I am writing this chapter because when I started reading Naruto, I had a bunch of questions about how things on the show worked and some of them where answered but with the Japanese to English translation something was just lost, so I decided to write a chapter dedicated to answering some of the questions I have been asked to explain by some of my friends when they asked me what Naruto is. Yes I did get most of my information from Narutopedia because I found their information to be some of the most reliable and logical out of most of the websites I visited.
This chapter will be continuously updating throughout this story so if you want to know something about Naruto then I suggest you read this, it is not in any order and I think that I have covered most of the basics and if not send me a message and I will update it, or even if you just have a question about something in Naruto that you can't find the answer for, I will be happy to answer it for you.
This is the first chapter of a story that I will be writing, so I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 1 – Prologue (or the great explanation and translation chapter)
Explanations and Translations
Kekkai Genkai – this is a genetic mutation, they generally gather in a clan. It gives the person a special power (for example; the Byakugan – literal translation is white eye or all Seeing Eye)
Chakra – this is essential to even the most basic technique; it is the moulding of the physical energy (shintai enerugi) present in every cell of the body and the spiritual energy (seishin enerugi) gained from exercise, practice and experience. Once moulded, it can be channelled through the chakra circulatory system, which is to chakra as the regular circulatory system is to blood, to any of the 361 chakra points (tenketsu) in the body. Through various methods, the most common of which is hand seals, the chakra can then be manipulated to create an effect that would not be possible otherwise, such as walking on water, exhaling fire or creating illusions. By moulding different ratios of the two energies, new types of chakra can be formed. Most ninja have natural affinity to one type of chakra, but they have the capacity to create elemental chakra apart from their own affinity.
There are five basic types of elemental chakra (fire, water, wind, lightning and earth), each stronger and weaker to another, but their relations, weaknesses, and strengths to each other are explored. There is also working with the Yin and Yang and the balance of mental and physical energies. In addition to these five basic chakra elements, certain kekkai genkai can mix elemental chakra for example it is possible to mix water and wind elemental chakra and turn them into ice elemental chakra. While many ninja can use more than one type of chakra, very few are able to use them simultaneously (this is a form of kekkai genkai).
This is a list of different things to do with chakra;
Normal Chakra – normal chakra is a form of energy all living individuals naturally produce to some degree. Contained in the "Chakra Coils" that mainly surround and connect to each chakra-producing organ (every cell), the energy circulates throughout the body in a network called the "chakra circulatory system" (which is similar to the cardiovascular system). Certain groups, such as ninja, have learned to generate more chakra and release it outside their bodies through their "chakra points" (tenketsu) in order to perform special techniques (Jutsu). Chakra is not normally visible to the human eye, though chakra can be seen in situations where a person releases as much of their chakra as possible.
This is rarely seen due to the restrictions of certain chakra points (Eight Gates), limiting the amount of chakra an individual can release at a single given time. Chakra can also be visible when doing a specific technique (such as the Hyuga Clans Kaiten technique) which takes a high degree of chakra control to perform or a ninja with an abnormally large amount of chakra. Of the many different types of techniques, ninjutsu, genjutsu, dojutsu, and so on, all require the use of chakra. However taijutsu is different usually requires no chakra use whatsoever; stamina is all that is needed. While the ninja still needs a set amount of chakra to live (i.e. -life force energy), regular taijutsu doesn't require any active moulding or manipulation of chakra (with a few exceptions). A standard attack like a punch or kick falls into this category (taijutsu).
Chakra is the resulting form of energy when two forms of energy are mixed together. The two energies are referred to physical and spiritual energy. Physical energy is collected from the body's cells and can be increased through training, stimulants, and exercise. Spiritual energy is derived from the mind's consciousness (i.e. the soul) and can be increased through studying, meditation and experience. When these two energies become more powerful they will in-turn make the created chakra more powerful. Therefore practising a technique repeatedly will build-up experience, building up one's spiritual energy, and thus allowing more chakra to be created. As a result, the ninja is able to do that same technique with more power. This same cycle applies for physical energy, except this time, instead of doing things like meditation, the ninja could do, say, push-ups, sit-ups and other forms of physical exercise.
