Naruto: Sasuke's Story--Sunrise

NARUTO -ナルト- 真伝 [Naruto Shinden] #3

by Masashi Kishimoto (Creator), Shin Towada

Sasuke, ally and friend to Naruto and brother to Itachi, hits the road to find the root of the evil Itachi faced in this sequel to Itachi’s story.

A new series of prose novels, straight from the worldwide Naruto franchise. Naruto’s allies and enemies take center stage in these fast-paced adventures, with each volume focusing on a particular clan mate, ally, team…or villain.

The Great Ninja War has ended, but to untangle the mystery that remains, Sasuke sets out on a journey—one that he hopes will allow him to atone for his sins. During his travels, those ninja faithful to the avenger Sasuke bring about tragedy. Meanwhile danger closes in on the villages of Konoha, Kiri, and Kumo, where red eyes burn with hatred. What is the future Sasuke must stare down?

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Light Novel, Fiction, Young Adult, Novels, Anime

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2015

About the author

Masashi Kishimoto (岸本斉史 Kishimoto Masashi) is a Japanese manga artist, well known for creating the manga series Naruto. His younger twin brother, Seishi Kishimoto, is also a manga artist and creator of the manga series O-Parts Hunter (666 Satan) and Blazer Drive. Two of his former assistants, Osamu Kajisa (Tattoo Hearts) and Yuuichi Itakura (Hand's), have also gone on to moderate success following their work on Naruto.

Kishimoto's first work as a manga artist was Karakuri (カラクリ?), which he submitted to Shueisha in 1995. This earned him the Weekly Shōnen Jump's monthly "Hop Step Award" in 1996, granted to promising new manga artists. This was followed in 1997 by a pilot version of Naruto (NARUTO－ナルト－), published in Akamaru Jump Summer. In 1998, Kishimoto premiered as a Weekly Shōnen Jump artist with a serialized version of Karakuri in Weekly Shōnen Jump, but it proved unpopular and was canceled soon after. In 1999, a serialized version of Naruto began publication in Weekly Shōnen Jump and quickly became a hit.

Reviews

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I am the right person to write a review about this for many reasons, but I think I can do this without letting my thoughts about Sasuke come through.

I loved this cover, the details and everything and how it's related to the plot of this book, it's def a positive point here.

The story pretty much is about how Sasuke is who he is in Boruto, a lot of things that are not in the anime you can find out here. About Sasuke being the Police of Konoha and how he helped everyone even though he hated the village who killed his brother, the village who had turned the back on him. It shows how Sasuke had grown through all his pain to become someone better, someone who wants to be different and someone who sees the future, not like the old Sasuke, the one who only thought about revenge and how he wanted to kill everyone for Itachi.

I don't really enjoy the way the story was written, I'd rather read this book on Sasuke's POV, although the book is all about himself, the fact that a third person is narrating the book really bothers me, I think it kept the character away from the reader, like it was just a shown up of the story, I didn't feel any closer to him or his feelings, and that's something I'm always looking forward to. Also, the chapters are not really well divided, nor are the book parts, which results in 40 pages chapters and boring readings at some point during your reading because the chapter never ends.

There are things that I love about this book: how the character development in this book is really strong and cohesive; the way that Sasuke always thinks about Itachi and Naruto, whom have always believed in him, no matter how he treated him (I must say, I've cried reading the prologue thousand times); the art on the beginning of each part of the book and also the little symbol at the end of the page and def the epilogue.

Although many people say he doesn't like Sakura or Sarada, it's pretty clear after this book that he does love them and that he would do anything for them and to keep a saver world to Sarada grow, he's a father now and he can't take risks like he would when he was younger.

I do really recommend this book from those who hate Sasuke, it shows a more human version of Sasuke, a humble Sasuke, you will even like him (I hope).

That's it, I'm not saying more to avoid spoiller, but y'all should read it.

