The world of “Naruto,” created by Masashi Kishimoto, is a vast and intricate tapestry of characters, clans, and powers. Among the many abilities in this universe, the Sharingan, particularly the Mangekyou Sharingan and its eternal form, stands out as one of the most powerful and coveted. One of the most enigmatic and revered characters in this narrative is Itachi Uchiha. This article delves deeply into whether Itachi possesses the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, exploring the lore, abilities, and implications of this potent power.
The Uchiha Clan and the Sharingan
Origins and Evolution
The Uchiha Clan is one of the most influential and feared clans in the “Naruto” universe. Known for their exceptional prowess in ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu, the clan’s true power lies in their unique ocular abilities, the Sharingan. The Sharingan, meaning “Copy Wheel Eye,” is a kekkei genkai that grants its wielder a multitude of powers, including the ability to copy techniques, predict movements, and cast powerful genjutsu.
The Sharingan evolves through three main stages:
1. One-Tomoe Sharingan: The initial form, granting basic perception abilities.
2. Two-Tomoe Sharingan: Enhanced perception and the ability to copy techniques more effectively.
3. Three-Tomoe Sharingan: Full mastery of the Sharingan’s basic abilities, including heightened perception and potent genjutsu capabilities.
Mangekyou Sharingan
The Mangekyou Sharingan is an advanced form of the Sharingan, awakened through the emotional trauma of witnessing the death of a loved one. Each Mangekyou Sharingan is unique to its user, providing powerful and distinct abilities. However, overuse of the Mangekyou Sharingan leads to gradual blindness, a significant drawback that can only be mitigated by acquiring the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan.
Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan
The Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan is achieved by transplanting the Mangekyou Sharingan of a close blood relative, usually a sibling. This process not only restores the user’s sight but also enhances their ocular powers significantly. The new eyes retain the abilities of both original Mangekyou Sharingan, granting unparalleled power and removing the threat of blindness from overuse.
See Also: Does Naruto Uzumaki Have the Sharingan?
Itachi Uchiha
Early Life and Anbu Captain
Itachi Uchiha was a prodigy from a young age, displaying remarkable skills and intelligence. He graduated from the Ninja Academy at the top of his class and quickly rose through the ranks to become an Anbu Captain. His loyalty to the Hidden Leaf Village (Konoha) was unwavering, even in the face of the Uchiha Clan’s growing discontent and plans for a coup d’état.
The Tragedy of the Uchiha Clan
Faced with the impending rebellion, Itachi was forced to make an impossible choice. To prevent a civil war that would devastate Konoha, he agreed to eradicate his clan, leaving only his younger brother, Sasuke, alive. This act of loyalty to Konoha branded him a traitor and a murderer in the eyes of the world, but Itachi’s true motives remained hidden, driven by his love for his brother and his desire for peace.
Akatsuki and Final Moments
After the massacre, Itachi joined the Akatsuki, a criminal organization with its own dark agenda. Despite his outward allegiance, his true purpose remained the protection of Konoha and his brother. Itachi’s final battle with Sasuke revealed the depth of his sacrifices and his enduring love for his sibling, ultimately leading to his death at Sasuke’s hands.
Itachi’s Mangekyou Sharingan
Awakening and Abilities
Itachi awakened his Mangekyou Sharingan after witnessing the suicide of his best friend, Shisui Uchiha. The Mangekyou Sharingan granted him two unique and powerful abilities:
1. Tsukuyomi: A potent genjutsu that traps the target in an illusionary world where Itachi controls time and space. This ability can cause intense psychological trauma and physical harm in mere seconds.
2. Amaterasu: Black flames that ignite at the user’s focal point and burn anything in their path until nothing remains. These flames are nearly impossible to extinguish and can even burn through other ninjutsu.
Additionally, Itachi possessed the Susanoo, a formidable ethereal warrior that provided both offensive and defensive capabilities. Itachi’s Susanoo was equipped with the Yata Mirror, a shield said to deflect any attack, and the Totsuka Blade, a sword that seals anything it pierces into a genjutsu-induced coma.
Deteriorating Vision
As with all Mangekyou Sharingan users, Itachi’s vision deteriorated over time due to the extensive use of his ocular powers. By the time of his final battle with Sasuke, Itachi’s vision was severely impaired, a fact made evident by his reliance on other senses and tactics in combat.
The Question of Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan
Canon Evidence
The central question of this article is whether Itachi possessed the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan. Based on canonical evidence from the manga and anime, Itachi did not achieve the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan. Several key points support this conclusion:
1. Lack of Transplantation: To obtain the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, Itachi would have needed to transplant the Mangekyou Sharingan of a close blood relative. The only suitable candidate was his younger brother, Sasuke. Itachi’s actions and motivations were centered on protecting Sasuke and ensuring his future, making it unlikely that he would have taken his brother’s eyes.
2. Deteriorating Vision: Throughout the series, Itachi’s vision continued to deteriorate, a clear indication that he had not acquired the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan. Characters who achieve the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, such as Sasuke and Madara Uchiha, experience a restoration and enhancement of their vision, which Itachi did not.
3. Narrative Context: Itachi’s character arc and the themes of sacrifice, love, and protection are deeply intertwined with his Mangekyou Sharingan. His willingness to endure the physical and psychological toll of his abilities, without seeking the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, underscores his selflessness and dedication to his brother and village.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Itachi Uchiha did not possess the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, his mastery of the Mangekyou Sharingan and his profound sacrifices left an indelible mark on the “Naruto” universe. His journey, marked by tragedy and redemption, continues to resonate with fans and serves as a testament to the complexities of duty, love, and loyalty. The Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan remains a powerful symbol of the Uchiha Clan’s potential, but Itachi’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to his brother and his village, rather than the pursuit of ultimate power.