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[[File:Tsukuyomi-sharingan-genjutzu.jpg|thumb|An example of genjutsu being used.]]
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[[File:Demon Flute Phantom Sound Chains.png|thumb|An example of genjutsu being used.]]
<section begin=summary />{{translation|'''Genjutsu'''|幻術|lit meaning=Illusionary Techniques}} are techniques that are employed in the same fashion as [[ninjutsu]], requiring [[chakra]] and [[hand seals]]. However, the primary difference between the two is that the effects of genjutsu are illusory; instead of attacking the victim's body, like taijutsu or ninjutsu, genjutsu techniques manipulate the flow of chakra in the victim's brain, thus causing a disruption in their senses. According to the [[Second Mizukage]], genjutsu fittingly falls under the broad category of [[Yin Release]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 548, page 18</ref>
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<section begin=summary />{{translation|'''Genjutsu'''|幻術|lit meaning=Illusionary Techniques}} is one of the main <noinclude>[[</noinclude>jutsu<noinclude>]]</noinclude> 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. According to the [[Second Mizukage]], genjutsu falls under the broad category of [[Yin Release]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 548, page 18</ref><section end=summary />
PORN
 
This is often used to create false images or to cause pain from trauma (because the body is led to believe it is in pain); however, there are plenty of other uses depending on the situation. <section end=summary />They are not used as often as ninjutsu because they don't physically harm the opponent, but several characters have made themselves well-known for their great prowess with genjutsu like [[Itachi Uchiha]], [[Kurenai Yūhi]], the Second Mizukage and [[Tayuya]]. Genjutsu can also be used to manipulate others, similar to brainwashing by feeding the victim illusive suggestions, the primary example being [[Tobi]] controlling [[Yagura]]. However, there exists at least one genjutsu, [[Izanagi]], that has the opposite effects to normal genjutsu, by changing reality to illusion and vice versa. Genjutsu can also be used for other supplementary purposes such as [[Interrogation Genjutsu|interrogating]] an individual by breaking their will.
 
   
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== Overview ==
Genjutsu is created when a ninja extends their chakra flow through the cerebral nervous system of their opponent to control their mind, thereby affecting their five senses. Those with special abilities like the [[Uchiha clan]]'s [[Sharingan]] — which can cast [[Genjutsu: Sharingan|generic genjutsu]] — or with high intelligence have an easier time executing and countering genjutsu, as attention to detail is key. Those under the influence of genjutsu will either appear to be unconscious or continue to move around under the pretence of the genjutsu. The latter is very effective in battle as a genjutsu user can make themselves appear to be somewhere else and attack the victim from behind or change the environment to make the victim see a flat plain where there is a steep cliff.
 
 
A genjutsu is created when a ninja controls the chakra flow of a target's cerebral nervous system, thereby affecting their five senses; this is frequently used to create false images and/or trick the body into believing its has experienced physical sensations such as pain. It is further explained in the anime that, because genjutsu affects activity throughout the [[Wikipedia:Prosencephalon|prosencephalon structure]] of the brain, humans, dogs and other species of mammal are therefore all affected by genjutsu; however, the [[kikaichū]], like all insects, lack such a structure to their brains, and so do not even notice it: as [[Shino Aburame]] put it, insects are ruled almost solely by their senses alone, which makes them immune to genjutsu and gives the Aburame clan an ability to detect it, even when heightened senses become susceptible.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 206</ref>
   
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Genjutsu can also be used to manipulate others - similar to brainwashing - by feeding the victim illusive suggestions. Methods include integration with [[nature transformation]], as shown with [[Water Release Genjutsu: Demonic Phantom Fog Prison|Water]] and [[Lightning Release: Lightning Illusion Flash of Lightning Pillar|Lightning Release]], and in the anime, ingesting [[Genjutsu Pills|special pills]] that activate when the target sleeps.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 318</ref> Audible genjutsu is deemed the most dangerous because the user can trap victims from long distances.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 214, pages 13-14</ref>
Genjutsu attacks usually require a lot of skill, and, if performed incorrectly, will not work; even [[Jiraiya]] had trouble performing such techniques.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 378, page 6</ref> Genjutsu is most often used by ninja with very precise chakra control and very high intelligence, two notable users being Itachi Uchiha and Kurenai Yūhi.<ref>Second Databook, page 163</ref>
 