[Helen Praspro · Rating 4 out of 5]

ساسوکه شیندن، باز درباره سفر ساسوکه بود، و جزو ناولایی بود که انیمه شد. (هزار بار شکر). اکثرشو تو انیمه دیده بودم، به جز یه تیکه درباره تیم تاکا که کارین درباره ساکورا فکر می کرد که قشنگ بود...
و البته، تقریبا تونستم ساسوکه و سفراشو درک کنم. اینکه دقیقا چرا به چیزی تبدیل شده که الان شده... و ... پارالل هایی که در طول داستان ایجاد میشد، با رویای گذشته خودش و ایتاچی واقعا قلب خورد کن بود. اینکه میخواست تو پلیس کونوها کار کنه، و ایتاچی از همون اول میدونست که رویای غیر ممونیه. "من میخوام تو پلیس کونوها کار کنم! تو هم میتونی! میتونیم با هم اونجا کار کنیم!" "همم... شاید..."
واقعا قلب خوردکن بود :_)

[Jasmeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do have a bias when it comes to Sasuke. I love him. So when I found out he had a book I wanted to buy it and read it. It has taken me a long time to actually pick this book up and read it. But after finishing Itachi's book Midnight I felt that I should pick up this book and read it.
I did watch the anime epsidoes of this book and the anime made changes in the timeline and a little bit more stuff from the anime and show. But I am now rewatching the anime since the anime finished, (so I don't remember much from it.)
I loved reading about Sasuke's journey around the world, trying to atone for his sins and figuring out what he really wants in his life. The history of the Uchiha is always interesting and they had a little more history in this.
The parallel between him and Chino was so good. Made him see his life through someone else's experience (I guess. not sure if I'm explaining that right.)
Loved this book and the ending. But did wish there was more to the ending. Only a little bit.

[Rina Ayra Diaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow um. Honestly, of all the series novels I've read up to this point, this was hard to finish and the most disappointing, and that's coming from someone who likes Sasuke's character a lot.

The story actually follows post 4th shinobi war during Sasuke's travel and he encountered a village being run over by bandits. ACTUALLY, at this point I cant even remember the exact point of the story because it was so bad. The whole premise and the characters and the skills were all a joke at this point that the author prolly forgot that this story was about ninjas.

But anyway, I can't put much review into this because I didn't like it.And i don't think i can reread it again.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like you need to be a fan of the series to enjoy this book. If you know nothing about Naruto in general, I imagine you would be pretty lost. I'm pretty sure these events are in the anime, but don't quote me on that. I do enjoy how you get to take a look into the character's thoughts a bit more than you would if you were just watching the show, but I found the writing itself to be a bit... lacking. It was a quick read, though. I am a little biased in that I love the show and pretty much everything about it. However, I think I would have preferred to just read a manga version if available.

[Parminder Singh Dhillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's such a lovely book and a good start to anime Naruto to know about the characters. Such an exceptional book love especially when it comes to MY favourite anime love it
Also he lost an arm. It is good to read one of my favourite characters as sakura is my favourite

[Rockleese · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have never been so bored in my entire life

[ringo · Rating 4 out of 5]

przyjemnie sie czytało, ale z racji tego, że wszystkie nazwy własne przetłumaczone są na polski to musiałam chwilami wysilić szare komórki, żeby ogarnąć o co chodziXD

[IDT Jinx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naruto: Sasuke’s Story follows Sasuke Uchiha after the main events of the Naruto series. In this novel, Sasuke is on a mission to investigate a mysterious chakra weapon connected to the Sage of Six Paths’ past. He’s joined by Sakura, and together they uncover secrets and face challenges that test their skills and resolve. This journey also becomes personal for Sasuke, as he continues to confront his troubled past. Along the way, he strives to redeem himself and find a way to protect Konoha, which honors the memory of his brother, Itachi.