The general term for the source of chakra, the overall physical and spiritual energy and individual has, is called "Total Stamina". The maximum amount of chakra and individual can create at a given time is called their "Chakra Level".
Chakra Control - chakra takes time and a great deal of training to gradually build up. Thus, the key is not actually having chakra, but being able to sufficiently control and conserve it. Everyone has chakra, but only skilled ninja can correctly "mould" and "manipulate" it to its fullest extent.
Moulding chakra involves the extraction of energies from both the body's cells and the mind's consciousness, then mixing them together within the individual. The amount of each energy will differ based on the type of technique the ninja wishes to execute. In other words, a ninja could create too much or too little chakra for a given technique, resulting in the chakra being used inefficiently. In addition, even if a ninja is able to mould the correct amount of chakra, if they cannot manipulate the chakra properly, the desired technique will not be as effective or will not execute at all. Wasting energy will also create weaknesses like early exhaustion, which would hinder the ninja's capacity to fight long-term battles. General training methods for improving one's moulding and manipulation of chakra are the Leaf Concentration, Tree Climbing, and Water Walking exercises.
As an in-between stage, some ninja can partially manipulate their chakra. This means they can use their chakra, but not effectively control it, which results in a poorly executed technique; a prime example is Naruto trying to use the Academy Clone Technique. To manipulate their chakra more easily, hand seals can be used. With these hand seals, users can control their chakra with higher efficiency, allowing them to execute their techniques more effectively. Different techniques also require the use of different hand seals.
Elemental Chakra - Based on which ninjutsu the ninja uses, the amount of chakra will be different, as would the element the ninja employs. The five main elemental types are also the names for the Five Great Shinobi Nations: Fire, Wind, Lightning, Earth and Water. Each ninja has the potential to better utilize one of these styles and potentially more. Advanced elements such as Wood Release and Ice Release are created by combining different elemental chakra types. Doing this is only possible with a kekkai genkai or having a tailed beast with such an element in canon.
Tailed beast chakra - There are nine tailed beasts, ancient malevolent demons with immense supplies of chakra. In fact, they are nothing more than concentrations of chakra that have taken on a corporeal form (mind and body). During the Great Shinobi Wars, each country's Hidden Village tried to make use of the tailed beasts for military purposes and competed for them. However, no one was ever able to truly bring the tailed beasts under control. The only way to partially control them is to seal them within a human with powerful sealing techniques. The hosts of the tailed beasts are called jinchūriki
The jinchūriki can tap into the tailed beast's chakra for his or her own power; however, using such chakra can be harmful to the jinchūriki, with the host's body and mind being influenced or even taken over by his or her demon. The chakra can become so concentrated around the body that it can constantly burned the flesh and repaired the flesh of the body right away, although this does shortening the jinchūriki lifespan it gives them, a huge temporary power boost. Tapping into such unnatural chakra is very harmful to the host, as the host's personality gets suppressed by the animalistic blood lust of the tailed beasts and the intensity of chakra will harm the host if used for extended periods of time. An exception is when the jinchūriki has control over their tailed beasts; they are not harmed physically or mentally by the use of the tailed beasts' chakra, although this is a rare occurrence as very few of the jinchūriki have ever reached this level of control.
Senjutsu Chakra - The Three Elements of Senjutsu Chakra. Spiritual, Physical, and Natural Energy in Complete Balance, Senjutsu chakra (senjutsu chakura) is the chakra needed to perform senjutsu, which contains the energy found in nature itself. It is a powerful source of energy, able to grant a ninja increased strength, speed, and endurance for taijutsu, as well as enhancing the power of one's ninjutsu and genjutsu. Sage chakra is created through the three-way mixing and balancing of one's physical energy and spiritual energy, as well as the natural energy (shizen enerugī) from the atmosphere/air and terrain/ground. Since the three energies need to be equally balanced, the higher one's personal chakra capacity (physical energy and spiritual energy), the more natural energy they can add to the mix. Only those with a large chakra capacity or chakra level can gather the natural energy needed for entering a powerful state called Sage Mode. Also this works only when a person remains "perfectly still", no longer disrupting the flow of nature around them like ripples in a pond, can they properly feel and harness natural energy. Remaining completely still for a period of time takes a great deal of concentration and patience, requiring a highly motivated and a calm state of mind.