   
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Despite its usefulness, genjutsu is rarely employed, most shinobi preferring the real, tangible effects of ninjutsu and [[taijutsu]] over the imagined effects of genjutsu which hold little influence over the physical world. The difficulty of performing genjutsu in the first place presents an additional barrier to its use: genjutsu require precise chakra control in order to manipulate the target's senses and advanced intelligence to make the illusion convincing,<ref>Second Databook, page 163</ref> prerequisites that even someone as skilled as [[Jiraiya]] lacks.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 378, page 6</ref> Some, however, are able to specialise in genjutsu, with [[Kurenai Yūhi]] being regarded as one of [[Konoha]]'s experts in the field and members of the [[Uchiha clan]] being particularly feared because of their [[Sharingan]]'s [[Genjutsu: Sharingan|generic genjutsu]]. According to [[Hagoromo]], the [[Byakugan]] can also be used to extend the range of genjutsu.
Because genjutsu affects activity throughout the [[Wikipedia:Prosencephalon|prosencephalon structure]] of the brain, humans, dogs and other species of mammal are therefore all affected by genjutsu; however, the [[kikaichū]], like all insects, lack such a structure to their brains, and so do not even notice it: as [[Shino Aburame]] put it, insects are ruled almost solely by five powerful senses alone, which makes them immune to genjutsu and gives the Aburame clan an ability to detect it when nobody else can.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 206</ref>
 
   
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Those under the influence of genjutsu will either appear to be unconscious or continue to move around under the pretence of the genjutsu. The former may be used to prevent or immediately end confrontations by trapping a target within an imagined scenario, leaving them physically vulnerable but requiring further skill and effort on the part of the the genjutsu user to establish and maintain. The latter is very effective in extended battle as a genjutsu user can make themselves appear to be somewhere else and attack the victim from behind or change the environment to make the victim see a flat plain where there is a steep cliff. Alternatively, a genjutsu user can create relatively small differences in the environment, which is more effective for intel gathering. For example, Itachi Uchiha was known to cast a genjutsu upon meeting someone, and that person's reaction to Itachi's image in the genjutsu would help him understand them better while keeping himself safe.
[[Shikamaru Nara]] states that among genjutsu the most dangerous are those that affect the opponent with sound allowing the user to stay out of sight. Tayuya is a great example of this sound-based, long-range type of combat.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 214, pages 13-14</ref>
 
   
== Combating Genjutsu ==
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== Countering ==
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There are several options to combat genjutsu:
To combat the effects of genjutsu, there are several options:
 
