The container of "Suzaku": Uchiha Sasuke

[Grave]

[Note: 1. This is in the theories section and therefore that is all it is; a theory. If you disagree, that is fine, but please don't turn this thread into a Sasuke-bash or flame war. 2. Yes I realize some of these ideas have been hinted at before, this is simply my interpretation and I believe it is a bit more complete than previous theories on this idea. 3. All of this is based on studying the manga only, the anime is a bit too liberal in changing things for any solid information to be based upon it. 4. Some of you may think this borders on fan fiction, if so I apologize. I merely wanted to make it thorough as well as enjoyable to read. Granted I had to make some stuff up to fill in a few holes, but it's all possible. Enjoy!]

The container of "Suzaku": Uchiha Sasuke

Pride, superiority, arrogance, power. These are common traits of members of the "elite" Uchiha clan, once the enforcers of law among all of Konohagakure. But it is my belief that, for this power, the clan paid a price. Desperate to elevate the name of his clan above all others, one of the founding fathers of the Uchiha infiltrated a hidden shrine which was known the be the resting place of the phoenix "Suzaku". Inside he found nothing but a simple artifact, although he knew Suzaku was merely trapped inside, a prisoner of an ancient sealing technique. By slicing his hand, and touching the artifact with his blood and flesh, he was able to open a limited form of communication with Suzaku, and offered to free him from his imprisonment in exchange for a blessing of power bestowed upon his entire clan, both living and to be born. In truth, he knew of no way to shatter the seal upon the artifact and release Suzaku's physical form, but in the end Suzaku formulated it's own plan, and a pact was made. The Uchiha's would henceforth be blessed with the blood of Suzaku, giving them greater physical potential than any normal human, and better yet, the ability to awaken the doujutsu "Sharingan". In return, as the Uchiha's grew in power, so would Suzaku's influence and hold upon them. Eventually, when the perfect Uchiha was born, so too would Suzaku's spirit be reborn into the world, hidden away inside the body of the chosen - until those loyal to Suzaku could extract him from the body and release him upon the world once more. This in a nutshell, is the "original purpose" Itachi talks about. The Uchiha Clan was meant to re-release Suzaku upon the world, and being superior shinobi due to its blessing, no one could stop them once they were ready.

So, as we've seen with nearly all the Uchiha in the series, this man sought power more than anything, without regard to the consequences. It is the tragic flaw of the Uchiha.

"The only ones who can enforce the laws on shinobi's crimes...are superior shinobi." -Ch.220 Pg.12

"The Uchiha family trait is the manipulation of fire. The mind of an Uchiha..." -Ch.223 Pg.9 (Uchiha's are natural users of Katon jutsu, due to the influence of the phoenix in their blood)

"Your body is suitable for that eye...but it does not contain any of our blood."-Ch.141 (this is why Kakashi can never use the Sharingan to its fullest extent, he does not have the cursed blood of a true Uchiha. He is not the third Mangekyou user, and will never be able to obtain it)

(This doesn't have to be exactly how it happened for the theory to work, this is one part I just had to use my imagination on. The point is simply that the Uchiha clan made a pact with Suzaku at one point, and their abilities plus the sharingan are a direct result of demonic influence. The only odd thing you might find here is: how can Suzaku simply move from the artifact into a perfect Uchiha body? Well, I believe since Suzaku is a Phoenix type youma, perhaps it's not farfetched to consider it allowing itself to "die" in a way, only to be reborn from the ashes inside this new vessel.)

Years, likely centuries later, the Uchiha are a clan to be feared, and with each generation they only seem to grow stronger and stronger. One night, an elite shinobi even by the standards of the Uchiha, was visited by Suzaku in a dream. "Nakano shrine, on the far right side, under the 7th tatami mat..." Curious, the shinobi followed these vague directions and discovered a hidden meeting place, known only to the elders of the Uchiha clan, the keepers of the clan's dark secret. Here, the shinobi found texts hinting at an even greater power, as well as the true purpose of the Uchiha clan - to awaken Suzaku. That night, guided by his lust for power and newfound information, the shinobi murdered the one closest to him, and the first "Mangekyou Sharingan" was obtained. It is here that the common flaw in the Uchiha clan showed itself once again. The shinobi became angry and jealous after learning of this "perfect Uchiha", as well at the fact that the prestigious clan owed it's strength to a demon. The shinobi became disgusted with the clan as a whole, and left the village, but not before sharing the secret of the meeting place with his/her son - Uchiha Shisui.

