| This article is about the ninjutsu Amaterasu. For the Naruto: Shippūden episode, see Amaterasu!. |
Amaterasu is the highest level Fire Release technique, and according to Zetsu one of the most powerful ninjutsu in existence.[2] 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 at the focus of the user's vision [3]. They're unavoidable as long as the user keeps their eyes focused on their target. The flames are extremely powerful, said to be capable of burning through anything in their path, even smothering 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, usually causing their eyes to bleed.
Amaterasu was originally unique to Itachi Uchiha, which he used 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 C indicates he is more skilled with it than Itachi; he can put out the flames with greater ease and can even manipulate the flames themselves as part of the "Blaze" element.
Influence
As from the ancient Japanese myth and religion of Shintoism Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo are all gods. When Izanagi washed his face after escaping the underworld his left eye became the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu.
