Naruto: Unraveling the Mystery of Amaterasu: Can All Uchiha Harness Its Power?

The Naruto world introduces a variety of techniques known as jutsu, with the Dōjutsu or visual jutsu being particularly captivating. Within the realm of Dōjutsu, the Sharingan, possessed by the Uchiha Clan, stands out as one of the noteworthy ones.

Among Sharingan users, only a select few Uchihas have unlocked the powerful Mangekyou Sharingan, an evolved and improved version of the regular Sharingan. The Mangekyou grants its users access to an assortment of formidable techniques, including the Amaterasu.

Are all Uchiha members capable of using Amaterasu in Naruto?

Indra Otsutsuki's Mangekyou Sharingan (Image via Pierrot)

Amaterasu is a rare ocular jutsu known as Dōjutsu, accessed through the Mangekyou Sharingan ability of the Uchiha clan. However, only a few have truly mastered it. When activated, it creates unquenchable black flames that appear at the center of the user's vision. The Mangekyou Sharingan has different patterns and core abilities unique to each user, except for Sasuke Uchiha. Interestingly, Sasuke's Mangekyo Sharingan bears a striking resemblance to Indra Otsutsuki, possibly hinting at the concept of reincarnation.

Which Uchiha members can use Amaterasu?

Sasuke's Mangekyou Sharingan (Image via Pierrot)

In the Naruto anime, the only members of the Uchiha Clan, aside from the clan's founder Indra Otsutsuki, who possess the ability to use Amaterasu are the Uchiha brothers, Itachi and Sasuke. Indra Otsutsuki, the eldest son of Hagoromo Otsutsuki, demonstrated his use of Amaterasu with his left eye while battling against his younger brother, Asura Otsutsuki, in Naruto Shippuden episode 468.

Sasuke first displayed his black flames during his fight against Killer Bee in episode 85. Similarly, Itachi used Amaterasu for the first time in Naruto episode 85 when he and Kisame were escaping from Jiraiya's toad mouth trap. However, in Naruto Shippuden episode 456, Itachi was shown unlocking his Amaterasu for the first time during his encounter with the fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, who was the jinchuriki of the three tails.

The activation of Amaterasu differs between the Uchiha brothers, as Sasuke utilizes his left Mangekyou Sharingan while Itachi relies on his right one. Interestingly, both siblings possess the same unique skill of extinguishing the enigmatic black flames. Surprisingly, despite the notable presence and power of other Uchiha members like Madara, Obito, or Shisui, none of them were ever shown wielding Amaterasu throughout the entire series.

Why can’t all Uchiha members use Amaterasu?

The unique abilities of the Sharingan and Mangekyou Dōjutsu can be inferred from the information revealed in the series. Each user possesses distinct working principles and functionality, making these ocular jutsu abilities unique to them. Hence, not all Uchihas have the capability to use them.

Since both Uchiha brothers had the power of Amaterasu, it implies that the Sharingan abilities can be inherited. It is probable that other members of their family also possess the ability to use Amaterasu.

Amaterasu being employed by Sasuke in Naruto (Image courtesy of Pierrot)

It was unveiled in the series that Fugaku Uchiha, the paternal figure of the two brothers and the leader of the Uchiha Clan prior to its brutal annihilation, was also in possession of the Mangekyou Sharingan. Nonetheless, explicit details regarding the nature of Fugaku's Mangekyou abilities and any additional information pertaining to other relatives within their lineage remain undisclosed.

This raises questions about the enigma of how genetics play a part in the inheritance of Mangekyou abilities. However, it is possible that both brothers having Amaterasu could be a mere coincidence, albeit a less captivating theory.

Can fans expect to see Amaterasu in Boruto?

Chapter 80 of the Boruto manga reveals an exciting development for Sarada Uchiha, the daughter of Sasuke. She successfully unlocks her Mangekyou Sharingan, offering Naruto fans a thrilling glimpse into the untapped potential of this eye technique. As the story continues in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga, further understanding and exploration of the Mangekyou abilities can be anticipated.

Sarada, being part of the Uchiha family, is likely to possess similar Dōjutsu abilities inherited from the Uchiha brothers. However, it is not impossible for her to possess a completely unique set of abilities with her Mangekyou Sharingan. This could bring a fresh element to the story instead of simply repeating known concepts from the series.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the Naruto series, I find the exploration of Amaterasu and its usage among the Uchiha clan to be a captivating topic. The article provides insightful information about this rare ocular jutsu and its limitations. It is intriguing to learn that only a select few Uchihas, namely Itachi and Sasuke, have truly mastered Amaterasu, despite the presence of other powerful clan members like Madara, Obito, and Shisui.

The concept of inheritance and genetics adds another layer of complexity to the mystery surrounding Amaterasu. The fact that both Itachi and Sasuke possess the ability suggests the possibility of hereditary factors influencing the manifestation of specific Mangekyou abilities within the Uchiha一族. However, the lack of explicit information about Fugaku Uchiha's Mangekyou powers and other relatives leaves room for speculation and further exploration. Overall, the article offers an engaging analysis of Amaterasu and its significance within the Naruto universe, sparking curiosity and anticipation among fans eager to unravel the secrets of the Uchiha clan.