The closest to the "perfect Uchiha" to ever grace the clan thus far, was Uchiha Itachi. He graduated from the academy in only one year, and was quickly inducted into the ANBU. Those that knew the secret of the clan watched him closely, thinking perhaps he may be the chosen Uchiha, and they would have to perform the extraction after a certain age. But then...

Uchiha Sasuke was born. This was the turning point. Suzaku's true spirit was no longer sealed inside the artifact, deep in that forgotten shrine. It was inside this boy, the perfect vessel. And yet, to Suzaku's dismay, it found that this boy's body was in a way, another prison. Although now at least, it could see the world through this boy instead of being trapped inside the shrine. And so, Suzaku waited. It waited and watched as the boy grew.

(At this point I consider Suzaku similar to Kyuubi, it's inside Sasuke and can watch everything that is happening to him, but not directly talk to or influence him. It is still imprisoned in a sense like Kyuubi is in Naruto, until the loyalists extract him.)

During Sasuke's childhood, Suzaku saw a glimmer of hope. A flaw in this boy's innocence, and a powerful tool. Sasuke was in a way, similar to that first Uchiha so long ago, with a great desire to prove himself and wear his clan symbol with pride. It was Sasuke's brother Itachi that first sparked this emotion in him, who constantly sought his Father's approval and attention, only to be thrown to the wayside under the shadow of Itachi. What at first started as innocent admiration for his brother's prowess, soon turned to jealousy, which came to border on the one thing Suzaku could use: hatred.

"I'm the barrier you must overcome, so you and I will continue to exist together, even if you hate me. That's what being an elder brother means." -Ch. 221 Pg.19

Due to the fact that Suzaku's influence over Sasuke was so small, no one suspected him as being the chosen Uchiha. They continued watching Itachi grow while his younger brother, though impressive in his own right simply did not seem to be of the same caliber as Itachi. The truth of the matter was that Sasuke actually held much more potential than Itachi, but Suzaku residing inside him held him back in the same way Kyuubi did Naruto before he learned to control it. Sasuke was still such a genius that it was hardly noticed, but it kept him from standing out and surpassing or at least matching Itachi's abilties at the same age. Despite this, Sasuke had a goal, and that was to surpass Itachi and gain approval from his father.

Itachi and Shisui were by now great friends, as we all know. Shortly after Itachi was appointed captain of the ANBU, he saw his best friend less and less. Shisui became isolated and depressed, and eventually sent word to Itachi requesting that he meet him on a specific night. While the rest of the clan were at a meeting, Itachi went to the place Shisui had directed him to in his letter...the Nakano Shrine. Here Shisui showed Itachi the secrets of the clan, the Mangekyou, Suzaku, everything. He then understood why Shisui had become depressed, he too felt a sudden disgust for his own clan. Shisui then explained to Itachi that he aimed to commit suicide because he felt such disgrace at being part of this demonic clan, but then decided he would allow Itachi to kill him if he wished to attempt to gain the Mangekyou Sharingan, but only if he would grant Shusui one request.

They made their way outside, to the banks of the Nakano River. Here Shisui spoke his final wish. He requested that Itachi completely wipe out the Uchiha Clan...
Whenever the elders discovered the container, they would unseal Suzaku and Konoha would be crushed, and afterwards Suzaku would be free to roam the world causing whatever destruction it pleased. Shisui told Itachi that he felt by completely ending their cursed bloodline, perhaps this would never occur. Itachi agrees, and kills Shisui. As we all know it's staged as a drowning. Itachi obtains the Mangekyou Sharingan. "Thanks to him, I was able to obtain this eye."

(When Itachi returns, you notice a glaring change in his personality. He's fed up with the clan as a whole, he feels that if the entire clans purpose is to exist until Suzaku can be released, then any of the Uchiha before the "chosen" were just pawns, trash. But he won't accept that, because he considers himself better than that. From this point on Itachi desires power over anything else, the classic Uchiha flaw.)

