The Sage of Six Paths, Hagoromo Otsutsuki, utilized Yin-Yang Release to form the tailed beasts in the Naruto series. This unique nature transformation combines Yin and Yang Release, surpassing the five basic elemental natures. Only a select few individuals in the Naruto world possess the ability to perform Yin-Yang Release, with their advanced techniques earning them god-like reverence.
Chakra comprises spiritual and physical energy, which shinobi combine, mold, and channel into various jutsu. As Yin Release utilizes spiritual energy and Yang Release consumes physical energy, the fusion of these two is present in all jutsu types. Consequently, nearly all ninjutsu techniques are rooted in Yin-Yang Release, though the extent of this connection can vary greatly. Nevertheless, Yin-Yang Release leads to the creation of immensely powerful ninjutsu like the Sage of Six Paths' Creation of All Things Technique, as well as the Six Paths — Chibaku Tensei. Hagoromo and Hamura employed the latter to seal their mother, Kaguya Otsutsuki, and later, Sasuke and Naruto used it for the same purpose.
What Is Yin-Yang Release?
Most jutsu are typically associated with elemental releases, such as Earth, Air, Fire, Water, or Lightning. However, there are two additional classes, Yin and Yang Release, that manipulate chakra in a more abstract manner. While it is possible to combine these classes through kekkei genkai or other techniques, they are predominantly used independently. Yin-Yang Release, being the ancient source of all chakra natures, possesses capabilities that surpass traditional ninjutsu.
At its essence, Yin-Yang Release allows for the manipulation of chakra in its purest form, unrestricted by its connection to natural elements or energy. By doing so, it can assume any desired form and be utilized in techniques that defy conventional classifications. This grants Yin-Yang Release the versatility to perform reality manipulation, advanced healing, or even nullify all ninjutsu. Its applications can produce both tangible and intangible outcomes, opening up a multitude of possibilities.
Who Can Use Yin-Yang Release?
Naruto Uzumaki's utilization of Yin-Yang Release is evident when he attains Six Paths Sage Mode. This power allows him to successfully restore Kakashi Hatake's eye and resurrect Might Guy after he pushes himself beyond the limits by activating the Eighth Inner Gate in his battle against the Ten Tails jinchuriki, Madara Uchiha. However, it should be noted that the ability to use Yin-Yang Release requires certain prerequisites and is not readily accessible to all shinobi.
Mastering Yin-Yang Release demands a profound comprehension of chakra at its fundamental level. Practitioners of Yin-Yang Release techniques must possess the rare ability to sculpt chakra effortlessly, unrestricted by any limitations. The correlation between Yin-Yang Release, Six Paths Sage Mode, the formidable Ten Tails chakra, and the legendary Otsutsuki clan is evident when examining the scarce number of shinobi capable of utilizing this extraordinary power. The majority of individuals who have attained this skill have acquired Six Paths chakra or have assumed the role of the Ten Tails' jinchuriki.
Yin-Yang Release Techniques
Hagoromo and Hamura Otsutsuki, Asura Otsutsuki, Kaguya Otsutsuki, Madara and Obito Uchiha — after becoming the Ten Tails jinchuriki — and Naruto Uzumaki, who was granted access to Six Paths Sage Mode by Hagoromo during the Fourth Shinobi World War, are currently the only known users of Yin-Yang Release. This roster showcases some of the most formidable shinobi and beings in history, serving as a testament to the immense power and mastery of chakra required to wield techniques falling within the realm of Yin-Yang Release.
Regarding techniques falling under Yin-Yang Release, the most revered of them all is the Creation of All Things Technique employed by Hagoromo to partition the chakra of the Ten Tails into the nine tailed beasts. To accomplish this feat, Hagoromo initially utilized Yin-Yang Release to separate the Ten Tails' chakra, subsequently granting it vitality and structure. This particular technique has since been recognized as the epitome of this style of ninjutsu, leading to Hagoromo being revered as a divine being within the shinobi world. Izanagi, an ability stemming from the Mangekyo Sharingan and employed by the Uchiha clan, draws inspiration from this technique, enabling users to reshape reality as they desire, although it may not strictly adhere to Yin-Yang Release categorization.
Next, the Truth-Seeking Balls, known as the pinnacle of ninjutsu, merge all five fundamental nature transformations and Yin-Yang Release to form compacted chakra spheres capable of obliterating anything they come into contact with and neutralizing all ninjutsu. Additionally, these spheres can inflict irreversible harm upon the resurrected bodies of Edo Tensei shinobi brought back by the Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation technique, a feat unmatched by any other attack. Yin-Yang Release also possesses remarkable healing abilities, exemplified by Naruto's restoration of both Guy and Kakashi, although it is restricted by the user's chakra reserves and unable to regenerate all injuries.
Finally, the Six Paths — Chibaku Tensei stands as the ultimate sealing technique derived from Yin-Yang Release, capable of restraining even Kaguya Otsutsuki. When initially employed by Hagoromo and Hamura, they successfully confined their mother within the newly formed moon, sealing away her Rinne Sharingan and extracting all of her chakra, rendering her immobile and powerless. Naruto and Sasuke replicated this technique with similar results at the conclusion of the Fourth Shinobi World War, sealing Kaguya once again within her own dimension.