Is Itachi Really Stronger than Naruto in the Infinite Tsukuyomi Battle?

The question of whether Itachi Uchiha is stronger than Naruto Uzumaki has fascinated fans for years, especially in the context of Itachi's infamous use of the Tsukuyomi jutsu. To explore this further, we will analyze their strengths, evolution, and specific battle scenarios.

Strength and Versatility

Naruto's Jutsus: Naruto Uzumaki is renowned for his diverse and powerful jutsus. Some of his notable abilities include the Rasenshuriken, a technique that can nullify an opponent's chakra for an extended period. Additionally, he has access to the Six Paths Senshi, expanding his power significantly in battles. These abilities are crucial in taking down formidable opponents like Pain or even fatigued versions of himself, such as the Knuckle (KCM1), who nearly bested Itachi.

The Battles and Their Outcomes

Itachi vs. KCM1 Naruto: One of the most discussed battles is when Itachi fought against KCM1 Naruto. Even with KCM1 powered up by the Six Paths Sage, Itachi's skills were not sufficient to defeat him. However, Itachi had the help of both Naruto and Killer Bee to finally subdue KCM1 Naruto. This implies that even with his powerful sharingan and the help of others, Itachi struggled against the optimized KCM1.

Itachi vs. Sixth Path Naruto: In contrast, when Itachi faced the powerful Sixth Path Senshi version of Naruto, the outcome was much different. Sixth Path Naruto was entirely in control of six tailed versions of Kurama, providing him with immense power and the ability to shatter jutsu. It is reported that Itachi would have lost instantly against this form, given his status as the victor over other formidable opponents but not against the Sixth Path.

Genjutsu and Tsukuyomi's Limitations

The power of Tsukuyomi, a genjutsu that can manipulate one's perception, is often overstated. While it can create incredibly realistic and psychologically devastating illusions, its primary effects are sensory and mental, rather than physical. It cannot directly harm an opponent or cause death. Itachi himself demonstrated this limitation; he needed to stab Izumi to kill her, indicating that Tsukuyomi alone is not a lethal weapon.

Critical Analysis: Skill Sets and Evolution

Itachi's prowess in genjutsu is unparalleled. He was possibly the greatest practitioner of mind-altering jutsu in his generation, having developed techniques that could genuinely manipulate battles. However, this strength does not necessarily equate to overall dominance over Naruto. The dog tags infighting techniques that Naruto learned from Jiraiya were inadequate for countering Itachi's advanced sharingan.

The conclusion is that, while Itachi is certainly a formidable opponent, his superiority is not unbreakable. Exactly when the battle favors Itachi and when it favors Naruto depends on the specific context, the powers they possess, and the strategies employed.

Conclusion

The battle between Itachi and Naruto is not a one-sided affair. Both have unique and powerful skill sets, and the outcome often hinges on the specific circumstances and the abilities they command. While Itachi excels in certain areas, particularly genjutsu, it cannot be argued that he is universally stronger than Naruto. Their skill sets are well-matched, and it is the execution and the specific stages of their evolution that determine the outcome.