The story connects deeply to the main Naruto series, especially in how it develops Sasuke’s character. Longtime fans of the series will recognize themes of redemption, loyalty, and friendship that defined Sasuke’s journey in Naruto. This book gives more context to Sasuke’s role in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, explaining how he evolved into a protector of the village. The plot also highlights Sasuke’s complex relationships, especially with Sakura and Naruto. These connections allow readers to see how far Sasuke has come and deepen their understanding of the series’ central themes.

One of the most positive aspects of Naruto: Sasuke’s Story is how it humanizes Sasuke. Readers get to see his internal struggles and desire to atone for his past, making him more relatable and sympathetic. It also gives Sakura a moment to shine, showcasing her strength and loyalty to Sasuke. Together, their journey offers a deeper look at their bond and the growth of their relationship. Overall, the novel provides a meaningful addition to the Naruto universe, exploring character growth and redemption in ways that fans will appreciate.

[Bibabutzemann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would give this a 3.5 if I could.
I love Sasuke and reading about him - I had hoped to get more insight into his inner world, but only really got that the last couple of pages. Ofc, this also stems from Sasuke not being really emotionally aware most of the time, but it still bothered me. What I liked tho was the parallels between Chino and Sasuke/Naruto and how that lead Sasuke to understand things about his own relationship to Naruto, past and present. It's just all not given enough time and written about enough in my opinion? Could be that that's also due to the German translation, but it also often felt really on the nose and in most cases we didn't even learn about Sasuke FROM Sasuke, who in this case is supposed to be the main character, but instead from other characters? I found this a little frustrating tbh.
Another point that really bothered me was that well known events and techniques kept getting explained? And I get that the target audience might be a little younger, but they're also supposed to be Naruto fans who've read/watched the whole series, so why are you explaining to me what the Sharingan is? Or the Susanoo? Really unnecessary and almost made me feel like there was no target audience analysis being done with the marketing lmao.

The cover is gorgeous tho - thank you Masashi Kishimoto.

[Lysa]

Mesmo tendo assistido a adaptação pro anime antes, a leitura da novel não deixa de ser especial. Em verdade, é ainda melhor, já que os sentimentos dos personagens são expostos de maneira mais explícitas no texto.

Minha recomendação pra qualquer um que se interesse pelo universo de Naruto, é muito legal ter um terceiro ponto de vista além do anime e mangá. Amei cada uma das novels que li, mas essa daqui é especial demais, já que é todinha sob a perspectiva de Sasuke, e justamente durante um período da vida dele que é uma grande incógnita. Perceber as nuances e profundidade das mudanças pelas quais ele passou... leitura obrigatória para os fãs de Sasuke Uchiha!

[Danilo Đ · Rating 4 out of 5]

malo smara ali sladak kraj

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love seeing the softer side of him: I liked the books about his brother more though. So heartbreaking.

[maggie]

unfortunately for everyone i do still love sasuke

[Sharona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel had a slow start, but once it picked up it was an interesting enough read. Nothing really adding to the story like the Itachi novels, but entertaining enough to finish it.

[Xav Rouss · Rating 3 out of 5]

No real apparent reasons for no fans of the manga to read this as the book takes time after the main timeline finishes and does more fan service than anything.

In terms of story, I would say it was okay at most. We learn about a forgotten clan with blood eyes genjustu. Some cannon characters return but it is no wow.

We don't learn nothing new about Sasuke since it has already been covered through fillers and boruto.

Still, it has some good moments to offer near the end of the book.

6.5/10

[Keysia⁷ Herondale 🍉 *kinda ia* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love post war Sasuke

[sofía · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Revenge had supported me. At the same time, it had eaten away at me. Hatred raced through my body like a poison, and killed all other human emotion. And when I was in that state, he lit the fire in my heart once more.”

Sasuke is one of my favorite characters of all time, and even if sometimes I got annoyed at him and his (reasonable) decisions, I love him as much as I love Naruto. They are my children and the only two characters I care about in the Narutoverse.

