Ch. 601Little Sasuke
Chapter Summary: “Little Sasuke”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Uchiha Yuu, Itachi, Obito, and young Sasuke return to Konoha to retrieve something important—ultimately revealed to be Hashirama’s cells.
- They discover that the former Uchiha district has been transformed into a commercial street, with the old ancestral hall now located beneath a weapons shop. This shocks and upsets Obito, who feels Konoha has erased the clan’s legacy.
- The group is watched by ANBU but is not attacked because Konoha has already been unified under the new order.
- Kakashi approaches them, and Yuu asks him to look after Sasuke while the others investigate the ancestral hall.
- Kakashi takes Sasuke to meet Naruto and Kushina, while Itachi and Obito remain with Yuu.
- The shopkeeper recognizes Yuu as the “Akatsuki Shadow” and nervously leads him to the preserved remains of the ancestral hall.
- The ancestral hall has survived largely intact because the shopkeeper maintained it, though it has been incorporated into the commercial property.
- The shopkeeper offers to demolish his shop so the hall can be rebuilt, hoping to gain Yuu’s favor, but Yuu is focused on obtaining Hashirama’s cells rather than restoring the building.
Character Developments
- Sasuke is portrayed as a sheltered but cheerful child. Unlike the original version of Sasuke, he has not experienced the Uchiha massacre or developed hatred and isolation. He is curious about Konoha but nervous around its crowds and unfamiliar people.
- Itachi remains highly protective of Sasuke. Although he understands that Sasuke needs independence, he struggles emotionally when forced to let his younger brother go.
- Obito reacts strongly to the destruction and commercialization of the Uchiha district, revealing his attachment to the clan’s heritage. His reunion with Kakashi also shows that their former hostility has been replaced by familiar, comedic friendship.
- Kakashi is initially awkward about interacting with Yuu but accepts responsibility for Sasuke. His teasing exchange with Obito shows that he has regained a close bond with him.
- Uchiha Yuu acts as the practical leader. He recognizes the emotional importance of Konoha to Itachi and Obito but prioritizes the group’s mission over nostalgia.
Significant Themes
- Erasure and preservation of history: The former Uchiha district has been repurposed, symbolizing how the clan’s presence has been removed from Konoha’s public identity. The preserved ancestral hall represents the remaining connection to their past.
- Family and protection: Itachi’s protectiveness toward Sasuke is loving but potentially restrictive. Yuu encourages Sasuke to interact with others so he can grow independently.
- Healing and reconciliation: Obito and Kakashi, once enemies or estranged companions, now interact like close friends, suggesting that old conflicts have been resolved.
- Contrasting childhoods: Sasuke’s happy, protected upbringing contrasts sharply with the tragic childhood associated with his original character history.
- Memory versus practicality: While the Uchiha survivors are emotionally affected by returning to Konoha, Yuu remains focused on the immediate objective of acquiring Hashirama’s cells.
Important Character Interactions
- Obito and Itachi: Both are unsettled by the disappearance of the Uchiha district and share a sense of loss over their former homeland.
- Itachi and Sasuke: Itachi jokes that Sasuke might be kidnapped, causing Sasuke to cling to him, which highlights both their closeness and Itachi’s overprotectiveness.
- Yuu and Kakashi: Yuu confidently reveals that he knows Kakashi has been monitoring them and assigns him the temporary role of Sasuke’s caretaker.
- Obito and Kakashi: Their reunion quickly turns into playful insults and a near-fight, demonstrating their restored camaraderie.
- Kakashi, Sasuke, and Naruto’s family: Yuu suggests that Kakashi introduce Sasuke to Naruto and Kushina, linking the Uchiha and Uzumaki families through their parents’ friendship.
- Yuu and the shopkeeper: The shopkeeper is intimidated by Yuu and tries to gain favor by offering to surrender the shop, but Yuu shows little interest because his real goal lies beneath the building.