Naruto Anime Analysis

Season 3: Episode 134

Source: Wikipedia

"The End of Tears"

"After activating Stage 2 of his Cursed Mark, Sasuke transforms into a winged equal to Naruto in power. Both remembering their time as teammates, Sasuke enlightens Naruto that they are in the "Final Valley" and mentions the irony of it as a fitting place to settle things between them once and for all. With Naruto and Sasuke at their peaks of power, the two prepare their final attacks: Naruto's Nine-Tails chakra-infused Rasengan and Sasuke's Curse-Mark-enhanced Chidori collide and form a dome around the two before Sasuke stabs Naruto through the chest. Naruto leaves a deep scratch on Sasuke's headband with the last of his strength. The dome disappears, and Sasuke stands over Naruto in victory. However, refusing to follow the same path as his brother (killing your best friend to unlock the Mangekyo Sharingan) and remembering what Naruto means to him, Sasuke spares Naruto's life and heads off to Orochimaru's hideout. Kakashi arrives soon after to see a knocked-out and injured Naruto, carrying him away while unaware that a mysterious member of the Akatsuki had watched the entire fight unfold from underground."

Analysis

The following analysis will look at:

· The Final Valley

· The risks of using the curse mark

· The risks of using the nine-tails chakra

· Flashback technique used

· Naruto's Nine-Tails chakra-infused Rasengan vs. Sasuke's Curse-Mark-enhanced Chidori

· Significance of Itachi Uchiha in this episode

· The element of suspense towards the end of the episode

The Final Valley

After activating Stage 2 of his Cursed Mark, Sasuke transforms into a winged creature equal to Naruto in power. Both remembering their time as teammates, Sasuke enlightens Naruto that they are in the "Final Valley" and mentions the irony of it as a fitting place to settle things between them once and for all. In this episode, we are shown two statues: Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju. They are the founders of the Hidden Leaf Village, and this "Final Valley" seems to be the last time they saw each other and possibly had a battle. What happened to them? It gives a sense of curiosity, which is revealed in the other anime, Naruto Shippuden. Moreover, the fact that this will settle things between them once and for all is shown through Sasuke's words. Sasuke said, "It's called the Final Valley; the perfect setting for this fight, isn't it Naruto? Well, alright, of course. I said there would be no more talking, didn't I? In that case, I guess we are at the end—the end of this fight and all the fights up to now." In the meantime, Sasuke and Naruto are at the "Final Valley" having a battle, hence making the episode interesting to watch.

The risks of using the curse mark

After activating Stage 2 of his Cursed Mark, Sasuke starts to feel pain in his body. He then remembers what one of the sound ninjas (possibly Ukon or Sakkon) has said about the curse mark. He said, "Remember, if you unleash it for too long, the curse will start to eat away at your body, and once it spreads through your body, your former self will be gone. Never again to return." Sasuke then feels the pain once again and says in his mind, "My body. I guess I can't waste any more time." As it is shown, the curse mark proves to be a disadvantage in the sense that it holds a lot of power, and it is probably difficult for one body to control it. Therefore, when Sasuke says he can't waste any more time, he knows that if he keeps on delaying, his former self will be gone.