However, this novel... well, I have my feelings about it. I hate how Naruto ended, and I don't enjoy any content of the new generation or the new novels or the canon pairings (how Sasuke and Naruto did not end up together is beyond me, but well).

So, even if this was 'supervised' by Kishimoto, I did not think this was my Sasuke. Or my Naruto. I finished Shippuden three days ago, so perhaps I was not ready to read them as young adults, but at the same time, I have the story so fresh on my mind that it's impossible to me not criticize.

— First of all, I hated how the author switched from POV to POV and how suddenly everyone was super supportive of Sakura/cared about her regarding Sasuke's status of not being at the village. Shikamaru said something about it, and Karin even considered sending her the picture of Team Taka to her (and I suppose that's the picture she has in Boruto) and that makes no sense. Karin's love is selfless, of course it is, but I hate how they want to transform her into this sasusaku supporter, which takes me to my next point: Sasuke did not, like ever, mention Sakura on his novel. He did think of his friends, and I suppose that includes her, but he never had any special memory of her and that just proved to me how unbalanced their canon relationship is. In the prologue, he only mentions how Naruto was the only one who did not give up on him and he said explicitly he's only loyal to the village because of Naruto's dream. I hated how she said she was going to be with Sasuke when he came back even if he did not want it because it just proved to me how she doesn't understand him. She never has understood him, and perhaps that's why she's such a docile wife to him. Anyway.

— Sasuke did mention Naruto on his POV, but for the other characters, their relationship wasn't as important. I am not saying Sasuke should base his feelings and thoughts on Naruto alone because I don't see their relationship that way, but there was NOTHING of Sasuke's feelings towards Naruto's actual status or how he lost an arm to save him from the 'darkness'. Everyone acted as if Sakura was Sasuke's most important bond when that's clearly not true (and even as a married couple, I doubt it's true).This would have been better if we had had a moment of Sasuke and Naruto together as friends, and how they moved on with their relationship. But there was nothing. And the fact that Naruto is married already and treats her wife as if she was another of his homies... really, this is a mess.

— No one knows Itachi's true story so Naruto is covering a genocide when Sasuke did express his discontent about it. Naruto became such a pacifist that it even makes sense to him not to use his brain cells (I love him more than anything, but it's obvious his characterization was so bad at the end of Shippuden), but he would never do something that would cause Sasuke distress. It makes, again, no sense.

— That things of the Uchihas loving too deeply and going crazy when they lose what they love... I have no words. Sasuke is someone who has problems opening up to people, but this was not deal with and was brushed aside with something like 'keeping in check his Uchiha blood' (and I guess that's why he doesn't visit the village that often and forgets his daughter, but then again, even if I do think Sasuke loves his daughter and deserves a family, the development of his relationship in canon is problematic at best)

There were many other things like the treatment of Team Taka, but my head hurts at only thinking of this mess. I love Sasuke, and I hope that in another universe he's getting what he deserves or at least a good developed version of what he has in canon.