* The ninja needs to stop the flow of chakra in their body, and then apply an even stronger power to disrupt the flow of the caster's chakra; this is called {{translation|'''Genjutsu Dissipation'''|幻術解|Genjutsu Kai}}. This can also be done by an unaffected ninja by applying a sudden surge of chakra into the affected person.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 259, pages 8-10</ref> In addition, [[tailed beasts]] can break their [[jinchūriki]] out of genjutsu in a similar fashion if they have a good enough cooperation, as seen in [[Killer B]]'s case.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 413, page 15</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 549, page 14</ref>
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*A victim's chakra flow, if disrupted enough, can break the caster's influence. This {{translation|"Genjutsu Dissipation"|幻術解|Genjutsu Kai|lit meaning=Illusion Technique Dissipation}} or {{translation|"Genjutsu Reversal"|幻術返し|Genjutsu Gaeshi|lit meaning=Illusion Technique Reversal}}<ref>''Naruto Shippūden'' episode 484</ref> can be done by the victim themselves, (assuming they realise they're under a genjutsu's influence) or an ally who emits chakra into them;<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 259, pages 8-10</ref> [[jinchūriki]] who have formed a good relationship with their [[tailed beast]] prefer the latter method whenever they need it.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 413, page 15</ref>
* Another is through intense pain not caused by the genjutsu and utilising the resulting pain to bring their senses back in order (of the first two options, the latter seems more effective in most situations, or at least is the easiest).<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 345, pages 8-9</ref>
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*Pain that is not caused by the genjutsu can bring victims back to their senses.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 345, pages 8-9</ref>
* Another option is accessible only to Sharingan wielders. Members of the Uchiha clan can break or see through genjutsu using their Sharingan. Breaking Tsukuyomi is possible with an ordinary Sharingan, but requires a lot of skill.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 388, page 14</ref>
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*If a caster's vision is obstructed, such as by the [[Hiding in Mist Technique]], that at least prevents the use of ocular genjutsu.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 26, page 13</ref>
* [[Sharingan]] wielders can also use their [[dōjutsu]] to liberate each other from genjutsu. Through eye contact, they are able to literally insert themselves into each other's genjutsu freely allowing them to break whatever genjutsu it is that imprisons their comrade.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 585, page 13</ref>
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*Possessing a [[Sharingan]] renders one largely invulnerable to genjutsu as their acute vision allows them to recognise its flaws and influence. They can also free others from genjutsu by inserting themselves into the opponent's illusion and release it.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 585, page 13</ref>
* Ordinary people can sometimes train their eyes (without Sharingan) to break genjutsu through unknown means, like [[Deidara]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 360, page 17</ref>
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*[[Deidara]] is somehow able to condition his left eye to break genjutsu.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 360, page 17</ref>
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*In the anime, [[kikaichū]] are impervious to genjutsu because their brain structures aren't sophisticated enough, allowing members of the [[Aburame clan]] a method to identify and counter genjutsu.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 206</ref> This is contradicted in the novels, in which [[Itachi Uchiha]] was able to affect the [[Kochū]] with [[Tsukuyomi]].<ref>''Itachi Shinden: Book of Dark Night'', Chapter 6</ref>
* One can prevent a person from casting genjutsu using obstructive techniques like the [[Hiding in Mist Technique]] to prevent one from being trapped by an ocular genjutsu as Zabuza demonstrated against Kakashi.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 26, page 13</ref>
 
* In the anime it was shown that strong smells like that from the [[Chilli Pepper Bomb]]s, can counteract genjutsu.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 187</ref>
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* In the anime, strong smells, such as those from [[Chilli Pepper Bomb]]s, can counteract genjutsu.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 187</ref>
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* In the anime, [[Kabuto Yakushi]] attempted to use his [[Demonic Flute: Phantom Sound Chains|own genjutsu]] on himself in order to override [[Izanami|the one]] [[Itachi Uchiha]] placed on him, though due to the complex nature, it failed.<ref>''Naruto Shippūden'' episode 337</ref>
 
In spite of these methods, some forms of genjutsu like [[Itachi]]'s [[Tsukuyomi]] and [[Shima]] and [[Fukasaku]]'s [[Demonic Illusion: Toad Confrontation Chant]] may not be broken easily, either due to their near-instant effect like the former, or their ability to render one unconscious and paralysed altogether like the latter. In addition, one must realise that he or she is under the effects of genjutsu before attempting to break out of it. This can be done by observing the changes in one's own chakra like [[Karin]]'s [[Mind's Eye of the Kagura|chakra-sensing ability]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 477, page 4</ref>
 
   
 
== See Also ==
 
== See Also ==
<!-- * {{Drilldown|List of genjutsu|Jutsu|q=Jutsu classification=Genjutsu}} -->
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* {{Drilldown|List of genjutsu|Jutsu|q=Classification=Genjutsu}}
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* [[Special:SearchByProperty/Jutsu-20classification/Genjutsu|List of genjutsu]]
 
