The Strongest Jutsu in Naruto

In the world of Naruto, ninja techniques - jutsu - are a core part of a shinobi's arsenal and fighting style. Although there are thousands of different jutsu, only a few are truly formidable in terms of raw power. These elite jutsu are coveted by ninjas across the Naruto universe for their incredible effects in battle.

From nature transformation techniques to unique dojutsu abilities based on bloodline limits, let's explore what makes each of these techniques so incredibly powerful and nearly unstoppable when unleashed in the hands of a skilled shinobi, even the most unpredictable techniques provide a better understanding of the world of Naruto.

Summoning Jutsu

Summoning is a broad term that encompasses various techniques that ninja can perform to summon allies into battle. These allies are often monstrous creatures, but can also be spirits or similar sage-like and mythical beings. Doing so often requires a contract signed in blood between the two parties.

Whether from a scroll, or just using a drop of a ninja's blood, summoning an ally will require a good amount of chakra, but doing so can often be a game changer as the entities that sign these contracts are often quite powerful.

Summoning these creatures is a great way to destroy large numbers of weaker forces, move quickly, and traverse dangerous terrain, all thanks to their size. While they are powerful fighters, they have the disadvantage of being sentient and can choose not to be summoned, or even exit the fight early if they see fit.

Amaterasu

Named after the brilliant Shinto sun goddess, Amaterasu is a deadly Mangekyō Sharingan technique. It creates black flames wherever the user focuses their vision, and these burn as fiercely as the sun itself. Once ignited, the flames instantly reduce almost anything to ash and cannot be extinguished until their fuel is 100% consumed, making Amaterasu undoubtedly one of the most brutal and unstoppable attacks in the Naruto universe.

Only used by Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha, Amaterasu is not only a testament to their clan's formidable power, but also a reflection of the relentless yet devastating hardships these characters have endured. The unquenchable nature of the flame reflects how the Uchiha brothers carry the deep, painful trauma of their past with them every day.

Itachi's desperate deployment of Amaterasu in crucial battles lends an additional dimension to his sacrifice. Meanwhile, for Sasuke, Amaterasu's ability to harness its intense rage transforms the hunger for vengeance that once consumed his mind and later his uncompromising belief in protecting his loved ones.

Chidori (and variations)

A secret and revered technique created by Kakashi Hatake while in Anbu Black Ops as a way to create a destructive jutsu similar to the Rasengan. He has kept his training a secret ever since because of its destructive power, as well as the intense use of chakra and the strain it places on the body. Covered in lightning, the user thrusts his hand forward at lightning speed with a precise strike.

Chidori is a powerful one-hit attack that Kakashi and his student Sasuke both use for assassinations. It is powerful and fast enough to easily penetrate flesh and even armor. Sasuke has modified its use to become stronger, more frequent, and invented the Chidori Stream, a bright beam of light directed at a target from his own hand. This is something Sasuke taught his daughter Sarada.

Rasengan (and early variations)

The other half of the Chidori vs. Rasengan feud. The Rasengan is a powerful one-hit technique invented by the Fourth Hokage Minato. It takes the form of a rotating ball of chakra in the palm of the hand, creating a tremendous amount of twisting and thrusting force on the opponent. Since then, Jiraiya, Naruto, Konohamaru, and Boruto have all gained access to the technique and have greatly improved its size, power, range, fuel, and basic capabilities.

Minato often used it in conjunction with his Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport behind his opponents and finish them off with a single strike. Jirayai saved it for more formidable opponents, concentrating the chakra ball into a smaller, denser form.

Naruto and his successors have used this technique more freely, both combining it with the Nine-Tails' chakra and learning to combine their own chakra types with it to various results. It is similar to the Chidori in use, but the Rasengan's effects have historically defeated similar techniques in various battles in the Naruto series.

Lesley Montoya

Update 22 April 2025