Kekkei Genkai is one of the most coveted abilities in Naruto, and Masashi Kishimoto has made good use of it throughout the story. Kekkei Genkai users often turn out to be more powerful than an average shinobi. But while this power is coveted, those who possess it are often stigmatized.
The Nara Clan’s Kekkei Genkai is often a debated topic, as it has not been properly revealed in Naruto. However, a major reveal might be on the way, and it will play a crucial role in the upcoming arcs of Boruto.
Masashi Kishimoto has been hiding the Kekkei Genkai of Shikamaru all along
Shikamaru’s Kekkei Genkai is often considered to be the Shadow Imitation Technique, a power passed down in the Nara Clan that allows them to manipulate shadows. Thus, many people think that it is the clan’s Kekkei Genkai when that is not the truth. It is likely to be a hidden technique.
The true Kekkai Genkai of the clan has been hiding in plain sight all along, while Masashi Kishimoto happily spread hints at it throughout the series. Kekkei Genkai are DNA anomalies that either grant dojutsu abilities, nature transformations, or modified bodies. In the Nara Clan’s case, it could be the third option.
The Nara Clan members are known for their intelligence. Shikaku and Shikamaru are well known for their strategic thinking, and both have served as advisors to the respective Hokage of their times. The Clan is also immensely respected for the same. But what are the chances that their intelligence is a result of a DNA anomaly, more specifically, a Kekkei Genkai?
The real Kekkei Genkai of the Nara Clan is what makes them so coveted in Naruto and Boruto
The intelligence of the Nara Clan members could be a result of their Kekkei Genkai. Just like the Uchiha Clan’s Sharingan or Kaguya’s Bone Manipulation, it could stem from a genetic mutation. This ability could have evolved over generations to manifest in Shikaku and Shikamaru in its prime form.
This Kekkei Genkai might be able to amplify the cognitive abilities of its users, granting them instinctive mastery over strategic thinking as well as chakra usage and efficiency. This would explain why they have high IQ levels and natural-born tacticians. While the Shadow Manipulation technique is taught to younger generations, the Kekkei Genkai intelligence is simply passed down via genetics.
Thus, this intelligence-based mutation makes the Nara Clan members irreplaceable in battles. And since strategizing is an important element in wars, this ability could even rival the strongest physical bloodline abilities in combat. Shikamaru’s intelligence might become a major tool in the upcoming battles in Boruto as well. Kishimoto could be planning a major reveal soon.
The Naruto and Boruto manga are available to read on Viz Media and the anime are streaming on Crunchyroll.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
