Storm Shadow's deep-seated hatred for Snake Eyes stems primarily from a betrayal rooted in a perceived threat to his rightful inheritance of martial arts knowledge and a fear of his own inherent nature.
The Core of Their Rivalry
The intense rivalry between Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes, particularly as depicted in the G.I. Joe: Resolute miniseries, reveals that Storm Shadow's animosity was ignited by his fear that their shared master, his uncle, would pass on the ultimate martial arts secret to Snake Eyes instead of him.
- Fear of Succession: Storm Shadow was concerned that his uncle would teach the seventh and final move of the "Seven Steps to the Sun" to Snake Eyes. This particular technique represented the pinnacle of their martial art, and Storm Shadow believed it was his birthright.
- Self-Perception and Bloodlust: A critical factor in Storm Shadow's fear was his own perceived flaw: his bloodlust. He worried that his violent tendencies and inability to control his impulses would disqualify him from receiving this sacred teaching, making Snake Eyes the preferred successor.
- The Ultimate Betrayal: Driven by this fear and resentment, Storm Shadow took drastic measures. He orchestrated the assassination of their master by hiring the mercenary Zartan. This act not only eliminated his perceived obstacle but also irrevocably shattered his bond with Snake Eyes, who was left to believe Storm Shadow was directly responsible for their master's death.
This complex interplay of fear, ambition, and a desperate act of betrayal solidified the bitter enmity between the two ninjas, forming the foundation of Storm Shadow's enduring hatred for Snake Eyes.
