#about itachi

[uchihasavior]

I read ur HCs that itachi is gay but why wouldn’t it matter if sasuke were a girl and he would then be not gay? Sorry just curious haha

[[ That, my dear anon, is why it's just a headcanon. Also, to be fair, some of those are at least 8-9 years old. I might not fully agree with some of them anymore! You can always bring one up and I can clarify. The wonderful thing about AUs/What ifs is We Can Do What We Want.

For the sake of the post, Itachi is just Sasuke-sexual. ]]

[uchihasavior]

if itachi loved sasuke so much, why didn’t he make much time and always pushed him away, even before he knew the massacre would happen?

and do you think itachi made a mistake by massacring the clan? Couldn’t there have been other solutions? And is it selfish of itachi to keep sasuke alive, if it might’ve been better if sasuke died? (I would have preferred that if I were sasuke)

Also, is it canon that itachi had romantic feelings for Izumi? I felt like the only indication was that he gave her a happy ending with him before killing her.

your analysis of itachi is very in character and I would like to hear your opinion

if itachi loved sasuke so much, why didn’t he make much time and always pushed him away, even before he knew the massacre would happen?

[[ The simplest answer is that Itachi is a silly boy, who believes that keeping distance from Sasuke and prioritizing his training and his goal of "becoming strong enough to maintain peace" will pay off and suddenly he'll have all the time in the world to spend with Sasuke. Think of like, a married man who prioritizes his work so his kids/wife can have an easy life but it turns out he barely has any time for them because of that. Both, in this example, come from a place of care, even it the person doesn't see it that way. It's mentioned in the novels that he wants to spend time with Sasuke, he really genuinely does, but he's waiting for that magic moment when his distance/focus on other things "pays off" and the time will appear.

Even without the massacre looming over him, there was the tension between the Uchiha and the leaf that existed well before Itachi was born. It isn't as simple as "bye, playing with my brother 24/7!" Itachi felt he had to focus on other things, that was his point of view of the situation.

and do you think itachi made a mistake by massacring the clan? Couldn’t there have been other solutions?

Yes on it being a mistake. Massacreing the clan didn't stop Suna from attacking the Leaf (and it had nothing to do w/ the Uchiha either), nor did it stop Pein's attack on the village (also had nothing to do with the Uchiha), and it didn't stop Obito from declaring a World War wearing Madara's name. (Obito didn't like the Uchiha, either lmao).

But be fair, Itachi was thirteen years old and Danzo had been grooming him since he was around 7. He literally was just a kid, which brings us to...

There were no other solutions. Danzo was intent on killing the Uchiha long before the Kyuubi attack made for the perfect scapegoat to sequester them to the edge of the village. If he didn't get Itachi to agree to the massacre, the Uchiha would've actually enacted the coup via Danzo finally pushing them over the edge, resulting in them being slaughtered by the village and labeled as public traitors.

Danzo was always going to kill them, one way or another.

Also, is it canon that itachi had romantic feelings for Izumi? I felt like the only indication was that he gave her a happy ending with him before killing her.

This highly depends on your interpretation of romantic. Are we talking holding hands, frolicking in the fields and making out in the car at the drive-in theatre romance? Then no. If we're talking that Itachi didn't dislike her and was content at the idea of settling down and having children with her, then yes. This question isn't an easy yes/no, it really depends.

Itachi didn't choose to give her that Tsukuyomi death randomly, and as someone who ships Itachi mostly with other people and doesn't mind Itachi/Izumi, he wasn't head over heels in love, but he definitely liked her as a person and was content/at peace with the idea that if things were different, he'd probably settle down with her. He's not going to be singing the praises of his wife over the village cliff, but he would definitely treat her with respect and gentleness. Izumi also takes all the guesswork of finding a partner, she is already there.

your analysis of itachi is very in character and I would like to hear your opinion

Thank you!!! I hope I answered all your questions :3 ]]

[uchihasavior]

What’s a normal amount of physical touch itachi would be comfortable with with sasuke, non massacre?

[[ ALL.