Dojutsu – they are genetic ninja ability that utilise the eyes, granting the wielder ocular abilities. They are the by-product of a kekkai genkai, and being as such they do not require hand seals to be performed, the use of Dojutsu often consumes a great deal of chakra.
San Daidojutsu – this literally means three great eye techniques, they are the Byakugan, the Sharingan and the Rinnegan.
Keirakukei – these are the 361 pinprick-sized nodes called tenketsu, or chakra points. When struck using the Gentle Fist style, these chakra points can either be closed, stopping the chakra flow, or forcibly open these chakra points, thus the Gentle Fist user has complete control over their opponents chakra system.
Tenketsu – these are simply nodes from which chakra can be released. There are 361 tenketsu in the body; each one is a checkpoint on the chakra pathway system. Though ninja use chakra regularly, very few ninja possess any great control over their tenketsu. Even a jonin are only capable of releasing a small amount of chakra through their hands or feet to increase the power of punches, kicks and jumps. The Hyuga clan, whose entire fighting style is based around manipulating the chakra pathway system, controlling the tenketsu is a regular matter.
Chakra pathway system - The chakra pathway system is enmeshed into the body and like blood vessels it touches and interacts with every single living cell and passes through every organ. If the chakra flow to a section of the body is blocked then that portion of the body will be unable to release any chakra from any of the tenketsu. Understanding this system is the key to the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist fighting style which forces chakra into an opponent's chakra pathway system. Proper application uses the system as a conductor sending harmful chakra directly to vulnerable vital organs. As there is no way to train a person's organs to resist physical or energy attack this method of fighting is extremely effective. An analogy could be made by comparing it to being attacked with a tazer.
Hand Seals – these are used to perform many ninjutsu, genjutsu and other secret art other than taijutsu. The exact amount of chakra necessary to perform a technique is manipulated through these hand seals. There is a different sequence of hand seals for each technique, requiring that the shinobi that use them memorize those particular hand seals in that particular order to perform the technique correctly, while techniques may require a number of hand seals to be performed, when a shinobi is more skilled and practiced with a particular technique they can use less, one or no hand seals at all to perform a technique.
There are 12 basic hand seals, each one is named after an animal of the Chinese Zodiac; bird (Tori), boar (I), dog (inu), dragon (Tatsu), ox (Ushi), tiger (Tora), serpent (Mi), rat (Ne), horse (Uma), monkey (Saru), hare (U) and ram (Hitsuji).
Besides the 12 basic hand seals, there are unique hand seals used for certain techniques. These hand seals are rarely seen, and can be considered unique to specific techniques. These are;
The Clone seal – this seal is most commonly associated with the creation of clones using techniques such as the Shadow Clone Technique, its derivative and the Multiple Wood Release Clones Technique, separate from the basic 12 seals, where the index and middle fingers from both hands are crossed. This hand seal is also used in performing the Water Release: Water Shark Bullet Technique.
Clap Hand – this is used to summon chakra or to break a genjutsu. This is generally used at the end of a series of hand seals until the desired amount of chakra is gathered for the techniques to be successful. This is more of a hand seal where the user simply claps their hands together.
Slam Hands – this is used in techniques such as Summoning Technique, this is also more of an imitation of a technique rather than a seal. The user presses their hand to a surface that is affected.
All other hand seals are the special hand seals from the clans that use specific techniques that only their clan can use, and also is used for kekkai genkai techniques.
