Perform the technique: After hearing the description of the technique, Itachi quickly gathers Chakra into his lungs and heats it to a considerable amount..
Katon: Shokasou!
..Before spewing out a stream of fire towards the dummy, scorching it.
Creative uses/strengths: From the looks of it, this'd seem like a technique one would use in order to quickly push back the enemy, throwing him/her off balance. The fact that hand seals aren't needed makes it an excellent move to use in order to regain some space if you're being pressured or are being pushed back by the opponent, or if you're in a situation where you've been able to quickly approach the opponent, and need a fast attack to follow up.
Drawbacks/counters: Seeing as the technique seems to mostly revolve around releasing the current quickly, this trait would in turn lessen the power of the technique, as it takes such short time to create. That being the case, it could probably be countered by an opponent with an another quick attack of the same caliber.
Perform the technique: Itachi leans back while gathering the fire Chakra into his lungs, while heating it. After taking a step back, he forms the hand seals before leaning forward, putting his fingers in front of his lips, and exhaling..
Snake>Ram>Monkey>Boar>Horse>Tiger -
Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu
..Releasing a ball of fire, which consistently envelops the dummy. After the ball has disappeared, Itachi takes a few more step back and repeats the same routine, this time shooting the ball directly towards the dummy, hitting it.
Creative uses/strengths: Aside from the obvious attacking properties of the technique [Such as using it to take out more than one opponent, using it's size to an advantage], the technique could also be used as a mechanism of defense, by utilizing the size, force and heat to melt down/throw back incoming Shuriken, Kunai, etc.
Drawbacks/counters: Aside from the fact that the technique would block the users eyesight, as you mentioned, it also seems to take up a considerable amount of time, considering the necessary hand seals and the fact that putting fingers in front of the users lips would in some instances result in the user losing valuable time in a battle. Of course, this won't be too much of an issue, especially after some practice, but I felt it was notable. :b
Perform the technique: While taking the lighter out of his pocket, Itachi channels the Fire Chakra into it, before tossing it in front of him, at which points he yells out the command..
Katon: Kimuchi Amura!
..Which in turn prompts the small flame to turn into a flaming wall, in front of Itachi.
Creative uses/strengths: After reading the description, a few ways it could be combined with a Futon attack popped into my mind, such as firing the Wind attack through the wall, in turn lighting it on fire before it hits the opponent..Would that be plausible?
Drawbacks/counters: Well, there is of course the aforementioned blocking of eyesight, which I shouldn't need to cover. There are two other drawbacks I've been pondering about, which I'm not too certain about..Which kind of depend on the answers to my questions below.
Questions:
I hope you don't mind me asking a few questions for clarifications.. :b
-Wall of Flames
1) Do I need to constantly keep up the shield with my Chakra, or does it stay activated?
2) Does the shield move along with me?
3) If it's not hit, how long will it stay up?