Sasuke's his baby bro, Sasuke could glue himself to him. He'd appreciate any and all touch Sasuke's willing to give. ]]

[uchihasavior]

Is itachi the sort of person who would still be in a relationship with Sasuke if the circumstances permitted given that they are brothers?

[[ This depends on context! "Circumstances permitted" doesn't quite cut it.

The short answer is of course, no. In any situation where the parties/society would just shrug and look the other way at ItaSasu, Itachi will not initiate. He will not pursue Sasuke.

Brushing aside the fact that theyre blood siblings, Itachi is the elder brother, and Sasuke truly admires/respects him, so that automatically puts Itachi into a position of influence/power over Sasuke. Which by itself, there is nothing wrong with, but it is wrong if Itachi intentionally uses that influence/admiration Sasuke has to twist their relationship into incest. Which again, he wouldn't!

Itasasu depends entirely on Sasuke. Even an Itachi who has realized that his feelings for Sasuke are more than just 'brotherly' still won't act on them. He knows it's not his place, he will keep that to himself. It's when Sasuke discovers that and reciprocates that gets the ball rolling. It's up to Sasuke to pursue and wear Itachi down until Itachi gives in. And it'll take a while!

Sasuke has to know, and Sasuke has to be a menace about it. ]]

[uchihasavior]

hello!

does itachi have a favourite dango flavour?

[[ He prefers the original! ]]

[tamelee]

What do you think of itachi? Do you think he was good or bad? As a brother? As a person, character?

I think a whole lot about Itachi, but I don’t have a strong opinion that leans either way nor do I think it can be so easily categorized. The story explains Itachi’s actions, but there’s a lot of criticism right? People feel like Kishimoto didn’t stay consistent or changed his mind on Itachi too suddenly. Personally, I don’t think ‘a change being sudden’ is really the problem, but there is lack of foreshadowing deeper-seated feelings Itachi may have had about certain situations. A little sub-text to refer back to after the revelations later on in the story would’ve been nice. (And uh, well, there’s the system issues.)

I’m referring mostly to this scene:

In storytelling, stakes are crucial as they provide all the motivation a character may have to make a decision (especially the drastic ones) and I feel like Kishimoto hasn’t done that as much as I know he could’ve with Itachi. He didn’t truly show, nor prove, how disastrous it would’ve been if Itachi decided differently. Especially since the aftermath of the complete annihilation of the Uchiha aided in a repercussion (Obito’s plan for example) which may be more consequential than “a possible civil war”. There shouldn’t be any room for “it may not’ve been necessary” in this scenario. But in some of these cases the stakes of Itachi's actions are muddied by alternative possibilities (a tricky thing, writing) and so… it weakens the narrative impact Kishimoto tried to create imo. Both regarding the system, as well as Itachi’s intentions towards Sasuke and the way he went about it. Also, because Sasuke demonstrates throughout the story how perfectly capable he is to develop his abilities and pursuing goals that he prioritizes in every moment. (Hence, Naruto and Sasuke could’ve really been in each other’s shoes.) As well as the whole reincarnation thing that dilutes the stakes because some alien-guy with a staff comes in later to power-boost their asses anyway. 

(Personally I would’ve loved to see the story delve more into Itachi’s internal struggle with war, how he felt growing up and the topic of 'sacrifice' to put less focus on ‘duty’ and Shinobi being ‘tools’ or the meaning of a clan since the Hyuga weren’t treated the same so yeah what is a clan anyway then, but imo that applies to several more characters.)

Hm’ many conversations about Itachi often revolve around justifying or condemning his actions. However, I think (and I don’t say this often because I’m a strong Kishimoto-defender lol) that the valid criticism regarding Itachi could’ve been corrected with a few tweaks within the story itself. (Even a few panels tbh, just to provide the necessary context or clarity.) Despite issues, I don’t think Itachi is a poorly written character. I enjoy morally-grey characters, I just think in this case, it’s not sufficient enough for what it was trying to be… if that makes sense at all? 

