Why Isn't Sasuke Allowed to Kill?

Sho

Sho

Active Member
It's a simple question.

I used to think that his kills would be done over the time-skip, and was in part what contributed to how he seemed so cold-blooded when he attacked Team Yamato at the reunion. Because we all of course thought that, if anything, being with Orochimaru for over a couple of years would be enough to change anybody. Him attacking his former friends without a change in expression seemed to support this thinking.

Yet 35 chapters after that, we see that Sasuke routinely fights groups of ninja and makes it a point to strike non-lethal blows. And we know for a fact that Sasuke was playing along with Orochimaru in letting him think he was getting his way. Suigetsu seems to confirm Sasuke's "non-killing" nature by calling him "such a Leaf shinobi" (implying that this wasn't anything new with Sasuke)

Someone might say that Sasuke isn't allowed to kill "because it's a shounen/Kishi doesn't want mortal blood on the younger generation's hands". Well I considered that, but even that doesn't square with the fact that Chouji (Jiroubou), Neji (Kidoumaru), Temari (Tayuya), Gaara (countless Sand shinobi, Dosu, some rain fodder from the Forest of Death), and yes, even Naruto (Yuura) have all killed at least one person in the past. You would think that for someone whose path is meant to be "dark" and whom everyone is trying to save that he'd at least killed someone at this point. Yet Kishimoto makes it a point that no blood falls on Sasuke's hands.

Though he tried to eliminate Orochimaru, Sasuke merely "took over" him when he attacked him in his lair. He made an effort not to land a killing blow on Deidara, and Deidara killed himself trying to take out Sasuke.

Now we get to the end of the Itachi fight. Due to all the previous circumstances, I was getting the impression that Kishimoto was saving Sasuke's first kill to be something big; something even life-changing. Looking at it in that light, it seemed so obvious to me that the first person that Sasuke would kill would be his own brother, the most important person in his life, to not only land dramatic impact, but to create a cathartic impact into Sasuke's own character development (keep in mind, I'm not saying that the latter won't happen since that has a very likely chance in the upcoming chapters, just that it's it doesn't seem to happen in the way I'm envisioning)

Yet at the end, what do we get? Itachi dies because of Sasuke, yes, much like Deidara died because of Sasuke. But he's killed through what seems his own power. His blood does not fall on Sasuke's hands.

I honestly don't see the purpose for this hold-out. What is Kishimoto waiting for? And why? Will he ever have Sasuke kill? Because if not Itachi, then who?
 
Spoiler:
Sho said:
It's a simple question.

I used to think that his kills would be done over the time-skip, and was in part what contributed to how he seemed so cold-blooded when he attacked Team Yamato at the reunion. Because we all of course thought that, if anything, being with Orochimaru for over a couple of years would be enough to change anybody. Him attacking his former friends without a change in expression seemed to support this thinking.

Yet 35 chapters after that, we see that Sasuke routinely fights groups of ninja and makes it a point to strike non-lethal blows. And we know for a fact that Sasuke was playing along with Orochimaru in letting him think he was getting his way. Suigetsu seems to confirm Sasuke's "non-killing" nature by calling him "such a Leaf shinobi" (implying that this wasn't anything new with Sasuke)

Someone might say that Sasuke isn't allowed to kill "because it's a shounen/Kishi doesn't want mortal blood on the younger generation's hands". Well I considered that, but even that doesn't square with the fact that Chouji (Jiroubou), Neji (Kidoumaru), Temari (Tayuya), Gaara (countless Sand shinobi, Dosu, some rain fodder from the Forest of Death), and yes, even Naruto (Yuura) have all killed at least one person in the past. You would think that for someone whose path is meant to be "dark" and whom everyone is trying to save that he'd at least killed someone at this point. Yet Kishimoto makes it a point that no blood falls on Sasuke's hands.

Though he tried to eliminate Orochimaru, Sasuke merely "took over" him when he attacked him in his lair. He made an effort not to land a killing blow on Deidara, and Deidara killed himself trying to take out Sasuke.

Now we get to the end of the Itachi fight. Due to all the previous circumstances, I was getting the impression that Kishimoto was saving Sasuke's first kill to be something big; something even life-changing. Looking at it in that light, it seemed so obvious to me that the first person that Sasuke would kill would be his own brother, the most important person in his life, to not only land dramatic impact, but to create a cathartic impact into Sasuke's own character development (keep in mind, I'm not saying that the latter won't happen since that has a very likely chance in the upcoming chapters, just that it's it doesn't seem to happen in the way I'm envisioning)

Yet at the end, what do we get? Itachi dies because of Sasuke, yes, much like Deidara died because of Sasuke. But he's killed through what seems his own power. His blood does not fall on Sasuke's hands.

