#anyways lol. why DID kishimoto frame it like that

[nohara-rin-dot-mp3]

"Always Watching": an Analysis of Obito's Afterlife as Horror

In chapter 687 of the Naruto manga, Uchiha Obito dies. Chapters 687 and 688 contain a scene wherein he meets with his old friend (and love interest) Nohara Rin in the afterlife.

This is a touching scene, right? One would think so. The problem is that for some reason it's actually really fucking scary. In this analysis, I'm going to explain why the moment is framed in such an unsettling matter, and what that means in terms of the story.

First off, I'd like to establish a disconnect from the intent of the scene. Naruto, as a narrative, often tells the reader things that contradict the events shown, both in terms of tone and action. This scene is a contradiction on both accounts, as is common when Nohara Rin is the focus of any scrutiny. This dissonance results from the fact that although Rin is said to be kind, intellectual, and devoted, we see very little evidence for this being the case, and in some chapters, evidence to the contrary. This contrast is a key tool in reading this scene as horror.

This contrast is not a function of good writing- rather, it is a result of Kishimoto's failure to fully flesh out his female characters. I am aware that this scene was not written with the intent of being horror- I am simply arguing that it can be read that way, anyways.

I would also like to acknowledge the fact that a reading of this scene wherein Obito is not talking to the real Rin is a perfectly viable take in the context of this scene as horror. It can even amplify it in some cases- however, whether or not the real Rin is guiding Obito to the afterlife is not the topic I intend to tackle today.

Finally, before we get into a close reading of this scene, I would like to define horror, and discuss why a reading of this scene as horror can be meaningful. I will be defining horror as "storytelling that invokes fear or otherwise uncomfortable emotions through the employment of distressing imagery or engagement with upsetting subject matter." I intend to prove that this scene can be read as horror by emphasizing the "distressing imagery" and "upsetting subject matter" present in it, primarily through contrast.

Horror is important because it challenges our notions of normality and appropriateness. By reading this scene as horror, we are forced to question the morality of Obito's actions, the accuracy of Obito's views of Rin, the necessity of Obito's sacrifice, and many other aspects of the Naruto narrative.

To begin with: Obito takes Kaguya's All-Killing Ash Bone attack to save the lives of Team 7 We are treated to a short flashback of Rin encouraging Obito to become hokage and vowing to stay by his side as he does so. We then transition back to the present, where Obito tells Naruto to become hokage. He then dies- Kaguya and Zestu mock him, Naruto defends him, and Obito wakes up in the afterlife.

The first panel of the sequence is the extreme close-up on Obito's normal eye- this serves to establish the fact that he does not have his sharingan here. He is powerless, and therefore vulnerable. The shock and sudden scene transition also serves as a jolt to readers, destabilizing them as they enter the scene. We also see the grey border that surrounds the scene begin- this grey border helps to establish the surreality of the scene. In the Naruto manga, pages taking place in the present are surrounded by white and flashbacks are surrounded by black. By shading the area around the panels light grey, an in-between area is established. The liminal quality to this scene further unsettles the reader and contributes to a horror reading.

Next, the scene goes from incredibly close to distant. Contrast is one of the most important pieces of imagery this scene uses to unsettle the reader. We see this contrast again in the next panel, as Rin and Obito take turns facing the camera. The scene also plays on Obito's vulnerability to discomfit the reader. Obito has been thrust back into his childhood body. He is much weaker than he has been in a long time. Rin is not sitting neutrally- she is leaning into Obito's personal space, pressing in and creating an oppressive atmosphere.

The dialogue in this scene also serves to unsettle the reader. Obito pauses unnaturally twice in three panels, and Rin's dialogue is chilling. The first thing she says to him is "I've been waiting." Taken on it's own, it's far from comforting, or even romantic. The ominous tone of the dialogue contrasted with Rin's tranquil smile creates horror.

The expressions in these panels work to communicate Obito's (justified) distress over his actions. Rin's expression, in contrast, is oddly unaffected. The lack of reaction to any of the people Obito hurt contrasts with the picture of a kind girl that Obito and Kakashi's memories have presented us with thusfar. It creates horror, and challenges both Rin and the position of hokage as ideals.

