Note: This thread is just to explain Itachi's different relationships with his family. It's divided into 3 different sections. You can read all of it (it's long though, so beware), some of it, or none of it (and just leave the thread). What you do is entirely up to you. 
~Itachi's Familial Roles~
Role as a son
Itachi's relationship with his parents.
Parents want to have pride in their children. Pride is often times measured through the child's achievements and success. Depending on the background, some parents will have fairly lofty expectations or pretty dismal ones for them. Naturally, for the illustrious Uchiha clan, the bar is set high.
This is further exemplified when a child is the first born. And even more so when they are expected to rule a clan one day. A large amount of responsibility is entailed.
Itachi met expectations in this regard...he exceeded them actually. He was a good son in this way. One a person could be proud of.
However, with this being said there are certain drawbacks to this parenting style.
When a child aims to please all, they can become quite distant due to having so much focus on the expectations that are set for them. They do everything they can to stay on task and thus don't have as much time as they should for themselves.
As Itachi got older, he began to spend less time with his family. This primarily resulted since his initiation into Anbu at age ten at Fugaku's request and onward until he was thirteen years of age. With everything he was doing, he got too busy and was stressed. He became distanced. This is understandable, given what his situation (involving the clan, village, and shinobi world to a bigger extent) was leading up to.
Regardless of this distance and a difference of ideals, Itachi still loved his parents.
Even if Fugaku and Mikoto held the clan as more important than their elder son (given all the stress and misery they put him through for coup preparations), they still were proud of him in the end, even if they did not understand his ideals.
They were proud because they knew what type of person he was. Itachi did not do this out of selfishness nor spite. He did it because he did not have a more peaceful option. He did it to stop greater blood shed. He did it because he wanted to carry the burden alone and not bother another. He did it because he's gentle. They admire him for his willingness to suffer an unfathomable amount for a cause. They also knew he'd agree to taking care of Sasuke, given that's what Itachi always planned on doing and had done. They know how greatly Itachi cares for Sasuke.
As for Itachi's agony in those panels (haven't seen a more painful expression by anyone in this manga)- it's obvious that the kid does not want to do this. He feels guilt. He does not want forgiveness nor does he believe he is deserving of it. He loves his parents. Regardless of his reasons and the point that they were going to die anyway- he will always feel regret for committing this act. That's his nature.
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Role as an older brother
Itachi's relationship with Sasuke.
Older siblings always carry more responsibility than their younger counterparts. They also are expected to set an example for them, as well as take care of them. Sometimes even a measuring point too.
Itachi acknowledged this.
“I'm always going to be there for you...”- Taking care of him. “...Even as an obstacle for you to overcome.”- Standard for him to surpass.
Itachi did always take care of Sasuke from afar (completely unbeknownst to Sasuke himself). He also took notice of Sasuke's ambitions. He wanted him to get stronger, eventually be above him in terms of ability, and planned out a path that would allow that to happen. If he could see him now, he'd be proud.
Sasuke also has a great amount of symbolism in Itachi's life. He represents something that is untainted, pure so to speak.
Itachi at the age of 4 witnessed countless people slaughtered for the duration of the 3rd shinobi war. He didn't really get to be a care-free kid at any point in his life. He knew the true nature of the shinobi world much, much too early. Sasuke was born a year after the war's conclusion. To Itachi, Sasuke was innocent new life, a dear relative, his little brother, etc. He's willing to protect him no matter what.
He also made time for Sasuke. Even with being busy when they were kids and wasn't under any real obligation to pay attention to him. Not only that, but he'd stand up to their father so that they both could pay some attention to Sasuke. Like here:
^Fugaku is annoyed and anxious since he wants Itachi to join Anbu so that the Uchiha's betrayal of Konoha can go more smoothly. Itachi tells him not to worry about it and says “However” so that Sasuke has a chance to ask Fugaku if he can come to his Academy Induction Ceremony (these things only happen once after all).
