In chapter 401, Sasuke wrestles with the devastating account Tobi has just given about Itachi. Point by point he tries to poke holes in the masked man's version of events, only to find each objection turned back on him, forcing a painful reappraisal of the brother he killed.
Main Characters (3)
Summary
Sasuke pushes back against Tobi's narrative, insisting that Itachi once sought both his eyes and his life. Tobi counters that the assault was staged solely to lure out Orochimaru and strip his corrupting grip from the boy. When Sasuke then accuses Tobi of engineering the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's rampage and the clan's ruin, the masked man denies any hand in it, calling the beast's attack a random catastrophe.
Key Events
The argument circles back to Itachi's deeds, which Sasuke labels the acts of a criminal. The single piece of evidence Tobi can offer for his brother's good intentions is Sasuke's own survival. Slowly the truth lands: Itachi arranged his own death, clinging to life despite a fatal sickness purely so that his younger brother could be the one to strike him down. Overcome, Sasuke drifts into memories of Itachi.
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Notes
This chapter is part of volume 43 and the Fated Battle Between Brothers arc. The title, Maboroshi, translates to illusion or phantom, reflecting the shattered image Sasuke had held of his sibling. It was published in the middle of 2008.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sasuke argue with Tobi about in chapter 401?
In chapter 401, Sasuke pushes back against Tobi's account of Itachi, insisting that Itachi once tried to take both his eyes and his life, while Tobi counters that the assault was staged only to draw out Orochimaru and free Sasuke from his influence.
Does Tobi admit to causing the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha?
No, when Sasuke accuses Tobi of orchestrating the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's rampage and the Uchiha clan's ruin, Tobi denies any hand in it, calling the beast's attack a random catastrophe.
What proof does Tobi give that Itachi cared about Sasuke?
The only evidence Tobi can offer for Itachi's good intentions is Sasuke's own survival, which slowly convinces Sasuke that Itachi arranged his own death and clung to life despite a fatal illness so that his younger brother could be the one to strike him down.
What does the title "Illusions" refer to in this chapter?
The chapter's title, Maboroshi, translates to illusion or phantom, reflecting how completely Sasuke's image of his brother Itachi shatters and reforms as the truth of the massacre comes out.
Where does chapter 401 fit into the Naruto story?
Chapter 401 is part of volume 43 and the Fated Battle Between Brothers arc, and it was published in the middle of 2008.
Sources & Information
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Naruto anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byMasashi Kishimoto
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Studio Pierrot and Toho.
- Game pages: official box art for the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm games, credited to Bandai Namco.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
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