What are the main elements of Itachi's obsession with Sasuke? (Is he trying to live through someone else who's still /innocent/, is he trying to compensate the lack of control he has over life and death, is it genuine care (even if he's controlling and projects a lot), what is it? Why would he allow Sasuke things he wouldnt if it were someone else, even a friend like Shisui?)
[[ It’s all of these things.
Living vicariously through Sasuke/compensating for lack of control in his own life
Sasuke is an innocent boy who has not seen the perils of war, and who has not been traumatized/pressured to be perfect like he has from Fugaku. Itachi hopes to cease all fighting so Sasuke could have what he didn’t/doesn’t have, a life free from pain, fear, and the idea that he will have to fight and kill people or participate in a war. Itachi feels responsible to ensure that of Sasuke. Itachi also did not get the chance to be a child (this he realizes in the moments before he kills his Father), so he wanted that for Sasuke as well. And Sasuke did get a bit of that.
Yes, you can genuinely care for someone and still do absolutely fucked up shit to them in the name of caring for them. A lot of people experience this usually in the form of overprotective/helicopter parents. Or really controlling parents. Just because someone does care doesn’t mean they are incapable of hurting you.
Wanting Sasuke to have a happy ending/be considered a hero + ‘I lie to you because I care’, or “I will suffer so you can thrive”
This is what his villain period was like. Itachi thinks that by repeatedly traumatizing Sasuke, he will nurture Sasuke’s hate and by extension, Sasuke’s strength. The day that Sasuke kills him, Sasuke will be ‘at peace’, Sasuke will go home, and that will be the end of it. Obviously we as readers know this is wrong, and it doesn’t work out like this.
Protect your little brother, Itachi.
This is NOT his mother’s fault so no one dare accuse her. Mikoto said what any mother would to the elder sibling about a newborn sibling. Itachi just chose to take it to the extreme. This is why Sasuke gets away with things no one else would. Itachi’s obsession with Sasuke is a lot of things mixed in which results in an unhealthy infantilization of a younger sibling. He constantly thinks Sasuke’s not old enough to know about certain things.
Thankfully, Itachi’s the only character to have this acute self awareness in the end, and calls himself out. He realizes that even though his intentions were good, his actions were deeply flawed and hurt Sasuke in ways he nor anyone else cannot begin to repair. He doesn’t ask for forgiveness, he doesn’t excuse his actions. He even argues with Sasuke when Sasuke calls him perfect and infallible. Because he knows he isn’t.
In the end, Itachi dials back his obsession and gives Sasuke something he always deserved: personal autonomy and trust in Sasuke’s decision making skills. You’re smart, I love you, whatever choice you make? I love you unconditionally. ]]