^Sasuke attempts to ask, but then Fugaku cuts him off and continues rambling on about the mission. Itachi notices Sasuke's discouragement, so he interjects and says he won't be going on this oh-so-important mission. Fugaku freaks out.
^Itachi continues and says that he's not going on the mission because he wants to go to Sasuke's entrance ceremony. This surprises both Sasuke and Fugaku. Fugaku agrees to go with Itachi to Sasuke's event.
Itachi was basically the perfect brother here.
Later on, when fate causes Itachi's path to go in another direction: he decides to weave a reality in which Sasuke is unknowing in terms of his clan's dishonorable intended betrayal, the village's dark side, and where he can be a hero for killing a nukenin such as Itachi and bring the Uchiha name back with pride for taking down their murderer, all while getting stronger along the way so that when Itachi is dead and long gone- Sasuke can defend himself.
Ever heard of the saying “Ignorance is bliss”? Well, it's true. It is at times, especially in a circumstance like this.
As we know, things don't exactly go as planned. The only things that do are a) Sasuke does get stronger... he and Naruto Uzumaki are the strongest living shinobi now & b) Since the public will never know the truth because that would ruin the name of the Uchiha forever, everyone views Sasuke as having avenged his clan by killing Itachi.
Though, Sasuke finds out the truth. And, Itachi could say a mulitude of things. He could demean Sasuke and tell him he has no right to do what he is doing. He could tell him that he has no right to destroy everything he accomplished. Heck, the guy could at least be a little annoyed. However, he isn't. He just tells him the following.
Itachi took things well. I don't think anyone else in the manga would have been that loving and calm, had they have been in his shoes at that moment.
There's some symbolism behind this panel in that he doesn't go for the old forehead tap.
The forehead tap symbolized a) Itachi's brotherly love towards Sasuke & b) His view of him- Sasuke's innocent, he doesn't need to be dragged into things, etc.
When Itachi and Sasuke touched foreheads instead, it symbolized that he no longer hides anything from Sasuke and that they are now equals. This is great character development for Itachi as an older brother and a defining moment in Sasuke's character that he reflects on for a while and later is the main reason he decides to change his way.
Ironically, Sasuke does change his way even more so and ends up being on good terms with the leaders of Konoha (Naruto at the moment) and even starts a family. Itachi's plan for his brother worked in the end, just not in a way he expected entirely. He'd be happy to see him now, if he could.
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Role as a best friend/metaphorical brother figure
Itachi's relationship with Shisui.
Sometimes, a bond with a friend is so great that you might as well be related to them. You consider them to be family, even like a brother.
The extent of Shisui's and Itachi's relationship was that they were best friends, close enough for Itachi to even consider him a sibling. He held a great deal of respect for him.
Shisui's suicide led to Itachi unintentionally activating the Mangekyo Sharingan (which requires the death of someone close to you).
Shisui's death also taught Itachi another viewpoint on life:
"Self-sacrifice...A nameless shinobi who protects peace from within its shadow... That is a true shinobi."
Self-sacrifice is one of the main themes surrounding Itachi's character. He epitomizes it.
We also know of the request Shisui had for Itachi prior to passing away.
“You're my best friend, the only one I can ask this. Please protect the village... and the Uchiha's name.”
This greatly factored into Itachi's decision regarding the coup. He kept his promise through the course of action he took.
He became a scape goat so that the Uchiha name would remain untarnished and did prevent further bloodshed thus saving the village and other nations as well.
Itachi is very loyal as far as keeping a promise goes. To the extent that he thinks of his friend's request even in death- as an Edo Tensei.
He felt guilty knowing Shisui died and left him his eye, when his promise possibly could have fallen through.
To the Japanese and many cultures, passing on to the afterlife signifies a cut from the world. The dead are at rest. They have no obligation to anything on earth anymore. Itachi caring for this is not needed. However, he still does. That is true friendship and respect to someone you view as a sibling.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion: Itachi was a decent son and a great brother/friend in his own way. A good role model as well.