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== Trivia ==
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* [[Izanagi]] has the opposite effects to normal genjutsu, changing reality to illusion and vice versa.
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* [[Obito Uchiha]] had been able to completely control [[Yagura Karatachi]] with a genjutsu, despite the latter being a perfect jinchūriki.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 507, pages 12-15</ref>
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* In the anime, genjutsu even works on [[Mecha-Naruto]], corrupting its internal system.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 377</ref>
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* Because genjutsu are not real, they are not supposed to be able to kill victims. However, there are exceptions:
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** [[Izumi Uchiha]] is killed with [[Tsukuyomi]] in ''[[Itachi Shinden: Book of Dark Night]]''.
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** In the anime, due to the [[Kurama Clan]]'s [[Kurama Clan's Kekkei Genkai|kekkei genkai]], certain members can use their exceptional talent for genjutsu to make the brain to believe the illusions are physically real, which can cause the victim to be potentially killed.
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** In the anime, [[Kurobane]] is able to forcibly extract water from living beings through [[Ninja Art: Infinite Sea Watchtower]] to produce the genjutsu, resulting in death by dehydration.
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* When [[Ao]] dispelled the genjutsu that [[Obito Uchiha]] placed on [[Yagura Karatachi]], the after effects ended up killing the latter.<ref name="SS:BOS">''Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise''</ref>
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* Itachi claimed that his Tsukuyomi can only be broken by a Sharingan user who shares the same blood with him.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 142, page 15</ref>
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* [[Zansūru]] is immune to ocular genjutsu due to his left eye being a prosthetic, although this does not explain how his right eye is not affected.
   
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
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<references />
   
 
[[Category:Jutsu Type]]
 
[[Category:Jutsu Type]]
   
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[[cs:Genjutsu]]
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[[da:Genjutsu]]
 
[[de:Gen-Jutsu]]
 
[[de:Gen-Jutsu]]
 
[[es:Genjutsu]]
 
[[es:Genjutsu]]
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[[fa:گنجوتسو]]
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[[fr:Genjutsu]]
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[[hu:Genjutsu]]
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[[id:Genjutsu]]
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[[it:Arti Illusorie]]
 
[[ka:გენძიუცუ]]
 
[[ka:გენძიუცუ]]
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[[lt:Gendžiutsu]]
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[[pl:Genjutsu]]
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[[pt-br:Genjutsu]]
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[[ro:Genjutsu]]
 
[[ru:Гендзюцу]]
 
[[ru:Гендзюцу]]
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[[sr:Генџицу]]
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[[uk:Ґенджюцу]]
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[[vi:Ảo Thuật]]

Latest revision as of 23:07, 1 January 2024

Demon Flute Phantom Sound Chains

An example of genjutsu being used.

Genjutsu (幻術, literally meaning: Illusionary Techniques) is one of the main jutsu 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. According to the Second Mizukage, genjutsu falls under the broad category of Yin Release.[1]

Overview

A genjutsu is created when a ninja controls the chakra flow of a target's cerebral nervous system, thereby affecting their five senses; this is frequently used to create false images and/or trick the body into believing its has experienced physical sensations such as pain. It is further explained in the anime that, because genjutsu affects activity throughout the prosencephalon structure of the brain, humans, dogs and other species of mammal are therefore all affected by genjutsu; however, the kikaichū, like all insects, lack such a structure to their brains, and so do not even notice it: as Shino Aburame put it, insects are ruled almost solely by their senses alone, which makes them immune to genjutsu and gives the Aburame clan an ability to detect it, even when heightened senses become susceptible.[2]

Genjutsu can also be used to manipulate others - similar to brainwashing - by feeding the victim illusive suggestions. Methods include integration with nature transformation, as shown with Water and Lightning Release, and in the anime, ingesting special pills that activate when the target sleeps.[3] Audible genjutsu is deemed the most dangerous because the user can trap victims from long distances.[4]

Despite its usefulness, genjutsu is rarely employed, most shinobi preferring the real, tangible effects of ninjutsu and taijutsu over the imagined effects of genjutsu which hold little influence over the physical world. The difficulty of performing genjutsu in the first place presents an additional barrier to its use: genjutsu require precise chakra control in order to manipulate the target's senses and advanced intelligence to make the illusion convincing,[5] prerequisites that even someone as skilled as Jiraiya lacks.[6] Some, however, are able to specialise in genjutsu, with Kurenai Yūhi being regarded as one of Konoha's experts in the field and members of the Uchiha clan being particularly feared because of their Sharingan's generic genjutsu. According to Hagoromo, the Byakugan can also be used to extend the range of genjutsu.

