A hidden failsafe left behind by Itachi flares to life the instant Sasuke lays eyes on the masked stranger's Sharingan. The black flames it unleashes crack open a revelation about the brother Sasuke thought he had figured out.
Main Characters (4)
Summary
When Sasuke stares into Tobi's Sharingan, his own left eye shifts into the pattern of Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan and lets loose Amaterasu. Swallowed by the black flames, Tobi loses his grip on his mask and slips away into the shadows. A stunned Sasuke cannot make sense of what has just taken place.
Key Events
Tobi soon returns and reveals that Itachi had buried the Amaterasu inside Sasuke in his final moments. Sasuke recalls the instant his brother pressed a finger to his forehead and demands to know the reason behind it. Tobi answers that the technique was meant to protect him, an explanation that only feeds Sasuke's fury.
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Notes
Insisting that Sasuke understands little of his brother, Tobi peels away his mask and names himself Madara Uchiha, then offers to lay bare the whole of Itachi's life. Sasuke refuses to listen, yet Tobi presses on, framing the truth as something Sasuke is bound to learn. The chapter appears as number 397 in volume 43, part of the Fated Battle Between Brothers arc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the truth about Itachi ever come out?
Yes, in "The One Who Knows the Truth", Tobi reveals that Itachi secretly planted Amaterasu inside Sasuke to protect him, and Tobi then unmasks himself as Madara Uchiha, offering to reveal the whole truth about Itachi's life.
How does Sasuke unleash Amaterasu in this chapter?
When Sasuke locks eyes with Tobi's Sharingan, his own left eye shifts into the pattern of Itachi's Mangekyo Sharingan and triggers Amaterasu, engulfing Tobi in black flames and causing him to lose his mask as he flees.
Why did Itachi implant Amaterasu inside Sasuke?
According to Tobi, Itachi buried the Amaterasu technique inside Sasuke during their final encounter as a means of protecting him, though this explanation only angers Sasuke further.
Who does Tobi reveal himself to be in this chapter?
Tobi removes his mask and identifies himself as Madara Uchiha, then offers to tell Sasuke the full truth about Itachi's life, which Sasuke refuses to hear.
What arc and chapter is "The One Who Knows the Truth"?
"The One Who Knows the Truth" is chapter 397 of the Naruto manga, collected in volume 43 as part of the Fated Battle Between Brothers arc.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on The One Who Knows the Truth? 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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