Body Replacement Technique

From Narutopedia

Body Replacement Technique[1]
Name
Kanji	変わり身の術
Rōmaji	Kawarimi no Jutsu
Literal English	Body Replacement Technique
English TV	Substitution Jutsu
Other	Replacement Jutsu
Debut
Manga	Chapter #1
Anime	Naruto Episode #1
Data
Classification	Ninjutsu, General skill
Rank	E-rank
Class	Supplementary
Hand seals	Ram → Boar → Ox → Dog → Snake

This jutsu lets the user quickly switch places with another nearby object, such as a plant (normally a section of a log), an animal, or even another person within reach using the Body Flicker Technique, the moment an attack hits. This creates an optical illusion, making the enemy think the attack was successful. The user can then use this confusion to escape or launch a counter-attack. Exploding tags can be attached to the replacement for an added surprise. Basically all ninja know this technique.

The anime has a number of other objects being used for this jutsu, such as a boulder, mud, a scarecrow, and even a large rolled-up carpet. These items are usually nowhere in sight, suggesting that they are merely gags meant to lighten up the situation and not an actual part of the jutsu. Additionally, the normal practice of switching places with a section of log is done in several places that have no such thing anywhere nearby.

This technique is sometimes referred to as the Art of Projection ("Utsusemi no Jutsu") in other manga and anime series.

[edit] References

1. ↑ First Databook, page 177