This jutsu can also be used as a form of Kawarimi, allowing Orochimaru to avoid an attack by leaving his previous skin behind. This approach was used by Uchiha Sasuke after he absorbed Orochimaru. Sasuke emerged from the chest of his cast off body after being hit by Amaterasu.

Unfortunately, for the Ryuudouin, the jutsu relies on Genshou’s ability to track the movements of the victims. If they possess more speed and power than the wooden mean can copy, the dummies will shatter and cause the technique to backfire.

Those who use the technique will also retain some draw to the original meteor. By focusing their powers together, they can sense which direction the unique chakra is emanating from. Also by engraving the targets unique chakra upon ones eyes, they can track this individual by following their lingering chakra trail. The chakra can also be used to revive an unconscious person. By injecting the chakra into the target, the injured person regains consciousness. Also if a trained user injects their chakra into their target and resonates it in the same manner as that of the target, the user can control the movement of the target.

To master the chakra takes much meditation and practice. To use the technique requires the ninja generally maintaining their hand seals, however highly skilled ninja may maneuver the chakra even when their arms and hands are bound. Also because the chakra proves hazardous to the health, few ninja have mastered these techniques, and those that do soon die. The training itself has gone through periods where it was practiced and then forbidden. With the stars eventual destruction, the training and usage of the technique will probably cease.

Kujaku Myouhou • Zan - Mysterious Peacock Method • Destroy

This technique style allows the chakra “feathers” to extend in a piercing motion.

Kujaku Myouhou • Kemono - Mysterious Peacock Method • Beast

This technique style allows the chakra “feathers” to contort and become spectral beasts. These beasts can extend out to bite and attack the opponent. The chakra is dense enough to repel most commonly thrown ninja weapons like shuriken. If the user wields two beasts, they can use Kujaku Myouhou • Gou (Join) to combine the beasts into one larger creature.

Kujaku Myouhou • Yoku - Mysterious Peacock Method • Wing

This technique style allows the chakra “feathers” to combine to form butterfly like wings. These wings prove strong enough to lift the ninja off the ground and allow them to take flight for short distances.

Chakra no Nawa - Chakra Rope

This technique allows the ninja to extend their chakra out of their body into binding ropes. The chakra is said to be uncuttable.

Chakra no Hoshoku - Chakra Predation

This technique allows the ninja to extend their chakra out of their body and then consume the special Kujaku chakra of their comrades, thus allowing them to increase their power. The comrades themselves will be weakened by the loss of their chakra.

His bow firings can take several forms. A normal arrow will be formed by expelling golden spider thread from his mouth into the shape of an arrow. Another variation will harden into an arrow but have a string of spider thread attached to the end. When this version is fired, the trailing spider thread will contain his chakra, this can allow him to maneuver the arrow wherever it needs to go to hit his opponent. If the arrow hits an obstacle though, it can be moved off course. A third variation can be used to avoid any deviation. This version will contain a screw-tip, this design will cause the arrow to spin and pierce any obstacle it hits.

Kidoumaru can use this opportunity to launch kunonenkin daggers at his defenseless foe. No matter how much the opponent tries to cut the webbing, conventional edged blades will not be able to slice it.

The blast is powerful enough to level the surrounding area and most anything which stands in its way. Orochimaru commented that if the blast directly connected with his body, even he would die. Even three of his powerful Rashoumon gates fell to the power of the attack.

Each piece of art will be infused with one of four explosive chakra types: C1, C2, C3 or C4. C1 is used in most of Deidara’s smaller art pieces including spiders, centipedes and birds. C2 is used in his favorite attack, the C2 Dragon combo jutsu. C3 was seen in his most powerful large scale attack, his Speciality #18 Jutsu. And finally, C4 is seen in his most deadly attack, the microscopic bomb C4 Karura.

The bird shhown here allows him to run recon over his target area. It is highly mobile and can allow him to drop other art on his targets below.. He has various other bird types as well which can serve the same function. That of searching out an enemy and getting near enough to it for him to release the explosive seal and cause detonation.