Tbh, it’s a lot more satisfying to measure a character like Itachi through Sasuke’s perspective. His journey provides the necessary lens to determine whether to agree or disagree. I feel like many pro-stans project their own feelings about Itachi onto Sasuke, but whether they align or not, he has his own conclusions eventually. It's what the story shows is 'right' not what you personally think is 'right', yeah? The complexity is what makes Itachi a good character to me, but story-wise as a person I don’t agree with his actions and I think Kishimoto could've presented things better to suit the narrative he's going for. 

[uchihasavior]

what made you pick up this character?

I decided to catch up to Naruto after a few years break and thought Itachi was nice to pick up because of the Edo Tensei arc!

how did you get into this franchise/fandom?

I've always been into Naruto! It just went dormant for a little bit, but like... you never escape lol. I began watching it on Toonami when I was in late middle school tho. U never forget the first time u see the wave arc and Haku dies......

what’s the best thing about the show/series/books/comics/etc.?

The art! Seriously, watching Kishimoto's art develop from the beginning to the end is beautiful.

what’s the worst thing about the show/series/books/comics/etc.?

Uhh. it's hard to say what I legitimately hate! I have criticisms like everyone else but nothing I hate.

what’s the best thing about the fandom?

Fanart and fanfiction! Seriously, I've gotten into so many ships that I wouldn't have given a chance if I hadn't seen fanart or peeked into a fanfic that seemed kinda interesting.  

what’s the worst thing about the fandom?

Antis, of course, but on another note the media literacy of the fandom as a whole has sunk into the negatives. Too many people taking things at face value and refusing to let the story unfold infront of them. Characters change!!

what’s the best thing about the canon you are writing?

Itachi is the only character who realized his actions towards Sasuke were is own fault and didn't seek excuses. He knows he hurt Sasuke and that Sasuke didn't owe him any forgiveness or understanding.

what’s the worst thing about the canon you are writing?

How Itachi at 13 years old is treated as if the massacre was preventable, and as if he had the decision making skills of an adult and not a kid who was groomed by both sides since he was seven. "just say no to the massacre lol". But this is more of a fandom problem, really.

have you tweaked the character from canon? if so, what did you tweak?

Kinda! But I like working with the challenge of canon, including the novels. Of course to make certain AUs and character interactions work you have to bend canon to a certain degree.

are there some things you dislike about how the show/series/etc. portray the character you have picked up? if so, what?

Not really! I like Itachi.

what would you say is the most unique trait about your character?

Itachi's self reflection! It took him dying and being revived to realize, but he fucking knows full well his "protection" of Sasuke ended up really hurting him and it's 100% his own fault.

are there any other characters from the franchise you’d like to play?

Not sure! I've already dipped into Sasuke, whom I also love with my whole heart.

are there some characters from the franchise you can’t stand? 

From main Naruto series: Sakura :( Mostly because most sakura roleplayers use her as a self insert/projection, I have to say it and it's a really pervasive problem. From Boruto: Daemon. I hate this goblin and I want him to die.

what are your thoughts on the canon ships for the character, if any?

Itachi's only "canon" ship is the implied feelings he had for Izumi! But Izumi is a nice girl, so I like the ship. It's okay!  

what is your personal ship bias for your canon character?

I ship most of the main Itachi ships! ItaKisa, ItaShi, ItaSasu. But I also like exploring "non conventional" ships! RP for me is about exploring things we can't see in canon. ItaIzu, ItaSui (Suigetsu), ItaUra (Urashiki from Boruto), ItaMada, ItaIru, ItaKarin... ItaOro (REALLY love this one), etc.

are there any ships you can’t stand, why?

Itachi/Sakura! It's the one I actively avoid specifically with Itachi. Other ships I'm "I don't see it" about are Itachi/Kakashi, and Itachi/Deidara. Nothing wrong with them, I just don't really get it!

how long have you been writing the character?

Since about 2013, so 11 years or so! Tumblr boomer.......

should people get into the franchise you're* writing from, yes or no?

yes. And this includes Boruto. This is a threat.

if you could sum up your character with one sentence, what would it be?

:)?

which song do you feel describes your character the most and why?

Unfortunately I don't have a song! I'm really bad at connecting music and characters.

tagged by : @osteus (thank you!)

tagging: @bladedhunter @heavenlypaper @thatsneakymedic

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