This is just a thread to point out some part one hints towards the reveal for Itachi and the Uchiha clan/Konoha in part two. Just check it out if you're interested. If not, then that's cool too. 
Hint 1
Hint 2
You may be wondering why I posted this scan. It's simply because I find it hilarious that a person who is supposedly there for a jin is so ready to stop for some dango and tea.
Hint 3
These panels basically affirm that Itachi shows some concern for Sasuke. He tenses up just at the mention of his name.
If he genuinely did not care for his brother, then he wouldn't have reacted at all. People don't react upon hearing the names of people they deem as worthless.
Hint 4
Itachi stated he did not want to kill Asuma or Kurenai.
Asuma also says here "Either something is wrong with the way you think, or you're just too full of yourself".
Asuma can't decide if Itachi is saying this simply to show that he is above them in ability... or if he genuinely does not want to kill him. He thinks that something is wrong with him, because no mass murderer would hesitate to kill two random people he's not close to. Or, so he thinks given what little he knows about this Uchiha.
Hint 5
Kakashi noticed that Itachi was holding back against him and his comrades.
There is no purpose of pointing this out for a "completely evil" character. Why would such a character bother holding back?
Hint 6
Kakashi questioned why Itachi didn't just kill him when he could.
Hint 7
Itachi doesn't see the merit in fighting. It is blatantly obvious that he takes no enjoyment in the violence. That by far is not the usual mindset of a mass murderer.
Hint 8
Asuma points out that what Itachi is doing makes no sense. Itachi can easily find Naruto, so- why let himself be spotted by Jounin?
The reason for why he allowed himself to encounter Jounins is explained in part two:
Hint 9
The reason these panels are posted is to show the contrast between Itachi's expressions.
The guy literally goes from smiling warmly at his brother, then looks away in a troubled/anxous manner. There's obviously something bothering him. It's his S-rank mission.
A real sociopath/psychopath feels no remorse. They wouldn't feel bad about anything, they'd continue smiling regardless of the brutal task they are going to commit in the future. These panels alone show that there was more to Itachi than met the eye.
Hint 10
"To Abduct Naruto" "Those were the orders given to us by the higher echelons of out organization, Akatsuki."
Itachi just decided to tell one of the most prominent members of the Leaf village what Akatsuki's plans were. He just informed him that the point was to collect jins.
Hint 11
Itachi chose not to cast Tsukuyomi on Jiraiya or any other ocular technique, when both were blatantly making eye-contact.
Hint 12
Kisame questioned the entire reason for them leaving the area. He saw no reason to leave and thought this was odd for Itachi.
Hint 13
Itachi just stated that the Uchiha clan was composed of superior shinobis and that the clan was honourable. This just proved that he did care for his clan deep down and contradicts what he says in his speech to Sasuke on that night.
Also, notice the awkward silence when Sasuke says that Itachi should join the Police Force too. Itachi doesn't respond with a smile or a laugh, etc because there is an uneasiness behind what he is going to do.
Even more awkward silence from him on the following page:
Hint 14
This is basically the first hint of the coup situation, directly from Fugaku.
The Anbu is the most secretive organization in Konoha. No one would know if Itachi is in it bar Itachi, Hokage/elders, the other Anbu members, and his direct family. At this point, Itachi's ten years of age. Any other capable shinobi can fill an Anbu spot, and it's not something for reknown given how little people know of the actual members.
It just means that this isn't something that directly influences the village itself in a helpful way that can only be done by Itachi. If it needs to be done by Itachi, it is for the benefit of the Uchiha. Given how Fugaku snapped like that asking if his son was mentally sane of not, this further reconfirms this idea. Whatever the reason for Itachi's initiation into Anbu (which is unknown to the reader at this point), it's urgent and there are problems.
On another note, these panels also show how Itachi wasn't a sociopath/psychopath/pure villain even moreso. We all know that he said to Sasuke during his speech "I just pretended to be the older brother you desired"... however, such an extent as this is certainly not necessary. He's practically doubling as a parental figure here in addition to the brother figure he is. He convinces his father to come along in order to please Sasuke.
Hint 15
"As for Itachi's great kindness...where has it gone?"
Wow. If this isn't foreshadowing that Itachi's change is due to ulterior motives/outside influence, I don't know what is.
Hint 16
Fugaku losing his cool once again. And it's confirmed that Itachi is the main connection between the Uchiha and the village.
Itachi's acting odd and saying he can't go to the Uchiha meeting. Really obvious "double agent" hints here.
Hint 17
"We're just unique siblings."
"In order to overcome YOUR barriers, you and I have to continue living together."
"Even if it means hating each other."
"That's what being an elder brother means."
This page basically summarized Itachi's relationship with Sasuke perfectly.
