As a character I feel like kishimoto decided to "redeem" him after he developed him in the story rather than it always being the plan. Like it's easy to chock everything up to "oh he was acting for the sake of everyone and playing the villain" but itachi in OG naruto and itachi in shippuden give me different vibes. There's nothing wrong with that btw I just think it's interesting how characters can change with the story - I do things similarly when I write.

He's very complex but at the same time there's so many possibilities about him to explore. I like him as a character because I'm a sucker for tragedy and self sacrifice! But I will admit I don't enjoy writing him as much as I used to - I feel so-so writing about him. I enjoy it but it doesn't really inspire me. If it came to choice I'd go for other characters before Itachi.

Cuz you know, Dabi would use Doll or …..bitch …depends on the day 🤣

Very correct for dabi lol

The Mizuki Hierarchy Everyone!

[with a couple of notes that I tossed in there]

being denied that acknowledgement lead him to crave power and authority, a way to prove himself worthy of other’s time and admiration

Itachi wouldn't have been a good leader for the elite guard but that's beside the point. The fact that he was always compared to Hisato and had his aspirations halved and dismissed constantly made him I to the person he is today.

And Hisato didn't escape from his destiny either. He was drilled and bent into a stressed out, anxious mess who fears failure and disappointment above all else. His fierce loyalty to his family, his friends and boyfriend, and his duty to his people has left him narrow minded and rigid. He fails to see how flawed Chiari is and blindly follows and perpetates the style of government she up holds.

It's incredibly difficult for him to see Mizuki as anything other than the best because of blind patriotism.

Hisato's whole concept of self esteem and self worth is based on how useful he is to his people.

And spoilers...