Summoning Technique (Hand Seals – Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey, Ram) – this is a space-time ninjutsu that allows the summoner to transport animals or people across long distances instantly. Before an animal summoning can be performed, a prospective summoner must first sign a contract with a given animal species. The contract comes in form of a scroll, on which the contractor uses their own blood to sign their name and place their fingerprints and once signed is valid even after the contractors death. After this they need only offer a donation of blood on the hand they signed the contract with, mold their chakra with hand seals and then plant the hand they signed the contract with at the location they wish to summon the creature, the amount of chakra used during the summoning determines how powerful the summoned creature is. It should also be noted that anyone can summon a contracted animal as long as they have the blood of someone who has ma a contract, the seal of the summoned creature, along with a source of chakra that is sufficient for the creature they are summoning. You can have more than one summon contract at once, although you cannot summon more than one type of summon creature species at once unless you have the Rinnegan.
Ninja Ranks and Titles – the ninja rankings show the level of skill and subsequently how dangerous that particular ninja is. The ranks are;
Academy Student – make up the student body of the Academy, where they are trained and prepared for life as a shinobi. They are not an actual part of the shinobi force, as they are still in the process of mastering the very basics of the ninja lifestyle. However, they can be conscripted as part of the war potential in times of emergency.
Genin – are the lowest level of ninja and also the ones that display the most difference in power. When they become genin, ninja start to do their bit for their village's economy – being sent on missions that the village gets paid for. They are typically sent either on D-rank missions, which are almost entirely risk-free jobs of manual labor, or, rarely, on C-rank missions, which are a cut above that and begin to verge on real "ninja" work that have a very low possibility of risk to the ninja involved. When Konohagakure was short-handed on upper-level ninja because of the invasion, the village had to occasionally send genin on higher-ranked missions.
Chuunin – are ninja who are qualified to guide other ninja and lead missions. Chuunin have reached a level of maturity and ability that primarily consists of leadership skills and tactical prowess. Genin who do not have the skills to become Chuunin are weeded out in the chūnin exams. Some of them move on to function as Academy teachers and others serve as team leaders in charge of small teams who need to make decisions and utilize the skills of the shinobi under their command to the maximum effect. Chuunin are typically sent on C-rank or B-rank missions.
Tokubetsu Jōnin - these are ninja who, rather than all-around jōnin training, have jōnin-level ability in a specific area or skill, much like warrant officers in real-world militaries. They are elite specialists in their areas and are often assigned as subordinates to regular jōnin when their services are needed.
Jōnin - these are generally highly-experienced shinobi with great individual skill who serve as military captains. They are often sent on A-rank missions, and experienced jōnin may even be sent on S-rank missions (which are considered to be the greatest difficulty). It is not unusual for jōnin to go on missions alone. Jōnin are generally able to use at least two types of elemental chakra, some genjutsu, and above average taijutsu skills.
Kage - this is the leader of one of the five most powerful hidden villages and are generally acknowledged as the most powerful ninja in their respective villages. They are collectively known as the Five Kage.
Anbu – short for Ansatsu Senjutsu Tokushu Butai (Literally meaning "Special Assassination and Tactical Squad"), take orders directly from the Kage, performing special high-level missions, such as assassinations and torture. The ANBU usually work in teams formed to the requirements of the mission, ensuring maximum success. The shinobi in the ANBU are hand-picked by the Kage; chosen for their individual capabilities and special skills. Age, gender, background, or previous ranks bear no weight in this decision. Members can also leave the organization. They wear their mask even in their own village, for their identity as an ANBU agent is to be known only by the Kage and village elders, with the exception of Konohagakure's "Root" ANBU members who, unless ordered to, will otherwise only act on Danzō Shimura's orders.
There are apparently no true ranks within the ANBU, unlike within the regular forces. Team leadership and hierarchy seem to be based on merit and experience. The leaders of the teams are called squad leaders (Buntaichō), a position held in high regard.
The ANBU wear porcelain animal masks in order to distinguish them from normal shinobi and to conceal their identities. They also have standard uniforms consisting of black and grey armor, metal arm guards and gloves, ninja sandals with spikes for travelling into mountainous regions, three ninja pouches on their back-waist and a signature spiral tattoo on their shoulder. Some ANBU wear black cloaks over their standard uniforms, and squad leaders may wear white cloaks. Most ANBU carry a sword, which is usually strapped to their backs.
