Naruto: Who Else Could Unlock the Deadly Eight Inner Gates?

In Naruto, the most feared S-rank jutsu aren’t just powerful—they’re sometimes outright “forbidden” because using them can damage the caster themselves. One technique in particular, the Eight Inner Gates Formation, is so punishing and rare that it’s effectively a mystery who else could ever pull it off.

Why the Eight Inner Gates Formation is so rare

Jutsu are central to the Naruto series, spanning a wide range from E-rank up through S-rank. The highest tier is usually reserved for the most devastating techniques, but even inside S-rank there are special cases—moves whose very nature makes them treated differently.

Some S-rank jutsu are considered forbidden. They’re typically banned because they harm the user when activated, and in some cases they also demand immoral actions. The Eight Inner Gates Formation falls under this category, delivering formidable strength that’s said to be on par with the power of 5 Kages.

The catch is the cost. These techniques leave a heavy physical toll on whoever uses them, which is why there are only four known users of the Eight Inner Gates. That limitation makes it one of the rarest jutsu in the entire series, and it naturally raises a bigger question: which other characters in Naruto would have been capable of mastering it?

Even with their own terrifying levels of power, these Naruto-era heavy hitters had no trouble handling Madara Uchiha.

Who could have mastered the technique? (Ranked)

7 Hashirama Senju possesses insane physical capabilities

Hashirama is one of the most memorable figures in the franchise, and fans hold him in high regard largely because of how unreal his strength is. From an early age, he was forced to face the horrors of war, which pushed him to develop his power simply to survive.

Throughout his life, Hashirama defeated numerous dangerous opponents in combat, and his natural physical aptitude played a major role. On top of that, his regeneration is described as so extreme that it made him nearly impossible to take down. With talent like his, the idea is that he could have mastered the Eight Inner Gates without much difficulty.

6 Madara Uchiha is one of the best taijutsu users in the series

Madara’s presence inspired fear in both allies and enemies because he was difficult to predict—nobody could easily guess what he would do next. Over the course of the series, Madara repeatedly accomplished the impossible, including taking on an entire army by himself and fighting against the tailed beasts.

During the Fourth Great Ninja War, Madara’s raw power made the gap between him and everyone else impossible to ignore. With that kind of strength and durability, the argument is that he could have easily learned a technique like the Eight Inner Gates.

The Naruto universe is full of high-tier characters, but some stand out even more thanks to abilities that feel uniquely memorable.

5 Naruto Uzumaki has Six Paths power

Naruto’s rise is framed as moving from the depths of despair to becoming the hero the world “didn’t deserve.” His abilities increase dramatically across the story, driven largely by his will to push through every obstacle.

He can use Perfect Sage Mode—a feat even Jiraiya couldn’t accomplish. Later, Naruto becomes a perfect jinchuriki of the Nine Tails, allowing him to draw on that power to its fullest potential. With Nine Tails Chakra Mode, he’s positioned as physically superior to nearly everyone, and his durability is portrayed as climbing to extreme levels.

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4 Killer B’s body is powered by the Eight Tails

For much of Naruto’s story, attention stayed mostly on the Hidden Leaf, which meant fans learned very little about the other villages for a long time. As the focus shifted, more standout characters came into view—one of them being Killer B.

Killer B is described as a strong and capable shinobi whose abilities were recognized by Minato himself. He’s also portrayed as a perfect jinchuriki and a master swordsman. The point is that someone with Killer B’s background would have the solid foundation needed to master the Eight Inner Gates.

The Uchiha are famously skilled in Genjutsu, though some are far better than others at applying that skill in practice.

3 The Otsutsuki are gods with no limits

Before the ninja world as people know it even existed, the Otsutsuki are said to have ruled through sheer force. The first is Kaguya, who possessed strength strong enough to erase entire nations. Later, her sons defeated her and brought peace to the world.

Across the Otsutsuki clan, chakra reserves are described as absurdly high, along with special abilities unique to their group. In that framing, learning and mastering the Eight Inner Gates would be treated like something that’s basically effortless for them.

2 Sasuke Uchiha is the rival of Naruto Uzumaki

Sasuke is often viewed as a ninja who wins by relying heavily on jutsu. The text argues that this perception is wrong, and that many fans overlook the truth. Instead, Sasuke is presented as a powerhouse and an exceptional taijutsu user who can stand toe-to-toe with Naruto himself.

What’s highlighted most is Sasuke’s ability to fight on equal terms with Six Paths Sage Mode Naruto. During that struggle, Sasuke doesn’t only use multiple jutsu—he also doesn’t hesitate to use taijutsu-based offense. The conclusion is that Sasuke has the prerequisites needed to master the Eight Inner Gates.

1 Sakura Haruno has exceptional chakra control

Sakura is described as one of Konoha’s most dependable allies, with medical ninjutsu that makes her a valuable asset. Her healing ability is framed as strong enough to flip the momentum of a battle.

But the argument doesn’t stop there: her raw strength is said to be capable of leveling nearly anything she touches, including massive boulders. She’s also skilled in taijutsu, with her fight against Sasori offered as evidence. Because she has mastered so many different techniques, she’s depicted as a nightmare to face in combat.

Cast

  • Junko Takeuchi
  • Noriaki Sugiyama

Marcus Chen is a gaming journalist and industry reporter with more than 10 years of experience. He covers releases, announcements, and trends across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, and keeps a close eye on the indie scene and esports. Previously an editor at several gaming publications, he now writes news, reviews, and breakdowns of major industry moments—from big showcases to updates on popular titles. His work is aimed at players who want a clear, fast read on what happened and why it matters.