Why Didn't Shisui Report Danzo for Taking His Eye?

One of the most intriguing questions from the Naruto series is regarding the actions of Shisui Uchiha and his report on Danzo's theft of his eye. Let's explore the reasoning behind Shisui's decision and the potential consequences had he reported Danzo earlier.

Proof and Confession Timing

Even if Itachi had informed the Third Hokage beforehand, the situation would have become more complex. If Itachi informed the Third Hokage before Shisui's death, Shisui himself would have been the proof. However, Danzo would then have to return Shisui's left eye, which was his reason for taking it in the first place. Informing the Third Hokage after Shisui's death would be another challenge. Itachi would need to produce Shisui's left eye as proof. Danzo, who has the reputation of a skilled genjutsu user, would immediately know that Itachi had the left eye and would likely attempt to gain possession of the other eye too.

Moreover, revealing Danzo's actions after Shisui's death would bring suspicion to Itachi. If it was known that Itachi had the left eye, he would be perceived as a 'loser' trying to get Danzo in trouble. This would result in immediate ANBU custody for Itachi, which would be detrimental to his plans. Therefore, Shisui's death and his use of the Sharingan became a strategic move, even if it meant personal tragedy.

Adversarial Nature of ROOT and Ootoki Danzo

Assuming Itachi reported Danzo and the ROOT organization supported his statement, the situation would not have fundamentally changed. The ROOT, even with Hiruzen's backing, would still have worked in a manner that served Danzo's interests. This is because ROOT was primarily a political entity in the_service_of_Eitatsuki_Danzo and had its own agenda, which was not aligned with the fate of the Uchiha clan. The ROOT would still try to maintain its influence and loyalty to Danzo regardless of the outcome.

Additionally, the fate of the Uchiha clan was already predetermined, and even if Shisui had reported Danzo, the clan's turmoil would likely continue. Danzo's power and control would remain a formidable obstacle for the Uchiha and the Third Hokage. The ROOT's role in this context is more about perpetuating a situation that serves its own interests, not in aiding Itachi's or capturing the Sharingan.

Consequences of Not Reporting the Theft

Hiruzen's awareness of the situation and his potential actions are unclear. However, if he had taken strict action towards Danzo, the narrative would have significantly altered. Shisui's decision to die without revealing the truth allowed both the Mangekyou Sharingan and the tragic development of the Uchiha saga to continue. Itachi's pain and suffering over losing his brother combined with the inherited Sharingan contributed to his personal growth and the eventual revenge against Danzo.

Ultimately, the choices made by the characters in the story are shaped by the writers' intentions and the overarching narrative. Shisui's decision to die without reporting the theft serves multiple purposes. It adds to the complexity of the plot, providing a valuable lesson about the consequences of hiding the truth and the lengths the Uchiha went to protect the Mangekyou Sharingan.

Conclusion

The decision not to report Danzo by Shisui was a strategic choice with significant implications. It allowed for the growth of a character, the development of the Sharingan, and the eventual conflict with Danzo. The narrative structure of the series was influenced by this decision, adding depth and complexity to the storyline.

Further Reading

To gain a deeper understanding of the Naruto series, you can explore discussions about character motivations, the history of the Uchiha clan, and the role of ROOT in the Anbu and village politics. These topics offer valuable insights into the intricate web of the Naruto universe.