When Does Sasuke Let Go of Revenge in Naruto Shippuden?

In the anime series Naruto Shippuden, Sasuke Uchiha's journey to let go of his vendetta against those who wronged him is a poignant arc, especially during the Fourth Great Ninja War.

Significant Turning Points in Sasuke's Character Development

A major turning point in Sasuke's character development comes during the latter part of the series, particularly in the Fourth Great Ninja War arc. This arc marks the beginning of Sasuke's emotional and ideological shift from revenge to protection. A crucial episode, Episode 478, titled 'By the End,' is a key milestone in this transition.

By the end of the series, particularly in Episode 500, Sasuke comes to terms with his past and the cycle of hatred he was trapped in. He acknowledges the need for change and seeks to protect the future rather than pursue revenge. This marks a crucial moment in his character development, leading to his eventual reconciliation with Naruto and the rest of the shinobi world.

The Confusion and Inner Struggle

Following Sasuke's reunion with Itachi, he appears severely confused. He questions the authenticity of his life and the village he fought to protect. Sasuke and his team revive Orochimaru and reanimate the Hokages, seeking answers to fill in the blanks in his life and beliefs. He wants to know the truth about Itachi, the truth about the Leaf Village, and the perspectives of the Hokages.

A significant moment occurs when Sasuke questions the First Hokage, Hashirama. Hashirama's answer, discussing the ultimate sacrifice made for the village, profoundly impacts Sasuke. Sasuke concludes that the Leaf Village is worth saving, and he should follow his older brother's example, who also made a great sacrifice for his village's betterment. From this realization, Sasuke decides to make a sacrifice, gathering hatred to foster world peace.

The Shift from Revenge to Protection

While many believe Sasuke let go of revenge after the Valley of the End fight with Naruto, it is more accurate to say that he let go of his hatred and feeling of total isolation. Revenge is a desire for retribution against those who wronged him, not just feeling of loneliness or hurt. From the point after Itachi leaves to the Final Valley fight, Sasuke is planning to change the world, not just kill those who caused him pain.

Sasuke's significant shift away from revenge occurs after his fight with Kabuto and his brother Itachi. During this period, he makes it clear that his primary goal is to protect the Leaf Village, as he believes his brother wanted to do. Sasuke's conversations with the reanimated Hokages further reinforce this new philosophy, leading him to fight in the Fourth Ninja War rather than destroy the village.

The final decisive moment comes when Sasuke realizes his brother's true intentions were to protect the Leaf Village, despite the personal pain it caused him. This revelation marks the end of Sasuke's vendetta, as he now sees the value in the village's ideals and the importance of harmony and peace.

Conclusion

Sasuke's transition from a vengeful individual to a protector of the future is a complex and emotional journey. By understanding the deeper motivations behind his actions and the lessons he learned from his interactions with his brother and the Hokages, Sasuke finds a new purpose in life.

Throughout Naruto Shippuden, Sasuke evolves from a tragic figure seeking revenge to a leader ready to embrace a more positive and inclusive future for the shinobi world.

References

Naruto Shippuden: Episodes 478 and 500, Naruto Series - Arc of the Fourth Great Ninja War