Sasuke Uchiha loses his Curse Mark of Heaven in episode 138 of Naruto Shippuden, titled “The End.” This crucial episode marks a significant turning point in his journey, as he battles his brother Itachi and ultimately overcomes the influence of Orochimaru.
The Climactic Battle: Itachi vs. Sasuke and the Curse Mark’s Fate
The long-awaited showdown between brothers Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha is the catalyst for Sasuke’s liberation from the Curse Mark. The battle, a symphony of visual prowess and emotional intensity, showcases the depths of both characters’ abilities and motivations. Throughout the fight, Sasuke relies heavily on the power granted by the Curse Mark, utilizing its transformative abilities to keep pace with Itachi’s exceptional skills.
The Role of Orochimaru’s Chakra
It’s crucial to understand that the Curse Mark is essentially a fragment of Orochimaru’s chakra, implanted into Sasuke with the intention of eventually taking over his body. As Sasuke draws upon the Curse Mark’s power, Orochimaru’s influence grows stronger, threatening to consume Sasuke’s very being. The battle against Itachi becomes not only a fight for survival but also a struggle against Orochimaru’s insidious control.
Itachi’s Plan Unveiled
During the intense battle, Itachi strategically manipulates Sasuke into exhausting the Curse Mark’s power. Itachi, unbeknownst to Sasuke, had orchestrated the entire confrontation with the specific goal of purging Orochimaru from Sasuke’s body. Itachi uses his Susanoo and its Sword of Totsuka, a weapon capable of sealing anything it pierces, to extract Orochimaru from within Sasuke.
The Sealing of Orochimaru
With a decisive strike, Itachi pierces Orochimaru’s manifestation within Sasuke with the Sword of Totsuka, effectively sealing him away forever. This action eradicates the remaining traces of Orochimaru’s chakra, including the Curse Mark that served as its vessel. Consequently, the Curse Mark disappears from Sasuke’s body, signifying his freedom from Orochimaru’s control and the potential for a new path forward.
The Aftermath: Sasuke’s Path After the Curse Mark
The removal of the Curse Mark represents a profound shift in Sasuke’s character and trajectory. While initially sought for power, the Curse Mark ultimately hindered his growth and threatened to corrupt his soul. Its removal paves the way for Sasuke to develop his own strength and forge his own destiny, though not necessarily for the better, at least initially.
Independence and Choice
Free from Orochimaru’s influence, Sasuke is now truly in control of his actions. He can choose his own path, whether it leads to revenge or something else entirely. This newfound freedom, however, is not without its challenges, as Sasuke grapples with the truth about Itachi and the village, setting him on a darker path.
Developing His Own Power
The absence of the Curse Mark forces Sasuke to rely on his own innate abilities and training. He continues to hone his Sharingan, master new techniques, and develop his strategic thinking. He starts down a road where pure skill and determination, rather than external power boosts, define his strength. This eventually leads him to awakening the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was the Curse Mark Sasuke’s only source of power at the time?
No, the Curse Mark amplified Sasuke’s existing power, but he was already a skilled ninja with inherent talent, particularly with his Sharingan. The Curse Mark served as a shortcut, providing a significant boost but also carrying the risk of being controlled by Orochimaru.
2. Could Sasuke have removed the Curse Mark himself?
Potentially, over time and with significant effort. However, given Orochimaru’s control and the mark’s increasing influence, it would have been an extremely difficult and dangerous undertaking. Itachi’s intervention was crucial and arguably the only way to completely eliminate Orochimaru’s influence.
3. Did the Curse Mark have any positive effects on Sasuke besides power amplification?
The Curse Mark did offer increased durability and regeneration, allowing Sasuke to withstand greater physical punishment. However, these benefits were overshadowed by the negative consequences of Orochimaru’s influence and the potential for complete possession.
4. How did Itachi know he could remove Orochimaru from Sasuke?
Itachi had planned for this scenario for years. He was aware of Orochimaru’s presence within Sasuke and developed the necessary techniques, specifically the Sword of Totsuka, to seal him away. His Sharingan also gave him insights into Orochimaru’s chakra structure, enabling him to pinpoint and extract it.
5. What were the long-term consequences of Sasuke using the Curse Mark?
The long-term consequences were primarily psychological. Using the Curse Mark amplified Sasuke’s rage and desire for revenge, contributing to his descent into darkness and his eventual defection from the Hidden Leaf Village. Even after its removal, the experience shaped his personality and motivations.
6. Did the removal of the Curse Mark weaken Sasuke significantly?
In the short term, yes. Sasuke lost the immediate power boost and regeneration that the Curse Mark provided. However, in the long run, it allowed him to develop his own skills and abilities more effectively, leading to greater overall strength and control.
7. Are there other Curse Marks besides the Curse Mark of Heaven?
Yes, Orochimaru experimented with various Curse Marks, each with different effects and levels of power. The Curse Mark of Heaven is considered one of the strongest, but others exist, such as the Curse Mark of Earth.
8. What happened to the other Curse Mark users after Orochimaru’s defeat?
The fate of other Curse Mark users is varied. Some, like Juugo, whose body naturally produces the enzyme that powers the Curse Mark, continued to struggle with its influence. Others, deprived of Orochimaru’s chakra and support, likely lost the ability to access their Curse Mark’s full potential or simply abandoned its use.
9. Did Sasuke ever regret using the Curse Mark?
While not explicitly stated, it’s heavily implied that Sasuke later regretted his reliance on the Curse Mark. He realized that it represented a weakness and a reliance on external power, rather than his own abilities. His eventual pursuit of true strength was a direct consequence of this realization.
10. What other methods exist in the Naruto universe to gain power besides Curse Marks?
The Naruto universe offers numerous pathways to power, including honing chakra control, mastering ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu, developing bloodline limits (kekkei genkai), training with powerful teachers, and seeking enlightenment through sage techniques.
11. How does the Curse Mark compare to Sage Mode in terms of power?
Both Sage Mode and the Curse Mark offer significant power boosts, but they operate differently. Sage Mode relies on harnessing natural energy, requiring extensive training and precise balance. The Curse Mark is an artificial power source provided by Orochimaru, offering immediate benefits but carrying the risk of control and corruption. In general, well-mastered Sage Mode is considered more powerful and less corrupting than the Curse Mark.
12. If Sasuke still had the Curse Mark, would he have been more powerful during the Fourth Great Ninja War?
It’s a complex question. While the Curse Mark would have provided an initial boost, it’s unlikely that it would have significantly altered the outcome of the war. Sasuke’s growth in skill and understanding of his own abilities, particularly his Mangekyō Sharingan and Rinnegan, far surpassed the potential benefits of the Curse Mark. The Curse Mark’s limitations and potential for control would have likely been a hindrance rather than an advantage against opponents like Madara and Obito.