Itachi wanted to be the obstacle that Sasuke would overcome so that the latter would become more powerful and be adored. He did this even if it meant them not having the most pleasant of relationships. And he did it because he felt it was his duty as Sasuke's older brother.
"The foreshadowing of destruction" part is mainly aimed at the three cops at the bottom of the page (who's entrance makes it really evident that not all is well for Itachi and the clan/village), however, it also relates to the upper half just mentioned in that Itachi's remarks also foreshadow the nature of their future brother relationship.
Also, at the part "And the shadows of the separation between Itachi and their father within the family..." just confirms even moreso that this would be an issure brought up further in part two (that whatever Itachi's and Fugaku's beliefs were, they were bound to differ.)
Hint 18
Things established this chapter:
-Uchihas are having very important meetings. It is crucial for the "pipeline" between the village and the clan, Itachi, to attend. Things are urgent.
-Itachi has manners.
-Itachi considered Shisui as a brother. They were best friends and that was the extent of their relationship.
"It's not wise to judge others by YOUR preconceptions and their appearances."
Itachi confirms in this panel that the perception the officers have of Shisui is incorrect. He is not someone who held the clan first and thought it was everything in life, like the officers do. There's more to the story.
Hint 19
"If you betray the clan, you won't go unpunished."
These panels confirm that the clan members are not fond of Itachi, nor do they trust him. In fact, they believe that he very well may betray them.
The thing is, that the idea of "betrayal" comes from more than odd behaviour. There must be a situation in which betrayal is possible (ie: the coup situation).
The distrust also stems from somewhere (ie: not going to the meetings). The meetings need to be for something.
This sets up the situation that is revealed in part two quite nicely.
Hint 20
"You hold onto your organization, your clan, your name...it is foolish to fear what we've yet to see and know!!"
"You forget what is most important to you because you cling to something small like your clan. True change cannot be made if it is bound by laws and limitations, predictions and imagination."
^This greatly ties in to what Hiruzen said about Itachi seeing past the clan. There's more to the world than pride, that's what Itachi is basically getting at here.
"Nothing is strange, I'm just carrying out my duty."
^One's duty as a shinobi in NV lies with the villager's wellfare. And even not as a shinobi, but as an Uchiha, it lies in the same place given that the clan was in charge of the Police Force.
"Stop brother!"-Sasuke *Itachi bows and apologizes to everyone.*
^Itachi holds his younger brother in high regard. Even during this time when he's acting strange.
Hint 21
Oh look. More family tension. There's something wrong with Itachi, his father, and the Uchiha clan that the reader does not yet know about.
It's gotten so bad that it's to the point where the once favoured son is no longer held in esteem and the father no longer wishes the younger son to follow in his elder brother's footsteps. Interesting.
The reader doesn't find out what it was until part two.
Hint 22
"You're not my real brother."-Sasuke
"Your older brother did do this. I continued acting as the elder brother you desired, and I became your companion to see if that potential lies hidden."
Sasuke has lived with Itachi for 8 years at this point. He knows how he really is. This is entirely out of character for the latter and does not represent him.
Itachi just claimed that he was always the loving older brother to test Sasuke. Itachi is only 5 years Sasuke's senior. So, he had this plan since he was 5? He went to unecessary lengths to please Sasuke? He felt anxiety prior to the elimination of the clan when he supposedly doesn't care for them?
The statements Itachi is making are illogical given the few chapters worth of flashbacks Kishimoto put effort into making prior this moment. Itachi's just keeping up a facade.
Hint 23
As for the missions, he only had one S-rank. A 13 yr old should really not have gone on any S-rank missions, those are too dangerous. The only possible place he could go on an S-rank mission on is for Anbu. During the massacre, Itachi was wearing his Anbu uniform. This makes it obvious what his mission really was from an early point on.
Hint 24
Hint 25
Kishimoto: "You ended up staying until the chapter where Sasuke awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan. I learned so much during that time. "
^Kosuke Yahagi is the founding editor of Naruto. He was with Kishimoto from the start and they planned the story together.
The point is, that he left when Sasuke awakened MS, and thus AFTER Itachi's life was concluded. Meaning that the Itachi's/coup story was a part of the original plot line they came up with together. Itachi's truth reveal was not influenced by any one else.
The story only took a different turn once the new editor (2nd one) came and helped Kishimoto's manga through Sasuke's MS phase and beyond.
Hint 1
In chapter 7, Sasuke mentioned to Sakura that the one he needed to kill was crying.
That's explained in chapter 403:
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That's explained in chapter 403:
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Hint 2
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You may be wondering why I posted this scan. It's simply because I find it hilarious that a person who is supposedly there for a jin is so ready to stop for some dango and tea.