~Itachi's Familial Roles~
Role as a son
Itachi's relationship with his parents.
Parents want to have pride in their children. Pride is often times measured through the child's achievements and success. Depending on the background, some parents will have fairly lofty expectations or pretty dismal ones for them. Naturally, for the illustrious Uchiha clan, the bar is set high.
This is further exemplified when a child is the first born. And even more so when they are expected to rule a clan one day. A large amount of responsibility is entailed.
Itachi met expectations in this regard...he exceeded them actually. He was a good son in this way. One a person could be proud of.
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However, with this being said there are certain drawbacks to this parenting style.
When a child aims to please all, they can become quite distant due to having so much focus on the expectations that are set for them. They do everything they can to stay on task and thus don't have as much time as they should for themselves.
As Itachi got older, he began to spend less time with his family. This primarily resulted since his initiation into Anbu at age ten at Fugaku's request and onward until he was thirteen years of age. With everything he was doing, he got too busy and was stressed. He became distanced. This is understandable, given what his situation (involving the clan, village, and shinobi world to a bigger extent) was leading up to.
Regardless of this distance and a difference of ideals, Itachi still loved his parents.
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Even if Fugaku and Mikoto held the clan as more important than their elder son (given all the stress and misery they put him through for coup preparations), they still were proud of him in the end, even if they did not understand his ideals.
They were proud because they knew what type of person he was. Itachi did not do this out of selfishness nor spite. He did it because he did not have a more peaceful option. He did it to stop greater blood shed. He did it because he wanted to carry the burden alone and not bother another. He did it because he's gentle. They admire him for his willingness to suffer an unfathomable amount for a cause. They also knew he'd agree to taking care of Sasuke, given that's what Itachi always planned on doing and had done. They know how greatly Itachi cares for Sasuke.
As for Itachi's agony in those panels (haven't seen a more painful expression by anyone in this manga)- it's obvious that the kid does not want to do this. He feels guilt. He does not want forgiveness nor does he believe he is deserving of it. He loves his parents. Regardless of his reasons and the point that they were going to die anyway- he will always feel regret for committing this act. That's his nature.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Role as an older brother
Itachi's relationship with Sasuke.
Older siblings always carry more responsibility than their younger counterparts. They also are expected to set an example for them, as well as take care of them. Sometimes even a measuring point too.
Itachi acknowledged this.
You must be registered for see images
“I'm always going to be there for you...”- Taking care of him. “...Even as an obstacle for you to overcome.”- Standard for him to surpass.
Itachi did always take care of Sasuke from afar (completely unbeknownst to Sasuke himself). He also took notice of Sasuke's ambitions. He wanted him to get stronger, eventually be above him in terms of ability, and planned out a path that would allow that to happen. If he could see him now, he'd be proud.
Sasuke also has a great amount of symbolism in Itachi's life. He represents something that is untainted, pure so to speak.
Itachi at the age of 4 witnessed countless people slaughtered for the duration of the 3rd shinobi war. He didn't really get to be a care-free kid at any point in his life. He knew the true nature of the shinobi world much, much too early. Sasuke was born a year after the war's conclusion. To Itachi, Sasuke was innocent new life, a dear relative, his little brother, etc. He's willing to protect him no matter what.
You must be registered for see images
He also made time for Sasuke. Even with being busy when they were kids and wasn't under any real obligation to pay attention to him. Not only that, but he'd stand up to their father so that they both could pay some attention to Sasuke. Like here:
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^Fugaku is annoyed and anxious since he wants Itachi to join Anbu so that the Uchiha's betrayal of Konoha can go more smoothly. Itachi tells him not to worry about it and says “However” so that Sasuke has a chance to ask Fugaku if he can come to his Academy Induction Ceremony (these things only happen once after all).
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^Sasuke attempts to ask, but then Fugaku cuts him off and continues rambling on about the mission. Itachi notices Sasuke's discouragement, so he interjects and says he won't be going on this oh-so-important mission. Fugaku freaks out.
