Hmm. I've had the thoght since Kabuto's return that Orochimaru'd return through him. He did come back when we thought he was dead when Sasuke was fightin Itachi, so it's not impossible for Orochimaru to possibly return if his legacy is still mentioned.
Anyone else's BS detectors go off at Taka wanting to help Sasuke? I mean, they should see he isn't worth helping really...
My BS detectors have been going off since team Taka's inception. I've been a rather vocal opponent to their inclusion and they do seem like an awfully loyal bunch though I don't think its apparently obvious as to why. Kind of like a half-assed, wannabe Team 7.
That said as to wanting to still help him, Suigetsu and Juugo have a partial-defense: they were in jail and have no idea he's gone off the deep end yet and have no idea he stabbed Karin. As to why they seek him out instead of well...doing whatever the heck they want, I'm really not sure. Sasuke caused an international incident and only they went to jail for it. I guess they could blame Tobi for that...
As for Karin, I'm withholding my opinion until I see how see really feels. All we know right is the act she put on for those ninja retreads they call prison guards. But I won't be surprised for her to come to a similar conclusion as Naruto. In fact, I expect it.
QUOTE
To be honest, guys, there's one of three ways Sasuke's story could conclude; 1), he dies battling Naruto, 2), he survives in his fight with Naruto and takes off to basically replace Orochimaru as a big threat, or 3), Tobi finds no more use for him and kills him.
I don't see any as likely if he really wants to resolve the cycle of hate in this story. (2) is remotely possible if he extends it into a part 3, but that would see redundant to me and more important would cut against the whole idea of this generation passing the previous because it would mean Naruto and Sakura failed just as Tsunade and Jiriaya failed.
(3) is an issue because if Tobi kills Sasuke what does Naruto do given that his quest and overall motivation are wrapped in Sasuke? It steals Naruto's role from him and I cannot see how the cycle of hate would fit into it, let alone be resolved. I don't really like that theme, but in the interests of good story telling I'd rather not seem him blow it up midstream without a damn good reason.
(1) only works if Sasuke chooses the death of his own accord like Nagato did. Naruto cannot kill him and, IMO, still square away the two themes of surpassing the old and ending the cycle of hate. If Sasuke relinquishes his hate only after been given a fatal wound by Naruto, then he's still a victim of his own hate. The only difference would be is that he'd realize he was a complete dumbass on the way out the door. Kishi could call that a resolution, but given Naruto's stance up to this point, I'd have a hard time buying that Naruto would call that ending it or overcoming it. If it were needed to show the futility of giving into hatred like then I could understand it, but at this point there is little need for that. Kishimoto made that point a long time ago.
I think it mostly likely that Sasuke is redeemed and lives. Too many of the major themes point in that direction.