[Arunima · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, like, I love Naruto (am channeling his adhd self in writing this rEvIeW) and team 7 (sai and yamato included ofc). I watched the sasuke shinden episodes in the anime but honestly, the prose form suits Sasuke so much better, like this dude would be having paragraphs worth of thoughts to say one thing at the end or just grunt and the anime translates that as some flashback pictures while I wanna know what's happening in his head you know. And oh god, sasuke's mind is a fun space to be in. Like he thinks things like 'I wouldnt flip a table and i am kinda offended that she would think that but old me would definitely have said things like i wont help it's none of my business'; he is self-aware enough to know his commitment issues; he is so thoughful and considerate and kind; and he loves so much.
Anyway, I am so glad I picked this up because I am treasuring the Karin scenes (I can't believe that the anime completely removed the implication that Karin is thinking about Sakura when almost everything except one tiny scene is that but then I can believe it Studio Pierrot is shit in my opinion anyway ahem ahem Sakura hate and now this). The akatsuki picture in the uchiha living room mystery solved in most wholesome way.
Also:
1. love the chino monologue at the end so many good things like: telling sasuke that he was ALWAYS loved, and how she was jealous of him that leads him to think about naruto because i love sasuke but he needs to think this (and my boy is doing so well with realisations i love him); also: konoha's leaves are bright but its roots are dark, your clan was consumed by the roots for konoha's nourishment!!!! AAH chino what are you a poet?
2. chino is just constantly ON in this btw. like calling sasuke SASSY as a nickname!!!! In the anime she calls him sasukechan and he is like stop calling me that and that's still understandable but i feel like sasuke being called sassy; he is reconsidering being a good guy like he is considering chidori-ing her if she says sassy one more time jk
3. still on chino; her calling kakashi a man with his mouth covered and naruto a man with three lines on both his cheeks like lmao team 7 is weird i guess
4. naruto starting his sentence with 'so like' (adhd icon) and just losing his train of thought when she calls him sasuke's friend and that he saved her from darkness (i would have the same reaction tbh)
5. sasuke smiles, sasuke calls konoha home, sasuke makes everyone proud
6. they are still going on about kaguya why are you doubling down on the alien shit urgh
7. saino in the hospital!!! sakura and ino being friends!!! Chouji and Karui long distance vibing!!! shikamaru being confused by saiino and sasusaku (i think, i didn't quite get the scene) also tsunade my queen where?
8. ooooooohhhhh hidan is mentioned here. idk i like him for some reason.
9. team taka was kinda adorable.

so yeah, this was fun. I think I will read others too. Definitely Sakura Hiden and maybe Shikamaru Shinden and Konoha (Shinden? idk the one with the Naruto wedding). and kakashi's yeahh. Definitely would like reading about Kakashi. oof this was long

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a tragedy and here is why:

1. The prologue is heartwarming and amazing. It is so good that it was worth buying this novel just for that two pages. And it's the only reason for the rating I gave it.

2. Since I read it in English I cannot be sure but either the original japanese prose or the translation (or both) is absolutely catastrophic. The grammar is all over the place, there are mistakes in the text, several times it feels like words are missing from the sentences, Hepburn was used where it shouldn't have been and English translation were it should have been Hepburn. With these problems immersion in the story was out of the question.

3. The plot.....if anyone can call it that. It was terrible and so basic that a generous amount of fanfiction could present a lot more with better quality without even trying.

4. The focus. This novel should have been about Sasuke...as a character. However, there is surprisingly little of him in the book. He does things but his thoughts and emotions are lukewarm at best and neither adds anything to him as a character or even give the feeling that yes, he is Sasuke. There are also too much focus on the original characters and the Konoha 12. And let's be honest, I didn't buy this book to read about Hinata and how taxing it was for her to hit 30 people precisely once when they are bound and motionless thanks to Shikamaru shadows.....

5. This book has the same aversion to romance than the manga. Naruto never showed any interest in Hinata during this story and his interactions with her were that of a passing acquittances/colleagues from different departments who see each other twice a year despite the book stating they are already married. So what on Earth was the point of Hinata here? Next couple, Sasuke doesn't even spare a thought to Sakura (the only time he does he is like "huh...so she is actually a good medic??? I would have never guessed) but think a lot about Naruto. And Sakura is like, and I quote: "She resolved in her heart to follow him for sure this time, NO MATTER WHAT HE SAID". Moral of the story is, if one doesn't want to/cannot write romance AVOID IT. Or at least don't make it even worse than it already is. For everyone's shake.

All in all, the only thing worth spending money and time on is the prologue and the few snippets where Sasuke thinking about his bond with Naruto. The rest of the book is boring and basic with low quality fanfiction like story, prose and grammar.

[Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's almost hard for me to consider this last book part of the same series. I definitely would have been fine with book three continuing to follow Itachi throughout his time in the Akatsuki... but when all is said and done, this is a fitting ending. I am glad that the focus switched to Sasuke, given that his future was Itachi's focus for most of his life.

I was kind of disappointed to see that the author changed... I've gotten a little attached to Takashi Yano's writing style. There just seem to be fewer mistakes throughout the novels he wrote... fewer instances where the wording was just awkward. This last book was subject to some of those moments, but it was pretty good overall. There were some really well-worded passages, and I think this book did a good job of giving us a better explanation of what exactly Sasuke is doing in his 'journey to atone for his sins'. Though the idea that he might just be traveling the world, righting wrongs wherever he sees them, is such a main protagonist sort of quest... that it just feels kind of funny to me. Though I did really like the little scene with his old team mates, where Jugo explains that one possible reason for him to never settle down permanently in the village is that he doesn't want to attract danger there, in the form of evildoers seeking revenge against or targeting him.

I will say that the particular short story around which they chose to write this explanation of Sasuke's journey felt a little... eh. Like, just another short story someone came up with for fun. So I don't think the events of the plot itself will leave any long-lasting impression on me. But overall, I did really like this trio of short stories. I think it did some things very well, giving us some further insight into the Uchiha brothers' mindsets that, honestly, were more than I was expecting from them.

[jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start this review by prefacing that I watched the anime adaptation a while ago, so when I found out that it was based on a book, I had to sit down and read it. I was not shocked at how much Studio Pierrot left out or changed to fit what they wanted but annoyed that they chose to leave out some crucial information. For clarification, I counted 17 spots in the novel that were either changed or left out entirely. There is a lot of information in this particular light novel that brings certain aspects of Boruto to light. If you are reading the Boruto manga or watching the anime, I highly recommend reading this novel because of the information you get.

Either way, enough with my ranting against my grievances against SP. Let's talk about the novel. I loved it. This is the first light novel in the Naruto series translated well. I know in my previous review an issue I had with them was how they were translated from Japanese to English. There was one typo where it said Sasuke instead of Shikamaru.

The story was well written and showed how Sasuke changed from the end of Naruto to how we see him in Boruto. During this novel, he is on his journey of atonement, and we witness that change in him. I also enjoyed the side plot of what's going on in Konoha and, again, left out in the anime adaptation.

Overall, this was superb, and I loved reading it. If you are a fan of the Naruto series, you will pick it up to read too.

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Tajemna historia Sasuke” Masashiego Kishimoto to książka, która pokazuje, że Sasuke to nie tylko chłopak z klanu Uchiha z obsesją na punkcie zemsty — to człowiek rozdarty między przeszłością a przyszłością, między żalem a poczuciem obowiązku. Kishimoto tu naprawdę zagłębia się w jego psychikę i motywacje, zamiast tylko wrzucać nas w kolejne walki.

Co działa najbardziej: ton opowieści. Jest ciężki, melancholijny, wręcz duszny — idealny dla tej postaci. Każdy fragment jego podróży po świecie po wojnie pokazuje, że zemsta i gniew nie znikają po jednym epickim pojedynku; one wciągają w pułapkę samotności i nieustannego zmagania z własnym „ja”.

Sasuke w tej książce nie jest bohaterem akcji, jest antybohaterem introspekcji. Jego decyzje, refleksje i napięcie wobec dawnych przyjaciół (w szczególności wobec Naruto) tworzą dramaturgię, która jest spokojna, ale rozrywa serce czytelnika na kawałki. Kishimoto świetnie balansuje między historią polityczną, walką o władzę w cieniu Konoha a osobistymi demonami Sasuke.

Nie brakuje też konfliktów moralnych — pytania o to, co znaczy być sprawiedliwym, a co oznacza być samym sobą. Każda decyzja Sasuke wciąga, bo widać w niej ciężar całego życia, jego tragedii i samotności. To nie jest opowieść „dla fanów akcji”, to opowieść dla fanów psychologii postaci, gdzie każdy cień ma znaczenie.

