‘Kishimoto whitewashed them’: Sasuke Becoming the Shadow Hokage Isn’t the Worst Crime in Naruto When Mass Murderers Were Pardoned by Konoha

One of the most hated characters in Naruto is, hands down, Sasuke Uchiha. His popularity is a double-edged sword when it comes to his characterization. While most fans hate him, others cannot help but empathize with him.

But majorly, it has to do with Masashi Kishimoto’s writing of the character. Although readers hate him for his actions, his trajectory stems from pain, abuse, and betrayal. But there’s a trope much worse that had fans foaming at the mouth.

Sasuke Uchiha in a still from Boruto | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Of late, several fans have criticized the redemption of characters in the series. Compared to their wrongdoings, the hate toward Uchiha seems more of a misdirection.

And while the trope is mostly problematic, it highlights the flawed and warped notions of society. Redemption, therefore, is a disputed ongoing theme in the series as well as its sequel.

Konoha is a cesspool of crimes in Naruto

Mostly, Konoha is portrayed as a village striving and thriving on peace and its glory. It all seems too good to be true considering its failure to prevent crimes and atrocities. Like every other state, the Leaf Village is ridden with wrongs.

From Chunin Exams to suicidal missions, the Leaf Village has failed to safeguard its citizens. This is especially true for its children who are weaponized throughout the series. As young as 13, the ninjas are enmeshed in a warped sense of patriotism.

Orochimaru’s Chilling Experiments in the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

The Leaf Village perpetrated and pardoned questionable policies and crimes throughout the series. The Uchiha massacre is a perfect example that underlines the leaders’ failures. The ninjas were reduced to livestock that were culled by Itachi eventually.

On top of that, the Hokage enabled Danzo’s impunity in many ways. Root’s existence along with his dehumanization of the Uchiha is truly sickening. And while the Sharingan arm is unsettling that’s not the end.

Leaf’s biggest failure was to pardon Orochimaru’s crimes as most Redditors pointed out.

From abductions and experimentations to body modifications, Orochimaru’s deeds are beyond diabolical. To have him run an orphanage of his own is a mockery in itself.

In retrospect, the fandom’s hate toward Sasuke is unjust considering his past and emotionally turbulent journey. While Naruto is the Seventh Hokage, the Uchiha is the Shadow Hokage in every way.

Sasuke Uchiha, the Shadow Hokage of the Leaf

Sasuke Uchiha is one of the well-written characters in Masashi Kishimoto’s series. From villainy to redemption, his trajectory is nothing short of perilous. His journey of vengeance is mostly overlooked by fans in their hate toward the character.

As the sole survivor of the Uchiha clan massacre, his emotional turbulence is portrayed brilliantly. His hatred toward the Leaf Village is valid considering its major blunders and failures, and while it may seem unnecessary, Kishimoto was right to give the character his redemption arc.

Danzo’s Death in the Shippuden series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Redemption arcs are a hit-or-miss when it comes to villains. With Sasuke, however, it makes sense considering his layered character. What isn’t talked of enough is the constant betrayal by authorities in the series.

Be it Hiruzen or Kakashi, most higher-ups failed the children. This also ties well with the Ame Orphans and their gut-wrenching past. He is written beautifully in terms of his personality, development, and motives. Kishimoto exemplifies his shadow self in Boruto.

While Naruto is the Seventh Hokage, Sasuke is a Shadow Hokage in terms of guiding his friend. His mentoring Boruto and protecting the village is pivotal in understanding his growth and development throughout the series.

Naruto is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Viz Media.