I honestly don't see the purpose for this hold-out. What is Kishimoto waiting for? And why? Will he ever have Sasuke kill? Because if not Itachi, then who?
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Can't say.. it is clear though that Kishi is not going to let him kill. Don't know why. Even with Kakazu, Naruto de facto killed him with FRS even if he didn't do the final dirty deed. We have nothing comparable to that for Sasuke yet. Though it wasn't for lack of trying with Orochimaru or Itachi.
 
Sadly, I honestly have no real answer. This only leaves Madara and I somehow doubt he will die by Sasuke's hand.
 
The funny thing is, Sasuke has tried to kill people as well. It's just never panned out. He initially tried to kill Naruto in the VotE, and he tried to kill both Orochimaru and Itachi. Because of this, it doesn't seem like Sasuke has any reservations about killing, but rather, he's just prevented from doing so at every turn.
 
It's not just Sasuke, it's all of Team 7. I guess he just wants them to stay "innocent" and not be the violent assassins ninja are supposed to be.
 
I think up until now it's been to prove that Sasuke is still good despite everything that has happened. Now? I don't think the end of this battle has anything to do with barring Sasuke from killing, but keeping Sasuke from killing Itachi. Sort of like winning the battle, yet not winning the battle. It's more about who wins the fight between them than killing.

It's like he wins by default, but he didn't actually kill Itachi, so it's almost like he didn't actually get his revenge. And there's still the chance that Itachi is alive and has something to say next chapter. Yet, even if he is still alive, I don't think he'll be ruthless enough to kill his brother while he's lying helpless on the ground.

It's like killing for Sasuke is different than for other characters for some reason. When will Sasuke kill? Who knows. I somehow don't think it will be a very momentous occasion. Unless Itachi is alive and Sasuke stabs him through the heart next chapter.
 
good read +reps.
i don't know. maybe itachi isnt dead and sasuke will just stab him next chapter... i doubt it though
 
Yes this question is out there for some chapters now..
and I as well thought..
the first one he kills might be Itachi..

At the moment( still not thaaat sure if Itachi is dead) it just looks like the way you said Sho..
--> Again, no blood on Sasukes hands..
I also start wonder what Kishi is waiting for..
or better: What he is going to prove/ tell us...

Though I wouldn't mind if he never kills/ has to kill anybody!
And if he does,.. and Kishi saves this murder/kill off for an even bigger clash,..
I only can think of Madara.. cause it can't be Naruto...( main character/ Shonenmanga hero...)
Others are "less important than Itachi... in my eyes...
and would make it less logic that Kishi seems to save this up..

note:
( I hope everybody can understand what I mean.. my English isn't that good)
 
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I guess this is part of the reason why I think Sasuke lacks true badassery like some of my favorite anit-heroes. Hajime Saito from Ruroni Kenshin, now thats how a anti-hero should be done.
 
Sasuke is at a crossroads in his character development. If he kills a helpless Itachi and keeps his promise of "being ruthless" when it comes to Itachi, then there's a chance he's doing exactly what Madara wants and would fall further into darkness. If he decides against it...well who knows from there. There's a good chance he stills follows down this seemingly dark path, but judging from his reaction to Itachi's last words, I feel this will be Sasuke's emotional turning point. I think we'll see Sasuke still seek out his revenge, but the way he goes about it may change drastically.

So in short, to answer the question, I think to kill would be the "dark" path and to decide against it would signal Sasuke's "rebirth". But really, Kishi can go in some many directions here with Sasuke's character. You could speculate to high noon what, why, and how Itachi's death will ultimately effect him and whether or not it's directly or indirectly by his hands.
 
I'd say it's to keep the little remaining amount of innocents that Sasuke still has intact, by not/never killing.
 
Bonds said:
Sasuke is at a crossroads in his character development. If he kills a helpless Itachi and keeps his promise of "being ruthless" when it comes to Itachi, then there's a chance he's doing exactly what Madara wants and would fall further into darkness. If he decides against it...well who knows from there. There's a good chance he stills follows down this seemingly dark path, but judging from his reaction to Itachi's last words, I feel this will be Sasuke's emotional turning point. I think we'll see Sasuke still seek out his revenge, but the way he goes about it may change drastically.

So in short, to answer the question, I think to kill would be the "dark" path and to decide against it would signal Sasuke's "rebirth". But really, Kishi can go in some many directions here with Sasuke's character. You could speculate to high noon what, why, and how Itachi's death will ultimately effect him and whether or not it's directly or indirectly by his hands.
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I think this is the best answer so far. I would give you more rep but it says I have to spread some more around :sweat
 
For Sasuketards: He intentionally spares their lives because he's awesome like that.

For everyone who hates Sasuke with a passion: For all the hype, he just really sucks at killing people.

There. Satisfied?
 
