January 16, 2026
Anime

Can Obito Use Amaterasu

Obito Uchiha is one of the most complex and powerful characters in the Naruto universe, known for his mastery over space-time ninjutsu and his manipulation of the Akatsuki. As a wielder of the Sharingan and later the Rinnegan, Obito possesses a range of formidable abilities. However, fans often wonder: can Obito use Amaterasu, the black flames associated with the Mangekyō Sharingan? This question stems from confusion about the nature of Mangekyō abilities, who has access to them, and how they manifest differently depending on the user. To answer this, it’s important to understand Obito’s eye powers, the conditions for using Amaterasu, and how his Sharingan differs from others.

Understanding the Mangekyō Sharingan

What Is the Mangekyō Sharingan?

The Mangekyō Sharingan is an advanced form of the Uchiha clan’s dojutsu, awakened through intense emotional trauma, usually tied to the loss of someone dear. Each Mangekyō user gains access to unique abilities. These powers differ from person to person, and not all users can use the same techniques.

For example:

  • Itachi Uchiha can use Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu.
  • Sasuke Uchiha, after receiving Itachi’s eyes, can also use Amaterasu and Kagutsuchi.
  • Shisui Uchiha possesses Kotoamatsukami, a powerful mind-control ability.
  • Obito Uchiha, under the alias Tobi, can use Kamui, a space-time ninjutsu that allows him to become intangible and teleport objects or himself to a separate dimension.

This shows that Mangekyō Sharingan powers are highly individualized. Just because one Uchiha can use a certain technique doesn’t mean others can. So, does this mean Obito can or cannot use Amaterasu?

Obito’s Mangekyō Sharingan Abilities

Kamui: Obito’s Signature Power

Obito’s Mangekyō Sharingan grants him the ability known as Kamui. This is a space-time technique that comes in two forms, depending on which eye is used:

  • Right Eye (Obito’s original eye): Allows him to send parts of his body to another dimension, making him intangible and allowing attacks to pass through him.
  • Left Eye (given to Kakashi): Can send objects or targets to the Kamui dimension from a distance, functioning as a teleportation or disintegration attack.

Kamui is exceptionally powerful and allows Obito to evade nearly any attack. Combined with his natural combat ability and intellect, this makes him a formidable opponent. However, his Mangekyō ability is completely different from Amaterasu.

Why Obito Does Not Use Amaterasu

The simple answer is that Obito cannot use Amaterasu because that is not the ability granted by his Mangekyō Sharingan. Each Mangekyō grants a unique set of powers to the individual, and Obito’s is solely focused on Kamui-based abilities.

Amaterasu, on the other hand, is a Mangekyō ability specifically linked to Itachi and later Sasuke. It manifests as inextinguishable black flames that burn anything in the user’s line of sight. There is no indication in the manga or anime that Obito ever had access to this technique, nor is there any evidence that he ever attempted to use it.

Misconceptions About Amaterasu and Obito

Obito’s Eye Appearances and Swaps

Some confusion arises because Obito has possessed or transplanted other eyes during the series. At one point, he uses Rinnegan (Nagato’s former eye) and has access to its abilities, including the Six Paths techniques. However, having the Rinnegan does not provide Amaterasu. That is strictly a Mangekyō Sharingan ability linked to specific Uchiha individuals.

Also, although Obito manipulates others like Itachi and Sasuke, and has even come into contact with their eyes, he never uses Amaterasu directly. He might understand the technique and its nature, but he does not use it himself.

Confusion with Sasuke’s Use of Amaterasu

In some fights, fans may have thought Obito used Amaterasu, especially when seeing black flames appear. However, these moments are always associated with Sasuke or Itachi. Obito’s powers are entirely different. The closest he comes to such a visually overwhelming attack is when he uses Kamui offensively, such as making things vanish instantly or warping objects in and out of his dimension.

Could Obito Have Learned Amaterasu?

Theoretical Possibility

In theory, if Obito had transplanted both of Itachi’s eyes, or Sasuke’s Mangekyō Sharingan, he could have gained access to Amaterasu. However, this never occurs in canon. Obito prioritizes his own Mangekyō and eventually the Rinnegan for the sake of the Moon’s Eye Plan. Swapping eyes with another Uchiha would not have served his plan unless absolutely necessary.

Even with advanced medical ninjutsu and the capacity to change eyes (as seen with Madara and others), Obito remains focused on his original abilities. This makes sense narratively, as Kamui is perfectly suited for espionage, surprise attacks, and infiltration traits that define Obito’s identity as Tobi.

Would Amaterasu Be Useful to Obito?

While Amaterasu is extremely destructive, it lacks the utility and versatility of Kamui. Obito relies on mobility, phasing, and space-time manipulation. Amaterasu, although powerful, is relatively slow and easy to counter for experienced ninja. For Obito, the offensive power of Amaterasu would be redundant compared to the precise and unstoppable force of Kamui.

Final Word on Amaterasu and Obito

Abilities Unique to Each Uchiha

Amaterasu is not a standard Sharingan ability. Only certain Mangekyō Sharingan users gain access to it. In the case of Obito Uchiha, his Mangekyō grants him Kamui, which is different in function and purpose. There is no evidence that Obito can use Amaterasu, nor does he ever attempt to during any arc of the Naruto series.

Obito’s Power Set Without Amaterasu

Despite not having Amaterasu, Obito is still one of the most powerful characters in Naruto. His Kamui ability allows him to evade almost any attack, control the battlefield, and manipulate both space and time. When combined with the Rinnegan, Zetsu-enhanced body, and Ten Tails power, he becomes a nearly unstoppable force without ever needing Amaterasu.

Obito Uchiha cannot use Amaterasu, as it is not part of his Mangekyō Sharingan abilities. His power lies in Kamui, a unique and incredibly dangerous space-time technique that defines his role in the Naruto series. While Amaterasu is iconic in its own right, belonging to Itachi and Sasuke, it serves a different narrative and combat purpose. Obito’s abilities are tailored to his goals, methods, and personality, making him a formidable adversary without the need for black flames. Understanding the individuality of Mangekyō powers is key to appreciating the depth of the Uchiha clan and the characters within it.