List of Kekkei Genkai

This is a list of the known Kekkei Genkai in Naurto and a short explanation of each.

Byakugan
The Byakugan is a genetic trait that is shared amongst the members of the proud Hyuga Clan. Those that inherit the blood of this clan have almost featureless white eyes, which are the focus for many of their dojutsu. Although it is not stated directly in the manga, it is presumed that all members of the Hyuga family possess the Byakugan, unlike the members of the Uchiha, who are not all born with the Sharingan. It is a common belief that the Sharingan is a genetic offshoot of the Byakugan.

The Byakugan, as stated above, is the primary focus of the Hyuga's special arts. After awakening the Byakugan, which is denoted by veins along the user's temples surfacing to just under the skin, the Byakugan allows for the user to see with near 360º vision, meaning that they can literally see everything around them, save for one blind spot, which differs from user to user. They also have the ability to see through solid objects, and can use a degree of telescopic sight to see things from a great distance.

However, one of the greatest uses of the Byakugan is the ability to see the chakra circulation system inside of another's body. It is from this paticular ability that they are able to employ their ultimate attack style: Gentle Fist. Much in contrast with typical Taijutsu styles, which is focused on being insanely fast and strong, the Gentle Fist style focuses on being quick, but precise, not focusing on damage. Each strike, when placed correctly, shuts down one of the Tenketsu, or chakra points, along the victim's body, stopping the chakra flow to those areas. Most ninja cannot perform this because the Tenketsu are too small to see. However, the Byakugan allows the Hyuga descendant to be able to see them, and strike with pinpoint accuracy. When performed in quick succession, this shutdown of tenketsu usually leaves the victim unable to use any of their chakra, which is devastating for any ninja that relies on it for their jutsus, or even just that extra burst of speed or strength. Able to strike without force, and yet do more damage to a ninja than some of the most powerful Ninjutsu, the Gentle Fist is one of the greatest Taijutsu styles known within all of Konoha.

Sharingan
The Sharingan is a genetic trait that is shared by members of the Uchiha Clan. Believed to have descended from the Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan, the Sharingan is a dojutsu that instead of seeing within the victim, mirrors the victim, much in contrast with its 'brother.' Users of the Sharingan know it to have several 'levels,' each one progressively becoming stronger. The levels are noted by the number of tomoe (comma/tadpole shapes that appear when the Sharingan is active).

The first level is denoted by one tomoe in one eye and two tomoe in the other. This stage is awoken by extreme emotional stress on the individual, unlocking the Kekkei Genkai. From then on, it can be used at will. At this stage, the user can have the Sharingan perceive attacks via brain impulses, allowing them to react to their opponents with unnatural speed and accuracy. It also allows them to see through illusions, which renders most Genjutsu harmless.

The second level is denoted by two tomoe in each eye, and achieved by continuous training. It possesses all of the same traits as its previous level, however, it now memorizes everything that it sees and allows the user to 'mirror' those actions. This allows the user to copy any jutsu that their opponents use without having to train for their use, as well as a slew of other uses that require the user act just like the opponent.

The third level is denoted by three tomoe in each eye, and like its predecessor, is achieved by continuous training. This was thought to be the highest level that any Uchiha could achieve. The triple tomoe Sharingan allows the user all of the previous abilities, but now they have access to several Genjutsu that can be released simply by looking at their intended victims, no hand seals required. Further, they perceive time at a different speed, allowing them to see events moments before they occur, and gives them enough time to act accordingly. However, this future sight is unable to see pure chakra, as proven by One-Tail Naruto as his Kyubi Chakra lashes out and attacks Sasuke on its own accord, which the Sharingan was unable to predict although it was still predicting Naruto's actions.

The last known level of the Sharingan is its 'Mangekyou' or 'Kaleidoscope' form, which takes two different forms, unique to their users. The effects of this form differ greatly, from advanced traumatic illusions to time/space distortions, but a known requirement is that the user must witness his closest friend die.

This paticular bloodline is the first to be seen as 'surgically implanted' into another individual. It raises the question of the ability for such genetic traits to be passed on without the blood of the clan.