Sasuke seems to be distinct for this very reason. He goes out of his way to spare shinobi when most, if not all, others would just make their lives easy and go for the kill. Judging from Suigetsu's comment it seems that Konoha (or at least someone famous from Konoha) believed in such a system of sparing the lives of opponents. Yet over time we see that this way of thinking has not persisted. Not even the main character, Naruto, gives a second thought to killing (or potentially killing) his opponents. It really begs the question why the change in policy?

I think a proper comparison would be the bloody mist (which happened to be the exact opposite situation - killing too much). Both Konoha and Kiri went from completely being in one way of thinking to more of a middle ground, except in Konoha's situation it may be construed for the worse in a respect. For somewhere where "bonds" are supposedly incredibly important, the thought currently seems to be that it doesn't really apply to opponents of battle. A logical, if not slightly radical, extension of the philosophy could easily be "I don't want to lose my bonds, so those who are bonded with my opponent should not suffer because of me."

Sasuke's personal reasoning for his actions more than likely has to do with the massive amount of death that he's been around. Itachi and Madara massacred his clan, he spent 2.5 years with a psychopath who does horrendous experiments, among other things, to people he holds captive, and he almost killed Naruto, his best friend, just to gain power. I'd tend to think that almost killing Naruto is probably what got him started (or put him over the edge) on his current path. Had Sasuke gone through with killing Naruto, he would have been no better than Itachi. Perhaps sparing opponents is a means for Sasuke to differentiate himself from those like Itachi and Oro whom he clearly despises.
 
Suzume said:
I think this is the best answer so far. I would give you more rep but it says I have to spread some more around :sweat
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I liked yours more but I maxed out on rep for the day.

To add, I really think that whatever Itachi said, it's groundbreaking. Just look at Sasuke's face. He went from unadulterated fear to pure shock just from those few words Itachi uttered (who even smiled after saying it). These words I think clearly will have a profound impact on Sasuke. We may not even know what it was he said for a long time, but we may see it through his actions. Hopefully we know next week though. Anyway, that's just what I think.
 
mechunter said:
Sasuke seems to be distinct for this very reason. He goes out of his way to spare shinobi when most, if not all, others would just make their lives easy and go for the kill. Judging from Suigetsu's comment it seems that Konoha (or at least someone famous from Konoha) believed in such a system of sparing the lives of opponents. Yet over time we see that this way of thinking has not persisted. Not even the main character, Naruto, gives a second thought to killing (or potentially killing) his opponents. It really begs the question why the change in policy?

I think a proper comparison would be the bloody mist (which happened to be the exact opposite situation - killing too much). Both Konoha and Kiri went from completely being in one way of thinking to more of a middle ground, except in Konoha's situation it may be construed for the worse in a respect. For somewhere where "bonds" are supposedly incredibly important, the thought currently seems to be that it doesn't really apply to opponents of battle. A logical, if not slightly radical, extension of the philosophy could easily be "I don't want to lose my bonds, so those who are bonded with my opponent should not suffer because of me."

Sasuke's personal reasoning for his actions more than likely has to do with the massive amount of death that he's been around. Itachi and Madara massacred his clan, he spent 2.5 years with a psychopath who does horrendous experiments, among other things, to people he holds captive, and he almost killed Naruto, his best friend, just to gain power. I'd tend to think that almost killing Naruto is probably what got him started (or put him over the edge) on his current path. Had Sasuke gone through with killing Naruto, he would have been no better than Itachi. Perhaps sparing opponents is a means for Sasuke to differentiate himself from those like Itachi and Oro whom he clearly despises.
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Another superb answer, and I think you're right. Sasuke has even said on numerous occassions he won't follow in his brother's footsteps, echoing what his father told him so many years ago. Sasuke realized at the VoTE that he was doing exactly that and from that point on has made sure to differentiate himself from his brother.
 
I wonder if Sasuke, when it came down to it, would have been truly able to deliver the final blow to Itachi... He's spent the majority of his life with one goal in mind (well two if you include restoring his clan), and he even betrayed everyone who trusted him, everyone of his past, to achieve this goal. And then suddenly the moment arrives. I wonder if would have been able to do it. It really reminds me a lot of Shakespeare's play, Hamlet.
 
Sasuke becomes Jesus :zaru

whateva it's Shouenish, Kishi don't want to make him turn into evil

Kishi >need> money f Sasuketards

Nobu Watsuki did great job on Kenshin, it goes same for Sasuke :zaru
 
Wait a minute, I just realized something: Sasuke has killed before.

He sacrificed Manda's life in order to escape from Deidara's blast.
 
I really don't know why, but after reading this:

I honestly don't see the purpose for this hold-out. What is Kishimoto waiting for? And why? Will he ever have Sasuke kill? Because if not Itachi, then who?
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I really feel that the answer is Naruto.