[Grave]

"My 'vessel'...is hopeless in this worthless clan." Ch.222 Pg.15 (He feels if he isn't the chosen one then he means nothing to the clan.)

"You forget what is most important to you because you're not letting go of a lesser thing: the clan. There is no room for change if rules and regulations, expectations and wishes, prevent it from happening." Ch.222 Pg.16

(At this point, after he's accused of killing Shisui and spouted off to his Father and the Police Force, you see that once Sasuke yells out to him, he immediately softens up, gets a very sad look on his face, and apologizes. Perhaps he was considering Shisui's request. I think Itachi honestly cares about Sasuke and doesn't want to kill him.)

It is during the time between now and the massacre of the clan that Itachi is contacted by the "Third Mangekyou User". I believe Shisui was still in contact with him/her and told them of his plan to allow Itachi to kill him for the Mangekyou. Shortly afterwards, this person returns to Konoha and secretly meets with Itachi. They tell him that the container of Suzaku is none other than Sasuke, but not only this, they inform him of the organization "Akatsuki". This brings everything full circle, Itachi learns about the technique that can transfer a demon from one host to another, joins Akatsuki, and his new goal is set. He will transfer Suzaku from Sasuke into his own body, and become the ultimate "vessel" of the Uchiha. However, if any of the elders of the clan find out Sasuke is the host, they can still extract it from him and release it.

The solution? Partially fulfill Shisui's request, and kill everyone BUT Sasuke. This way all those in Konoha who would wish to extract it are no longer a threat.

Itachi does so, he wipes out every single member of the clan leaving only 3 left. The 3 capable of using the Mangekyou Sharingan, which Itachi knows Sasuke must be able to now that he knows he is the chosen one. Now, it seems as though the host has to obtain a certain level of power before Akatsuki wants to extract it, they waited until Gaara was kage level, and they're still letting Naruto become stronger without worry. I think Itachi was informed of this as well, and that heightened emotion was the best way to awaken the youma's abilities in a container. (For Naruto it's protecting his precious people, for Gaara it was bloodthirst at first, but now also protecting his people, for Sasuke it is...HATRED.* More on this at the end of the post.)
This is why you always see Itachi mentioned hatred around Sasuke, he wants him to awaken the youma's power.

So, not only did Itachi remove those threats, but as we've seen it sent Sasuke down a spiral of revenge that has allowed him to obtain a much higher level of power than he would have normally. This is exactly what Itachi wanted. After this, he informs Sasuke of the secret meeting place in the Nakano Shrine, he wants Sasuke to see what he has seen. To see that the Uchiha clan were just pawns of a demon, and their prowess as shinobi was not even of their own making. The only words we see Sasuke speak after viewing these secrets are: "I see, so that's how it is..." 225 pg 12

underneath the nakano shrine:

(Notice the Phoenix images on the walls...)

Now, my opinion is that after reading this Sasuke assumes Itachi is the chosen one spoken of in the scripts, and that since the purpose of the clan was to produce him, the clans usefulness was at an end, and in his arrogance decided to test his strength by wiping them out. This is after all the excuse he gave Sasuke. Therefore, Sasuke grows up bent on revenge for his clan and without ever knowing it is actually he that contains Suzaku. He simply returns to his goal of surpassing Itachi, and resurrecting his clan with a true purpose.

If you're still with me, thanks for sticking with it and I'm almost finished. You recall whenever Naruto was near death he found himself able to see and speak to Kyuubi. Well, one major event for Sasuke that hasn't been revealed to us I think took place inside that barrel. When he had to "die" to complete his seal. At this point I think Sasuke was able to see Suzaku resting inside of him, and realize his vast untapped potential. You notice after this point Sasuke fully lets his darker side take over, and is the reason that even after realizing Naruto has an incredible hidden power of his own, he says, "I am more special than you." He has accepted his destiny at this point, and realizes he doesn't need the Mangekyou to defeat Itachi if he can learn to use the cursed seal in conjuction with Suzaku (which he did slightly by producing wings in his cursed state). So, he doesn't kill Naruto and decides to obtain power "in his own way".

