Obito Uchiha reveals the complete truth about Itachi Uchiha’s actions to Naruto Uzumaki in Naruto Shippuden episode 339, titled “I Will Love You Always.” This pivotal episode marks a turning point in Naruto’s understanding of the shinobi world and the complex legacy of the Uchiha clan.
The Weight of Truth: The Significance of Episode 339
Episode 339 is far more than just a plot point; it’s a cornerstone of Naruto’s character development. For years, Naruto believed Itachi to be a heartless traitor who massacred his entire clan. This belief fueled Sasuke’s burning desire for revenge, a desire that threatened to consume him and destroy Konoha. By revealing the truth – that Itachi acted under orders to prevent a coup d’état, sacrificing everything to protect Sasuke and the village – Obito fundamentally alters Naruto’s perspective.
The revelation isn’t just about Itachi; it’s about the nature of sacrifice, morality, and the burden of duty in the shinobi world. Naruto, whose own path is built upon unwavering faith and the pursuit of peace, is forced to grapple with the ethical complexities of a world where good intentions can lead to terrible actions. This episode pushes Naruto to re-evaluate his strategies for saving Sasuke and averting the impending war.
The emotional impact of this episode is undeniable. Naruto, having idolized Sasuke and sympathized with his pain, now has to reconcile the image of Itachi as a villain with the reality of him as a hero. This profound shift in understanding is beautifully animated and emotionally charged, making episode 339 a truly unforgettable experience for viewers.
Obito’s Account: What Exactly Does He Tell Naruto?
Obito’s narration in episode 339 is incredibly detailed and comprehensive. He doesn’t just gloss over the key points; he delves into the intricacies of Itachi’s decision-making process and the immense pressure he was under.
Here’s a breakdown of the crucial information Obito shares:
- The Uchiha Coup D’état: Obito explains that the Uchiha clan, feeling marginalized and unfairly treated by Konoha after the Nine-Tails attack, was planning a rebellion.
- Itachi’s Dilemma: Itachi, being a double agent for both the Uchiha clan and Konoha, was caught between two loyalties. He was faced with an impossible choice: let the coup happen and risk a devastating war, or eliminate the Uchiha clan to protect the village and Sasuke.
- The Danzo Connection: Obito reveals that Danzo Shimura, a ruthless elder of Konoha, manipulated Itachi into carrying out the massacre, threatening Sasuke’s life if he refused.
- Itachi’s Request: Itachi made Danzo promise to protect Sasuke and allow him to live in peace as a Konoha ninja. He shouldered the burden of the Uchiha clan’s hatred to ensure his brother’s safety.
- Itachi’s “Evil” Persona: Itachi deliberately acted as a villain to push Sasuke away and motivate him to become strong enough to protect himself. He wanted Sasuke to be the hero who avenged the Uchiha clan.
- Obito’s Involvement: Obito admits to assisting Itachi during the massacre, as he was already a rogue ninja driven by his own agenda. He emphasizes, however, that the ultimate decision rested solely with Itachi.
Obito’s account paints a picture of Itachi as a deeply conflicted and tragic figure, a man who sacrificed everything for the greater good and the love of his brother. He presents Itachi not as a monster, but as a reluctant hero who bore an unbearable burden.
The Aftermath: How the Revelation Impacts Naruto
The knowledge of Itachi’s true motives profoundly impacts Naruto’s actions going forward. It strengthens his resolve to save Sasuke from the darkness consuming him. He realizes that Sasuke’s hatred is based on a lie, a carefully constructed narrative of revenge fueled by misinformation.
Naruto understands that simply defeating Sasuke isn’t the answer. He needs to break through Sasuke’s emotional barriers and help him see the truth about Itachi and the sacrifices he made. This revelation fuels Naruto’s unwavering belief that he can still save Sasuke, even if it means facing him in a final, climactic battle.
Furthermore, the story of Itachi serves as a cautionary tale for Naruto. It highlights the dangers of blind faith and the importance of understanding the complexities of the world. It encourages him to question authority and strive for a more nuanced and compassionate approach to conflict resolution. He comes to better understand the cycle of hatred and why he has to break it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Obito’s Revelation and Itachi
Q1: Why does Obito reveal the truth about Itachi to Naruto?
