Itachi Uchiha, a name synonymous with sacrifice and brilliance, shattered the seemingly unbreakable Reanimation Jutsu (Edo Tensei). He achieved this feat in Naruto Shippuden Episode 343, titled “Who Are You?”.
Unraveling Itachi’s Victory Over Reanimation
The Reanimation Jutsu, created by Tobirama Senju and perfected by Orochimaru, was considered the ultimate forbidden technique, binding souls to the physical plane against their will. Itachi’s ability to undo this jutsu is a testament to his unparalleled intellect, strategic planning, and possession of a unique weapon: the Kotoamatsukami. His triumph wasn’t merely a lucky break; it was the culmination of years of foresight and meticulous preparation, highlighting his unwavering dedication to protecting the Hidden Leaf Village, even after his supposed defection.
Understanding the Reanimation Jutsu
The Edo Tensei, or Reanimation Jutsu, works by binding the soul of a deceased person to a vessel created from a living sacrifice. This allows the caster to control the reanimated individual, utilizing their skills and abilities without the restraint of their own will. The jutsu is difficult to counter due to the near-invulnerability of the reanimated bodies and the soul’s forced servitude.
Kotoamatsukami: Itachi’s Ace in the Hole
Kotoamatsukami is a powerful genjutsu that allows the user to enter into another person’s mind and manipulate their thoughts and actions without them even being aware they are being controlled. This technique is unique to Itachi Uchiha, accessible only through his Mangekyou Sharingan. He implanted this genjutsu within a crow and programmed it to activate upon encountering Itachi’s own Sharingan, ensuring its usage only when truly necessary.
The Mechanics of the Break
When Itachi encountered Kabuto Yakushi, the caster of the Reanimation Jutsu, he realized he could use Kotoamatsukami not to control Kabuto, but to force him to undo the technique. The crow, triggered by Itachi’s reappearance, entered Kabuto’s mind and compelled him to perform the necessary hand seals to release the Reanimation Jutsu. This effectively returned the reanimated souls to the Pure Land.
Frequently Asked Questions About Itachi and the Reanimation Jutsu
These FAQs aim to provide further insights into the context, mechanics, and consequences of Itachi’s defeat of the Reanimation Jutsu.
FAQ 1: What specific hand seals did Kabuto perform to release the Reanimation Jutsu?
The specific hand seals aren’t explicitly shown in detail, but the process involves reversing the hand seals used to initiate the jutsu. Kabuto is seen performing a series of complex hand movements as he’s under the influence of Kotoamatsukami. The key is that Kabuto himself had to perform the undoing, even if it was under genjutsu control.
FAQ 2: Why was Itachi’s Reanimation different from others?
Itachi’s resurrection was part of Kabuto’s larger plan to use the Reanimation Jutsu on powerful shinobi. Unlike some reanimated individuals who retained some level of consciousness and could potentially resist the control, Itachi initially lacked any autonomy. He regained control due to the intervention of Naruto’s chakra, which resonated with him and broke the caster’s complete dominance.
FAQ 3: What would have happened if Itachi hadn’t broken the Reanimation Jutsu?
Without Itachi’s intervention, the Fourth Shinobi World War would have been drastically different. The Allied Shinobi Forces would have faced an insurmountable number of powerful resurrected ninja, potentially leading to their defeat and the fulfillment of Madara Uchiha’s plans. The sheer number and power of the reanimated shinobi made it a major turning point.
FAQ 4: Could any other character have broken the Reanimation Jutsu like Itachi did?
While others could theoretically break the jutsu by defeating the caster (Kabuto), Itachi’s approach using Kotoamatsukami was unique. Few possessed the necessary genjutsu prowess or strategic thinking. Someone like Sasuke, with his own potent Sharingan abilities, might have found another way, but Itachi’s method was specifically tailored to his skillset.
FAQ 5: Why didn’t Itachi use Kotoamatsukami to directly control the war itself?
Itachi’s use of Kotoamatsukami was a last resort. He was aware of the technique’s immense power and the potential for its abuse. The long cooldown time between uses of Kotoamatsukami with Shisui’s eye made it an impractical and risky option for broader control. He trusted in Naruto and the Allied Forces to win the war through their own strength.
FAQ 6: Did Kabuto retain any memory of being under Kotoamatsukami’s control?
Kabuto, after being released from Kotoamatsukami’s influence, underwent a significant change in perspective. While he likely didn’t remember the exact details of being under the genjutsu, the experience profoundly impacted him, leading to his eventual rehabilitation and contribution to the war effort in a positive way by helping Sasuke learn the true nature of the Sharingan and how to undo the reanimation.
FAQ 7: How did the release of the Reanimation Jutsu affect the Fourth Shinobi World War?
The release of the Reanimation Jutsu significantly shifted the momentum of the war. The Allied Shinobi Forces no longer had to fight against countless immortal opponents. More importantly, it allowed the reanimated souls to find peace and move on, eliminating a source of immense suffering.
FAQ 8: What happened to the souls after the Reanimation Jutsu was broken?
When Kabuto released the Reanimation Jutsu, the souls that had been bound to the physical plane were finally freed. They were able to return to the Pure Land, the afterlife in the Naruto universe, ending their forced servitude.
FAQ 9: Did the reanimated Madara Uchiha also return to the Pure Land?
Initially, yes. However, Madara had prepared a contingency plan. He preemptively cast Izangi on himself when he was alive and reanimated. Izanagi allowed him to rewrite reality which caused him to avoid being sent back to the Pure Land when the Reanimation Jutsu was undone, which allowed him to pursue his own agenda which was ultimately to achieve world domination.
FAQ 10: Was Itachi’s strategy a gamble, considering the unpredictability of genjutsu?
Yes, Itachi’s strategy was inherently risky. He had to rely on the crow and Kotoamatsukami working exactly as he had programmed them. Any interference or unexpected resistance could have resulted in failure. However, he calculated the risks carefully and believed it was the best chance to stop the Reanimation Jutsu.
FAQ 11: Why was Kabuto able to use the Reanimation Jutsu more effectively than Orochimaru?
Kabuto dedicated years to mastering the Reanimation Jutsu, surpassing even its creator, Orochimaru. He meticulously researched and refined the technique, overcoming its limitations and significantly improving its effectiveness. His scientific approach and relentless pursuit of knowledge allowed him to elevate the jutsu to a new level.
FAQ 12: What lasting impact did Itachi’s actions have on the Naruto storyline?
Itachi’s breaking of the Reanimation Jutsu served as a pivotal moment in the Fourth Shinobi World War. His actions saved countless lives and allowed the Allied Shinobi Forces to ultimately defeat Madara Uchiha and end the war. His sacrifice and unwavering commitment to protecting the Hidden Leaf Village cemented his legacy as a true hero, remembered for his brilliance, strategic thinking, and ultimate redemption. Furthermore, it solidified Itachi as a character of immense moral complexity and one of the most beloved figures in the Naruto universe.