Deidara will act in conjunction with Tobi to create a combination attack meant to stop an agile opponent. The large dragon will first drawn in some of its tail to create numerous spheres which it will expel from its mouth. The dragon can then take to the air and while Tobi places the spheres underground, beneath the feet of their opponent. From his position in the air, Deidara can launch smaller, more explosive C2 dragons towards his target. This combination of land mines and aerial attacks will box his opponent in, making any wrong move their last.

Deidara possesses a specialty jutsu which can cause massive damage. Deidara imbues his explosive art with his chakra, in this technique’s case he imbues his clay model with his most explosive chakra, called C3. After he sends the model off, he can use a release command to detonate it. It is capable of leveling an entire village.

The expelled clay with combine to form a gigantic version of a cloaked Deidara. After forming the needed hand seals, the giant Deidara will explode into a fine cloud of microscopic clay bombs. These tiny objects will be controlled by Deidara’s chakra as they move towards their target. The target will then unknowingly breathe in the cloud. These tiny objects will then travel throughout the body and detonate, causing microscopic explosions. This in turn causes the body to disintegrate on a cellular level. Note that the cloud of microscopic bombs contains chakra, so if the target possesses some means to see chakra, such as the Sharingan, then they can move to avoid the attack.

While in his level two cursed seal form, he can freely disassemble and reconstruct these cells with his chakra. When done he can use his power to reconstruct himself back to the way it was as he leaves his targets body. Unfortunately because this fusion makes him and the ninja share the same body, he can be damaged by any harm their body takes if it was not done by his careful manipulation.

If the target of the jutsu is not dead, Chiyo will not transfer all her life essence in exchange. Thus allowing her to barely live, and stabilize the gravely injured just recipient.

Note that the manga establishes Hyouton as a bloodline limit ability unique to Haku’s family. This means this technique conflicts with established canon concerning who can do Ice Element techniques.

This technique can be used in conjunction with Hibashiri to create a powerful fire and Tsuchi Kairou to contain and focus the explosive blaze.

While in the air, she will form the needed handseals, which will allow her to extend her chakra wings and strike her opponent. The large force can cause quite a bit of damage if it connects. Unfortunately the technique is a one-time jutsu. If she cannot harm her opponent in time, her life essence will be expended and she’ll soon die for nothing.

Note that the manga establishes Hyouton as a bloodline limit ability unique to Haku’s family. This means this technique conflicts with established canon concerning who can do Ice Element techniques.

The hearts of four other slain shinobi are housed within these tendrils, granting him their elemental affinities. Each elemental spirit takes the form of a mask, black tendril mass and heart. Each elemental spirit can be controlled by Kakuzu either when within his body or outside. For outside the mask will burst the stitches on his back and then emerge to fight alongside him. Along with a Wind, Fire, Earth and Lightning elemental, is more than likely Kakuzu’s own Water affinity. This grants him access to all five powerful elemental styles. These elementals can be killed if countered by a powerful enough opposing elemental attack which the element is weak against.

Jiongu Thread:

These dark tendrils allowed Kakuzu to to stitch his body together and extend his limbs if needed. He can also extend the tendrils and use them to sew together the body parts of his comrades. Kakuzu used this thread to sew on Hidan’s head after it was cut off. Note that Hidan lived due to own his secret technique Shijihyouketsu, not due to any unique properties of Kakuzu’s thread. Kakuzu also used the thread to reattach Deidara’s arm after it was removed by Hatake Kakashi.

Denji Genmu - Electromagnetic Visions:

After magnetizing his body, Jiga will draw in satetsu which he will disperse over his target. An electric current will pass between the particles, affecting the target’s brain function. Because the brain uses low voltage impulses, the impulses will be disrupted causing their mind to short circuit. They will be temporarily stunned, allowing Jiga to attack with his other weapons.

Mugen Inseki - Infinite Meteorites:

After magnetizing a spot of iron behind his target, Jiga will break nearby rock and ore with his mace. This ore will be thrown into the air and be drawn to the magnetized spot. If needed, he can strike more times to launch further waves of attacks.

