Chapter 225 closes the flashback of Itachi's parting words, showing how the trauma he inflicted drives Sasuke to a chilling resolve: to kill his own best friend as a stepping stone toward vengeance.
Main Characters (2)
Summary
Itachi admits that he took Shisui's life to obtain the Mangekyō Sharingan, since awakening it demands the death of one's dearest friend. He points Sasuke toward the Naka Shrine, urging him to draw on the knowledge kept there to grow powerful enough to strike him down and settle the score for their clan.
Sasuke loses consciousness and comes to as the sole surviving Uchiha in the Leaf. Grieving the family that had only just begun to embrace him, he resolves to spend whatever life remains consumed by hatred for Itachi.
Recognizing that Naruto has become the person closest to him, Sasuke concludes that killing him is the path he must walk to gain the power to one day kill Itachi.
Key Events
Itachi confesses to murdering Shisui to unlock the Mangekyō Sharingan and directs Sasuke to the Naka Shrine. Sasuke wakes as the last Uchiha in Konoha and vows a life of hatred. He identifies Naruto as his closest friend and resolves to kill him as a means toward killing Itachi.
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Notes
Part of the Sasuke Recovery Mission arc and collected in volume 25, the chapter cements the twisted logic driving Sasuke's rivalry with Naruto and ties it directly to the mechanics of the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in the Naruto chapter "Within Darkness…!!"?
In "Within Darkness…!!," chapter 225 of Naruto, Itachi finishes explaining his reasons to Sasuke before Sasuke wakes as the last Uchiha in Konoha and resolves to kill Naruto as a step toward one day killing Itachi.
Why did Itachi kill Shisui, according to this chapter?
Itachi admits he killed Shisui to obtain the Mangekyo Sharingan, since awakening the technique requires the death of one's dearest friend.
What does Itachi tell Sasuke to do before leaving him?
Itachi directs Sasuke to the Naka Shrine, urging him to use the knowledge kept there to grow strong enough to one day kill him and avenge their clan.
Why does Sasuke decide to target Naruto in this chapter?
Sasuke recognizes Naruto as the person closest to him and concludes that killing him is the path he must take to gain enough power to eventually kill Itachi.
What arc does "Within Darkness…!!" belong to?
"Within Darkness…!!" is part of the Sasuke Recovery Mission arc, collected in volume 25, and cements the twisted logic behind Sasuke's rivalry with Naruto.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Within Darkness…!!? 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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