Would Sasuke Have Outshone Itachi as an Anbu Operative?

The question of whether Sasuke would have been a better Anbu operative than Itachi has been a topic of much debate. This evaluation requires an examination of both their skills, experiences, and personalities, providing a comprehensive view of their potential in the Anbu unit.

Evaluating Sasuke's Potential as an Anbu

Strengths of Itachi:

Experience

Itachi was a prodigy, becoming a member of the Anbu at a remarkably young age. His extensive experience in high-stakes missions and exceptional tactical intelligence made him a standout member of the Anbu.

Skillset

Itachi possessed the Sharingan, which granted him significant advantages in combat genjutsu and perception. His mastery of techniques such as Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi made him a formidable opponent, contributing significantly to his effectiveness in the Anbu.

Mentality

Itachi was known for his calm demeanor and strong sense of duty, often prioritizing the greater good over personal feelings. This made him an effective covert operator, always acting with precision and resolve.

Potential Strengths of Sasuke

Motivation

Sasuke’s driving force for revenge and his strong desire to surpass Itachi could have made him a highly motivated Anbu member. This intense drive might have pushed him to train rigorously and innovate new techniques, contributing to his effectiveness.

Adaptability

Sasuke demonstrated a high level of adaptability in battle. His ability to learn and develop new techniques, such as the Chidori, and his later mastery of the Rinnegan, would have been highly beneficial in diverse missions.

Raw Power

As the story progressed, Sasuke’s power increased significantly. His advanced abilities, particularly post-time skip, could have made him a powerful asset in the Anbu.

Comparing Sasuke and Itachi

While it is evident that Sasuke had the potential to be a strong Anbu member, Itachi’s combination of extensive experience, skill, and tactical mindset likely made him more effective. Itachi's proven track record and calm demeanor in critical situations set him apart as a superior operative.

It is important to note that Sasuke's motivations and raw talent could have led to a different style of effectiveness, but Itachi's existing experience and maturity likely gave him an edge in high-stakes missions.

The Role of Shadow Hokage in the Anbu

In the current iteration of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Sasuke's role as Shadow Hokage seems more focused on handling special operations and ongoing Anbu operations outside of the village. This role shares similarities with the Anbu, emphasizing a high level of responsibility and operational excellence.

It is worth noting that the role of Shadow Hokage appears to be more akin to the highest level of Anbu operations, where intense situational awareness and adaptability are crucial. Given this, it can be argued that while Sasuke has the potential to be a formidable Anbu member, Itachi's experience likely gives him an edge in such roles.

So, in conclusion, while Sasuke had the potential to excel in the Anbu, Itachi's combination of experience, skills, and tactical mindset likely set him apart as the superior operative in that capacity. Although Sasuke's motivations and raw talent could contribute to his effectiveness, the established track record and cool-headed approach of Itachi make him a more reliable choice in critical situations.