With the blood consumed his body will darken and form a skeletal deaths head outline on his body. Then by placing himself within the circle of the symbol, any damage he takes while within it will also be felt by the opponent whose blood he consumed. Hidan will use a pike to cause self-inflicted damage which transfers to his opponent. If he steps out of the circle, the connection ends and his opponent can damage him with no ill effects on themselves. Note that this technique does not appear to be tied to Hidan’s general ability to not die. Keeping with his strict religious nature, if Hidan wins his battle he will finish out the technique with a thirty minute long prayer ceremony by laying on the symbol with the pike through his chest. With this process his body will lose its skeletal outline and it will regain its natural appearance.

What is it? This short 17 minute one-shot special was released on DVD at the Jump Festa convention in 2003. It involves Konohamaru seeking Naruto’s help to find a legendary four-leaf clover that makes wishes come true. The story appears to fall into continuity sometime after Naruto becomes a Genin and before the Wave Country arc. Though it could also possibly fall in right before the Chuunin Exam.

What’s the story? Early one morning Konohamaru sneaks into Naruto’s apartment and wakes him out of bed. He tells Naruto he has formed the “Konohamaru Corps” and that their first mission is to find the legendary crimson four-leaf clover. He tells Naruto that a classmate he likes named Yoshino Kaede is having to leave Hidden Leaf because her father is being transfered out of town for a mission.

We then cut to a flashback of the previous day. Kaede is speaking with some of her school friends, telling them she will be leaving the next day. She states she does not want to leave the village. Her friend then says if only they could find the legendary four-leaf clover, because it is said if you find it your wish comes true. The clover is located at Akagahara though, a forbidden area. Kaede says she wishes she could find Konohamaru to say goodbye, but they are unable to locate him. They walk off and we find Konohamaru reveal himself behind his wall disguise crying.

We then return to Naruto’s apartment, he asks Konohamaru if he likes that girl and an embarassed Konohamaru says yes. He then begs Naruto to help him. Naruto then asks if it is a mission, Konohamaru says yes. So Naruto says he’ll do it. The next scene finds Sakura and Sasuke waiting on a bridge for Kakashi to arrive. He is late as usual, Sakura is surprised that Naruto is late as well. She then thinks to herself that this is a great chance for romance time with Sasuke. Naruto and Konohamaru appear running towards Sakura. Her hopes dashed, she and Sasuke listen as Naruto tells them they are going to Akagahara and will try and be back before Kakashi arrives. Naruto and Konohamaru then continue running towards the forbidden area.

They arrive at Akagahara to see it fenced off with barbed wire and a warning from the Hokage not to enter. Naruto and Konohamaru ignore the warning and jump the fence, Konohamaru then points at a red field of clovers in the distance. Taking the initiative, Naruto jumps down off the fence into Akagahara, only to immediately fall into a hidden pit with bamboo spikes at the bottom. He is able to brace himself against the wall and stop himself. Konohamaru tells Naruto the place is dangerous and was the former location of the Chuunin Exam. When Naruto hears this he states that he will need to be able to beat the dangers if he has any chance to become Hokage. Naruto then jumps out of the pit and leaps from tree to tree to get to the clover patch, setting off traps all along the way. We hear Naruto scream and then cut back to the bridge.

On the bridge Kakashi has finally arrived and apologized for being late. Kakashi asks where Naruto is and Sasuke tells him he went to Akagahara. Kakashi then states if Naruto did go there, he is going to die. We go back to Naruto and Konohamaru running for dear life as traps explode all around them. They have been running for hours and Konohamaru demands Naruto do something to get them to their target. Naruto uses Kage Bunshin no jutsu, only to cause the clones to set off even more traps. Fortunately the last explosion allows them to get enough air to make it into the clover patch.

Naruto and Konohamaru begin searching but they are unable to find a clover with four leaves. Konohamaru then sadly states that because of the time it took to get there and the time it would take in turn to get back out, they won’t make it back in time to say goodbye to Kaede. Konohamaru thinks the situation is hopeless but Naruto tells him that they shouldn’t give up no matter what.

We then see Kaede at her house getting ready to leave, she is sad becaues she is having to say goodbye to everyone. Back at Akagahara Konohamaru looks under a statue and finds the clover they were searching for. He and Naruto have to push a statue out of the way to get to it though, with the statue out of the way Konohamaru triumphantly grabs the clover. Unfortunately the statue being moved triggers attack maerionettes to appear from the ground and attack the two. Outside of Akagahara Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi look into the forbidden area. Kakashi states the area brings back memories, as he took his Chuunin Exam there. Kakashi looks into the area with binoculars and sees that the marionette ninja squad has been activated. Kakashi then decides to give Sakura and Sasuke a mission, go into Akagahara and rescue Naruto. Sasuke states it will be good training for the Chuunin Exam so he and a reluctant Sakura jump into the forbidden area.