Hint 3
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These panels basically affirm that Itachi shows some concern for Sasuke. He tenses up just at the mention of his name.
If he genuinely did not care for his brother, then he wouldn't have reacted at all. People don't react upon hearing the names of people they deem as worthless.
Hint 4
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Itachi stated he did not want to kill Asuma or Kurenai.
Asuma also says here "Either something is wrong with the way you think, or you're just too full of yourself".
Asuma can't decide if Itachi is saying this simply to show that he is above them in ability... or if he genuinely does not want to kill him. He thinks that something is wrong with him, because no mass murderer would hesitate to kill two random people he's not close to. Or, so he thinks given what little he knows about this Uchiha.
Hint 5
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Kakashi noticed that Itachi was holding back against him and his comrades.
There is no purpose of pointing this out for a "completely evil" character. Why would such a character bother holding back?
Hint 6
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Kakashi questioned why Itachi didn't just kill him when he could.
Hint 7
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Itachi doesn't see the merit in fighting. It is blatantly obvious that he takes no enjoyment in the violence. That by far is not the usual mindset of a mass murderer.
Hint 8
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Asuma points out that what Itachi is doing makes no sense. Itachi can easily find Naruto, so- why let himself be spotted by Jounin?
The reason for why he allowed himself to encounter Jounins is explained in part two:
You must be registered for see images
Hint 9
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The reason these panels are posted is to show the contrast between Itachi's expressions.
The guy literally goes from smiling warmly at his brother, then looks away in a troubled/anxous manner. There's obviously something bothering him. It's his S-rank mission.
A real sociopath/psychopath feels no remorse. They wouldn't feel bad about anything, they'd continue smiling regardless of the brutal task they are going to commit in the future. These panels alone show that there was more to Itachi than met the eye.
Hint 10
You must be registered for see images
"To Abduct Naruto" "Those were the orders given to us by the higher echelons of out organization, Akatsuki."
Itachi just decided to tell one of the most prominent members of the Leaf village what Akatsuki's plans were. He just informed him that the point was to collect jins.
Hint 11
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Itachi chose not to cast Tsukuyomi on Jiraiya or any other ocular technique, when both were blatantly making eye-contact.
Hint 12
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Kisame questioned the entire reason for them leaving the area. He saw no reason to leave and thought this was odd for Itachi.
Hint 13
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You must be registered for see images
Itachi just stated that the Uchiha clan was composed of superior shinobis and that the clan was honourable. This just proved that he did care for his clan deep down and contradicts what he says in his speech to Sasuke on that night.
Also, notice the awkward silence when Sasuke says that Itachi should join the Police Force too. Itachi doesn't respond with a smile or a laugh, etc because there is an uneasiness behind what he is going to do.
Even more awkward silence from him on the following page:
You must be registered for see images
Hint 14
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You must be registered for see images
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This is basically the first hint of the coup situation, directly from Fugaku.
The Anbu is the most secretive organization in Konoha. No one would know if Itachi is in it bar Itachi, Hokage/elders, the other Anbu members, and his direct family. At this point, Itachi's ten years of age. Any other capable shinobi can fill an Anbu spot, and it's not something for reknown given how little people know of the actual members.
It just means that this isn't something that directly influences the village itself in a helpful way that can only be done by Itachi. If it needs to be done by Itachi, it is for the benefit of the Uchiha. Given how Fugaku snapped like that asking if his son was mentally sane of not, this further reconfirms this idea. Whatever the reason for Itachi's initiation into Anbu (which is unknown to the reader at this point), it's urgent and there are problems.
On another note, these panels also show how Itachi wasn't a sociopath/psychopath/pure villain even moreso. We all know that he said to Sasuke during his speech "I just pretended to be the older brother you desired"... however, such an extent as this is certainly not necessary. He's practically doubling as a parental figure here in addition to the brother figure he is. He convinces his father to come along in order to please Sasuke.
Hint 15
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"As for Itachi's great kindness...where has it gone?"
Wow. If this isn't foreshadowing that Itachi's change is due to ulterior motives/outside influence, I don't know what is.
Hint 16
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You must be registered for see images
Fugaku losing his cool once again. And it's confirmed that Itachi is the main connection between the Uchiha and the village.
Itachi's acting odd and saying he can't go to the Uchiha meeting. Really obvious "double agent" hints here.
Hint 17
You must be registered for see images
"We're just unique siblings."
"In order to overcome YOUR barriers, you and I have to continue living together."
"Even if it means hating each other."
"That's what being an elder brother means."
This page basically summarized Itachi's relationship with Sasuke perfectly.
Itachi wanted to be the obstacle that Sasuke would overcome so that the latter would become more powerful and be adored. He did this even if it meant them not having the most pleasant of relationships. And he did it because he felt it was his duty as Sasuke's older brother.
