Short Answer
Yes, Sasuke does get rid of the curse mark. Itachi Uchiha seals it permanently during their fight in the Naruto Shippuden series, using a special genjutsu tied to the Mangekyou Sharingan. After that battle, the curse mark never activates again, and Sasuke relies fully on his own Uchiha power instead.
If you have ever paused mid episode and wondered, does Sasuke get rid of the curse mark for good, you are not alone. It is one of the most asked questions among Naruto fans, and honestly, it deserves a clear answer. Let’s break down everything about it, from how Orochimaru gave it to him, to the exact moment it disappears.
What Is Sasuke’s Curse Mark?
The curse mark is a strange, flame shaped tattoo that Orochimaru places on Sasuke’s neck early in the series. It looks harmless at first. Then it spreads across his skin like ink in water once activated.
Here is what makes it so unique.
- It grants a huge boost in chakra and physical strength.
- It changes Sasuke’s appearance, giving him grey skin and sharp features.
- It has two stages, with the second one being far more powerful and dangerous.
- It slowly corrupts the user’s mind and body over time.
You could say the curse mark works like a loan with brutal interest. You get power fast, but you pay for it later.
Why Did Orochimaru Give Sasuke the Curse Mark?
Orochimaru does not do anything without a reason. He gives Sasuke the curse mark during the Chunin Exams as part of a bigger plan.
His goal is simple. He wants to use Sasuke’s body eventually through a technique that lets him transfer his soul into someone new. The curse mark works as a tracking and control tool during this process.
There is also a second reason. Orochimaru is obsessed with the Uchiha bloodline and the Sharingan. By marking Sasuke, he keeps him tied to his influence while pushing him toward the dark side. This connection becomes a major part of Sasuke’s arc in the Naruto series.
Does Sasuke Remove the Curse Mark?
Yes, Sasuke does remove the curse mark, though he does not do it himself. Instead, someone else steps in and takes care of it for him.
This happens through his brother Itachi, and it marks one of the most emotional turning points in the entire story. Once it is gone, Sasuke’s body stops relying on that borrowed power completely.
How Does Itachi Remove the Curse Mark?
During the final battle between Sasuke and Itachi in Naruto Shippuden, Itachi uses a technique tied to his Mangekyou Sharingan. Right before he dies, he taps Sasuke’s forehead and seals away the curse mark using a special genjutsu.
Here is what actually happens in that moment.
- Itachi realizes his time is running out and acts fast.
- He uses a sealing technique layered inside his final genjutsu.
- The seal targets Orochimaru’s chakra signature left inside Sasuke.
- Once sealed, the curse mark can never activate again.
I always found this scene powerful because it shows Itachi protecting Sasuke even in his last seconds. It is not just a plot device. It closes the door on Orochimaru’s influence for good. Source: Reddit
In Which Episode Does Sasuke Lose the Curse Mark?
Sasuke loses the curse mark during his fight with Itachi in Naruto Shippuden. This occurs in episode 138, titled “Brotherly Bonds,” where Itachi delivers his final technique before passing away.
If you are rewatching the series and want to catch this moment yourself, keep an eye on the scene right after Itachi collapses. That final touch to Sasuke’s forehead is the exact point where the curse mark gets sealed.
Does Sasuke Become Weaker Without the Curse Mark?
No, Sasuke does not become weaker without the curse mark. In fact, he becomes stronger over time.
Losing the curse mark forces Sasuke to rely entirely on his natural Uchiha abilities, and this pushes his growth in a healthier direction. Soon after, his Sharingan evolves into the Mangekyou Sharingan, giving him abilities far beyond what the curse mark ever offered.
Think of it this way. The curse mark was a shortcut. Once it disappears, Sasuke has to build real strength, and that strength ends up outclassing anything Orochimaru gave him. perfectmatchseason3.com
What Powers Did the Curse Mark Give Sasuke?
The curse mark gave Sasuke a temporary but intense power boost. It came in two stages, each with different effects.
Stage One:
- Increased speed and reflexes
- Boosted chakra levels
- Slight changes in appearance, like darkened skin patches
Stage Two:
- Full transformation with grey skin and wing like chakra formations
- Massive strength and durability increase
- Sharper senses and faster healing
- Heavy mental strain and loss of control
These powers made Sasuke dangerous, but they came at a steep cost. Every time he used stage two, it pushed him closer to losing himself completely.
Why Doesn’t Sasuke Need the Curse Mark Anymore?
Sasuke does not need the curse mark anymore because his own bloodline abilities surpass it easily. Once the Mangekyou Sharingan awakens, he gains techniques like Amaterasu and Susanoo, both far stronger than anything the curse mark provided.
On top of that, the curse mark carried serious risks. It slowly corrupted the user, and long term use often led to permanent physical and mental damage. Sasuke’s natural growth gives him power without that danger hanging over him.

What Happened to Orochimaru After the Curse Mark Was Removed?
Orochimaru does not disappear from the story after Sasuke’s curse mark gets sealed. He continues pursuing his own goals, eventually working to extend his life through other means.
Later in the series, Sasuke actually seeks him out again, this time on his own terms. Their relationship shifts from master and target to something closer to a tense alliance, especially during the Fourth Shinobi World War arc.
Final Thoughts
So, does Sasuke get rid of the curse mark? Absolutely, and it happens in one of the most memorable moments in Naruto Shippuden. Itachi’s final act seals away Orochimaru’s influence for good, pushing Sasuke toward the power he was always meant to have.
If you enjoyed this breakdown, share it with a fellow Naruto fan who has been asking the same question. And if there is another Naruto mystery you want cleared up, drop it in the comments below. perfectmatchseason3.com
FAQs
1. Does Sasuke ever use the curse mark again after it is removed? No, once Itachi seals it, the curse mark never activates again for the rest of the series.
2. Can the curse mark be removed by anyone other than Itachi? Within the story, only Itachi is shown removing it, using his unique Mangekyou Sharingan technique.
3. Does removing the curse mark hurt Sasuke? No, the sealing process is painless and happens almost instantly during his fight with Itachi.
4. Is the curse mark the same as Orochimaru’s other jutsu? No, the curse mark is a separate technique from Orochimaru’s soul transfer jutsu, though both are connected to his larger plan.
5. Does Sasuke get a new mark after the curse mark disappears? No, Sasuke does not receive any replacement mark. His power afterward comes purely from his Sharingan and training.
6. Why did Orochimaru want Sasuke’s body specifically? Orochimaru wanted Sasuke’s body for its Sharingan and Uchiha genetics, which he believed would make him the ultimate host.
7. Does the curse mark come back later in Naruto Shippuden? No, once sealed by Itachi, the curse mark stays gone permanently for the rest of the series.
8. How strong is Sasuke without the curse mark by the end of the series? Sasuke becomes one of the strongest characters in the series, rivaling Naruto himself thanks to his Sharingan and Rinnegan abilities.
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About the Author: Maya Ellison is a lifelong anime enthusiast who has spent over a decade breaking down complex storylines for fellow fans. When she is not rewatching classic shonen series, she is writing guides that make fandom lore easy to understand