Rin's expression and the cadence with which she delivers her judgement are unsettling. The unnatural pause in the middle of her dialogue emphasizes the horror of such a statement- "I've been... watching you all along." Directly following her declaration of Obito's innocence, this throws the lens of morality the narrative of Naruto has been asking us to use into question. It also. Hold on a second can I stop essay talking for a little bit ahem. It's just fucking creepy? Like that's not a normal thing to say why'd she say that. Why's she pause in the middle of it. It's so threatening for no reason??? It's the panel that inspired this piece because when I was reading this chapter for this first time I had to go back and check to make sure I was getting the intention of it right because this reads like fucked up nightmare fuel scene!!! Forget wrangling something into a shape it's not meant to be in you have to squint to see this scene in a non-horror light!!!! Why. Literally why. Okay anyways ahem Paired alongside Obito's distress and Rin's clear invasion of his personal space, this is easy to read as horror.

Once again, we are shown an extreme close-up of Obito's eyes, emphasizing his distress. We also focus on Rin's grip on Obito- notice how it's not reciprocated. The close view of her hold on his hand suffocates the reader, signalling that something is wrong.

Here we see more contrast to build uneasiness- the difference between Obito's anguish and Rin's unflinching smile casts doubt on the sincerity of Rin's smile, and therefore on the basis of her character.

Once again, the framing of this scene pulls attention towards Rin's grip on Obito. We also see juxtaposition between close-ups and distant framing of panels. The movement of our view creates a sense of unease, not allowing us to sit comfortably with any perspective. We also see Rin shift from a smile to concern for the first time- and it's only because Obito is trying to resist (and failing) to resist her grip.

Finally, the contrast is reversed. Now we have Obito smiling and Rin not. Rin is still holding Obito, but the tension between them isn't as great. They are both on their feet, lessening the power imbalance between them.

Finally, with Obito's denial of Rin, we see something beyond a plastic smile or concern. She releases his hand, and seemingly becoming more genuine, the undertones of horror begin to fade.

With the direct mention of Kakashi, things clear up even more. Obito's dialogue is more natural, and although we still have the framework of distant/close up perspective, it's less extreme. Rin and Obito are on even terms- or, so it seems. The horror in the earlier scenes came from the fact that Rin was leading the conversation, and was behaving in ways that felt wrong. Now that Obito is leading, Rin doesn't have the opportunity to exorcise agency and therefore contradict the characterization she supposed to have. Although the horror is fading, it has not been resolved. It is merely being covered up.

I'll stray into another framework I like to use to analyze Rin scenes, here- I've suggested in the past that the sincerity of Rin's character at any given moment can be read in a symbolic manner based on her eyes. Closed eyes represent deceit- in these panels, Rin conforms exactly to Obito's expectations of her, smiling with her eyes closed and bearing a striking resemblance to the photo of team Minato we often see as representative of Kakashi's grief for Rin and Obito's goals. She has regressed to an ideal; the horror is gone. Their expressions are no longer contrasting in an uncomfortable manner, instead complimenting each other, and their dialogue has moved on from uncomfortable phrasing into natural bickering. And yet, because of this resolution- this surrender- Rin becomes a liar, once again conforming to other's visions of her rather than expressing her true feelings.

Here, Obito reactivates his sharingan, marking a reversal of the dynamic. He is stronger than Rin, now, and conforming to a traditional Naruto value (self-sacrifice as an unarguably positive force). Any concerns raised by the undertones of horror earlier have been completely brushed over.

Finally, we bookend the scene with Rin once again reiterating her "waiting." Rather than horrific this time, though, it is resigned. It is the kind of thing a kind, dutiful girl would say- she waits in the afterlife for Obito, expressing no agency. The perfect image of a perfect girl, in complete contrast to her unsettling behavior earlier.

Although the Naruto manga spends more time in Obito's afterlife, we won't see Rin again for a while, so I mark this as the end of this scene specifically.

We receive no resolution to this horror. The handful of Rin's appearances afterwards do not address her actions or the tone of the beginning of this scene.

In conclusion, Obito's afterlife effectively uses unsettling imagery and dialogue to build tension without ever releasing it. The horror that it invokes is never resolved, and this leaves the audience questioning the reality of the scene and other information connected to Obito, Rin, and Konoha as a whole. It can be read as horror in order to broaden understanding of Nohara Rin as a character and Obito's relationship to her.