Ice Release (氷遁, Hyōton, Viz: Ice Style) is the combined nature transformation kekkei genkai of the Yuki clan. It allows the user to freely create and manipulate ice by simultaneously combining wind and water-based chakra. When the user releases their chakra, the surrounding vicinity becomes cold enough to cause snow to fall.[1] The ice Haku creates is also extremely resistant to fire-based attacks, only melting slightly when coming into contact with Sasuke's flames. As shown by Haku, as a child, he could also manipulate the form of nearby water.[2] Additionally, any nearby water is an advantage, as the user can simply freeze that water to create ice. Using his special ability, Haku developed the Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals, which allowed him to create any number of floating mirrors made of ice to use as a shield or trap an opponent.
Other Media
- In the first Naruto movie, several of the Yukigakure ninja also had the ability to use Ice Release techniques. However, this was not the product of a similar kekkei genkai, as demonstrated by Kakashi's ability to replicate one of these techniques with his Sharingan. In addition, unlike Haku, who could create his own ice, the Ice Release techniques used in the movie required the users to manipulate already existing ice and seems to melt at a much easier level than the ones Haku used. The techniques also took the forms of animals as opposed to Haku's techniques which took the form of sheets and solid spikes. Another notable difference is that they can also manipulate snow. The Yukigakure ninja most commonly used the Dog hand seal to do this. Dotō Kazahana, in particular, manipulated a special type of snow that was black in colour.
- In the Peddlers Escort Mission, the main villain Renga also used a technique using ice. He could crystallise the water vapour around him into ice so transparent that it would be practically invisible to the naked eye. However, this technique was never mentioned to be an Ice Release technique.
Trivia
- The Viz manga translation for Ice Release was initially translated as "Haku's Secret Arts of Water". Later on in the series, with the revealing of new kekkei genkai, the Viz manga translation was given as "Ice Style" to maintain uniformity.