Unveiling the Black Flames: Who First Wielded Amaterasu?

The question of who first used Amaterasu in the Naruto universe has a definitive answer: Itachi Uchiha was the first character explicitly shown wielding the power of Amaterasu. This iconic Mangekyo Sharingan ability, known for its unextinguishable black flames, cemented Itachi’s status as one of the most formidable shinobi in the series. His mastery over this devastating technique played a crucial role in numerous battles and ultimately shaped the narrative’s trajectory. It’s a testament to Kishimoto’s design of both character and jutsu, that this particular ability continues to be discussed and analyzed to this day.

The Origins of Amaterasu and Itachi’s Mangekyo Sharingan

The Sharingan itself is a powerful dojutsu (eye technique) inherent to members of the Uchiha clan. The Mangekyo Sharingan, a more advanced form, is awakened upon experiencing intense emotional trauma, often the loss of a loved one. Each Mangekyo Sharingan grants its user unique and devastating abilities. In Itachi’s case, one eye granted him Tsukuyomi, a genjutsu that traps victims in an illusory world, while the other eye granted him Amaterasu.

It’s important to note that the Sharingan and its advanced forms are deeply rooted in Japanese mythology. Amaterasu, in Shinto mythology, is the sun goddess, and her name perfectly embodies the scorching power of the technique. Kishimoto skillfully weaves these mythological elements into the fabric of his story, enriching the narrative and providing depth to the characters’ abilities.

Itachi’s Use of Amaterasu in Action

Itachi’s first on-screen use of Amaterasu occurs during his battle with Sasuke. This scene is pivotal, not only because it showcases the raw power of Amaterasu but also because it marks a turning point in Sasuke’s development. The flames, said to be as hot as the sun, instantly incinerate anything in their path, demonstrating their overwhelming destructive capability. Although Itachi had mastered using this ability, it came at a great price.

Itachi strategically used Amaterasu throughout the series, often employing it as a last resort due to the significant strain it placed on his eyes. The constant use of Mangekyo Sharingan abilities gradually led to blindness, a common consequence for those who overuse these techniques. This limitation added a layer of vulnerability to Itachi, making him a more compelling and nuanced character.

The Legacy of Amaterasu: Sasuke’s Inheritance

Following Itachi’s death, Sasuke inherited his brother’s Mangekyo Sharingan. In some of the battles of the series, the flame was used to help defeat some very powerful opponents. With this inheritance, Sasuke also gained access to Amaterasu. However, Sasuke’s relationship with Amaterasu was different from Itachi’s. Sasuke developed the ability to manipulate the shape and form of the black flames using a technique called Kagutsuchi. This allowed him to create weapons and defenses made of Amaterasu, vastly increasing its versatility.

Sasuke’s mastery over Kagutsuchi and his proficiency with Amaterasu eventually surpassed Itachi’s. He used it extensively in his battles, demonstrating a level of control and strategic application that Itachi never achieved. This further solidified Sasuke’s position as one of the strongest shinobi in the series.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Amaterasu

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Amaterasu, providing further insights into this iconic technique:

1. Who created Amaterasu as a jutsu?

The jutsu itself isn’t “created” in the traditional sense. It’s an inherent ability unlocked upon awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan under specific conditions within the Uchiha lineage.

2. Is Amaterasu truly unavoidable?

While initially described as unavoidable, several characters have dodged or otherwise countered Amaterasu through various means, including superior speed, space-time ninjutsu, and chakra absorption.

3. What are the weaknesses of Amaterasu?

Amaterasu’s weaknesses include:

• User strain: It places a significant strain on the user’s eyes, potentially leading to blindness.
• Absorption techniques: Techniques that can absorb chakra, such as the Rinnegan’s Preta Path, can nullify Amaterasu.
• Space-time ninjutsu: Techniques that allow users to teleport or manipulate space can be used to evade the flames.

4. Can Amaterasu burn indefinitely?

Amaterasu is stated to burn for seven days and seven nights unless extinguished by an external force.

5. How does Kagutsuchi enhance Amaterasu?

Kagutsuchi allows the user to manipulate the shape and form of the Amaterasu flames, granting them greater control and versatility. This is only used by Sasuke Uchiha.

6. Can Amaterasu burn other types of fire?

While not explicitly stated, it’s implied that Amaterasu, being a unique and powerful flame, would likely consume or overpower other types of fire.

7. Why does using Amaterasu cause the user’s eye to bleed?

The bleeding is a visual representation of the immense strain and chakra exertion placed on the user’s eye when activating and maintaining Amaterasu. This is because Amaterasu is ONLY about the eyes, which is why the eye bleeds whenever used. Because that is where all the strain is being placed since the fire comes from your eyes and travels to where you are looking.

8. Could Kakashi use Amaterasu with his Sharingan?

No, Kakashi cannot use Amaterasu. While he possesses a Sharingan, it was transplanted from Obito Uchiha and does not grant him access to the unique Mangekyo Sharingan abilities associated with the direct Uchiha lineage, such as Amaterasu or Tsukuyomi.

9. Who is a better Amaterasu user: Itachi or Sasuke?

Sasuke is generally considered the better Amaterasu user due to his mastery of Kagutsuchi, which allows him to manipulate and control the flames with greater precision and versatility.

10. Can Amaterasu be sealed?

Yes, Amaterasu can be sealed, as demonstrated by Jiraiya using a sealing technique to contain the flames.

11. How does the power of Amaterasu compare to other fire-based ninjutsu?

Amaterasu is significantly more potent than standard fire-based ninjutsu. Its flames are unextinguishable by normal means and burn with intense heat, capable of incinerating nearly anything.

12. Is there a connection between Amaterasu and the Susanoo?

While not directly linked, both Amaterasu and Susanoo are Mangekyo Sharingan abilities. Access to one does not guarantee access to the other. However, both Itachi and Sasuke possessed both abilities. Sasuke’s greatest Sharingan ability is the Full Body Susanoo and he also has amazing control over the black flames of Amaterasu.

13. What role does Amaterasu play in the overall Naruto storyline?

Amaterasu serves as a plot device that highlights the power and tragedy associated with the Uchiha clan and their Sharingan. It contributes to the conflicts and character development throughout the series.

14. Could Naruto’s chakra cloak block Amaterasu?

Yes,he probably can. Now while the Amaterasu is a powerful jutsu,it is extremely overrated too. Almighty Push was able to blow out the Amaterasu,Gaara’s Sand was able to douse the flames,and Naruto’s Final Rasengan was able to cancel out an Amaterasu powered Chidori.

15. Are there real-world inspirations for the Amaterasu technique?

Yes, Amaterasu draws inspiration from Japanese Shinto mythology, where Amaterasu is the sun goddess. This connection adds depth and cultural relevance to the jutsu.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Amaterasu

The legacy of Amaterasu extends beyond its destructive capabilities. It’s a symbol of the Uchiha clan’s power, the burden of the Mangekyo Sharingan, and the complex relationship between Itachi and Sasuke. The black flames continue to capture the imagination of fans, sparking discussions and analyses about the Naruto universe. The influence and impact of storytelling and its impact on understanding the world that we live in is something that we at Games Learning Society explore. You can learn more about it at GamesLearningSociety.org.