Sasuke Uchiha is one of the most important and beloved characters the would never have been as successful without him among the cast. Nonetheless, there are also many reasons why the character is considered controversial and why many fans justly do not enjoy his presence.

These viewers could greatly benefit from one of the franchise’s best but least-known side stories: Sasuke Retsuden. This amazing short adventure is a demonstration of how much Naruto’s rival has grown after the ending of the series. It also helps his eventual marriage with Sakura to feel more natural and earned, as it develops their relationship better than any arc in the anime.

Sasuke Retsuden Is a Great Manga

The Uchiha Proves He Has Truly Redeemed Himself

Sasuke Retsuden is a side story that focuses on the quest of Naruto’s most controversial hero as he searches for a cure for an illness the titular protagonist has been infected with. The plot was first released as a novel, but its success prompted the team behind the series to adapt it into a short manga and an arc of the sequel anime, Boruto. The plot of the series revolves around the Uchiha traveling to the distant land of Redaku, a country said to have been home to the famous and powerful Otsutsuki clan member, Hagoromo.

The hero wished to explore the wisdom of a separate nation in hopes of finding a cure for Naruto’s ailment, which is slowly killing him. While his adventure begins alone, Kakashi and Sakura soon the quest, worried about both Sasuke and the Seventh Hokage. Although the premise might not sound as enticing at first, Sasuke Retsuden is a series filled with exciting battles, some of the most unique characters in the franchise, and an amazing development for the protagonist, who is still in search of redemption for the many crimes he committed in the past.

Sasuke and Sakura’s Relationship Was Amazingly Developed

The Couple Had Some Memorable and Wholesome Moments

One of the reasons why many fans enjoy the Sasuke Retsuden story is because of the amazing moments between Sasuke and Sakura that occur during the adventure. The manga takes place shortly after the couple decided to get married, making their initial separation hard on both characters. While Sasuke’s mission is mostly focused on Naruto, his thoughts never drift away from his wife, who has become one of the most important people in his life. The difference between this Uchiha and the one seen during the anime’s final episodes is quite drastic.

This version of Sasuke, while still stoic and difficult to read, is more honest about his feelings, and proves on several occasions how much he loves Sakura. The manga did an amazing job developing and fixing the many issues that made their initial relationship so controversial among fans. Viewers who love seeing Sasuke and Sakura share a romantic moment will more than likely enjoy the ending of their adventure, as it contains one of the most heartfelt scenes in the series.

Sasuke Is a Completely Different Man

The Manga Demonstrates How Much Naruto Changed Him

When the Naruto series came to an end, many fans voiced their displeasure with Sasuke’s final fate. Despite all the crimes and suffering he caused in his quest for vengeance and power, the former terrorist was allowed to live a regular life, free of consequences. Sasuke Retsuden truly helps this decision feel more genuine and thoughtful, as the manga shows the struggles he was willing to go through to redeem himself. The Sasuke who fought Naruto during the series’ ending would never risk his life for the Uzumaki, but the light novel provides the perfect background to showcase that change.

The shift in his relationship with Sakura, once considered toxic and unhealthy, was also a surprise for most fans. Sasuke was never one to openly show his feelings or allow others to get close to him. Yet, throughout the manga, he shows no fear of letting Sakura know how special and important she is to him. Overall, the Sasuke Retsuden series is one that Naruto fans should give a chance if they wish to better understand the character.