I’ve seen this particular chapter title translated in several ways, one has translated the title as ‘ Sasuke’s Ninja Way’, while another has translated it as ‘Sasuke’s Dogma’. Which ever way you translate the title its clear that this chapter is very much concerned with understanding why Sasuke does what he is doing and has been doing since the beginning of the Part II (AKA ‘Shippuden’ in the anime) of Naruto manga.

This chapter continues with the fight going on between the Raikage and his ninjas from Kumogakure (the Hidden Village of the Land of Lightning) against Taka/Hawk, comprised of Sasuke and his band of rogues.

Sharingan by Giostigma

With Jugo in a killing frenzy, the Raikage makes the first move smashing him into a wall. Team Hawk continue their attempt to deal with the Kumogakure shinobi, Shī, that has the ability to sense people as he poses a particular threat for discovering Karin who remains hidden from the fight as she attempts to track and locate Danzo.

Jugo displays his own power as he gives the Raikage a massive point blank blast which seems to have little damage as he reappears seemingly unscathed to return the favour. Shī ends up being caught by Sasuke’s Genjutsu and is quickly overwhelmed, falling over unconscious (or possibly even dead).

Uchiha Madara by Mikutashi

The focus then returns to Naruto,  Kakashi Hatake, Yamato/Tenzo and Tobi/Uchiha Madara where more of Sasuke’s motives are revealed to the Konohagakure shinobi. They are told by Madara that Itachi, Sasuke’s elder brother, died trying to save Sasuke and Konoha, despite Konoha’s involvement with the extermination/genocide of the Uchiha clan.

Madara continues to suggest that Sasuke chose the path of vengeance against Konoha on his own and that he has been fated to take this path from the very beginning, essentially suggesting that it is simply because he is a true Uchiha, that he is doing what he is doing.

Madara then goes on to tell the story of the origin of the blood lust of the Uchiha clan from the beginning of the ninja world. The story of two brothers who turn against one another because of jealously is not a new theme, it’s effectively Biblical — see Cain and Abel) , but this fierce rivalry causes the split in the ninja world between the Uchiha and Senju.

Naruto by ekoputeh

There is clear inference throughout the chapter that Naruto and Sasuke embody these contrasting dogmas/ninja ways and just as before. They too are seemingly destined and fated to repeat history, just as the two brother did so many years ago.

The chapter closes with Sasuke heading into battle against the Raikage, one on one. I for one will be interested to see how the Raikage copes against Sasuke Mangekyo Sharingan. Next weeks chapter should be a big one as the two go head to head.

What do you think will happen to Sasuke? How does Naruto intend to avert the course of destiny? Share your thoughts below: