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Jutsu (Naruto)

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Template:AM-in-universe In the anime and manga series Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto a jutsu (術, "technique" or "skill") is a general term referring to any technique a ninja might use that an ordinary human would likely be unable to naturally imitate. Jutsu often rely on the manipulation of chakra by various methods, the most common of which is hand seals, also known as ingei or mundra. Ingei/mundra are part of Taoist and Buddhist religious, and mystical practicies. The hand seals consist of a combination of twelve-animal symbols that derive from the Chinese earthly branches.

In the series, several hundred different jutsu have been revealed, which have slightly different names depending on the media in which they appear. The English versions of the Naruto manga and anime both use different names for the jutsu, which usually don't match the literal translation of the Japanese name for the jutsu. The English dub of the anime tends to leave the word "jutsu" untranslated, whereas the English manga translates it to "[jutsu name] Technique" or "Art of [jutsu name]".

Creation and conception

The concept of jutsu was developed by Masashi Kishimoto in order to explain the superhuman feats that ninja performed in the series.[1] Kishimoto's design for the ninja in Naruto was intended to dispel preconceived notions about ninja popularized by other manga and bring an original take to the presentation of ninja in manga.[1] The use of hand seals was a substitute for the incantations for magic found in other sources, and was based on the motions of ninjas in various role-playing games.[1] The hand seals are based upon the characters of the Chinese zodiac, which is a longstanding tradition in Japan, and Kishimoto used them specifically to draw upon that tradition.[2]

Although the concept of chakra is found in Indian mythology, Buddhism and other belief systems, in an interview, Kishimoto claimed that none of these influences were the basis for his use of chakra in Naruto.[1] He further asserted that it was a term to apply a concrete definition to ninjas' ability to use jutsu in Naruto, and was comparable to the Force in Star Wars or magic points in role-playing games.[1]

Chakra

Simplified diagram of Chakra generation mechanics.

Body Energy (身体エネルギー, Shintai Enerugī) is a vital force generated within the cells of living organisms. Combined with Spiritual Energy (精神エネルギー, Seishin Enerugī), or force of will and mental fortitude, it can be harnessed to a variety of uses, such as the production of the superhuman stamina used in taijutsu. It can also be used for formation of the energy known as chakra (チャクラ, chakura), essential to the use of even the most basic of jutsu.[3]

Once created, chakra moves about the body to any of its release (Chakra) points, utilizing a network of passages not unlike the circulatory system. By various means -- handseals being the most common -- it can then be manipulated to the end materializing effects otherwise impossible under the laws of nature, such as walking on water or breathing fire. In the context of oriental martial arts philosophy, chakra is indistinguishable from Qi (Chi).

The quality of chakra can be altered with what is called nature manipulation (性質変化, seishitsu henka)[4]. There are six kinds of nature manipulation[5]. Five basic kinds[4], more commonly known as the elements, and Yin and Yang nature manipulation[6]. Nothing is yet known about the latter, except that it has to do with things like Genjutsu, medical jutsu, Multi-Size Technique and Shikamaru Nara's shadow jutsu[7].

The five basic kinds of nature manipulations are Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Lightning[4]. Each element is stronger than the next, but weaker than the previous, with Lightning looping back into Earth. For example, a lightning based attack would be very effective against an earth based defense, but easily countered by a wind user. Additionally, elemental techniques can be countered by techniques of the same element, provided the technique being countered is of equal or lesser power[8].

Generally, everyone has a natural affinity to one of these elements[4]. People with an affinity for Earth will have an easier time learning Doton (土遁, "Earth Release") jutsu then any other elemental techniques. The same goes for Water and Suiton (水遁, "Water Release"), Fire and Katon (火遁, "Fire Release"), Wind and Fūton (風遁, "Wind Release"), and Lightning and Raiton (雷遁, "Lightning Release")[4]. However, having an affinity for one element does not mean that one cannot learn how to use other elements. Most Jōnin are able to use two different elements, while Kakashi Hatake has even been shown to use four different elements.[9]

Shinobi with certain Kekkei Genkai have the ability to mix two different elements into a new element.[10] Examples are Haku's Hyōton jutsu, mixing Water and Wind into Ice[11], and the First Hokage's and Yamato's Mokuton jutsu, mixing Earth and Water into Wood[12]. While some ninja without Kekkei Genkai are capable of using multiple kinds of elements, they cannot do so simultaneously.

Eight Gates

File:Eight Gataram.jpg
A diagram showing the location of each gate

The Eight Gates (八門, Hachimon, English TV "The Eight Inner Gates") are eight specific points on a person's chakra circulatory 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. Opening the final gate will grant the user enough strength to surpass a Kage; however, the result of opening the final gate is that all the energy from the opener's cells is used up, resulting in the user's death. The state where all eight gates are opened is called Eight Gates Armor Release Formation (八門遁甲の陣, Hachimon Tonkō no Jin, Viz: "Eight Inner Gates Formation").[13] 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 Hatake can open at least one gate, as shown while he is rock climbing where a shot of his brain shows the relevant point activating.

Basic information

Generally speaking, jutsu are divided into three categories: genjutsu, ninjutsu, and taijutsu. Ninjutsu also has two sub-categories: sealing jutsu and cursed seal jutsu, which are jutsu used to create seals for various purposes. There are also kekkei genkai abilities. These are not actually jutsu, but genetically-inherited abilities that are only possessed by specific clans.

Depending on the difficulty or skill necessary to perform a jutsu, they will be ranked differently. There are a total of six ranks (from E to S), plus two informal ranks for special circumstances. The rank of a jutsu does not necessarily mean it will be more effective than a lower-ranked jutsu, just more difficult to perform properly. The overall effectiveness of any given jutsu is largely based on individual skill. The two informal ranks are "secret" (秘伝, hiden) and "forbidden technique" (禁術, kinjutsu). Secret jutsu are passed down from generation to generation within a clan. These jutsu are not ranked since no one outside the clan knows how to perform them.[14] Kekkei genkai-based jutsu also fall under this rank since it is impossible for anyone else to perform them. Forbidden jutsu, on the other hand, often do fall into one of the six main ranks, but are an exception because they are forbidden (or, at the very least, frowned upon) to learn or perform. A technique can be categorized as forbidden if it either causes great harm to the user, such as opening the Eight Gates, or if the techniques are dark or sinister in nature, such as those used by Orochimaru.

Cursed Seal jutsu

Cursed Seal jutsu (呪印術, juin jutsu, lit. "cursed seal techniques" or "Technique of the Accursed Mark") are jutsu that use a special "cursed seal" to put someone under the control of the user or elicit an unnatural effect in the one they are placed on. They can be used to cause either pain (including death if the pain is large enough) or invoking various mutations in the recipient.[14]

Genjutsu

Genjutsu (幻術, "Illusion Techniques") are techniques that use the chakra in the victim's nervous system to create illusions; basically an advanced intellectual ninjutsu. Those with special abilities like the Uchiha clan's Sharingan or those with high intelligence have an easier time executing and countering genjutsu, as attention to detail is key. The most commonly seen genjutsu is the simple creation of phantasms – causing the targeted person(s) to hear, see, smell, taste and/or feel sensations that are not actually there in order to manipulate them. In other words, genjutsu affects the five senses, though other applications of genjutsu exist. Those under the influence of genjutsu either freeze in place or lose consciousness, depending on how capable they are in recognizing and defending against it.[15]

There are several ways to counter genjutsu. Because it uses the victim's own chakra against them, the target can cancel the genjutsu by disrupting their own chakra flow. This is called Genjutsu Cancel (幻術解, Genjutsu Kai). Alternatively, should they fail to cancel the genjutsu, intense pain (though not that caused by the genjutsu) can snap them out of it. Finally, someone else can disrupt their chakra flow for them through forcing their own chakra into the recipients body, breaking the chakra flow and thus the genjutsu.

Kekkei genkai

Kekkei Genkai (血継限界, "Bloodline Limit") are abilities passed down genetically in specific clans. Most clans have developed special jutsu related to their kekkei genkai and their related jutsu cannot be taught or copied by others, as they require the specific genetic trait to work. Kekkei genkai abilities that work via the user's eye are called "pupil, or ocular, techniques" (瞳術, dōjutsu), such as the Byakugan, Sharingan, and Rinnegan.[15]

Ninjutsu

Ninjutsu (忍術, "Ninja Techniques") is a vague term referring to almost any technique that uses chakra and allows the user to do something that they otherwise would be incapable of doing. The earliest forms of ninjutsu are said to have been created by the first owner of the Rinnegan. Unlike genjutsu, which makes the opponent see illusions, the effects of ninjutsu are quite real. Ninjutsu relies on chakra and, most of the time, hand seals (each hand seal showing a different animal in the Chinese zodiac) to be effective. The hands are put in sequential positions that mold chakra in the necessary manner to perform a jutsu. This is not always consistent, however, and some of the simpler jutsu seem to become second nature to experienced ninja, after which they can perform them at will. Additionally, some ninjutsu can be classified as an elemental jutsu, in those cases where a specific element (earth, fire, lightning, water, wind) is used. The phrase "Ninja Art" (Ninpō) is occasionally added to the beginning of the jutsu.[15]

Sealing jutsu

Sealing jutsu (封印術, Fūin jutsu) are jutsu that seal something inside objects or living beings. The most common application of this is sealing weapons or other objects within scrolls to efficiently carry a large number of items. Sealing jutsu are also utilized to restrict access to things, such as chakra or entry to a building.[14]

Taijutsu

Taijutsu (体術, "Body Techniques" or "hand-to-hand combat") refers to any techniques involving the martial arts or the optimization of natural human abilities in general. In other words, taijutsu is executed by accessing the user's stamina directly, rather than converting the user's stamina to chakra in order to execute a ninjutsu or genjutsu technique, meaning that taijutsu is much quicker to execute than (though not always as powerful as) ninjutsu and genjutsu. In some cases, chakra is used to enhance the techniques, particularly in the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist style where the user sends small bursts of chakra into the persons body to attack the chakra system or chakra points, and in the case of Tsunade and Sakura, who combine chakra into their attacks to cause great damage. Generally speaking, however, most taijutsu users rarely use chakra in their attacks, such as Rock Lee and Might Guy.[15]

Recurring jutsu

Many jutsu are only performed once during the series or are used by only one character. The following are jutsu that are commonly used throughout the series by more than one character.

Byakugan

Neji Hyuga's Byakugan

The Byakugan (白眼, literally "White Eye," English manga "Evil Eye") is an eye technique (瞳術, dōjutsu) that naturally occurs in members of the Hyuga clan.[16] Byakugan possessors are characterized by their lavender, pupil-less eyes. When the Byakugan is activated, their pupils somewhat appear and the veins near their temples bulge. Possessors of the Byakugan are also capable of using the Gentle Fist style of combat.[17]

A person with the Byakugan has a nearly 360 degree field of vision, except for a small blind spot at the back of the neck above the third thoracic vertebra.[18] Byakugan users can detect anything around them within a small radius, the greater the user's skill with the Byakugan, the larger the radius is, which makes them close-range combat experts. The Byakugan also gives the user the ability to see through basically any matter over extremely long distances. A small degree of telescopic vision is also present, as a Byakugan user can focus on a single object at any point within their range of vision. The degree of focus seems to be dependent on the skill of the user. The Byakugan's insight capacity makes it useful for searching, tracking, and identifying targets.[14]

Protection of the Byakugan ability is very important to the Hyuga clan, and has led to the development of an elaborate family hierarchy. Members of the lesser branch house are branded with a cursed seal on their forehead at a young age. Whenever a branch house member dies, the cursed seal will seal the Byakugan ability so that enemies will not be able to discover its secrets.

IGN ranked Byakugan in the 3rd spot of the Top Ten Naruto Techniques, mentioning the applications for this kind of technique in everyday use are infinite in number.[19]

Chidori

File:Chidori.jpg
Sasuke using Chidori

Chidori (千鳥, literally "One Thousand Birds") is an example of nature manipulation created by Kakashi Hatake after he failed to infuse his own nature manipulation with the Rasengan.[20] The Chidori requires the user to channel a great deal of lightning-based chakra to their hand, so much so that the ordinarily invisible chakra becomes visible to the naked eye. Due to the high concentration of electricity the attack creates, it emits a sound that is reminiscent of chirping birds (hence the name). Once the attack is formed the user rushes at their opponent and thrusts their arm into a certain part of the body, such as the heart. While the technique is usually fatal to its target, the speed at which the user moves causes them to experience tunnel vision, leaving them open for attack.[21] If the user possesses a Sharingan, however, they are able to take in more detail while moving, allowing them to avoid counterattacks.[22]

The Chidori requires a great deal of control in order to be properly utilized; Kakashi, being the creator of the technique, has reached the peak of control over the ability. Because of this, Kakashi's version is referred to as the Lightning Blade (雷切, Raikiri), a higher ranked form of the ability with which he once split a bolt of lightning.[23] Due to the high levels of chakra required to form the technique, those able to perform it are limited to very few usages a day. Sasuke Uchiha, for example, is only able to perform it twice a day under his own power in Part I. While his maximum number of usages in Part II has yet to be seen, he has used the fundamentals behind the Chidori to create a number of lightning-based attacks.

Chidori took the 2nd place spot in the IGN Top Ten Naruto Techniques article.[19] The Chidori has ranked 2nd in every official Shonen Jump jutsu popularity poll[24] and came 1st in polls of the first Databook[25] , while the Lightning Blade has ranked 3rd once.[26]

Dead Demon Consuming Seal

The Dead Demon Consuming Seal (屍鬼封尽, Shiki Fūjin, English TV: "Sealing Jutsu: Reaper Death Seal") is a seal created by the Fourth Hokage that invokes the powers of the death god (shinigami, simply dubbed the "reaper" in the English version). Once called upon, the death god hovers behind the user and remains invisible to the opponent until it has grasped their soul. After the sealing is completed the death god consumes the user's soul soon afterwards, killing them. Once a soul has been eaten it resides within the death god's stomach, destined to do battle with its fellow souls for all eternity.[27]

Unlike many of the other seals used throughout the series, the Dead Demon Consuming Seal has served different purposes for each of its uses. When first used by the Fourth, it aided in sealing the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox within Naruto Uzumaki. When later used by the Third Hokage's shadow clones, the Dead Demon Consuming Seal sealed the souls of the First and Second Hokage within the clones' bodies. In this instance, the death god consumed the Hokage's souls in addition to the souls of the clones, suggesting that it consumes whatever souls are present within the user's body. When the actual Third Hokage uses the seal, it sealed Orochimaru's arms, preventing their use.

Destruction Bug Host Technique

File:ShinoBugXray.jpg
The bugs residing within Shino's body

The Destruction Bug Host Technique (寄壊蟲の術, Kikaichū no Jutsu, English TV "Parasitic Insects Jutsu") is a symbol of membership to the Aburame clan. When a child is born into the Aburame family, their body is offered to insects as a nest. The bugs feed and live off the chakra that the body stores and in return the ninja is able to control and command the bugs, using them as their primary fighting technique. These bugs have the ability to drain chakra through physical contact with the enemy.[28]

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique

The Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique (火遁・豪火球の術, Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu, Viz "Fire Style: Blaze Of Glory", English TV "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu") is the most basic method of fire manipulation in Naruto. The technique requires a large amount of chakra to perform.[29] The user fills their chest with air, infuses it with fire chakra and blows out, creating an enormous external ignition, similar to firebreathing.[29] This technique, as are the more complicated fire-based abilities, are common amongst Konohagakure ninja at or above Chunin-level. The Uchiha clan considers a child from the clan who masters this technique a man.[29] They are also allowed to learn some of the clan's more complicated techniques.

Gentle Fist

The Gentle Fist (柔拳, Jūken) style of combat aims to damage the body's chakra circulatory system, thus inhibiting an opponent's use of chakra. To do this, the user forcibly injects small amounts of their own chakra into an opponent's chakra circulatory system upon physical contact, causing the targeted area to rupture or divert flow. Alternatively, or as an additional effect, the same method can be used to damage the opponent's internal organs, to which the chakra circulatory system is closely tied. Even the slightest tap from this style can cause major damage, hence the name. As there is no way to train the internal organs to become stronger, this technique is capable of causing damage no matter how physically powerful the opponent is. Because the chakra circulatory system is invisible, the Byakugan is required for this style to be used effectively and thus it is exclusive to the Hyuga clan.

To quickly seal off an opponent's access to chakra, Gentle Fist style users can perform the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms (八卦六十四掌, Hakke Rokujūyon Shō, English TV: "Gentle Fist Style: Eight Trigrams 64 Palms") to strike an opponent's individual chakra points in progressively heavier and faster volleys.[30] Once completed the technique effectively eliminates an opponent's ability to use chakra and makes it difficult for them to move. The same process that seals off one's access to chakra can also be used as a shield; with Eight Trigrams Palms Heavenly Spin (八卦掌回天, Hakkeshō Kaiten, English TV "Eight Trigrams Palms Rotation"), the user releases a huge amount of chakra from their chakra points when in danger of being attacked. The released chakra blocks any possible attack, and the user need only spin themselves rapidly to parry the attack, both creating a shield of chakra around themselves and tossing away any would-be attackers.[30] Due to the effectiveness and power of these jutsu, teaching of the ability is restricted to only members of the main branch of the Hyuga clan, though prodigious Gentle Fist style users can replicate the same effects without being taught. Both Neji Hyuga and Hinata Hyuga use the fundamentals of these attacks to create their own unique jutsu.

The Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms has ranked 5th once in the Shonen Jump jutsu popularity polls.[26]

Mind Body Switch Technique

The Mind Body Switch Technique (心転身の術, Shintenshin no Jutsu, Viz "Art of the Valentine", English TV "Mind Transfer Jutsu") is the signature ability of the Yamanaka clan. With it, the user sends their mind into a target's body (human or animal), supplanting the target's mind with their own. Though normally used as a spying jutsu, it can also be used in battle with several major drawbacks. First, the user's spirit travels slowly, making it easy to dodge. If the user misses their target, they are left helpless until their spirit returns to their body, which takes several minutes. Second, even if the technique does work, the user's ability to stay in an enemy's body is determined by how fatigued they are. The user can be forced out if facing a strong enough will, are too tired, or if the target is in incredible pain. Finally, any damage the user suffers while possessing another is transferred to their original body. Therefore, if the target dies, so does the user.[31]

In IGN's Top Ten Naruto Techniques, Mind Body Switch Technique ranked 5th. They mentioned that the jutsu comes with a long list of disclaimers and hazards but is still worth the risk to the user.[19]

Mokuton

The Mokuton (木遁, literally "Wood Release" English "Wood Style") jutsu are techniques that combine earth and water-based chakra to create plants, specifically trees of varying size and shape. Mokuton techniques can be produced from anywhere, including the user's body, as the user's chakra is literally converted into a source of life. The First Hokage, the first known possessor of the technique, used the ability to grow the trees that served as the foundation of Konohagakure, the primary reason for his being given the title of Hokage. After the First's death, Yamato is injected with the First's DNA in an attempt to replicate the ability. Yamato survives the experiment and is the only known living user of Mokuton.

Because Yamato is the only current owner of the Mokuton ability, many of its associated jutsu have been exclusively used by him. He most commonly creates copies of himself or barriers to be used as defense. For more elaborate purposes, Yamato can create houses complete with such basic features as doors, windows, and balconies. A possibly unrelated technique, but unique to the First and Yamato, is the ability to suppress a tailed beast's influence over its host. This is done by producing wooden poles from the ground that attach to the host and force the tailed beast's chakra to recede. The First Hokage's crystal necklace aids in this technique's execution. In the anime, Naruto Shippuden episode 45-46 it is explained that the necklace is a chakra crystal that responds to the First's chakra.

Mystical Palm Technique

The Mystical Palm Technique (掌仙術, Shōsen Jutsu, English "Chakra Scalpel" or "Chakra Dissection Blade") is a multipurpose technique that can heal wounds and perform surgery. To heal with the ability, users collect chakra to their hand to speed up cell regeneration wherever it is applied.[32] For the latter, the user focuses their chakra into a blade to make cuts where necessary, though because the blade is made of chakra the flesh is never cut. This aspect of the ability can be used in combat, though it requires great precision to be effective.

Multi-Size Technique

The Multi-Size Technique (倍化の術, Baika no Jutsu, Viz "The Art of Expansion", English TV: "Expansion Jutsu") is the signature ability of the Akimichi clan. The ability increases the user's body size (as well as their clothing) by using up their stored food energy, converting calories into chakra.[33] Akimichi clan members tend to eat fattening foods and have large physiques in order to support this technique. Akimichi often used their increased size to perform other jutsu, taking advantage of their bigger mass to make their attacks more potent.[34] The proportions that the user's body increases to seems to depend on the level of expertise; when Choji Akimichi performs this technique in Part I it causes him to take on a round appearance, yet his Part II counterpart as well as his father are able to use the technique to make themselves the size of buildings.

Orochimaru's cursed seals

File:CS2 Horde.jpg
A large array of cursed seal level 2 transformations

Orochimaru's cursed seals were first developed through his experimentations on Jugo. Jugo's body naturally produces an enzyme that transforms the user into any number of different forms, drastically increasing their chakra supply in the process. By extracting this enzyme from Jugo's body and refining it, Orochimaru is able to apply it to whichever of his followers he wishes.

Once the cursed seal is applied, the applicant stands a 10% chance of survival and they lose consciousness as their body accepts or rejects the seal. Should they survive, receivers of the cursed seal are given access to the seal's first level. When activated the seal's unique pattern spreads across their body from the point of application; the more body coverage there is, the more the user is drawing upon the seal's effects. The seal forcibly draws chakra from the user's body and grants them with increased physical abilities, though consequently leaves them exhausted once the seal is deactivated. Their mind slowly corrodes while the seal is active, opening them to Orochimaru's influence and simultaneously advancing the seal to its second state.

Advancement to the level two of the cursed seal is a long process, so long in fact that Orochimaru developed a special drug to speed up the process. Once level two is achieved, the user can enter the state by fully covering their body with the cursed seal. This is followed by an unnatural alteration of the user's body, with the only common features being yellow eyes with a black sclera. Aside from the first and second levels of the seal, skilled users of the seal are able to perform partial transformations in which level two state can be accessed without completely altering the entire body. The power of the cursed seal can even synchronize with the user's regular body with extended use, increasing the power of his/her natural state.

Puppet Technique

The Puppet Technique (傀儡の術, Kugutsu no Jutsu, Viz "Art of the Puppet Master", English TV "Puppet Master Jutsu") was created in order to convert a form of entertainment into a style of combat. The technique utilizes strings of chakra extending from the user's fingers to control a puppet's movements. Those who can effectively use this ability are rare, but once mastered the user can hide in a safe location while his puppet does the work for him. Skilled puppeteers are able to manipulate multiple puppets simultaneously, with Chiyo being able to use each of her ten fingers to control a different puppet. These chakra strings also allow puppeteers to manipulate other people or objects, controlling their movements to help or hinder their progress.[14]

The art of puppetry varies in usage from person to person, as puppets can be equipped with an array of different weapons and tools to make a battle easier. Puppeteers can also combine the abilities of their puppets to increase their effectiveness; Kankuro, for example, can use one of his puppets to capture an enemy while a second bombards them with weapons, killing them. Standard puppets, however, are limited to attacks not dependent on chakra, as soulless beings cannot utilize it. Sasori has created a workaround for this shortcoming by converting the body of a still-living person into a puppet. Because they were once human, these puppets are able to perform jutsu, giving them a drastic advantage over other puppets.

Rasengan

File:Rasengan.jpg
Naruto using the Rasengan

The Rasengan (螺旋丸, literally "Spiraling Sphere", Viz "Spiral Chakra Sphere", Uzumaki Chronicles "Power Strike") is a technique invented by Minato Namikaze after three years of development. It requires no hand signs to perform, instead relying entirely on the chakra control of the user.[35] The Rasengan grinds into whatever it touches, causing major damage as well as significant internal injury. If need be, the potency of the attack can be lessened to keep from harming the target.

The level of chakra control required is very high, and because of this the teaching of this jutsu is split into three steps. The first, emphasizing rotation, has the user learn to pop a water balloon by spinning the water inside in multiple directions with their chakra. The second step, emphasizing power, requires the same be done with a solid rubber ball, forcing the user to rely on denser amounts of chakra to permeate the air within and break it. The final step, emphasizing control, has the user form a complete Rasengan by combining what they learned in the previous two steps and making a ball shape shell around the spinning chakra to hold it in regular shape. A regular balloon is often used to train making the shell. Minato taught the Rasengan to his student, Kakashi Hatake, and his former teacher Jiraiya who in turn teaches it to Naruto Uzumaki.

While most users of this jutsu are skilled enough to perform it with one hand, Naruto uses three or more hands with the aid of a shadow clone – one hand to supply chakra and the others to spin and shape it.[36] The use of shadow clones was originally a workaround that allowed him to master this technique in a very short amount of time. Though he continues to use this workaround to make the Rasengan simpler to form, Naruto has been able to create it singlehandedly when covered in a Nine-Tailed Demon Fox shroud.

The Rasengan was created as the ultimate example of chakra form manipulation. However, Minato had intended to combine it with nature manipulation, which proved to be as impossible as "looking left and right at the same time". Minato and Kakashi have both been unsuccessful in the attempt.[37] In Part II, Naruto finally accomplishes the feat by using two shadow clones – one to manipulate form and one to infuse the Rasengan with his own wind-based chakra.[38]

IGN calls the Rasengan the best jutsu in the series.[19] The Rasengan has ranked 1st in every official Shonen Jump jutsu popularity poll.[24]

Sexy Technique

The Sexy Technique (おいろけの術, Oiroke no Jutsu, Viz "Ninja Centerfold", UK DVD "Art of Eros", English TV "Sexy Jutsu"), created by Naruto Uzumaki, transforms the user into a beautiful, nude woman. Naruto uses it to distract or persuade whoever may be bothering him, sometimes leading to an exaggerated nosebleed by the victim.[39] Naruto and his brief disciple, Konohamaru, create variants of the technique that utilize shadow clones to increase the number of nude individuals with which to distract others.[40]

In Naruto: Rise of a Ninja, Naruto can use three different levels of the Sexy Technique. With each progressive level, Naruto creates additional copies of himself in increasingly skimpier clothing; he is initially limited to a one-piece swimsuit, then a bikini, and finally the standard nude transformation.

Shadow Clone Technique

The Shadow Clone Technique (影分身の術, Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, Viz "Art of the Shadow Doppelganger", UK DVD "Art of Shadow Body Splitting", English TV "Shadow Clone Jutsu") creates actual copies, not illusions, of the user with whatever damage and weapons the original may have. The user's chakra is evenly distributed among every clone, giving each clone a fraction of the user's overall power. Because of this, the technique itself is considered dangerous; when creating multiple copies of one's self it is possible to use up all of one's chakra fairly quickly. This is considerably more dangerous with the jutsu's forbidden form, the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique (多重影分身の術, Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, English TV "Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu"). While the standard Shadow Clone Technique typically creates no more than five clones, the Multiple version allows the creation of a limitless number of clones so long as the user has enough chakra. Due to the danger of the ability it is typically used by only the most advanced ninja, often at or above Jonin rank. Naruto Uzumaki, however, learned the technique prior to even becoming a ninja, and thanks to the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox he can use it to create thousands of clones and never worry about running out of chakra.

Any experience the shadow clones gain during their existence is transferred to the user once they are dispersed (occurs at the clones discretion or after it receives a fatal or direct blow). This makes the technique ideal for spying, since the user can simply send a clone to spy on a target and then have the clone disperse itself to quickly pass the information back to the user. It's also useful for training purposes, since the total amount of experience the user gains is multiplied by the total number of clones being used to train. Using it in this manner is far more difficult, however, since a large number of clones are needed to make a significant difference in the training time. Likewise, depending on how many clones are used for this purpose, the user can be overcome by the amount of information communicated to them with the clones' dispersion. Although Naruto has found a number of different uses for clones, he does not become aware of this added effect until he is actually told of it.

In an interview, Maile Flanagan, the voice actress for Naruto in the English anime, states that the cloning scenes are her favorite scenes to make dialogues.[41] IGN, a popular multimedia and reviews website, although ranking this jutsu at 9th in the Top Ten Naruto Techniques, they talk about it as a very useful jutsu.[42]

Shadow Imitation Technique

The Shadow Imitation Technique (影真似の術, Kagemane no Jutsu, English "Shadow Possession Jutsu") is the signature technique of the Nara clan. This jutsu allows the user to control their own shadow and merge it with their opponent's shadow, combining them. This links the movements of the user with the target (both conscious and unconscious); the target is subsequently forced to make any movement the user makes. On the other hand, the user also mimics any movements that the target is forced to make, such as recoil from being punched. It is an extremely versatile technique as the user can contract and change the shape of their shadow, potentially grabbing multiple targets at once. The degree to which the user's shadow can be stretched is limited by its total surface area; by using the shadows of other objects, the user can extend their shadow beyond its normal range. The amount of time for which an opponent can be held is limited by the user's chakra, since the user must constantly maintain the jutsu. The jutsu is also more difficult to maintain at greater ranges or for multiple opponents, since the user's shadow must be stretched constantly. The target can force their way free with enough effort, though the amount of effort required to do so is considerable.[43]

The Shadow Imitation Technique used to be called the Shadow Bind Technique (影縛りの術, Kage Shibari no Jutsu, English TV "Shadow Paralysis Jutsu"), suggesting that the imitation aspect was devised later on and that the original technique could only hold targets in place. Older members of the Nara clan use the former name of the technique when performing it. Other uses for one's shadow have been seen throughout the series; Shikamaru Nara can use his shadow to directly interact with his surroundings, such as manipulating objects or piercing flesh - for example, he once broke his own finger to escape a genjutsu he was caught in.

Shadow Imitation Technique ranked 6th in the IGN Top Ten Naruto Techniques article, with special mention to the usefulness of its control abilities.[42]

Sharingan

The Sharingan (写輪眼, literally "Copy Wheel Eye," English manga "Mirror Wheel Eye") is an eye technique (瞳術, dōjutsu) that naturally occurs in a select few members of the Uchiha clan. The Sharingan is thought to be descended from the Byakugan,[44] but grants the user different abilities and a different insight. The Sharingan does not automatically appear from birth in a user; instead, it will usually appear when the user is in a life-threatening situation, where the power of the Sharingan could save them. After this first appearance, the user can then call up the Sharingan any time they wish. The power of the Sharingan is judged through the number of tomoe in the eye, with a maximum of three in each. The characters that possess the Sharingan in the current Naruto storyline are Sasuke Uchiha, Itachi Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake, and Madara Uchiha.

The Sharingan's first and most well known ability is to memorize any technique that it witnesses. It can memorize any standard form of jutsu with perfect accuracy, allowing the user to use the techniques as his own. In order to reproduce copied jutsu, however, one must have the necessary skill or ability to perform them. A prime example is Rock Lee's Strong Fist taijutsu. While Sasuke was able to copy some of Lee's moves, they put a much more significant strain on him since he hasn't had the same training as Lee has.[45]

The Sharingan's second ability is granting the user incredible clarity of perception, allowing them to track fast-moving objects with ease and even predict the subsequent movements of those objects.[46] The ability to track and predict movement is largely based on individual skill, as unskilled users have much more trouble tracking fast-moving objects. A fully-evolved Sharingan can track even the quickest opponents, though, like the first ability, it doesn't necessarily mean the user has the ability to react to it.[47] This perception is also great enough to see through genjutsu and to observe the movement and flow of chakra, but not to the same extent or clarity as the Byakugan.[48] It also gives color to chakra. Additionally, the Sharingan grants the user exceptional analytical powers, allowing them to instinctively pick up on various visual clues with little difficulty. For example, Sasuke was able to reproduce answers on another person's test by watching their pencil movements and copying them during the Chunin Exam.[49]

The Sharingan's third capability is a unique brand of hypnosis that involves suggesting actions and thoughts to the opponent. When used in conjunction with the aforementioned aspects of the Sharingan, this allows the user to perfectly mimic every move their opponent makes, even before they do, making it appear as if the user can see the future.[50] It also allows for other forms of hypnotism, such as putting an opponent to sleep, replaying memories to someone else, or creating various illusions to fool an opponent.

It is possible to transplant Sharingan eyes from one person to another, as occurred with Kakashi and his deceased comrade Obito Uchiha.[51] However, transplanted eyes do not work as well in a non-Uchiha body; Kakashi's eye is always active, causing him great strain when he uses it and forcing him to recuperate for extended periods of time after a battle. Kakashi keeps it covered when not using it to avoid this side effect in his everyday activities. Uchiha clan members are not burdened with this weakness; while activation of the Sharingan does consume chakra, the drain is so small as to be almost insignificant. Itachi in particular seems to have no trouble keeping his Sharingan activated near-constantly.

