yes, the author knew that itachi was a popular character.. let
him die a hero.. and let sasuke take over the story at least for
awhile..sasuke will be shocked when he finds out the truth, we all
speculated that before..
now he will plan with madara to take revenge on konoha..
And for that selfish reason, Sasuke is never fit to be a
Hokage. Forever maintaining his personal agenda above the
interest of Konoha. Turd...... If he does become Madara's henchman,
it will be Naruto's turn to give him a whipping.