Was Itachi Blind While Fighting Sasuke?

The fight between Itachi Uchiha and his brother, Naruto’s prodigious ninja, Sasuke, has long been a subject of debate among fans of the series. Many wonder if Itachi’s vision played a role in their intense battle. This article explores whether Itachi’s vision deteriorated to the extent that he was blind while fighting Sasuke, focusing on the impact of the Mangekyo Sharingan and the progression of Itachi’s condition.

The Context of the Battle

The battle between Itachi and Sasuke takes place within a broader narrative of sibling rivalry and the tragic consequences of the Uchiha clan’s downfall. Before the fight, Itachi’s vision was not in its best state. Due to an unspecified illness that had affected him, his vision was compromised.

Partial Blindness and the Mangekyo Sharingan

The Mangekyo Sharingan, a high-tier form of the Sharingan, while immensely powerful, comes with significant drawbacks. One of these drawbacks is the gradual decline of the user’s vision. Throughout the fight, Itachi’s vision progressively worsened, primarily due to the intense activation and use of his Mangekyo Sharingan. The MS (Mangekyo Sharingan) Sharingan bestowed upon Itachi by his late brother, deceased for several years, was instrumental in his progress, but it came with a steep price.

The Striking Scene: Visibility and Tactics

A particularly striking scene in the arc depicts Sasuke through Itachi’s vision. At one point, Sasuke is barely recognizable as a fuzzy static, emphasizing the severity of Itachi’s vision impairment. Despite this, Itachi managed to maintain his fighting prowess, even if his eye coordination was diminished. This is a testament to his masterful training and unwavering resolve. Sasuke, too, showed skill, albeit not on par with Itachi in those days, but his Bukijutsu (techniques involving weapons) was highly proficient.

Complete Blindness and the Grim Reality

In the final moments of the fight, Itachi was perilously close to complete blindness. After using Amaterasu and Tsukoyomi extensively, his vision deteriorated to an alarming level. The use of Susanoo, a powerful summoning technique, further compounded this issue, as it required significant energy and mental focus from his already strained body. Itachi’s vision after using Susanoo is described as being around 85-90% blind, making it evident that he was indeed partially blind, but not entirely. This condition undoubtedly played a significant role in his ultimate defeat and tragic death.

The Complexity of Itachi’s Death

The death of Itachi was more complex than a straightforward defeat. He did not fall to Sasuke’s hands; rather, his condition, likely a form of cancer, was the primary cause of his demise. It is a poignant reminder of the toll that excessive use of the Mangekyo Sharingan can have on a ninja. The second instance of Itachi’s death comes from his sacrifice for the greater good of his village, Konoha, showcasing his true character and dedication to his mission.

Further Reading

For a deeper understanding of the series and the characters involved, consider reading The Will of Fire, as well as exploring the upcoming Naruto space on Quora for extended discussions and insights.