adminDecades ago, Naruto gave us some of the most legendary characters. They had their quirks, unique styles, and abilities. Down the line, most of these characters were ultimately wasted and frittered away, all for the plot.
But you know what’s worse? They gave us some iconic and goated jutsu that probably will never make a comeback. Some were forbidden clan techniques, while others were classified as S-rank jutsu.
The thing is, these techniques were filled with possibilities. True fans know that the series was more than Sharingan and Rinnegan, after all! So here are some of our picks for the most overlooked jutsu in Kishimoto’s series.
10. Fury Remained Non-canonical for the Most Part
Tsuchigumo Clan’s jutsu in the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Naruto is often criticized for having too many fillers. But this one served as a major banger. Yes, the Tsuchigumo Clan’s jutsu is quite an overpowered one. Their technique is forbidden and hence classified as a kinjutsu.
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Fury, which was developed by the En no Gyoja, had the capability of wiping out an entire village. It was eventually sealed onto Hotaru’s back and then unsealed during the Six Tails Unleashed arc. It truly deserved a comeback!
9. Mind Body Disturbance Technique Was a One-Time Wonder
The Mind Body Disturbance technique would instantly remind you of Shinji Hirako’s Bankai in Bleach. Well, this is one of the most underrated techniques that can manipulate foes and turn them against each other. It is daunting!
Inoichi uses the Mind Body Disturbance technique | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Used by Inoichi and Ino, this Yamanaka clan jutsu can be used on multiple targets. This also bears a similarity to Shisui’s Koto Amatsukami technique! It was featured once during the Fourth Shinobi World War arc, and that’s that!
8. Hidden Mist Technique Is a Goated Jutsu
Zabuza uses the Hidden Mist Technique to hide himself | Credit: Studio Pierrot
The Hidden Mist technique is the perfect camouflage for Kiri Nin. The espionage techniques aren’t talked about much. But this one was overly slept on, and it truly deserves its due mention on our list of underrated techniques.
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The Kiri nin used this to carry out their assassinations, and Zabuza was one of them. Often, Dojutsu could penetrate through the mist and deem it null and void. But if the mist is thick, it can overturn Sharingan and even Rinnegan, for that matter.
7. Secret Technique: Mist Rain Can Neutralize Rasengan
Kirigakure nin has some of the most underrated and slept-on techniques. There’s a water prison, hidden mist, and then, this one takes the cake. We’re talking about the Secret Technique: Mist Rain, which is non-canonical.
Utakata’s bubbles are absorbed by the Secret Technique: Mist Rain technique | Credit: Studio Pierrot
This technique was able to seamlessly deflect and neutralize Utakata’s bubbles. But you know what’s even better? This hidden technique could absorb Rasengan as well because of the chakra absorption. It is a trump card!
6. Ranmaru’s Dojutsu Was One of a Kind in Naruto
Ranmaru uses his special Dojutsu in the Curry of Life arc | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Die-hard Naruto fans remember the Curry of Life arc. It gave us some of the most iconic moments that were downright hilarious. But the arc also served as a one-time banger, and Ranmaru’s ocular ability is one such example.
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Ranmaru can perceive and sense chakra. He can even sense life force and predict movements occurring over vast distances. Alas, this one was reduced to a filler. What a waste of character and their abilities, ain’t it?
5. Gengetsu’s Demonic Illusion Jutsu Deserves All the Praise
If there’s one element that was wasted thoroughly, it has to be clan abilities. The Hozuki clan was no different, especially Gengetsu’s genjutsu ability. His clan is a personal summons that is more than a showpiece, and here’s why.
Gangetsu Hozuki stands atop his clam summon | Credit: Studio Pierrot
It releases steam from its siphons and makes illusions. These are realistic, and to defeat them, one must defeat the real clam. That is if the foe can detect and locate the clam that hides itself in these illusions.
4. Shikkotsumyaku Didn’t Surf the Nerf
Kimimaro Kaguya reanimated during the Fourth Shinobi World War | Credit: Studio Pierrot
We all flipped tables for real when Kimimaro died. This guy had so much potential in terms of his abilities. Shikkotsumyaku, his kekkei genkai, didn’t quite surf the nerf as he was killed early on, but that is not all there is to it.
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Kimimaro Kaguya could one-shot both Gaara and Rock Lee if he weren’t given the sickness nerf. The bones would regenerate and be stronger than steel, giving him an edge in the battle. But the mangaka had other plans.
3. Chakra Scalpel Deserved Its Comeback
The iconic Sannin fight is something we all remember. Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru’s battle remains epic to this date. But the scene gave us an underappreciated technique, and that is the chakra scalpel.
Kabuto Yakushi using the chakra scalpel in the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Used by Kabuto Yakushi, this technique can inflict damage on vital spots. This is precisely why it is used by medical ninjas for operations. It can effectively be used in taijutsu technique, but this didn’t make its rightful return.
2. Lightning Release Chakra Mode Is Downright Daunting
If you thought Chidori was the only cool lightning jutsu in the series, think again. The Raikage is the pure definition of menacing aura and savagery, especially with their Lightning Release Chakra mode paired with Lariat.
Third Raikage using his Lightning Release Chakra Mode in the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Third, Raikage used this against the enemies. His son is no different when he uses this technique to deflect attacks. Oh, and did we mention that its agility and speed can dodge Amaterasu? Talk about a KO move in a high-intensity battle!
1. Onoki’s Kekkei Tota Is a True Underdog
Kekkei Genkai is overglazed, and there’s no doubt about it. As the plot progressed, it was all about dojutsu and senjutsu and whatnot. Now, here’s where kekkei-tota made its appearance, only to be forgotten down the line.
Onoki using the Dust Release during the Fourth Shinobi World War | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Onoki was a true hard-boiled hero when he used this technique against Sasuke during the Five Kage Summit. So far, only two people are shown using this jutsu, including the old man himself and the Second Tsuchikage.
It is potent because it uses earth, wind, and fire to release together to magnify the attacks. It is a lethal jutsu that requires another dust-release user to fend off the moves and their impact. Boruto reintroduced this one, but it was rather underwhelming, so to speak! The old is gold, after all!
These were some of our picks for the most slept-on techniques. Each one of them deserved their due mention. From clan abilities to nature releases, Masashi Kishimoto frittered away these possibilities that had so much potential.
What are some of your picks for overlooked jutsu? Let us know in the comments down below!
Naruto is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is currently available for reading on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app.
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