Obito reveals the truth as part of his own manipulative plan. He hopes that by revealing the truth about Itachi, he can further manipulate Sasuke’s hatred and use him as a pawn in his goal to create an ideal world through the Infinite Tsukuyomi. While revealing the truth, Obito uses it for his own ends.
Q2: Does Sasuke ever learn the truth about Itachi from Obito as well?
Yes, Sasuke learns the truth about Itachi shortly after Naruto. He initially dismisses it but eventually comes to terms with the reality after a final encounter with Itachi, resurrected by Kabuto’s Edo Tensei.
Q3: How does Sasuke react when he learns the truth about Itachi?
Sasuke is initially devastated and overwhelmed. His entire worldview, built upon the foundation of revenge against Itachi, crumbles. He struggles to reconcile the image of the “evil” Itachi with the reality of a selfless hero. This leads him to a period of intense internal conflict and a desire to destroy Konoha, the village he believes forced Itachi into such a terrible situation.
Q4: Is Obito telling the complete truth, or is he still manipulating the narrative?
While Obito reveals the core truth about Itachi’s actions, he does so through his own biased lens. He downplays his own role in manipulating the Uchiha clan and emphasizes Danzo’s influence to further stoke Sasuke’s hatred towards Konoha. He is still using the truth as a tool.
Q5: What are some other key episodes that provide context to Itachi’s backstory?
Episodes exploring Itachi’s backstory include flashback sequences scattered throughout the series, particularly during Sasuke’s confrontations with Itachi and after his confrontation with Danzo. Episodes focused on the Uchiha clan and the events leading up to the massacre are also highly relevant. The Itachi Shinden arc provides further insight.
Q6: How does Naruto use the knowledge of Itachi’s truth to try and save Sasuke?
Naruto uses Itachi’s story as a constant reminder to Sasuke of the potential for good within him. He appeals to Sasuke’s love for his brother and the sacrifices Itachi made to protect him, hoping to rekindle his sense of compassion and prevent him from succumbing completely to darkness.
Q7: Did Itachi know that Obito would eventually reveal the truth to Naruto and Sasuke?
It is heavily implied that Itachi anticipated that the truth would eventually come out. His final actions before his death suggest a strategic understanding of how his actions would affect Sasuke and the future of the shinobi world.
Q8: How does the revelation about Itachi change Naruto’s view of the Shinobi world?
It forces Naruto to confront the moral ambiguities and compromises inherent in the shinobi system. He realizes that the world isn’t simply black and white and that even those acting in the name of good can be forced to make terrible choices.
Q9: Are there any discrepancies or unanswered questions regarding Obito’s version of the story?
While Obito’s account is generally accepted as accurate, some fans question the extent of Danzo’s control over Itachi and whether Itachi could have found a different solution. The lack of complete transparency from all parties involved leaves room for interpretation and debate.
Q10: What role did the Third Hokage play in the events leading up to the Uchiha massacre?
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was deeply conflicted by the situation. He attempted to find a peaceful resolution but ultimately failed to prevent the massacre. His inaction is often criticized, as many believe he could have taken a stronger stance against Danzo and potentially averted the tragedy.
Q11: What is the significance of Itachi always lying to Sasuke?
Itachi’s lies were a calculated measure to protect Sasuke from the truth and to ensure that he would grow strong enough to survive in the harsh shinobi world. He believed that ignorance was bliss and that Sasuke would be better off hating him than knowing the unbearable truth.
Q12: Beyond this specific episode, where else is Itachi’s backstory explored?
Itachi’s backstory is explored in various flashbacks throughout the series, particularly during Sasuke’s storyline. The Itachi Shinden novels and their subsequent anime adaptation provide the most comprehensive account of Itachi’s life and the events leading up to the Uchiha massacre. These provide detailed exploration into his childhood, his ascension to the ANBU black ops, and the internal conflicts he faced.