Clone Technique[1][2]
Name
Kanji	分身の術
Rōmaji	Bunshin no Jutsu
Literal English	Clone Technique
Viz manga	Art of the Doppleganger
English TV	Clone Jutsu
Other	Art of Body Splitting
Debut
Manga	Chapter #1
Anime	Naruto Episode #1
Appears in	Anime and Manga
Data
Classification	Ninjutsu, Clone Techniques, General skill
Rank	E-rank
Class	Supplementary
Hand seals	Ram → Snake → Tiger
Derived jutsu Haze Clone Technique

A ninjutsu that creates an intangible copy of one's own body, without any substance. Since the clone itself doesn't have the ability to attack, and thus can only be used to confuse the enemy, it is mainly used in combination with other ninjutsu. It's a basic technique, but depending on one's ingenuity, it can be used effectively. The clones will dissipate when they come into contact with something.

These clones can be easily distinguished by persons with dōjutsu. A person with normal eyes can also distinguish the clones from the original, since the clones do not have shadows and will not disrupt the area around themselves with their movement (i.e. won't kick up dust, crush grass, etc…).

Trivia

• Part of the requirements to graduate from Konoha's Academy and become a genin is to properly use this technique during their evaluation.^[3] Naruto Uzumaki and Rock Lee are the only two ninja known to graduate without mastering this technique.
• When Sakura performs this technique, the hand seals she uses are: Tiger → Boar → Ox → Dog.^[4]

References

1. ↑ First Databook, page 220
2. ↑ Official Fanbook, page 163
3. ↑ Naruto chapter 1, page 15
4. ↑ Naruto episode 42