Naruto: Seven Tools of Samsara

Chapter 2: Welcome to Academy

After another unusual moment shared with Hikari, I decided to refocus my attention back to class just as Mr. Kishiyami turned back to address the class.

"Okay, everyone please open your textbook and turn to page number seventy-six. I want all of you to give the topics mentioned in the page a quick read." He ordered. I followed his instructions and turned to page seventy-six. I couldn't help but arch an eyebrow as I scanned over the contents of the page.

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Chakra: It is a supernatural substance essential to even the most basic of Jutsu. Through various methods, the most common of which is Hand Seals, chakra can be controlled and manipulated to create an effect that would not be possible otherwise, such as walking in water, breathing fire, or casting illusions. Chakra is ordinarily not visible to the unaided eye unless it is highly concentrated or manifested in large amounts. 

Hand Seals: As the name implies, they are series of hand gestures which help in the controlling and moulding one's chakra in order to perform ninjutsu as well as genjutsu. They are a total of 12 basic hand seals which must be learnt by all shinobi.

Rat (子, Ne) Ox (丑, Ushi) Tiger (寅, Tora) Hare (卯, U) Dragon (辰, Tatsu) Snake (巳, Mi) Horse (午, Uma) Ram (未, Hitsuji) Monkey (申, Saru) Bird (酉, Tori) Dog (戌, Inu) Boar (亥, I)

Jutsu (術, literally meaning techniques/arts/skills) are the mystical arts that a ninja will utilize in battle. To use a jutsu, the ninja will need to use their Chakra. To perform one, the ninja will bring out and release the two energies of chakra. By forming Hand Seals, the ninja is able to manifest the desired technique. Because of the extensive number of hand seals and different combinations, there are thousands of potential jutsu to be discovered.

My gaze lowered down to the list of the three Main Jutsu that are known to every shinobi.

Ninjutsu (忍術, English TV: Ninja Art, literally meaning: Ninja Techniques) is one of the three main categories. Ninjutsu is the most nebulous of the three main jutsu, and may most simply be described as anything that is not Genjutsu or Taijutsu. Most ninjutsu require Chakra and Hand Seals, but this is not always the case since the mere usage of qualifies as ninjutsu. The huge range of ninjutsu's uses is illustrated by its several sub-classifications: Sealing-ninjutsu, Barrier- ninjutsu, Sensory-ninjutsu, Medical-ninjutsu etc.

Genjutsu (幻術, literally meaning illusionary techniques) is one of the main categories which uses Chakra. Unlike Ninjutsu, the effects of genjutsu are not real, being only sensory illusions experienced by those who fall victim to it. Genjutsu falls under the broad category of Yin Release.

Taijutsu (体術, literally meaning body techniques) 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 requires no to perform Hand Seals, occasionally making use of certain stances or poses, and are far quicker to use than Ninjutsu or Genjutsu. Taijutsu is, simply put, hand-to-hand combat.