Summary

Storm Release, a powerful Kekkei Genkai, combines Lightning Release with Water Release to convert lightning into a beam of light.
Only three characters possess Storm Release, each with a unique variant of the ability, showcasing its versatility.
The strongest Storm Release techniques include Madara's Storm Release that travels at the speed of light, and Darui's Laser Circus, granting him control over multiple beams of electricity.

The Naruto series has its fair share of intriguing powers and abilities, yet none compare to those branded as Kekkei Genkai. While most bloodline techniques are already far above regular jutsu, one Kekkei Genkai far surpasses its counterparts — Storm Release. Despite only being witnessed a handful of times throughout the show’s run, Storm Release has cemented itself as an extremely powerful ability, a status that can be owed to its god-like wielders.

Storm Release isn’t a true bloodline technique, as this Kekkei Genkai doesn’t belong to any specific clan or family. This makes Storm Release an acquirable Kekkei Genkai, but despite boasting such a status, only three characters in the entire Naruto franchise possess this rare technique. While Storm Release has never been properly explored due to limited exposition, piecing together details from several instances of its usage can shed light on the intricacies of this Kekkei Genkai.

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By Ahmed Rehan Nasir

What Is Storm Release?

First Appearence	Naruto Shippuden, Episode 203,"Sasuke's Ninja Way"
Debut Date	March 17, 2011
Users	Darui, Madara, Hiruko (Anime-Only)

Storm Release is formed by combining Lightning Release with Water Release, resulting in a unique power that converts lightning into a beam of light. However, this description merely scratches the surface of the intricacies of Storm Release, as each user has a unique variant of this Kekkei Genkai. Some have the ability to turn lightning into fine laser-like beams, while others can spew lightning at the speed of light, even capable of cutting through the hardest of objects.

While Storm Release’s name might lead viewers to believe that this Kekkei Genkai revolves around manipulating weather, the technique itself has nothing to do with storms. However, one anime-only instance showcases Storm Release as a power that can control lightning clouds, though this usage has no roots in the manga, making this a non-canon instance. Still, this showcases Storm Release as an extremely versatile Kekkei Genkai, one capable of raining down lightning and lasers alike.

Storm Release Comes In Many Forms

Storm Release comes in a few different forms, with each one unique to the chakra and fighting style of the users. While regular Kekkei Genkai tend to follow the same pattern irrespective of its users, Storm Release’s powers differ significantly in every other user, since this Kekkei Genkai is not limited to a specific clan or family.

Only three characters in the series have access to Storm Release, with one being non-canon due to its roots being in Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire. Each one presents an equally unique power, showcasing the true versatility of Storm Release.

Darui’s Storm Release Allows Him to Manipulate Lightning Beams

Darui was one of the first users in Naruto to be witnessed using Storm Release, and his variant of this Kekkei Genkai is much more versatile than its counterparts. Instead of emitting a straight beam of electricity, Darui can change the direction of each individual beam of lightning with pinpoint accuracy.

He's fast, and it's a Precision Ninjutsu!

During his fight against the Gold and Silver Brothers, Darui’s Storm Release was capable of defeating the duo while bypassing the hostages they were using as a shield. Such accuracy deems Darui’s Storm Release an extremely deadly technique, which is quite befitting of the current Raikage of the Hidden Cloud Village.

Madara’s Storm Release Can Travel At the Speed Of Light

Storm Release’s potential is backed by the fact that Madara Uchiha, arguably the strongest antagonist in the Naruto franchise, has access to this Kekkei Genkai. Madara’s Storm Release is much more lethal than Darui’s version, as it is capable of even cutting through Truth-Seeking Orbs, a technique that is supposed to negate Ninjutsu.

The deadly nature of Madara’s Storm Release technique is further exacerbated by its ability to travel at the speed of light, meaning it’s impossible for the target to dodge this attack. The fine laser-like beam is distinctly sharp, which essentially turns this ability into a death-ray of sorts.

Hiruko Can Control the Weather With His Storm Release

Hiruko's Storm Release Ability (Anime-Only)

Hiruko is an antagonist from Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire, and his Storm Release revolved around actually manipulating the weather through his chakra. He can create a Storm Release chakra cloud capable of infinitely absorbing external chakra.

As these clouds absorb more chakra, they grow bigger and fiercer in power. Hiruko can also siphon the absorbed chakra from the clouds into himself, further amplifying the extent of his Storm Release abilities.

The Strongest Storm Release Techniques

Darui Uses Storm Release on Gold and Silver Brothers

Considering the strength of its wielders, it comes as no surprise that the few Storm Release techniques used in the series are also some of the strongest ones. Madara and Darui both possess incredibly unique Storm Release jutsu, though the techniques differ significantly in their mechanics.

While a few different techniques pertaining to Storm Release exist, the two strongest ones are Sage Art: Storm Release Light Fang and Storm Release: Laser Circus. While the two techniques follow the same basic principle, their workings differ significantly.

Sage Art: Storm Release Light Fang

First Appearance	Naruto Shippuden, Episode 424,"To Rise Up"
Debut Date	August 13, 2015
Users	Madara

As the name suggests, Sage Art: Storm Release Light Fang is a technique that imbues Senjutsu into Storm Release, resulting in a thin stream of laser emitting from the user’s mouth. Since Senjutsu is infused within this technique, it is capable of cutting through Truth-Seeking Orbs, which was otherwise thought to have been an impossible feat.

The stream of light is extremely fast, with Madara even stating that its speed is comparable to the speed of light. This makes this ability almost impossible to dodge, and anyone caught in its wake would be obliterated.

Storm Release: Laser Circus

First Appearence	Naruto Shippuden, Episode 203,"Sasuke's Ninja Way"
Debut Date	March 17, 2011
Users	Darui

Storm Release: Laser Circus is one of Darui’s strongest techniques, as it essentially grants him access to multiple beams of electricity that he can control at will. The extreme accuracy of this jutsu makes it a lethal weapon in the right hands.

Laser Circus is also extremely versatile, as it can be strategically targeted due to Darui having control over the beams’ trajectory. Considering Darui’s position as the current Raikage, it’s only natural for him to possess such an all-powerful technique.

Naruto is available to stream on Prime Video.