IGN has described the Sharingan as one of the best abilities that a ninja could have but, due to its main power being imitation, has also said it is not particularly original.[19]

Mangekyo Sharingan

The Mangekyo Sharingan (万華鏡写輪眼, Mangekyō Sharingan, literally "Kaleidoscope Copy Wheel Eye") is a heightened form of Sharingan. It was first awakened by Madara Uchiha,[52] who was able to use it to gain control over the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox. Over the generations other Uchiha came to possess their own Mangekyo Sharingan,[53] though Madara, Itachi Uchiha, and Kakashi Hatake are the only characters to possess it in the current Naruto storyline. Itachi, before his death, gives his Mangekyo Sharingan to his brother, Sasuke Uchiha. Unlike the standard Sharingan, the Mangekyo Sharingan differs between users, changing the form of the Sharingan's tomoe seal when activated. Those who possess a Mangekyo Sharingan suffer from ever-deteriorating eyesight, a process that becomes faster through repeated usage and culminates in blindness.[54] Only by taking the eyes of a sibling can one's eyesight be permanently restored, combining the appearances of the two Mangekyo Sharingan and granting them immense strength in the process.[55]

Itachi tells Sasuke that the Mangekyo Sharingan can be gained by killing one's closest friend.[56] Though Itachi and many other Uchiha have done this to obtain their versions, Kakashi is unlikely to have done the same; Kakashi states at the start of the series that all of his friends are dead, and it is not until the gap in time between Part I and II that he develops his own. What Kakashi did to obtain his own Mangekyo Sharingan remains unknown. Sasuke obtains his brother Itachi's Mangekyo Sharingan without killing a friend or even taking his brother's eyes, instead having it transferred into his possession by him.

Strong Fist

The Strong Fist (剛拳, Gōken, Viz "Ferocious Fist", English TV "Ferocious Fist Taijutsu Style") style is Might Guy and Rock Lee's characteristic fighting style, the purpose of which is to cause external damage and break bones.[15] Sasuke Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake have copied this style with their Sharingan to limited degrees, and each uses a few of the style's attacks as part of other taijutsu.

Summoning Technique

Summons are typically called forth in a puff of smoke with the Summoning Technique (口寄せの術, Kuchiyose no Jutsu, Viz "Shinobi Conjuration", English TV: "Summoning Jutsu"), or any number of variations thereof. Before a summoning can be performed, the user signs a contract with their own blood, each contract differing depending on what creature is to be summoned. Once this is done, the summoner need only perform the proper hand seals and offer a few additional drops of blood with the same hand they signed the contract with to perform the summon. The amount of chakra offered at this time is directly proportionate to the size of the summoned creature. Summons have their own abilities that they can use by themselves or in conjunction with the summoner. Some summons are so powerful that they may even challenge the summoner, or will demand something in order to contribute to the battle.[57]

In certain cases, it is also possible to summon inanimate objects, as Orochimaru[58] and Sakon and Ukon[59] do with the Rashōmon gate. As with living summons, inanimate summons also require a blood sacrifice.[60]

Water techniques

Water-based techniques are commonly used by ninja from Kirigakure such as Zabuza Momochi; Kakashi Hatake, having fought a number of Kirigakure ninja before, is also able to use a few water techniques. Most abilities that utilize water require a preexisting source in order to be performed, such as a lake or a pool of water. Kisame Hoshigaki and the Second Hokage, however, are able to create their own bodies of water with which to perform jutsu. One of the few known exceptions to this rule is the Water Release: Water Encampment Wall (水遁・水陣壁, Suiton: Suijinheki, English TV "Water Style: Water Wall"), which allows users to spit protective walls of water from their mouth to block attacks, though they can use other water sources if available.[61]

Beyond standard manipulation of bodies of water as a means of attack or defense, users can solidify water into copies of themselves that can join them in battle.[62] The clones must stay in range of the user in order to remain active, allowing opponents to easily escape them by running a short distance away. Kirigakure ninja can also confine opponents with the Water Prison Technique (水牢の術, Suirō no Jutsu, English TV: Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu), trapping them in a virtually inescapable sphere of water. Because users must keep an arm inside the sphere in order for the opponent to remain imprisoned, water clones can be created for the sole purpose of attacking other enemies while the original performs and maintains the jutsu.[63]

Reception

IGN, a popular multimedia and reviews website, mentions that one of the most entertaining parts of the Naruto franchise is the amazing variety of secret ninja techniques the characters use. They mention that complicated but impressive-looking hand gestures, the unique physical attributes, and the pure unadulterated destructive power of the ninjutsu are some of the things that make the series wildly popular.[42]

References

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  3. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2003). "Chapter 10". Naruto, Volume 1. Viz Media. p. 16. ISBN 1-59116-178-9.
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