Those under the influence of genjutsu will either appear to be unconscious or continue to move around under the pretence of the genjutsu. The former may be used to prevent or immediately end confrontations by trapping a target within an imagined scenario, leaving them physically vulnerable but requiring further skill and effort on the part of the the genjutsu user to establish and maintain. The latter is very effective in extended battle as a genjutsu user can make themselves appear to be somewhere else and attack the victim from behind or change the environment to make the victim see a flat plain where there is a steep cliff. Alternatively, a genjutsu user can create relatively small differences in the environment, which is more effective for intel gathering. For example, Itachi Uchiha was known to cast a genjutsu upon meeting someone, and that person's reaction to Itachi's image in the genjutsu would help him understand them better while keeping himself safe.

Countering

There are several options to combat genjutsu:

  • A victim's chakra flow, if disrupted enough, can break the caster's influence. This "Genjutsu Dissipation" (幻術解, Genjutsu Kai, literally meaning: Illusion Technique Dissipation) or "Genjutsu Reversal" (幻術返し, Genjutsu Gaeshi, literally meaning: Illusion Technique Reversal)[7] can be done by the victim themselves, (assuming they realise they're under a genjutsu's influence) or an ally who emits chakra into them;[8] jinchūriki who have formed a good relationship with their tailed beast prefer the latter method whenever they need it.[9]
  • Pain that is not caused by the genjutsu can bring victims back to their senses.[10]
  • If a caster's vision is obstructed, such as by the Hiding in Mist Technique, that at least prevents the use of ocular genjutsu.[11]
  • Possessing a Sharingan renders one largely invulnerable to genjutsu as their acute vision allows them to recognise its flaws and influence. They can also free others from genjutsu by inserting themselves into the opponent's illusion and release it.[12]
  • Deidara is somehow able to condition his left eye to break genjutsu.[13]
  • In the anime, kikaichū are impervious to genjutsu because their brain structures aren't sophisticated enough, allowing members of the Aburame clan a method to identify and counter genjutsu.[14] This is contradicted in the novels, in which Itachi Uchiha was able to affect the Kochū with Tsukuyomi.[15]
  • In the anime, strong smells, such as those from Chilli Pepper Bombs, can counteract genjutsu.[16]
  • In the anime, Kabuto Yakushi attempted to use his own genjutsu on himself in order to override the one Itachi Uchiha placed on him, though due to the complex nature, it failed.[17]

See Also

Trivia

  • Izanagi has the opposite effects to normal genjutsu, changing reality to illusion and vice versa.
  • Obito Uchiha had been able to completely control Yagura Karatachi with a genjutsu, despite the latter being a perfect jinchūriki.[18]
  • In the anime, genjutsu even works on Mecha-Naruto, corrupting its internal system.[19]
  • Because genjutsu are not real, they are not supposed to be able to kill victims. However, there are exceptions:
  • When Ao dispelled the genjutsu that Obito Uchiha placed on Yagura Karatachi, the after effects ended up killing the latter.[20]
  • Itachi claimed that his Tsukuyomi can only be broken by a Sharingan user who shares the same blood with him.[21]
  • Zansūru is immune to ocular genjutsu due to his left eye being a prosthetic, although this does not explain how his right eye is not affected.

References

  1. Naruto chapter 548, page 18
  2. Naruto episode 206
  3. Naruto: Shippūden episode 318
  4. Naruto chapter 214, pages 13-14
  5. Second Databook, page 163
  6. Naruto chapter 378, page 6
  7. Naruto Shippūden episode 484
  8. Naruto chapter 259, pages 8-10
  9. Naruto chapter 413, page 15
  10. Naruto chapter 345, pages 8-9
  11. Naruto chapter 26, page 13
  12. Naruto chapter 585, page 13
  13. Naruto chapter 360, page 17
  14. Naruto episode 206
  15. Itachi Shinden: Book of Dark Night, Chapter 6
  16. Naruto: Shippūden episode 187
  17. Naruto Shippūden episode 337
  18. Naruto chapter 507, pages 12-15
  19. Naruto: Shippūden episode 377
  20. Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise
  21. Naruto chapter 142, page 15