Why Didn’t Itachi Just Use Amaterasu on Danzo?

Throughout the Naruto series, it has been emphasized that the Uchiha clan's downfall was a result of their decision to initiate the coup. This led to a war that would eventually result in the annihilation of the entire Uchiha clan. However, a more crucial question arises: why didn’t Itachi simply use Amaterasu on Danzo when he requested him to murder the Uchiha clan?

Killing Danzo Wouldn't Make a Difference

Itachi had the capability to kill Danzo at any moment. In fact, he even openly threatened him. However, the issue isn’t about the ability to kill Danzo; it's about the strategic implications of such an act. If Itachi had killed Danzo, it would have changed the course of the events. The war between the Uchiha and Konoha would have lost its pretext, and Itachi's plan to protect Sasuke would have been compromised.

Strategic Implications of Killing Danzo

The primary goal of Itachi's actions was to ensure that the Uchiha clan's destruction would not come at the expense of Konoha. By allowing the war to occur and letting the Uchiha clan's coup lead to their demise, Itachi ensured that Konoha would suffer no direct losses. This was crucial for maintaining the balance of power.

Moreover, If Itachi had used Amaterasu on Danzo, it would have changed the narrative significantly. It would have escalated the situation, and Danzo could have used his various hax (cheats) to turn the tables. This could have resulted in a worse outcome for the Uchiha clan, possibly leading to even greater losses.

Amaterasu and the Mangekyo Sharingan

Amaterasu is a remarkable jutsu, but it is not accessible to all Uchiha with the Sharingan. It requires the additional power of the Mangekyo Sharingan, which Itachi did not possess initially when Danzo requested his assistance in the coup.

Itachi only acquired the Mangekyo Sharingan when Shisui died, and even then, it took some time for him to master it and fully learn the Amaterasu jutsu. At the time Danzo requested the assassination, Itachi was perhaps still in the early stages of developing his Mangekyo Sharingan.

Conclusion

While it might seem logical to use Amaterasu on Danzo to prevent the war, Itachi's choice was driven by a complex web of strategic considerations. His actions were aimed at preserving the integrity of the Uchiha clan and protecting Sasuke, rather than engaging in a futile attempt to prevent a war that was already inevitable.

Understanding Itachi's choices helps us appreciate the depth of his character and the complex nature of the Narutoship universe.