forms of evasiveness.

The Legacy of Rinnegan and Sharingan

Even without the Rinnegan, Sasuke retains numerous capabilities derived from his Sharingan and other unique shinobi techniques. For instance, he can still use perfect Susanoo, Cloak of Kagatsuchi, and genjutsu. His Susanoo can even incorporate Chidori, allowing him to integrate his Amaterasu into the technique, making it even more challenging for foes to combat.

Limitations and Benchmarks

It is important to note, however, that Sasuke's current state is significantly different from when he had the Rinnegan. He no longer possesses the ability to copy techniques or cast Amaterasu, which once made him a threat to even the strongest shinobi. In my analysis, Sasuke is still a formidable force, but he is more akin to Shikamaru in terms of power. Specifically, he is a bit stronger than Sakura, but not in the same league as Kage-level ninjas like Kakashi or the Seventh Hokage.

Conclusion

While Sasuke's Rinnegan significantly enhanced his abilities, he remains one of the most powerful shinobi in the ninja world. His strength lies in his unique techniques and the legacy of both the Sharingan and Rinnegan, making him a constant threat to any opponent. Even without the Rinnegan, Sasuke's legacy as one of the most powerful ninja in the world endures.