Why???

I can only grab at straws and say that the story will take a drastic turn because after Itachi, what is there left for Sasuke. Madara??? He is leagues beyond anyone else. I really think that something drastic will happen that will give Sasuke a new purpose and it will all end with a Sasuke vs. Naruto battle with Sasuke killing Naruto(unwillingly maybe??) to save the world or at least Konoha or something.

lol Anything could happen to lead up to a final showdown like that, but I don't think Orochimaru, Pein, or Madara will be the final boss. It might be Naruto himself thanks to a complete loss of control or something and Sasuke would have to come to the rescue for some unfathomable reason. . . . . .


raMbo
 
Sho said:
It's a simple question.

I honestly don't see the purpose for this hold-out. What is Kishimoto waiting for? And why? Will he ever have Sasuke kill? Because if not Itachi, then who?
Click to expand...

In-story motives aside, Kishimoto will probably have Sasuke kill the person who is going to attempt to kill Naruto. That'll show the will behind his desire to protect his friends with the Chidori, as Kakashi taught him. Either that, or he'll be too late and Naruto will have died already. Anyway, Sasuke will most likely kill for the sake of his friends.
 
ximkoyra said:
I really don't know why, but after reading this:



I really feel that the answer is Naruto.

Why???

I can only grab at straws and say that the story will take a drastic turn because after Itachi, what is there left for Sasuke. Madara??? He is leagues beyond anyone else. I really think that something drastic will happen that will give Sasuke a new purpose and it will all end with a Sasuke vs. Naruto battle with Sasuke killing Naruto(unwillingly maybe??) to save the world or at least Konoha or something.

lol Anything could happen to lead up to a final showdown like that, but I don't think Orochimaru, Pein, or Madara will be the final boss. It might be Naruto himself thanks to a complete loss of control or something and Sasuke would have to come to the rescue for some unfathomable reason. . . . . .


raMbo
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Hmmm, that is interesting. It would be more interesting if the first Hokage and Madara were actually sort of companions (friendly teammates like Naruto and Sasuke used to be)... Somehow Sasuke will represent Madara, and Naruto (with his necklace) the First.. They will fight, but maybe their fight will have a better ending..? It should go back to the Valley of the End (where they all fought before, yet this time the outcome will be more conclusive). It would be an interesting parallel of the new generations connecting with the past.
 
mechunter said:
Sasuke seems to be distinct for this very reason. He goes out of his way to spare shinobi when most, if not all, others would just make their lives easy and go for the kill. Judging from Suigetsu's comment it seems that Konoha (or at least someone famous from Konoha) believed in such a system of sparing the lives of opponents. Yet over time we see that this way of thinking has not persisted. Not even the main character, Naruto, gives a second thought to killing (or potentially killing) his opponents. It really begs the question why the change in policy?

I think a proper comparison would be the bloody mist (which happened to be the exact opposite situation - killing too much). Both Konoha and Kiri went from completely being in one way of thinking to more of a middle ground, except in Konoha's situation it may be construed for the worse in a respect. For somewhere where "bonds" are supposedly incredibly important, the thought currently seems to be that it doesn't really apply to opponents of battle. A logical, if not slightly radical, extension of the philosophy could easily be "I don't want to lose my bonds, so those who are bonded with my opponent should not suffer because of me."

Sasuke's personal reasoning for his actions more than likely has to do with the massive amount of death that he's been around. Itachi and Madara massacred his clan, he spent 2.5 years with a psychopath who does horrendous experiments, among other things, to people he holds captive, and he almost killed Naruto, his best friend, just to gain power. I'd tend to think that almost killing Naruto is probably what got him started (or put him over the edge) on his current path. Had Sasuke gone through with killing Naruto, he would have been no better than Itachi. Perhaps sparing opponents is a means for Sasuke to differentiate himself from those like Itachi and Oro whom he clearly despises.
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The problem with this assertion is that Sasuke didn't really try to not kill Oro or Itachi when he was fighting them. He went all out, but was denied the chance to finish them off.
 
hcheng02 said:
The problem with this assertion is that Sasuke didn't really try to not kill Oro or Itachi when he was fighting them. He went all out, but was denied the chance to finish them off.
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It's really debatable if Sasuke ever tried to kill Orochimaru or not. He very well may have had a plan to take him over from the start. I think though, Sasuke felt Orochimaru was no different than Itachi (he basically said as much) so it was his intention to kill him. The point still remains though that Sasuke has so far demonstrated that he hasn't tried to kill anyone who I suppose he deems less evil than those two, and especially not innocents.
 
its probably kishimoto influenced too much by fangirls, he wants to keep making that yen so he cant have an evil sasuke even though he has to contradict his own storyline to do so
 
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