Chapter 403 is a quiet, reflective pause in the Uchiha brothers' saga. Naruto recalls the vow he made to Itachi to protect Sasuke, while Sasuke relives the massacre and the tears in Itachi's eyes, ending unsure he can ever be the brother Itachi hoped for.
Main Characters (1)
Summary
Naruto's thoughts return to his final meeting with Itachi. He recalls having told him that, in Sasuke's eyes, he had become the truer brother, more so than Itachi himself. Itachi answered the claim with a question, asking what Naruto would do if Sasuke were to turn his blade against Konoha.
Key Events
Naruto replied that he would shield the village and subdue Sasuke without ending his life. The answer satisfied Itachi, who passed a portion of his own strength to Naruto while wishing he would never have cause to use it, and then took his leave. Far from there, Sasuke is likewise caught up in memories of Itachi, specifically the night his brother wiped out their clan.
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Notes
Convinced he had lost consciousness during the massacre, Sasuke had actually trailed Itachi and struck at him. The blow left Itachi unhurt, yet he gazed at his little brother with tears welling in his eyes. Looking back, Sasuke decides he can never become what Itachi asked of him. The chapter is set during the Fated Battle Between Brothers arc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Naruto recall about his final conversation with Itachi in the Tears chapter?
Naruto recalls Itachi asking what he would do if Sasuke ever turned against Konoha, and Naruto answering that he would protect the village while sparing Sasuke's life.
What does Itachi give Naruto before departing?
Itachi passes a portion of his own strength to Naruto, hoping he would never actually need to use it, before taking his leave.
What does Sasuke remember about the night of the Uchiha clan massacre?
Sasuke recalls that he had actually confronted Itachi during the massacre rather than blacking out as he believed, though his strike left Itachi unharmed.
Why does Itachi have tears in his eyes during the massacre flashback?
Despite being unhurt by young Sasuke's attack, Itachi looks at his brother with tears welling in his eyes, the moment that gives this chapter its title.
What does Sasuke conclude about becoming the brother Itachi wanted?
Looking back on the massacre, Sasuke decides he can never become the brother that Itachi hoped he would be.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Tears? The Naruto Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
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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