Although the series ended long ago, Naruto is still loved and appreciated by a lot of fans. Characters like Sasuke, Itachi, Naruto, Jiraiya, and Madara have left such a big impression among fans that the series has become a legend in the world of anime. It is also a part of the Big Three anime series of all time, and many other creators have been influenced by the series, too.
The story of Naruto is so vast and growing that many aspects of the story are left as mysteries for the fans to interpret and theorize on their own. This helps the fans to develop their thesis around characters, abilities, plots, etc. thus making them want more and ultimately helping the series gain from the audience. Naruto, being one of the biggest anime series, has seen its fair share of theories.
One such theory that surfaced online and grabbed a lot of attention was that Orochimaru brainwashed Karin to be madly in love with Sasuke. This theory had a lot of evidence and reasons behind it that made it plausible, thus making it one of the few theories that made sense according to the theory.
Karin’s Relationship With Sasuke in Naruto
Karin is a Uzumaki clan member, a former Kusagakure kunoichi, and a subordinate of Orochimaru. She was given the responsibility of overseeing Orochimaru’s Southern Hideout while he was away, and she helped him with his experiments.
Later on, she was brought into Taka, the group that Sasuke Uchiha founded and was originally known as Hebi. Karin has a very strong life force because she is a direct descendant of the Uzumaki clan. She has strong healing abilities thanks to her inherited life force, which enables her to heal wounds and regenerate swiftly, which she mostly used to save Sasuke.
Karin has been in love with Sasuke from the very beginning. Ever since their first day of meeting, Karin grows fond of Sasuke. Her biggest wish in the anime is just to see Sasuke give her a kind smile, as evidenced by her Infinite Tsukuyomi dream. Although Sasuke never reciprocated the feelings, she was still madly in love with him.
Theory Suggests Orochimaru Brainwashed Karin to Be in Love With Sasuke
Karin’s love for Sasuke was seen as an obsession. Her obsession with Sasuke was unhealthy. This gave rise to the theory that rather than being genuinely in love with Sasuke, Karin was brainwashed by Orochimaru.
As Orochimaru wanted to use Sasuke and take control of his body, he would be justified in acting in this way since Karin will always protect Sasuke due to her inborn healing powers and obsession with him.
As Karin only healed and took care of people whom she loved, her taking care of Sasuke ensured the safety of Orochimaru’s future body. Also, when he eventually gained control of Sasuke’s body, if she had been brainwashed rather than genuinely in love, that conditioning would still be present.
