Amaterasu is the highest level Fire Release technique, as well as one of the most powerful ninjutsu in existence. It is said to represent the "Material World and Light" (物質界と光, Busshitsukai to Hikari), the antipode to Tsukuyomi, a genjutsu of similar power and a fellow Mangekyō Sharingan dōjutsu.
The jet-black flames of the Amaterasu, said to be as hot as the sun, ignite whatever the user looks upon. This can be either a specific point or anything in the user's field of vision. The flames are extremely powerful, capable of burning through Jiraiya's Summoning: Toad Mouth Bind, which Jiraiya stated to be fire resistant. It can even smother regular flames easily. Amaterasu is said to burn for seven days and seven nights, and cannot be extinguished with water or any other normal methods. However, the flames burn fairly slowly, allowing anyone struck by Amaterasu an opportunity to remove whatever clothing or body parts have been caught ablaze. Use of the technique also puts a great deal of strain on the user, typically causing their eyes to bleed.
Amaterasu is originally unique to Itachi Uchiha, which he uses with his right Mangekyō Sharingan. He is able to quell the flames to some extent. Prior to his death, Itachi implanted some of the black flames into Sasuke's eye to be used upon Madara Uchiha. Sasuke, after gaining his own Mangekyō Sharingan, is later able to use Amaterasu on his own. Sasuke's Amaterasu originates from his left eye, and Shī indicates he is more skilled with it; he can put out the flames with greater ease and can even manipulate the flames themselves as part of the "Blaze Realease" element.
Influence
As from the ancient Japanese myth of Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo, when Izanagi washed his face after escaping the underworld his left eye became the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu.
References
- ↑ Second Databook, page 200