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^Itachi continues and says that he's not going on the mission because he wants to go to Sasuke's entrance ceremony. This surprises both Sasuke and Fugaku. Fugaku agrees to go with Itachi to Sasuke's event.
Itachi was basically the perfect brother here.
Later on, when fate causes Itachi's path to go in another direction: he decides to weave a reality in which Sasuke is unknowing in terms of his clan's dishonorable intended betrayal, the village's dark side, and where he can be a hero for killing a nukenin such as Itachi and bring the Uchiha name back with pride for taking down their murderer, all while getting stronger along the way so that when Itachi is dead and long gone- Sasuke can defend himself.
You must be registered for see images
Ever heard of the saying “Ignorance is bliss”? Well, it's true. It is at times, especially in a circumstance like this.
As we know, things don't exactly go as planned. The only things that do are a) Sasuke does get stronger... he and Naruto Uzumaki are the strongest living shinobi now & b) Since the public will never know the truth because that would ruin the name of the Uchiha forever, everyone views Sasuke as having avenged his clan by killing Itachi.
Though, Sasuke finds out the truth. And, Itachi could say a mulitude of things. He could demean Sasuke and tell him he has no right to do what he is doing. He could tell him that he has no right to destroy everything he accomplished. Heck, the guy could at least be a little annoyed. However, he isn't. He just tells him the following.
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
Itachi took things well. I don't think anyone else in the manga would have been that loving and calm, had they have been in his shoes at that moment.
There's some symbolism behind this panel in that he doesn't go for the old forehead tap.
You must be registered for see images
The forehead tap symbolized a) Itachi's brotherly love towards Sasuke & b) His view of him- Sasuke's innocent, he doesn't need to be dragged into things, etc.
When Itachi and Sasuke touched foreheads instead, it symbolized that he no longer hides anything from Sasuke and that they are now equals. This is great character development for Itachi as an older brother and a defining moment in Sasuke's character that he reflects on for a while and later is the main reason he decides to change his way.
Ironically, Sasuke does change his way even more so and ends up being on good terms with the leaders of Konoha (Naruto at the moment) and even starts a family. Itachi's plan for his brother worked in the end, just not in a way he expected entirely. He'd be happy to see him now, if he could.
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Role as a best friend/metaphorical brother figure
Itachi's relationship with Shisui.
Sometimes, a bond with a friend is so great that you might as well be related to them. You consider them to be family, even like a brother.
You must be registered for see images
The extent of Shisui's and Itachi's relationship was that they were best friends, close enough for Itachi to even consider him a sibling. He held a great deal of respect for him.
Shisui's suicide led to Itachi unintentionally activating the Mangekyo Sharingan (which requires the death of someone close to you).
You must be registered for see images
Shisui's death also taught Itachi another viewpoint on life:
You must be registered for see images
"Self-sacrifice...A nameless shinobi who protects peace from within its shadow... That is a true shinobi."
Self-sacrifice is one of the main themes surrounding Itachi's character. He epitomizes it.
We also know of the request Shisui had for Itachi prior to passing away.
You must be registered for see images
“You're my best friend, the only one I can ask this. Please protect the village... and the Uchiha's name.”
This greatly factored into Itachi's decision regarding the coup. He kept his promise through the course of action he took.
He became a scape goat so that the Uchiha name would remain untarnished and did prevent further bloodshed thus saving the village and other nations as well.
Itachi is very loyal as far as keeping a promise goes. To the extent that he thinks of his friend's request even in death- as an Edo Tensei.
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
He felt guilty knowing Shisui died and left him his eye, when his promise possibly could have fallen through.
To the Japanese and many cultures, passing on to the afterlife signifies a cut from the world. The dead are at rest. They have no obligation to anything on earth anymore. Itachi caring for this is not needed. However, he still does. That is true friendship and respect to someone you view as a sibling.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion: Itachi was a decent son and a great brother/friend in his own way. A good role model as well.
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