Shikamaru invented this technique while teaching himself to use Asuma Sarutobi's trench knives. By infusing the blades with his own chakra beforehand, they are given the effect of his shadow techniques. By using these weapons to pierce the enemies' shadows, they are paralyzed in place. To pierce the shadow, it is necessary to avoid the target just barely. As it is more difficult for the enemy notice it, this ninjutsu also compensates for the weak point of the similar Shadow Imitation Technique, being its limited effective range.
It is unknown for how long this jutsu can keep its targets paralyzed, however it can be disrupted by simply the removal of the blade or by the disappearance of the opponents shadow. Unlike other chakra flow based techniques it is unknown if it requires a constant streaming of chakra or if one simply stores it in the blades indefinitely. Shikamaru has been seen throwing the blades with is shadow, so it could also be assumed that he can transfer the chakra through his shadow, but since this technique has only been successfully seen once it still remains unclear.
- ↑ Third Databook, page 232
