The Kaguya Clan, often associated with Naruto's ultimate enemy Kaguya Otsutsuki, is lesser known for its own existence. This extinct lineage, known for its barbaric and archaic ways, would indiscriminately kill to satisfy their bloodlust. Though the exact ancestry of the clan remains a mystery, it is believed that these savages were direct descendants of Kaguya Otsutsuki, inheriting one of her unique abilities.
Kimimaro was the last surviving member of this clan, and his unfortunate demise marked the end of this fierce bloodline. Despite only appearing in the first part of Naruto, the clan holds significant importance as it foreshadowed the eventual arrival of Kaguya Otsutsuki years before her introduction in the series.
Origins of the Kaguya Clan
The Kaguya Clan is believed to be direct descendants of Kaguya Otsutsuki, supported by their unique Kekkei Genkai and distinctive appearance. However, there is still ongoing debate about the clan's lineage, as the only confirmed direct descendants of Kaguya Otsutsuki are the Uchiha, Uzumaki, Senju, and Hyuga Clans. While all shinobi who can manipulate chakra and utilize ninjutsu can technically be considered descendants of Kaguya Otsutsuki, only a select few can directly trace their ancestry back to her. It is possible that the Kaguya Clan may have branched off from the direct descendants, eventually establishing their own distinct identity.
Despite their ancient origins and fierce bloodthirst, the clan failed to live up to the power and reputation of their god-like ancestor. In a reckless attempt to display their strength, the clan impulsively decided to invade the Hidden Mist Village. However, lacking any strategic planning or tactics, the clan members were mercilessly killed by the Hidden Mist forces, leaving only one survivor - Kimimaro. Unlike his clan members, Kimimaro did not possess the same violent bloodlust and had no interest in fighting, managing to escape the battle. Unfortunately, he later succumbed to a fatal illness, marking the end of this particular bloodline.
All-Killing Ash Bones Technique
As descendants of Kaguya Otsutsuki, the clan possessed a unique Kekkei Mora known as Shikotsumyaku, or the All-Killing Ash Bone technique. Only a few members of the clan were able to wield this power, with Kimimaro being the sole user during his time. This technique grants the user the ability to manipulate their skeletal structure, allowing bones to protrude from their body for both offensive and defensive purposes.
The inner workings of Shikotsumyaku are intricate, as it provides users with several unique capabilities. These include the control of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are cells responsible for bone production and bone breakdown, respectively. Additionally, users can regulate the density of calcium in their bones. These abilities enable the user to create new bones indefinitely, as long as there are sufficient calcium reserves, and effortlessly break these bones to use as weapons. In the manga, Kimimaro's skin tears apart to grow bones, a detail that the anime removes to avoid excessive gore. Instead, the anime depicts small holes forming all over Kimimaro's body, through which the bones emerge.
While Kaguya Otsutsuki’s implementation of this technique is exceptionally deadly and omnipotent, Kimimaro only possessed a fraction of its true potential. Despite the limitations, this ability transformed him into an invincible force, nearly defeating Gaara and Rock Lee. If it weren't for his terminal illness, Kimimaro could have been an unmatched contender, as the All-Killing Ash Bone technique had no known defenses.
The Last Surviving Member of the Kaguya Clan
Kimimaro stood out among the members of the Kaguya Clan due to his lack of insatiable bloodlust, a trait that set him apart from his kin. This anomaly ultimately resulted in him being the sole survivor of his clan. Adopted by Orochimaru, Kimimaro's fate was already predetermined to be short-lived as he was chosen to be a vessel. Recognizing his potential, Orochimaru considered Kimimaro as one of his primary vessels, appreciating his youthful body and formidable Kekkei Genkai.
Kimimaro, unfortunately, developed a terminal illness which prevented Orochimaru from carrying out his plans. Despite Kabuto's attempts to use various medical ninjutsu techniques to cure him, nothing was effective due to a lack of information about Kimimaro's unique body. Eventually, Kimimaro succumbed to the disease, but not before ensuring that his master's objective was accomplished by assisting the Sound 4 in escorting Sasuke out of the Land of Fire. It is worth noting that if it weren't for his illness, Kimimaro would have been one of the most formidable adversaries in the Naruto series. Regrettably, the show made a significant error by prematurely eliminating such a distinctive character.