Ch. 561Hold Still, Don't Move!
Chapter Summary: “Hold Still, Don’t Move!”
Key Plot Points and Events
- The battle suddenly shifts when Danzo successfully captures Sasuke alive after one of his subordinates sacrifices himself to create an opening.
- Itachi is blamed for allowing the situation to happen, as he had been holding back against Yamanaka Fu because of his lingering attachment to Konoha.
- Danzo uses Sasuke as a hostage, threatening to kill him unless Itachi and the others withdraw. He believes Sasuke’s capture gives him control over Itachi and a chance to escape.
- Nagato decides that Akatsuki will kill Danzo if necessary and simply blame him for Sasuke’s death, since Danzo’s life is not worth compromising their position.
- Itachi refuses to surrender, pointing out that Nagato and the others would not permit Danzo to leave even if he personally agreed.
- Danzo then demands that Itachi stop the Akatsuki members while he escapes. Itachi appears to accept, causing Danzo to release Izanagi and lower his guard.
- Instead of saving Sasuke in the expected way, Itachi tells him not to move and uses the Totsuka Blade to pierce both Sasuke and Danzo through the heart at once.
Character Developments
- Itachi: His usual restraint and emotional attachment to Sasuke are shown as weaknesses that contributed to his predicament. However, he ultimately demonstrates his tactical brilliance by deceiving Danzo and choosing a decisive move that eliminates both hostage and captor.
- Sasuke: He is rendered helpless by Danzo’s curse seal and initially believes Itachi will rescue him because of his brother’s love. His relief turns to shock when Itachi apparently stabs him.
- Danzo: He becomes overconfident after capturing Sasuke, believing he has finally gained leverage over Itachi and secured his escape. His arrogance blinds him to Itachi’s true intentions.
- Nagato and Akatsuki: They remain pragmatic and ruthless, prepared to sacrifice Sasuke rather than allow Danzo to escape. Their confidence in Itachi’s loyalty is tested by his apparent willingness to strike Sasuke.
- Xiao Di and Sasori: Xiao Di reacts emotionally and angrily to Sasuke’s defeat, while Sasori analyzes the battle more calmly, emphasizing strategy and coordination.
Significant Themes
- Love versus strategy: Itachi’s love for Sasuke appears to make him vulnerable, but he ultimately uses Danzo’s assumptions about that love against him.
- Deception and misdirection: Danzo believes he is manipulating Itachi, yet Itachi is actually waiting for the precise moment to counterattack.
- The costs of war and power: Sasuke’s life is treated as a strategic resource by both sides, illustrating the brutality and emotional detachment of the conflict.
- Overconfidence and miscalculation: Danzo’s apparent victory collapses because he assumes Itachi will act according to predictable emotional motives.
- Sacrifice and moral ambiguity: Itachi’s decision to pierce Sasuke in order to kill Danzo raises the question of whether he is genuinely sacrificing his brother or executing a risky plan to save him.
Character Interactions
- Xiao Di criticizes Itachi for holding back and worries that Sasuke’s defeat reflects badly on him.
- Sasori explains that even stronger fighters can be threatened by surprise attacks and effective teamwork.
- Nagato tells the others to kill both Danzo and Sasuke if Itachi turns against them.
- Danzo repeatedly threatens Sasuke to force Itachi into submission, while Itachi calmly refuses to accept Danzo’s terms.
- Sasuke places his trust in Itachi when his brother tells him not to move, only for Itachi to seemingly stab him and Danzo simultaneously, ending the chapter on a dramatic cliffhanger.