DopamineUzumaki

Warning: this is long, unnecessarily in-depth, and probably has probably all been said before

I think that Naruto and Sasuke are both complex characters that cannot be reduced to singular characteristics. However, I often see that the fandom perceive them both, more noticeably Naruto, as “obsessed with the other”. I don’t fully disagree with the statement, but I tried looking deeper into the relationship between them and why it’s as intense as it is.

If we go with the idea of them being “obsessed” with each other, from what I’ve seen Naruto does admittedly fit this definition more while Sasuke fits more into the idea of being “possessive”. Although, I think it is fair to say that both behaviours can be easily explained through their backstories.

These two parallel each other directly in the original show and Shippuden. Naruto started off alone, and gradually was able to build relationships over time. Sasuke had these bonds initially, but they were harshly severed in the Uchiha massacre. This opposition explores the theme of isolation and sets the foundation of their relationship dynamic.

Naruto’s “obsessive” traits fundamentally stem from his lack of primary attachments in his childhood. His extreme attachment to Sasuke is a combination of him experiencing his first genuine connection to another person (especially one his age) and the in-depth mutual understanding they share from their similar experiences of societal and systematic isolation and loss. Throughout his childhood, Naruto has been hated and mistreated by the village for invalid reasons that he was not privy too. No one stood up for him or tried to protect him until the beginning of the show, and people were quick to dismiss his humanity. Sasuke was the first person to truly see this humanity. He is also one of the first people that were willing to stand up for him, even when faced with the heavy costs that everyone else has always been fearful of. Naruto cannot let Sasuke go because Sasuke saved him, even if indirectly, from a life of pain and gave him a shield against the hatred. As his first true connection, Naruto wants to ensure he doesn’t lose it. He’s willing to chase and chase after Sasuke because this relationship is so important in the sense it allowed him to form relationships with others. He most likely desires to give Sasuke this same protection, to act as his shield and re-open his capacity for attachment. Sasuke understands and sees who he really is, and protects him anyways. Combined, this all brings together his “obsession” with Sasuke.

However, Sasuke’s “possessive” traits dominate because he had such close attachments in his early childhood. While less obvious than Naruto’s “obsession”, Sasuke’s “possessiveness” manifests as his odd protectiveness of Naruto, the disgust at seeing his “replacement”, and his cyclical inability to kill Naruto despite his brothers commands and his own desire for independent strength. In a similar yet different fashion to Naruto’s situation, Naruto is Sasuke’s first genuine connection after the Uchiha massacre. It is very understandable that after so much loss, he is unconsciously desperate to hang on to what he has despite him saying otherwise. Naruto is one of the only “things” he has left (obviously, “things” is just for the statement as Sasuke actually views Naruto as more human than anyone). This is why he cannot kill him. This is why he tries to leave, so that he doesn’t ruin it. He is not being “obsessive” and chasing after Naruto as Naruto is with him, he is trying to preserve what is “his”. These traits are more hidden than Naruto’s but are prominent throughout and driven by traumatic loss. Naruto wholly understands Sasuke’s pain and loneliness. To Sasuke, Naruto is the most valuable aspect of his life that he tries to mask with his plans to kill Itachi. Naruto’s dedication and unwavering loyalty is a stark comparison to Sasuke’s many losses and multifaceted betrayals he’s experienced. Naruto will not leave his side, he will not “abandon” him, that is why Sasuke is so seemingly “possessive”.

Loss and the absence of fundamental experiences have shaped not only the formation of their relationship, but its severe intensity as well. Both have never experienced said bond, whether it be from purposeful isolation and scheming of the village or the loss of family. This first attachment after such loss for them both is critical in the formation of their “obsession with each other”.