Kekkei Genkai (血継限界, literally meaning: Bloodline Limit) is the classification given to unique jutsu and abilities that come from anomalies in ones own DNA. Most kekkei genkai are passed down between generations of a clan, an exception being Hashirama Senju's Wood Release which has been seen have skipped a large number of generations and only apears in selective members of the Senju Clan.
Overview[]
Generally speaking, there are three types of Kekkei Genkai:
- Dōjutsu which are unique eyes with special perceptive abilities, such as X-ray vision or acute attention to detail. Some dōjutsu, like the Byakugan, are known to be present from birth, while another such Dōjutsu like the Sharingan, won't awaken until specific conditions are met.
- Advanced nature transformations combine two basic natures in order to create a new one, such as Water and Wind to make Ice or Fire and Earth to make Lava. It isn’t an uncommon thing that one has more than one element, the act of actually combining them requires a Kekkei Genkai. While some natures are commonly associated with a particular clan, such as ice with the Yuki Clan, others occur within individuals with no known relationship, such as lava being used by natives of Hidden Rock, Hidden Mist, and Hidden Cloud.
- Certain Kekkei Genkai grants their users unrivalled ways of using their own bodies. Twin brothers Sakon and Ukon can merge their own or the bodies of unrelated people. Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku enables him to freely manipulate his bones, such as growing an additional spine for him to wield like a whip. Jūgo's body passively absorbs natural energy, allowing him to use Senjutsu without requiring any training.