Back in the clover fields the marionettes begin to attack Naruto and Konohamaru. Naruto tells Konohamaru to run and find Kaede, he states he will be fine if he is left behind. Naruto manages to beat a couple of the attackers off but a new swarm lunges to overpower him. Just at that moment a fireball pours through the attackers. Sasuke and Sakura have appeared just in time to help. Sakura tells tells Naruto that Kakashi said if the statue is returned to its original spot then the marionette attackers will go away. Naruto then yells to Konohamaru to return the statue to its place, it is heavy for Konohamaru so he has trouble lifting it. Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke then continue to fight the marionettes, but they are unable to make headway. New marionette attackers appear to replace the ones they destroy. The trio are almost out of chakra when the attackers finally fall back to the ground. Konohamaru has replaced the statue and they are safe finally, or so they think. One final marionette opens its mouth to launch a kunai at Narutos head. Thankfully Kakashi appears and easily plucks it out of the air. He tells them they did good to hold their own against them.

Naruto asks Konohamaru if he still has the four-leaf clover and Konohamaru excitedly states he does. He retrieves it only to see one of the leaves fall off. We then return to the village where Konohamaru presents Kaede with the clover, he see has glued the fallen leaf back to the main clover. He tells Kaede to make a wish. In the distance Sakura, Sasuke, Naruto and Kakashi watch the two young avademy students. Sakura asks if the clover will really grant a wish. Kakashi says he is not sure, but that Akakgahara was a place Genin would go to fulfill their ninja dream, if they returned safely they would become Chuunin. Over time the legend became if you returned safely your wish would come true. Dejectedly Naruto says they went through it all for nothing, Kakashi lets him know though it did bring some good.

Konohamaru and Kaede are then showing making a wish at dusk. Keade’s mother then tells her it is time to go. Sadly Konohamaru states the wish must have failed because a leaf fell off. Kaede tells him no, her wish will come true. She is going to use the clover as a reminder of Konohamaru. By having the clover it will be like Konohamaru is always with her. Kaede then kisses Konohamaru goodbye and she and her family ride off into the distance.

Kakashi tells his team it is time for them to return to their mission, the team acts distraught at having to start their mission at such a late hour. Kakashi then tells them he will take them to Ichiraku Ramen. This perks up the team, but then he adds he won’t be paying for Naruto’s though. To which all three of the team yell “Cheapskate!”

My rating? A nice little short story, it features Konohamaru in a nice role. Hard-core shonen fans will probably be bored by it. At 17 minutes in length (minus 1 1/2 minutes of credits) the story flies by pretty fast. We find some interesting, if possibly apocryphal information. That being the team used this opportunity to train for the Chuunin Exam, and that Kakashi himself took his Chuunin Exam at Akagahara. Comparing Akagahara to the location Naruto later takes his Chuunin Exam is a big difference. In size comparison Akagahara appears very small. It may be possible the clover patch just happens to be located near one of the outer fences. Otherwise if the clover patch is the center then the area can’t be but 150 acres in size. Naruto’s Exam area also is a more wild jungle area. The majority of dangers seem to be the marrionettes, exploding mines, kunai and spiked bamboo pits. Is interesting to see the difference between one area which lets the students go free in a dangerous jungle, and another that focuses more on set traps instead.

Continuity problems? This story could fall into continuity fine except for one minor problem. The problem is the location of the four-Leaf clover being at an area where the Chuunin Exam was previously held. If Naruto was aware of that and knew he needed to be able to handle a Chuunin Exam area to become Hokage, then his ignorance of what the Chuunin Exam is in the regular series in episode 21 would seem out of place. Another story point which could later pose problems was Kakashi’s assertion he had taken his Chuunin Exam at Akagahara. While minor, this could pose a potential continuity flaw later in the series if Kishimoto ever addresses that topic. Also be on the look out for marionettes resembling Karasu.