Unveiling the Mysteries of Naruto's Kotoamatsukami: Ultimate Guide

The Naruto series has established a clear dominance of the Mangekyo with its powerful and unparalleled techniques that only a few can defend against. Among these formidable abilities, there is a noticeable difference in strength among them. While Itachi's Tsukuyomi is often regarded as the strongest Mangekyo technique, there is another lesser-known contender that surpasses its power - Kotoamatsukami.

Kotoamatsukami originates from Shisui Uchiha and is a genjutsu connected to his Mangekyo Sharingan. The sought-after nature of this technique made Shisui's Sharingan a target for many power-hungry adversaries. Even after his untimely death, Kotoamatsukami continued to play a significant role in the Naruto storyline through Shisui's stolen eyes.

How Does Kotoamatsukami Work?

Kotoamatsukami, at its core, is a dual-purpose technique that combines the elements of genjutsu and mind control. Unlike typical genjutsu, where the target is transported to a fabricated realm, Kotoamatsukami exerts control over the target's actions by influencing their subconscious. The target remains oblivious to the subtle commands bestowed upon them, firmly believing that their actions are driven by their own free will. Consequently, those subjected to this technique fall entirely under the sway of the caster, with no other method capable of counteracting its effects.

The distinctiveness of Kotoamatsukami lies in its ability to ensnare the victim without their knowledge. Their mind becomes imbued with fabricated memories and experiences, as the decision-making faculties are forcefully hijacked by the caster's desires. Even after the technique's influence has dissipated, the target remains blissfully unaware of ever being placed under its sway. Hence, Kotoamatsukami emerges as a highly valuable technique for espionage and infiltration purposes.

How Strong Is Kotoamatsukami?

The technique operates in a unique manner, incorporating several intricacies that distinguish it from the genjutsu techniques of the Sharingan. Unlike other techniques, Kotoamatsukami does not necessitate direct eye contact with the target. Merely being in close proximity to the target is sufficient to unleash the genjutsu, as evident from Danzo's employment during the Five Kage Summit. Due to the immense toll it takes on the user, Kotoamatsukami can only be utilized once every 10 years by non-Uchiha shinobi. However, when Hashirama Cells are involved, such as in the case of Danzo, the technique can be employed once per day. Nonetheless, even with the assistance of Hashirama's DNA enhancing the user's physicality, the burden placed upon the body by this technique is exceedingly overwhelming.

Kotoamatsukami operates in a distinct manner compared to other genjutsu techniques, positioning itself as arguablly the most potent one throughout the entire series, only surpassed by the Infinite Tsukuyomi. While ensnaring a shinobi within an illusory world holds great power in itself, it falls short of surpassing the manipulation of opponents for one's own purposes. Unlike the Tsukuyomi's singular focus on perpetual torment, the utilization of Kotoamatsukami showcases remarkable versatility and lethality when employed with precision.

Through the use of mind control, the caster is able to compel the target to comply willingly, without their awareness of the true manipulation at work. This technique proves useful in various covert operations, such as espionage, sabotage, and even self-inflicted harm for the purpose of assassination. The unparalleled effectiveness of this ability becomes evident through its frequent utilization throughout the series. Initially, Shisui intended to employ this technique to compel Fugaku Uchiha to abandon his rebellion against the Hidden Leaf. The fact that this technique could manipulate the strongest Uchiha of that time serves as a clear testament to its unimaginable power.

Furthermore, Kotoamatsukami's potency surpasses that of the Edo Tensei, as it successfully counteracts Kabuto's control over Itachi. Itachi had concealed Shisui's eyes within one of his crows, strategically placed within Naruto. The crow was programmed to activate upon contact with Itachi's own Mangekyo, consequently activating Shisui's Mangekyo and instructing it to protect the Hidden Leaf. While this trap was initially intended for a hypothetical confrontation between Sasuke and Naruto, it ultimately led to the release of Itachi from Kabuto's control. This entire scenario exemplified the unparalleled strength of Kotoamatsukami, as no external force could override its commands.

The Inspiration Behind Kotoamatsukami

Similar to other aspects of Naruto, Kotoamatsukami draws inspiration from Japan's indigenous religions. The literal translation of its name is 'Distinguished Heavenly Gods,' referring to the five Shinto Gods that emerged at the beginning of the universe. These five gods hold immense importance within the Shinto religion as they are the only deities to have come into existence without reproduction.

The unmatched strength of Kotoamatsukami in the series reflects its significant role in Japanese mythology. These deities served as forerunners to gods like Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu, Izanagi, and Izanami. The hierarchical structure of these abilities within the Naruto universe appears to align with the status of these Shinto gods and their position in the world.

Naruto is available to stream on Crunchyroll.