ANBU are under direct control of their Kage, and therefore cannot be arrested by the regular police forces without a warrant. They protect the village from exceptional threats, conduct high-risk missions into enemy territory, and deal with extremely strong ninja. They are also responsible for carrying out assassinations, tracking, surveillance, and missions requiring specially trained ninja. Some ANBU serve as interrogators that probe the minds of enemy ninja to learn information valuable to the village. If an ANBU is mortally wounded in battle, they are required to destroy their bodies to prevent any information from getting into enemy hands.
Added by Cerez365
In Konohagakure, there exists a special branch of the ANBU known as the Root. It was created and led by Danzō, who sends its members on missions that he believes will benefit Konoha. Root members are trained to abandon all forms of emotion in order to follow Danzō's orders unquestioningly. Root members also have a seal located on their tongue. This seal prevents a member from speaking about Danzō and Root. This was to ensure that, if a member ever left or got captured, information regarding Root would not be leaked.
Added by Cerez365
Kirigakure also has a special branch of ANBU, known as the hunter-nin. They solely hunt down missing-nin and kill them, then retrieve the head as proof, while disposing the rest of the corpse on the spot to not leave behind any information for the enemies. Due to their duties, they are codenamed as the "Undertaker Squad". Knowing themselves just how much valuable information is a shinobi's corpse can hold for enemy nations, if they are severely wounded or on the verge of death, they will take measures to destroy their bodies.
ANBU have a detailed knowledge of the human body, and can use such techniques as the Temporary Paralysis Technique and Time Reversal Technique to take advantage of this.
Missing/Nuke Nin - are ninja who left their village without the intention of returning and severing ties with the said village, often because they have committed criminal acts or to pursue other personal gains. The ninja village that they are from will often try to track them down and eliminate them. Several missing-nin (such as Zabuza Momochi) do not stop wearing their forehead protector, while others (such as Orochimaru) may discard them. Akatsuki members who do retain their headbands carve long, horizontal scratches across the symbol, to show they have rescinded their allegiances and rejected their villages. Kirigakure has a special hunter-nin task-force whose only objective is killing traitorous ninja. Not only is this done as a punishment for treason, but also to protect the secrets of the village, since it is possible to learn some of the village's techniques from the autopsy of their users. The ninja organisation Akatsuki is composed mostly of S-rank missing-nin, except for Nagato and Konan, who are the leaders of Amegakure. Most of the missing-nin throughout the series are the antagonists.
Depending on the village leader's decisions, the missing-nin in question may be given leniency. The most prominent example is Sasuke Uchiha, who is not marked for death by the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, as a favor to Naruto Uzumaki, and is instead to be brought back as a Konohagakure citizen. However, according to Kakashi Hatake, a missing-nin is typically marked for death simply for defecting, and such mercy is rare.
The Bingo Book contains information on every missing-nin and is given to every jōnin and ANBU member by their respective Kage.
Ninjutsu – is a term referring to almost any technique and allows the user to do something that they otherwise would be incapable of doing, including the usage of weapons. Unlike genjutsu, which makes the opponent see illusions, the effects of ninjutsu are real. They vary greatly in purpose, with the simpler ninjutsu serving such tasks as transforming the user or allowing them to evade attacks. These techniques are often second-nature for experienced shinobi, who can use them at will. More complex ninjutsu manipulate one's surroundings or utilize the elements, respectively serving such tasks as healing others or manipulating nature transformations.
Ninjutsu, most of the time, relies on chakra and hand seals to be effective. The hands are put in sequential positions that mould and manipulate chakra in the necessary manner to perform a technique. This is not always needed, however, and some techniques become second nature to experienced ninja, after which they can perform them at will.
Additionally, there is the kind of technique that can be classified as a basic or advanced elemental technique, the basic type are techniques with specific elements (wind, water, fire, earth, or lightning), the advanced type combine two or three of the basics elements and creates a new one.
