TheNarutoseries has set a clear precedent of Mangekyo supremacywith the dojutsu’s lineupof unrivaled techniques that only few can counter. Even among these all-powerful Mangekyo abilities, however, an obvious disparity between the strength of each technique is quite apparent. While many consider Itachi’s Tsukuyomi to be the strongest Mangekyo technique, another lesser-known contender exists that far exceeds its power – Kotoamatsukami.
Originating from Shisui Uchiha, the Kotoamatsukami is a genjutsu linked to the lateUchiha’s Mangekyo Sharingan. The coveted nature of this technique led to Shisui’s Sharigan becoming the target of many power-hungry belligerents. Even after his untimely passing, the Kotoamatsukami lived on through Shisui’s pilfered eyes, becoming a centerpiece to Naruto’s premise on a few occasions.
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How Does Kotoamatsukami Work?
In its simplest form,Kotoamatsukami is a genjutsuthat doubles as a mind-controlling technique. Instead of putting the target in a conjured realm, Kotoamatsukami manipulates the target’s actions by hijacking their subconscious. The target assumes that every action they perform is out of free will, unaware of the subtle commands that are given by the caster. Those under the technique’s effects are rendered entirely subjugated to the caster’s will, and no other technique can undo its effect.
UnlikeTsukuyomi or any other genjutsu, the victim is thoroughly unaware of ever being placed under the technique. Their brain is filled with false memories and experiences and the mind’s decision-making system is entirely hijacked by the caster’s will. What makes this technique more potent than its genjutsu counterparts is the complete lack of self-awareness even after the jutsu has worn off. This makes Kotoamatsukami an extremely useful technique for espionage and infiltration.
The technique’s workings are quite novel, with several intricacies that differentiate it from the Sharingan’s other genjutsu. Unlike other techniques, Kotoamatsukami does not require the user to have direct eye contact with the target. Simply being in close vicinity of the target is enough to cast the genjutsu, a fact that becomes evident from Danzo’s usage duringthe Five Kage Summit. Given the technique’s excruciating toll, Kotoamatsukami can only be used once every 10 years by non-Uchiha shinobi. If Hashirama Cells are in play, such as in the case of Danzo, the technique can be used once every day. Even with Hashirama’s DNA aiding the user’s body, the technique’s burden on the body is far too great.
How Strong Is Kotoamatsukami?
Kotoamatsukami works rather differently than its genjutsu counterparts, yet it is arguably the strongest genjutsu in the entire series, second only to the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Trapping a shinobi inside a genjutsu world is quite powerful in its own right, though it fails to triumph over manipulating the opponent into doing one’s own bidding. Unlike the Tsukuyomi’s one-dimensional use of unending torture, Kotoamatsukami usage is quite versatile and lethal if used correctly.
Through mind-control, the caster can force the target to submit on their own accord, without even realizing the true powers at play. The technique can further be helpful in espionage, sabotage, and even assassination through self-harm. The ability’s unrivaled prowess further becomes apparent from its multiple usages throughout the series.Shisui had also initially plannedto use the technique to force Fugaku Uchiha to forgo the rebellion against the Hidden Leaf. The fact that this technique was capable of manipulating the strongest Uchiha of the time is a clear reflection of its unfathomable strength.
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Kotoamatsukami’s power alsotriumphs over the Edo Tensei, as it was able to overrule Kabuto’s command over Itachi. Itachi had stored Shisui’s eyes in one of his crows planted inside Naruto. The crow was given the command to emerge upon coming in contact with Itachi’s own Mangekyo, with Shisui’s Mangekyo further rigged to give the command of protecting the Hidden Leaf. The trap was initially meant for Sasuke should he and Naruto have a confrontation, but it ended up undoing Kabuto’s control over Itachi’s reanimated body. The entire ordeal showcased Kotoamatsukami’s unrivaled strength, as its command could not be overruled by any other force.
The Inspiration Behind Kotoamatsukami
Similar to many other aspects ofNaruto, the inspiration for Kotoamatsukami has been drawn fromJapan’s indigenous religions. The name directly translates to ‘Distinguished Heavenly Gods,’ as it references the five Shinto Gods that came into existence during the beginning of the universe. These five gods hold considerable significance within the Shinto religion as these five entities are the only deities to have come into existence without procreation.
Kotoamatsukami’s unrivaled strength in the series is a clear reflection of its utmost significance in the Japanese mythos. These deities were the predecessors to gods such as Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu, Izanagi, and Izanami. The in-universe hierarchy of these abilities also seems to be congruent with these Shinto gods and their place in the world.
