Itachi vs Madara: The Role of the Mangekyō Sharingan

The eternal debate among Naruto fans: could Itachi have defeated Madara without his Mangekyō Sharingan? This article explores the dynamics and capabilities of both characters, delving into their strengths and the significance of the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Itachi's Strength and Strategy

Itachi Uchiha, the Younger Uchiha, is renowned for his strength, intelligence, and tactical prowess. His ability to plan meticulously and his knowledge of his own capabilities made him a formidable opponent. However, even with these advantages, he fell to Madara Uchiha, the elder brother who had access to the Rinnegan and Azure Sage Mode. Madara defeated all the previous Hokages, who were stronger than Itachi. This fact alone underscores the immense disparity in power between the two.

The Chakra Reserve and Strength Disparity

The Adult Kakashi has a significantly weaker chakra reserve compared to his teenage counterpart, who had an almost unlimited chakra reserve due to his hatred towards the Leaf Village and the clan purge. Even Kakashi with the Mangekyō Sharingan (M.S.) would struggle to defeat Madara, who is on a completely different level. Conventional ninjutsu and genjutsu are merely illusions in the face of Madara's power.

Rinnegan and Sage Mode Beyond Mangekyō Sharingan

The significant boost in physical attributes and the ability to see Limbo and be immune to Infinite Tsukuyomi are the notable advantages of the Rinnegan. Madara's Rinnegan also played a crucial role in his victory. While Itachi's Rinnegan allowed him to fight Madara and survive his Infinite Tsukuyomi, it was not enough for him to defeat Madara completely. The fight was ultimately halted by Zetsu, and it was only through the combined efforts of Naruto and Sasuke that Madara was defeated, showcasing the overwhelming power of Madara even when his true potential was not fully unleashed.

Conclusion: A Rampage to be Desired

The debate about Itachi's chances against Madara without his Mangekyō Sharingan highlights the immense power disparity between these two characters. While Itachi's strategic brilliance and strength were significant, the Rinnegan and Madara's Azure Sage Mode made the difference in their final confrontation. Madara's true power, combined with his Rinnegan, made him almost invincible, even for powerful shinobis like Kakashi and Hokage himself.

Additional Insights

Madara's death can be attributed more to plot armor than to direct defeated. Even the reincarnation of Ashura and Indra forms did not prove sufficient to overcome him. This further emphasizes the immense power of Madara and his unique abilities.