Genjutsu – are techniques that are employed in the same fashion as ninjutsu, requiring chakra and hand seals. However, the primary difference between the two is that the effects of genjutsu are illusory; instead of attacking the victim's body, like taijutsu or ninjutsu, genjutsu techniques manipulate the flow of chakra in the victim's brain, thus causing a disruption in their senses. According to the Second Mizukage, genjutsu fittingly falls under the broad category of Yin Release.
This is often used to create false images or to cause pain from trauma (because the body is led to believe it is in pain); however, there are plenty of other uses depending on the situation. They are not used as often as ninjutsu because they don't physically harm the opponent. Genjutsu can also be used to manipulate others, similar to brainwashing by feeding the victim illusive suggestions. However, there exists at least one genjutsu, Izanagi, which has the opposite effects to normal genjutsu, by changing reality to illusion and vice versa.
Genjutsu is created when a ninja extends their chakra flow through the cerebral nervous system of their opponent to control their mind, thereby affecting their five senses. Those with special abilities like the Uchiha clan's Sharingan — which can cast generic genjutsu — or with high intelligence have an easier time executing and countering genjutsu, as attention to detail is key. Those under the influence of genjutsu will either appear to be unconscious or continue to move around under the pretence of the genjutsu. The latter is very effective in battle as a genjutsu user can make themselves appear to be somewhere else and attack the victim from behind or change the environment to make the victim see a flat plain where there is a steep cliff.
Genjutsu attacks usually require a lot of skill, and, if performed incorrectly, will not work; even Jiraiya had trouble performing such techniques. Genjutsu is most often used by ninja with very precise chakra control and very high intelligence, the most notable being Itachi Uchiha and Kurenai Yūhi.
Because genjutsu affects activity throughout the Prosencephalon structure of the brain, humans, dogs and other species of mammal are therefore all affected by genjutsu; however, the kikaichū (insects of the Aburame Clan) , like all insects, lack such a structure to their brains, and so do not even notice it: as Shino Aburame put it, insects are ruled almost solely by five powerful senses alone, which makes them immune to genjutsu and gives the Aburame clan an ability to detect it when nobody else can.
Taijutsu – is a basic form of techniques and refers to any techniques involving the martial arts or the optimization of natural human abilities. Taijutsu is executed by directly accessing the user's physical and mental energies, relying on the stamina and strength gained through training. It typically does not require chakra, though chakra may be used to enhance its techniques. Taijutsu generally require no hand seals to perform, occasionally making use of certain stances or poses, and are much quicker to use than ninjutsu or genjutsu. Taijutsu is simply put: hand-to-hand combat. The taijutsu techniques are the right choices for those that want to save their time and chakra, or for those who rely on their physical attributes.
Kenjutsu – pertains to techniques that entail the use of swords, whether the users be shinobi or samurai. Kenjutsu can be used in combination with taijutsu, ninjutsu, chakra flow and even genjutsu in order to achieve more devastating techniques. The entire military might of the lone samurai nation of the Land of Iron, have so-far all been depicted as practitioners of kenjutsu. Among the shinobi nations, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist are particularly well known as kenjutsu practitioners.
Fuinjutsu – theseare a type of jutsu that seal objects, living beings, chakra, along with a wide variety of other things within another object.
Senjutsu - refers to a specialized field of techniques that allows the user to sense and then gather the natural energy (shizen enerugī) around a person. Senjutsu practitioners can then learn to draw the energy of nature inside of them blending it with their own chakra (created from spiritual and physical energy within the shinobi), adding a new dimension of power to the sage's chakra, resulting in the creation of "senjutsu chakra" (senjutsu chakura). This chakra cannot be seen by anyone other than those who have been trained in senjutsu.
This new chakra enables the user to enter an empowered state called Sage Mode, which can then drastically increase the strength of all ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu. A person who is able to use senjutsu is called a sage (sennin). Currently, there are two known ways to learn senjutsu. One of them is to study under toads from Mount Myōboku, as Shima, Fukasaku, Jiraiya and Naruto have done. Gamakichi and Gamabunta also seem to be familiar with it. Another way is to study under snakes from the Ryūchi Cave where Kabuto Yakushi learnt it.