[Dante' Mckinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

So to begin with to understand this book so your gonna have to know where it's coming from. The book is like a side quest from the main story so a filler that comes from a masterpiece of a tv show ‘Naruto’ so to begin with Sasuke is on a quest to atone for his sins and the sins are turning against the hero Naruto. In the battle for their lives so Sasuke is on a quest. He doesn't know what he's looking for but he hopes he can atone. We start off the story in the village of the mist and the port gets attacked by this gang of men and women who call themselves dark thunder. they kill every one their without a problem, After that we go to Sasuke's perspective he's in the woods by himself he sees a village about 2 miles ahead (If your wondering how he can see that far he has power in his eyes so when activated he can see the unseeable) he goes from above hopping from tree-to-tree once he arrives he sees only 3 people when suddenly a person jumps up from below Sasuke dodges the attack so in self-defensive he pins down and ties up the 3 other villagers. The 3 villagers tell him about how he thinks he's part of dark thunder. So Sasuke decides to help so he sends a message to the hidden leaf his homeland. After the leaf gets the message they send 5 other ninjas to help him Kakashi, naruto, sakura, sai, and tamari once they arrive Kakashi's summons one of his dogs to smell the area to gain their attacker's smell. They now know where their opponents are at want to know what happens next….. Read the book. I like this book because of its action and the fact that I can trust that it would be a good book because of its predisaster. I would rate this book a 9/10 just because it took a while to get into the book. I think the theme of this book helps someone in need because if Sasuke didn't help that village everything after that wouldnt have happened

[gil madrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sasuke Shinden gives a glimpse into Sasuke’s life after the chaos of Naruto Shippuden, and while it does not always land with the same intensity as the main series, I still found it a worthwhile read. The novel explores Sasuke’s attempts at redemption and his uneasy place in the world after the war, and there is something quietly fascinating about seeing him shift from avenger to protector. His struggles are less about power now and more about identity, guilt, and learning how to live for others rather than against them.

The story gives a level of humanity we haven't seen with Sasuke before, peeling back the hardened layers and showing moments of vulnerability, reflection, and even tenderness. At the same time, the plot can feel slow and occasionally repetitive, especially when compared to the high-octane pacing of the manga and anime. Still, those quieter moments are what make the story resonate, even if they lack the grandeur that defined Sasuke’s arc before.

Ultimately, it adds dimension to a character who has always carried the weight of contradictions. For longtime fans of Naruto, it feels like a necessary piece of closure, even if imperfect. It is a reminder that sometimes the hardest battles are fought within, long after the wars outside have ended.

[Scythe Rowan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Um ehrlich zu sein... Beim Lesen des Buches war mir persönlich nicht ganz klar, wen es jetzt ansprechen will. Einerseits werden viele Details, die Naruto-Fans schon längst bekannt sein sollten, in diesem Buch noch einmal erwähnt, andererseits werden sich Neulinge nicht unbedingt ein Buch kaufen, dass chronologisch kurz vor dem Ende spielt.
Auch die Handlung ist nicht interessant und es ist auch etwas fragwürdig, wie in diesem Buch Verbrecher wie Orochimaru behandelt werden- die Tatsache, dass er trotz all seinen Untaten frei rumlaufen darf, wird damit begründet, dass nicht jedes Problem friedlich gelöst werden kann, egal, was Naruto behauptet. Mal davon weg, dass sogar Naruto manche Schurken erst verprügelt hat, bevor er mit ihnen verhandelt hat- seit wann ist es auf einmal Orochimarus Aufgabe, Verbrecher zu bekämpfen? In all den Werken, die nach diesem Buch spielen, chillt er nur in seiner Höhle rum und erschafft sich ab und zu mal einen Mitzuki, vom Verbrechensbekämpfer ist er weit entfernt!

