The Eight Gates are eight specific points on a person's Chakra Pathway System. They limit the overall flow of chakra within a person's body. The basis for the idea of the chakra gates comes from the body's limits on the functions within it. This makes the body much weaker, but it keeps the body from expiring too soon. By opening these gates, the user can surpass their own physical limits at the cost of extreme damage to their own bodies.
Rock Lee is able to open the first five gates. Might Guy, who taught Lee the skill, is able to open at least six. Kakashi can open at least one gate, as shown during Kakashi's one-handed rock climbing where a shot of his brain shows the relevant point activating, as well as in his usage of the Front Lotus.
The state of having all Eight Gates open is known as Eight Gates Released Formation (八門遁甲の陣, Hachimon Tonkō no Jin). Any shinobi who activates this state will temporarily gain powers greater than a Kage, but they will die because of the damage done to their body. However, in Naruto Shippūden 2: Bonds, Shinnō managed to use a technique that allowed him to open all the gates without any drawbacks.
Gates
A diagram of the Eight Gates and their points in the body. |
- The Gate of Opening (開門, Kaimon), located in the brain. Removes the restraints of the brain. Unlocking this gate allows the user to use the Front Lotus.
- The Gate of Healing (休門, Kyūmon, English TV: The Gate of Rest), located in the brain. Forcibly increases one's physical strength and causes temporary healing of all the body's injuries.
- The Gate of Life (生門, Seimon), located on the spinal cord. Allows the user to use the Reverse Lotus.
- The Gate of Pain (傷門, Shōmon), located on the spinal cord. Increases the user's speed and power. May cause muscles tissue to tear on use.
- The Gate of Limit (杜門, Tomon, English TV: The Gate of Closing), per above. Located in the abdomen.
- The Gate of View (景門 , Keimon, English TV: The Gate of Joy), per above. Located in the stomach. Allows the user to perform the Morning Peacock. Opening of this gate releases such large amounts of chakra that it can cause nearby water bodies to form a vortex around the user.
- The Gate of Wonder (驚門, Kyōmon, English TV: The Gate of Shock), per above. Located below the stomach. In the video games, allows the user to perform the Eternal Chaotic Dance.
- The Gate of Death (死門, Shimon), located at the heart. Releasing this gate uses up all of the body's energy. It makes the heart pump at maximum power and exceeds the power of every other gate.
Trivia
- In Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2, Neji Hyūga uses a jutsu called Eight Gates Bombardment to specifically block access to the eight gates.