According to Fukasaku, only those who already possess "extreme chakra levels" can utilize natural energies to invoke senjutsu.
The user is required to balance his/her physical and spiritual energy with the natural energy he/she gathers from nature; Gamakichi compares the process to adding an extra flavour to a chocolate and vanilla swirl ice cream. If the user puts too little natural energy into using senjutsu, the technique will not work.
While gathering natural energy, the gatherer must remain absolutely still in order to be one with nature. They can use special toad oil that allows the natural energy to enter their body, but this oil only exists in liquid form in Mount Myōboku's atmosphere. The oil evaporates if it is taken outside, thus rendering it useful only for learning purposes. If the user takes in too much natural energy, the user will start to turn into a toad and, eventually, turn to stone. The petrified remains of one-time apprentice Sages who failed to master senjutsu are spread throughout Mount Myōboku.
Getting hit by a special staff during the transformation will reverse the toad transformation by knocking all the natural energy out of the gatherer. It is dangerous to learn how to gather natural energy without the staff because there is no other known way to reverse the toad transformation. Furthermore, if the transformation is completed, not even the staff can reverse it, and the user would become a toad statue forever.
If the practitioner can achieve a perfect balance between the physical and spiritual energies of their own chakra, and the energies of nature, they can produce a new and stronger chakra, called "senjutsu chakra". Those who are able to learn to use senjutsu are able to enter a physical state called "Sage Mode". When active, Sage Mode increases the user's strength and speed, as well as augments the power of their techniques.
Jiraiya had trouble using Sage Mode, as he slightly turns into a toad whenever he uses this form. This involved his nose and eyes (although the eyes can be excluded because as Fukasaku said the "toad eyes" are always present in Sage Mode being the sign of a true Sage) changing to a more toad-like appearance. Also, he grows a goatee just like Fukasaku's and his fingers and toes are toad-like. In order to use Sage Mode in combat, Jiraiya relies on Fukasaku and Shima to gather natural energy for him. However, Naruto, who has just learned how to sense natural energy and create sage chakra, only has reddish-orange pigment markings around his eyes and horizontal, golden slitted-pupils, showing his mastery over his Sage form. Naruto is able to use his Sage chakra very well, demonstrating the ability to lift a giant toad statue with his Sage chakra augmenting his physical strength soon after his induction to senjutsu. In order to use Sage Mode in combat, Naruto uses shadow clones to gather natural energy for him and then has them disperse to transfer their natural energy to him.
Kinjutsu – are techniques that have been banned from being taught or used.
This ban could have been put in place for any number of reasons, but kinjutsu can generally be put in either of two categories:
Techniques that do extreme harm to oneself (e.g. the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, which will bring almost any user to the brink of death by mere use).
Techniques that violate the laws of nature (e.g. the Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation, which resurrects the dead with a human sacrifice).
Despite being banned, the use of these techniques generally does not carry any legal consequences in respects to the village they're used in, except those brought on by the techniques themselves. However, their use is heavily frowned upon, especially those techniques that violate nature.
Ninja Villages – The Five Great Shinobi Countries - These countries are led by governmental leaders, known as the daimyo, whom are in charge of ruling their individual nations solely through dictatorship. These countries are divided equally on an unknown continent to create balance in the shinobi world. They are the Land of Earth in the Northwest, the Land of Lightning in the Northeast, the Land of Water in the East, the Land of Wind in the Southwest, and the Land of Fire in the center. The countries are named after the dominant chakra nature of each of the areas. These superpowers are the major players in the politics and trade between the shinobi nations. They are the most powerful of all nations and each has an extremely powerful shinobi village. The Land of Earth has Iwagakure, the Land of Lightning has Kumogakure, the Land of Water has Kirigakure, the Land of Wind has Sunagakure, and the Land of Fire has Konohagakure. These five villages are the only ones to have a Kage as the village head.