"I'm different from you all... I can't be following the same path as you guys" Ch.181 Pg.12

That's pretty much it folks, he will keep this a secret from Orochimaru as his power grows, and when Oro attempts to perform the body stealing technique, most likely Suzaku will have something to say about it . However, Sasuke is most likely "ripe" in terms of power, and Akatsuki may move to harvest Suzaku at anytime...

In conclusion, I think the theme of Sasuke's character is "Rebirth". His clan has been destroyed, but he will resurrect it. He has literally "died" inside the barrel, and was reborn with a better understanding of himself. And now metaphorically, Sasuke is falling into darkness but will rise from the ashes and redeem himself by the end.

Thanks for reading my theory, that is all.

[Grave]

Just for fun, I'd like to add a few images that may go along with this theory, as crazy as it may be. These focus on "hatred" being the emotion that can bring Suzaku out in Sasuke.

The first is from Chapter 146, when Sasuke sees Itachi again for the first time after all these years in the Inn. I think it's safe to say that this is the point in the manga where "hatred" is the strongest in Sasuke, it's the moment he's lived for.

Chidori!:

The main thing I want to point out here is notice the skin, it's as if the Chidori is burning the skin right off of his hand. At no other point when Sasuke uses this jutsu does it do that, except now when Sasuke's hatred is at it's most intense. Perhaps the flames of the Phoenix are burning...

The next one is from 147, and this one is iffy although really cool if you trust the translation. Personally, I think this is a mistranslation but it's fun to think about nonetheless.

the seal is unraveling:

At this point, Itachi DOES NOT know about the "Cursed Seal" Sasuke recieved from Orochimaru, so he can't be talking about that seal. Plus those marks on his hand are not the same as those of the cursed seal, not to mention that the seal starts at his neck when it "unravels". Maybe he's speaking of the "seal" on Suzaku? (the anime translated this as "he cannot even perform seals anymore")

[metronomy]

^ erm okay! im going to attempt to read this from begining to end!

[Shikamaru-sama]

thats.....amazing


really amazing.


wow.

[凶事の兆し]

That's quite some theory... and i think you may well be right. Well thought out.

[Random Hobo]

Too bad this manga wasn't meant for an older audience... but as it is, this theory is just you looking too deep into something you shouldn't. But good job though, very well thought out.

[Bergelmir]

This is really cool dude. I've been wondering how Suzaku is connected to the Uchiha after seeing the phoenixs on the walls at the shrine, but just thought that Kishimoto was making the link with a phoenix rising from its ashes to the Uchiha being revived with Sasuke. Nice job! *reps*

Eh, your pic with Itachi saying 'the seal is unraveling' is a mistranslation. What he says is 'Weakling who can't even form seals.' The zodiac seals for jutsus is what he's talking about. Plus what's on Sasuke's arm is blood from the Chidori ripping off his skin.

This is a really good theory though.

[Grave]

Originally Posted by warefumetsu

Eh, your pic with Itachi saying 'the seal is unraveling' is a mistranslation. What he says is 'Weakling who can't even form seals.' The zodiac seals for jutsus is what he's talking about. Plus what's on Sasuke's arm is blood from the Chidori ripping off his skin.

Yes, I think so too as I noted below the image. But, as I was creating this theory and came upon that mistranslation I couldn't help but smile at how fitting it was. I just had to post it .

[metronomy]

read through twice! nice thoery... but i think your reading into things too much! i dnt see sasuke having curse seal and a hidden youma aswell... he would be too powerful

[Esponer]

This is by far the most impressive theory I have seen on these forums. Definitely.

It also meets with my belief that the bloodlines stem from sealed demons. From now on, if you don't mind, I wish to adopt your theory and become a believer. I think this is very likely close to the truth, and it explains everything: why Itachi did what he did, how Sasuke is going to remain Naruto's rival, clarifies Akatsuki's aim and places Itachi as the seeker of the Uchiha demon (which you helpfully named for me, Suzaku!) as I thought.

Wonderful theory.

read through twice! nice thoery... but i think your reading into things too much! i dnt see sasuke having curse seal and a hidden youma aswell... he would be too powerful

With any luck, he'll ditch the Curse Seal at some point. Its power comes from Orochimaru, for as long as he uses it he'll belong to Orochimaru. I don't see him keeping it.

[Grave]

Originally Posted by Esponer

With any luck, he'll ditch the Curse Seal at some point. Its power comes from Orochimaru, for as long as he uses it he'll belong to Orochimaru. I don't see him keeping it.

