Fans of Naruto are thoroughly acquainted with the concept of Kekkei Genkai – unique abilities that result from combining two nature transformations. While this concept was rarely brought up in part 1 of the series, Shippuden cemented the notion of Kekkei Genkai being superior techniques that only a few can rival. However, the supremacy of these inherent abilities was rebuked after the introduction of Kekkei Tota, a class of jutsu far more advanced than their Kekkei Genkai counterparts.
Techniques that derive from Kekkei Tota hold inexplicable power, though mastering these jutsu is equally extensive. Given their absurdly powerful nature, Kekkei Tota are extremely rare to find, evident from the fact that there is only one known Kekkei Tota in the entire series. However, this rarity is what led to the concept to remain underdeveloped, as the series failed to expand on this novel class of jutsu.
The Concept of Kekkei Tota
Similar to Kekkei Genkai, Kekkei Tota are rare techniques that are a result of combining different elemental types. These are much more advanced techniques, however, as they result from combining three different elements. Combining three elemental releases is an extremely intricate and complex process, a feat that is near-impossible to achieve for regular shinobi. The rarity and complexity of Kekkei Tota is further evident from the fact that Particle Style is the only known technique classified under this category in the entirety of Naruto.
While much still remains unknown about Kekkei Tota, the series highlights a few aspects of these rare jutsu. Unlike Kekkei Genkai that are inherited genetically, Kekkei Tota seem to have no genetic prerequisite. This was confirmed after Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, stated that the secrets of Particle Style were passed on to him by the Second Tsuchikage. This indicates that Kekkei Tota are not limited to specific bloodlines or clans, and anyone with the right knowledge can formulate these advanced jutsu.
However, the series also states that users of Kekkei Tota have an affinity towards all three chakra types that formulate the technique. This prerequisite bars almost every other shinobi from gaining access to Kekkei Tota, since bearing an affinity towards three chakra natures is impossible for most. A pseudo form of Kekkei Tota also exists, achieved by combining two different Kekkei Genkai. Although, this is only limited to Gaara Hiden: A Sandstorm Mirage, which showcased Lava and Steel Release forming a Pseudo-Kekkei Tota.
The Only Known Kekkei Tota Technique
Given the extreme difficulty and extensive nature of mastering Kekkei Tota, it’s natural for these advanced jutsu to be rare. However, the series takes this rarity to extreme levels as only one known Kekkei Tota exists in the entirety of Naruto. Particle Style or Dust Release is the only known technique that can be categorized under this branch of advanced jutsu. The absurd nature of Particle Style and the resultant power makes it quite clear why Kekkei Tota are so rare.
Particle Style combines three nature transformations: Earth, Fire, and Wind. The resultant technique forms a cuboid structure made out of chakra that can be launched towards opponents. While it may not look lethal at first, Particle Style is one of the deadliest techniques in the entire series as anything that passes through the chakra structure is obliterated to dust. The technique affects the target at a molecular level, disintegrating every last particle and leaving behind nothing but dust.
While the technique is certainly chakra-intensive, none can compete against the overarching nature of this ability. Only another Particle Style user can fend off this jutsu as it seems to have no other counters or drawbacks. The destructive power imbued within this ability clearly indicates why these techniques are rare, and it’s safe to say that Particle Style accurately reflects the unfathomable nature of Kekkei Tota.
Known Kekkei Tota Users
Owing to the strict prerequisites and rarity of Kekkei Tota, only two shinobi have been witnessed utilizing these techniques in Naruto. However, two more shinobi join the lineup of Kekkei Tota users in Boruto, although these two are mere synthetic humans. Lord Mu, the Second Tsuchikage, discovered the secrets of Particle Style and became the first known user of Kekkei Tota. He later passed down the secrets to Onoki, making him the second and last shinobi to ever possess a Kekkei Tota ability.
Boruto changes this preset narrative with the addition of two synthetic human beings made using Onoki’s genetic template. Ku and Kako were able to utilize Particle Style due to Ononki’s DNA, making them artificial Kekkei Tota users. Despite being artificial users, the two fabrications had complete mastery over Particle Style. Ku and Kako were eventually defeated and their bodies crumbled away, leaving behind Onoki as the sole user of Particle Style once more.