"The foreshadowing of destruction" part is mainly aimed at the three cops at the bottom of the page (who's entrance makes it really evident that not all is well for Itachi and the clan/village), however, it also relates to the upper half just mentioned in that Itachi's remarks also foreshadow the nature of their future brother relationship.
Also, at the part "And the shadows of the separation between Itachi and their father within the family..." just confirms even moreso that this would be an issure brought up further in part two (that whatever Itachi's and Fugaku's beliefs were, they were bound to differ.)
Hint 18
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
Things established this chapter:
-Uchihas are having very important meetings. It is crucial for the "pipeline" between the village and the clan, Itachi, to attend. Things are urgent.
-Itachi has manners.
-Itachi considered Shisui as a brother. They were best friends and that was the extent of their relationship.
You must be registered for see images
"It's not wise to judge others by YOUR preconceptions and their appearances."
Itachi confirms in this panel that the perception the officers have of Shisui is incorrect. He is not someone who held the clan first and thought it was everything in life, like the officers do. There's more to the story.
Hint 19
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
"If you betray the clan, you won't go unpunished."
These panels confirm that the clan members are not fond of Itachi, nor do they trust him. In fact, they believe that he very well may betray them.
The thing is, that the idea of "betrayal" comes from more than odd behaviour. There must be a situation in which betrayal is possible (ie: the coup situation).
The distrust also stems from somewhere (ie: not going to the meetings). The meetings need to be for something.
This sets up the situation that is revealed in part two quite nicely.
Hint 20
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"You hold onto your organization, your clan, your name...it is foolish to fear what we've yet to see and know!!"
"You forget what is most important to you because you cling to something small like your clan. True change cannot be made if it is bound by laws and limitations, predictions and imagination."
^This greatly ties in to what Hiruzen said about Itachi seeing past the clan. There's more to the world than pride, that's what Itachi is basically getting at here.
"Nothing is strange, I'm just carrying out my duty."
^One's duty as a shinobi in NV lies with the villager's wellfare. And even not as a shinobi, but as an Uchiha, it lies in the same place given that the clan was in charge of the Police Force.
"Stop brother!"-Sasuke *Itachi bows and apologizes to everyone.*
^Itachi holds his younger brother in high regard. Even during this time when he's acting strange.
Hint 21
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Oh look. More family tension. There's something wrong with Itachi, his father, and the Uchiha clan that the reader does not yet know about.
It's gotten so bad that it's to the point where the once favoured son is no longer held in esteem and the father no longer wishes the younger son to follow in his elder brother's footsteps. Interesting.
The reader doesn't find out what it was until part two.
Hint 22
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"You're not my real brother."-Sasuke
"Your older brother did do this. I continued acting as the elder brother you desired, and I became your companion to see if that potential lies hidden."
Sasuke has lived with Itachi for 8 years at this point. He knows how he really is. This is entirely out of character for the latter and does not represent him.
Itachi just claimed that he was always the loving older brother to test Sasuke. Itachi is only 5 years Sasuke's senior. So, he had this plan since he was 5? He went to unecessary lengths to please Sasuke? He felt anxiety prior to the elimination of the clan when he supposedly doesn't care for them?
The statements Itachi is making are illogical given the few chapters worth of flashbacks Kishimoto put effort into making prior this moment. Itachi's just keeping up a facade.
Hint 23
His personality is intentionally kept a mystery. We just know that he keeps his cool, he's merciful, and does not like trouble. Those aren't "bad guy" qualities.
As for the missions, he only had one S-rank. A 13 yr old should really not have gone on any S-rank missions, those are too dangerous. The only possible place he could go on an S-rank mission on is for Anbu. During the massacre, Itachi was wearing his Anbu uniform. This makes it obvious what his mission really was from an early point on.
Hint 24
^This all makes it clear he had an ulterior motive that the reader did not know about and even points out that his behaviour did not add up to his true goal.
Hint 25
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Kishimoto: "You ended up staying until the chapter where Sasuke awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan. I learned so much during that time. "
^Kosuke Yahagi is the founding editor of Naruto. He was with Kishimoto from the start and they planned the story together.
The point is, that he left when Sasuke awakened MS, and thus AFTER Itachi's life was concluded. Meaning that the Itachi's/coup story was a part of the original plot line they came up with together. Itachi's truth reveal was not influenced by any one else.
The story only took a different turn once the new editor (2nd one) came and helped Kishimoto's manga through Sasuke's MS phase and beyond.
Tl;dr- There were quite a few hints for the plot twist in part two, even in part one as showcased in this thread. And it was well-done imo. This thread is mainly just food for thought.
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