I agree with this. Once Oro is dead the cursed seal will likely diminish, but if that doesn't happen, perhaps Akatsuki will be successful in extracting Suzaku. Nothing says he will have both for any length of time.

[Sho]

Very interesting theory, and well thought out. Just one question: Where does 'Suzaku' come from? Was it mentioned in the series before?

Great theory, and I have been seeing an increase of posts that state that the Uchiha clan has some connection with demonic creature(s), maybe it has something to it?*reps*

[Esponer]

<looks at Grave's reputation now> And I thought I had a decent reputation to post count ratio... ^_^

Keep it up!

[Grave]

Originally Posted by Sho

Very interesting theory, and well thought out. Just one question: Where does 'Suzaku' come from? Was it mentioned in the series before?

Suzaku is one of the legendary youma in mythology. It is the crimson phoenix, which guards the South and represents the season of Summer.

This theory is based on the fact that the different Akatsuki rings pertain to different youma.

Check out the Ring thread here, it's great stuff.

[Inquisitor]

A good theory. Unfortunately, the meat of your theory- the heart and soul of it- is based on little evidence from the show. The most you have is that shrine, and even that proves nothing.

Also, if Sasuke had a demon inside of him then that one Akatsuki guy (when Akatsuki met after the naruto v. sasuke fight) would've said: "Orochimaru acquired the sharingan AND a demon."

Originally Posted by Grave

I agree with this. Once Oro is dead the cursed seal will likely diminish, but if that doesn't happen, perhaps Akatsuki will be successful in extracting Suzaku. Nothing says he will have both for any length of time.

Heh, don't assume too much. There are no guarantees that Orochimaru will be killed. He has a knack for staying alive when he should've died (who fights against Tsunade when he can't use his arms?).

[TenshiOni]

Holy sh*t............that was incredible.

As I read ur theory, I felt as if I was reading a part from the perfect manga. If this were to come true, I would worship not only Kishimoto, but you as well.

Damn.....rep for you, definately.

EXCELLENT theory.

[Last of the Uchihas]

Their are a couple of things that i don't agree with, but none the less, good theory. i will rep you for your hard work.

Man, and i thought i wrote long posts but it seem mine are pale in comparison to yours. lol

[Sensou Kage]

the only thing I'm not sure about is how Shisui. I just don't think you can awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan by killing your best friend who wants to die (Needs to be you betrayed them for power).

besides that your theory is amazingly good. Only thing I think that might be differnt is this. You said the Suzaku each generation and gets stronger each time. It can escape once the strongest uchiha releases it. You said this chosen one is Sasuke. The only thing I think is differnt is that Suzaku can be released once 3 Uchihas are strong enough to awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan! Once Sasuke awakens his Mangekyou Sharingan then Suzaku can be fully released!!! But Sasuke, Itachi, and the 3ed Mangekyou Sharingan user each have 1/3 of Suzaku right now. Did that make sense?

[Grave]

Originally Posted by Sensou Kage

Only thing I think that might be differnt is this. You said the Suzaku each generation and gets stronger each time. It can escape once the strongest uchiha releases it. You said this chosen one is Sasuke. The only thing I think is differnt is that Suzaku can be released once 3 Uchihas are strong enough to awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan! Once Sasuke awakens his Mangekyou Sharingan then Suzaku can be fully released!!! But Sasuke, Itachi, and the 3ed Mangekyou Sharingan user each have 1/3 of Suzaku right now. Did that make sense?

Yes, what you're saying is similar to how the theory really is, only they don't hold any of Suzaku's true spirit.

All of the Uchiha have a part of Suzaku, it is why they can awaken even the normal Sharingan. It is why even the lesser Uchiha such as Obito have an uncanny control over fire jutsu. However, the few who can awaken the Mangekyou are the nearly perfect specimens of the clan, and this showed that Suzaku's time of rebirth was very near. Sasuke is simply the epitome of the Uchiha, while Itachi and the 3rd Mangekyou user are the next best.

Although had Itachi not wiped out the clan, then according to my theory it is likely that once Sasuke attained the Mangekyou it would become apparent from his "perfect" version that he was the container...