Meiner Meinung nach können sogar Sasuke-Fans dieses Buch gewissensbissenlos überspringen.

[Eleana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quel plaisir de retrouver l’histoire et les personnages de Naruto ! Notamment Sasuke et Sakura. Dans ce tome, on reprend le fil du récit suite à la fin de La Grande Guerre Ninja. Le Septième Hokage a commencé son règne. Toutefois, ce dernier s’avère pris d’une étrange maladie. Pour en percer les mystères, Sasuke part en quête au pays de Redaku, un endroit coupé du monde extérieur. A cette occasion, il s’infiltre au sein de l’Institut de recherche en Astronomie… Un endroit dangereux et énigmatique qui renferme bien des secrets… et des ennemis. Il y découvre également des alliés parfois inattendus, comme sa femme, Sakura. Ensemble, ils s’efforcent de suivre la trace d’un ancien Hokage qui a survécu à la même maladie. On adore se plonger dans de nouvelles aventures aux côtés de personnages qu’on apprécie déjà tant. L’énigme est intrigante et les péripéties nous entraînent dans une aventure divertissante qui nous promet bien des surprises… Les dernières planches promettent une suite épique ! Il nous tarde de connaître la suite de la quête de Sasuke et Sakura.

[Haru · Rating 4 out of 5]

If we're being honest here, Sasuke is one of character from Naruto that I don't really like. But at the same time, he's the one I can relate to the most out of the bunch. I somehow understand why it took too long for him to coming back to Konoha, to start a family, to fucking stay.

Okay so this book isn't like super canon but because Masashi let this book got publish, I take it he's agree with what Sasuke thinks in this book.

I was really surprised and sad after knowing this story took place after Naruto and Hinata wedding. Because damn, he left Konoha for four years, or maybe more. And looking at the Sakura's reaction, doesn't seem like they stay in contact? Lowkey cried at that part.

For the overall plot tho, I like that it's focused on Sasuke's journey to forgive himself y'know. And his character development, and how he softened up. The ending is really heartwarming in my opinion. After all, an Uchiha knows how to love deeply.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

THAT PROLOGUE!

The prologue was something else! It hit you right in the heart. There was so much emotion and atonement. Talk about a reflection. This book definitely started out high.

Sasuke's story is all about pain as well as how to overcome or at the very least live with that pain. There were number of passages that stood out for me in the moment, such as page 157, but this was not like Kakashi's Story: Lightning in the Frozen Sky where specific passages really stood out after I read the book.

The epilogue wasn't as hard hitting as the prologue. It was softer more like the beginning of journey and not the hard edge of an ending, especially the final words on the last page. To say it in a different way, it is how Katniss viewed her relationship with Peeta at the end of Mockingjay about the soft glow of, I think, birthday candles and things along those lines.

Verdict: I think this was a solid story.

[Darius · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Sasuke Shinden" ist eine Light-Novel über dem gleichnamigen Protagonisten aus dem Naruto Universum. Hierbei knüpft das Buch am Ende des Mangas an und zeigt Sasukes einsame Reise durch die Welt, um diese besser zu verstehen und gleichzeitig Buße für seine Taten zu tun. Dabei lernen wir Sasukes innere Gedanken kennen und jedes Mal, wenn er von Itachi redet und über sein Leben philosophiert, bricht es mir das Herz. Davon hätte ich wirklich gerne mehr gehabt.

Ansonsten geht es in der Novel um ein kleines Dorf, welches von Räubern geplagt wird. Zusätzlich verschwinden immer wieder Shinobis auf Übersee und diese ganzen Vorfälle haben wohl was gemeinsam. Dabei ist die Geschichte solide, aber nichts atemberaubendes.

"Sasuke Shinden" ist eine gute Novel, welche uns Sasukes inneren Gedanken näher bringt und diese ausführt. Jedoch hätte die Geschichte mMn. ruhig etwas gewagter sein können, mit mehr neuen und coolen Ideen.