Although the Five Great Shinobi Countries are equal enough in power and military strength to create a fairly stable balance of power, the Land of Fire is considered the most powerful and influential. Similarly, the Land of Fire's shinobi village, Konohagakure, is considered the most powerful of all shinobi villages and Konoha's Hokage has been considered to be the pinnacle of the shinobi world.
Missions - In the organized society of the villages, ninja are given missions (ninmu) depending on their rank. The missions are categorized in five ranks, based on the mission's possible danger or level of importance. Depending on the importance and nature of the mission, as well as the regards of the village head, failure could result in variable consequences. In Takigakure, failure of a mission brings very harsh consequences. As such, certain villages put mission to a higher priority than others, as Sunagakure would choose accomplishing missions over the lives of their comrades, Iwagakure would follow orders even if it means death and Konohagakure's Shinobi Rules #4 states that "A shinobi must always put the mission first".
D-rank - assigned to genin fresh from the Academy. They pose almost no risk to the ninja's life and usually consist of odd jobs like farming and babysitting work. The reward for a D-rank mission is between five thousand and fifty thousand ryō.
C-rank - assigned to more experienced genin or chūnin. They are missions anticipated to have some combat involved with the possibility of injury to the shinobi performing it. Examples are guarding people, background investigations, or capturing or suppressing wild animals. The reward for a C-rank mission is between thirty thousand and 100 thousand ryō.
B-rank - assigned to experienced chūnin. They are missions anticipated to involve combat with other ninja. Examples are guarding people, espionage, or killing other ninja. The reward for a B-rank mission is between 150 thousand and 200 thousand ryō.
A-rank - assigned to jōnin, concerning, among other things, village-or state-level matters and trends. Examples are guarding VIPs or suppressing ninja forces. The reward for an A-rank mission is between one hundred fifty thousand and a million ryō.
S-rank - assigned to experienced jōnin and concern state-level confidential matters. Examples are assassinating VIPs, and transporting highly classified documents. The reward for an S-rank mission is more than a million ryō.
Chakra Flow - this refers to both the flowing of chakra through an object as well as any technique that increases the potency of a weapon by flowing chakra through it. Usually, elemental chakra is used to flow through bladed weapons in order to either dramatically increase their various pre-existing properties or to gain additional advantageous effects. The user must be touching the tool to initiate chakra flow, but direct contact with the weapon is not necessary to maintain chakra flow. However, whether through an individual's body or weapon, the exact effects observed are entirely dependent upon the respective nature and amount of the chakra used.
The known variations of chakra utilized include:
Wind chakra, as explained by Asuma Sarutobi, is used in order to increase the sharpness of bladed weapons, so much so that in the hands of an experienced user even small blades are capable of piercing substantial rocks easily, leading to his assertion that this chakra is unparalleled offensively in close and mid-ranged fights. This effect is achieved by utilising two opposing chakra currents, which are ground against each other in such a manner that they sharpen one another into fine pieces.
Lightning chakra, as applied to weapons, provides a similar sharpening effect to that of wind, with the addition of inducing numbness. However, this is instead achieved by inducing high-frequency vibrations within the object, granting it even more cutting power than standard wind techniques. Also, when A directed his lightning chakra directly into his own body, it was capable of electrically stimulating his nervous system. This resulted in an increase in his reaction time, raw speed, and defensive power to their utmost limits.
Earth chakra seemingly increases the defensive power of an object to its utmost limits, by further reinforcing the inherent properties of the material involved. However, the application of this variation has only been observed through Kakuzu flowing it directly into his own body, where it resulted both in his skin becoming as hard as diamond and an increase in the overall destructive power of his physical attacks.
Fire chakra engulfs the desired weapon in intense localized flames, which follow the subsequent path of the object in question, incinerating anything which comes into direct contact.
Yin–Yang chakra does not conform to a single defined list of beneficial effects unlike other chakra natures, instead imitating the properties of the techniques used by the individual in question, as demonstrated by Shikamaru Nara's usage of chakra flow.