In episode 53 of Naruto Shippuden, “Sasuke’s Team Formation,” Sasuke prepares to unleash a jutsu against Deidara, only to be interrupted. While the anime doesn’t explicitly state the jutsu’s name, careful analysis suggests he was preparing to use a variation of Chidori, most likely enhanced or modified to counter Deidara’s explosive clay.
The Anticipation and Interruption
The scene is filled with tension. Deidara has just demonstrated the power of his C3 explosive creation, prompting Sasuke to realize he needs a decisive countermeasure. Sasuke gathers chakra in his hand, the familiar crackling of lightning emanating from his palm. However, before he can unleash the jutsu, Tobi’s antics interrupt the battle, preventing us from witnessing Sasuke’s intended attack. This abrupt interruption has fueled years of speculation among fans.
Deductive Reasoning: What Was Sasuke Planning?
Given the context of the fight, we can deduce several possibilities while leaning heavily towards the most probable one. Let’s consider the factors:
- Deidara’s Fighting Style: Deidara relies heavily on explosive clay, which are vulnerable to lightning-based attacks.
- Sasuke’s Known Arsenal: At this point in the series, Sasuke primarily uses Chidori and its variations. He has also shown proficiency in Fire Release, though less prominently against Deidara.
- The Visual Cues: The electricity forming in Sasuke’s hand is a clear indication of a Chidori-based jutsu.
Considering these factors, the most logical conclusion is that Sasuke was preparing a Chidori variant specifically designed to neutralize Deidara’s explosive clay. It’s unlikely he would employ a Fire Release jutsu, as it would be largely ineffective against Deidara’s earth-based clay and potentially even fuel the explosions.
Why Not a Simple Chidori?
While a regular Chidori would be somewhat effective, Deidara had already anticipated Sasuke’s reliance on lightning. A simple Chidori wouldn’t be enough to completely neutralize the larger clay creations or effectively reach Deidara, who maintained a distance. Sasuke needed something with more range, power, or a special property to counter Deidara’s unique techniques.
Speculation on the Specific Variant
Possible variants could include:
- Chidori Nagashi: This jutsu allows Sasuke to release the Chidori’s electricity throughout his entire body, creating a protective shield. However, its primary function is defense, not offense, making it less suitable for a direct counterattack.
- Chidori Sharp Spear: This jutsu extends the Chidori into a longer, more piercing attack. It could have been used to target Deidara from a distance.
- A New, Unseen Variant: It’s plausible that Sasuke was developing a new jutsu entirely, specifically for this encounter. This jutsu might have involved manipulating the Chidori’s electrical field to disrupt the chakra within Deidara’s clay, rendering it inert.
While Chidori Sharp Spear remains a strong possibility, the most likely scenario is a modified Chidori focusing on area-of-effect electricity or disrupting the clay’s chakra bonds. This would explain the need for concentrated chakra gathering and the implied sense of urgency.
FAQs: Demystifying Sasuke’s Potential Jutsu
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the mystery surrounding Sasuke’s interrupted jutsu:
FAQ 1: Is there any official confirmation of the jutsu?
No. Neither the anime nor the manga explicitly states the name or nature of the jutsu Sasuke was preparing to use. This ambiguity is precisely what fuels the fan speculation.
FAQ 2: Could it have been a Fire Release jutsu?
While Sasuke possesses Fire Release techniques, it’s unlikely he would use it against Deidara. Fire would not be particularly effective against clay and could even exacerbate the explosions. The visual cues also clearly indicate a lightning-based attack.
FAQ 3: Was it possible Sasuke was bluffing?
While possible, it’s highly improbable. Sasuke is a strategic fighter, but he doesn’t typically engage in empty threats. He likely believed he had a viable countermeasure against Deidara’s explosives.
FAQ 4: How strong was Sasuke at this point in the series?
At this point, Sasuke was a formidable opponent. He had defeated Orochimaru and was constantly honing his skills. However, he was still relatively inexperienced compared to elite ninja like Itachi or Pain. His power was growing rapidly, but it wasn’t yet at its peak.
FAQ 5: Why was Tobi’s interruption so significant?
Tobi’s interruption not only prevented us from seeing Sasuke’s jutsu but also subtly altered the course of the battle. It forced Sasuke to adapt and eventually rely on his Sharingan’s genjutsu capabilities, showcasing his adaptability and strategic thinking.
FAQ 6: Did Deidara know Sasuke was preparing a lightning-based attack?
Yes, Deidara was aware of Sasuke’s affinity for lightning. He even boasted about his explosive clay being the ultimate art, implying he had accounted for lightning-based attacks. This is why Sasuke needed a particularly potent or modified technique.
FAQ 7: Could Sasuke have used Amaterasu?
While Sasuke possesses Amaterasu, it’s unlikely he would have used it in this specific scenario. Amaterasu is a powerful technique that consumes a significant amount of chakra and has a relatively short range. It would be more effective against a single target at close range, whereas Deidara relied on multiple long-range attacks.
FAQ 8: Is it possible the jutsu was never fully formed?
It’s possible that Sasuke was in the process of developing a new technique, and the interruption prevented him from completing it. This would explain why the anime avoids explicitly naming it.
FAQ 9: How does Sharingan play a role in this scenario?
Sasuke’s Sharingan allowed him to analyze Deidara’s movements and chakra flow, enabling him to anticipate attacks and formulate a counter-strategy. It also played a critical role in his eventual victory through genjutsu.
FAQ 10: What if Kishimoto (the author) intended to keep it ambiguous?
It’s entirely plausible that Kishimoto deliberately left the jutsu ambiguous to fuel fan discussion and add a layer of mystique to Sasuke’s character. Ambiguity is a common storytelling technique used to engage the audience and encourage them to interpret the events.
FAQ 11: Why did Sasuke ultimately win the fight?
Sasuke ultimately defeated Deidara by exploiting the weakness of earth-based techniques (clay) to lightning, utilizing genjutsu to gain an advantage, and strategically managing his chakra. His Sharingan played a crucial role in analyzing Deidara’s attacks and formulating counters.
FAQ 12: Are there any theories about Sasuke potentially using a Rinnegan jutsu?
No. At the time of this fight (episode 53), Sasuke did not possess the Rinnegan. He acquired the Rinnegan much later in the series, after receiving the power of the Sage of Six Paths. Therefore, a Rinnegan jutsu is impossible within the context of this episode.
Conclusion: The Enduring Enigma
Despite the lack of official confirmation, the evidence strongly suggests that Sasuke was preparing to use a modified Chidori variant to counter Deidara’s explosive clay. While the precise nature of this jutsu remains a mystery, the enduring speculation highlights the captivating storytelling and intricate detail of the Naruto Shippuden universe. The ambiguity surrounding Sasuke’s unseen jutsu continues to fascinate fans and serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities within the world of Naruto.