User:GoDai/Ideas and Theories

Note: I definitely place manga ahead of anime/movies in my assumptions and theories. And for those of you who get bored of reading all this, I'm sorry, I'm trying to make it more appealing, and I'll slightly try (XP) if I can get some nice diagrams for you picture-lovers! I know lots of this stuff is fact, but there are some pretty good theories here and there.

Feel free to mention any ideas or feedback at User talk: GoDai/GoDai Seishitsu Henka, Combinations, and Theories.

=Godai Seishitsu Henka (五大性質変化); Nature Transformation of Chakra=

Nature Transformation Mechanics and Theories
Nature Transformation (五大性質変化, Seishitsu Henka) can be better translated as “Property Changes,” “Changes in Behavior,” or “Alteration of Characteristics,” and therefore it refers to the transformation of the characteristics of chakra. Chakra can be changed in five main ways: Some have the ability to conduct two characteristic changes at the same time, forming an “Advanced Nature”. Although anyone can learn to use two or more natures, not anyone can change their chakra’s behavior in more than one way at once simultaneously, as it is only available through a kekkei genkai (or sometimes a Tailed Beast Skill). Such a kekkei genkai allows one to change their chakra in one way with each hand, and therefore change their chakra in two ways at once when they form a hand seal. Chakra itself is composed of two energies: Spiritual energy, which governs imagination and form, and physical energy, which governs life and mass. These components themselves can be manipulated to change the nature of chakra: Some have gained access to the ability to utilize both of the above at the same time:
 * Fire (火, Hi); Fire Release (火遁, Katon): Chakra is increased in temperature and flammability, and is given burning (deconstructive) effects.
 * Wind (風, Kaze); Wind Release (風遁, Fūton): Chakra is pressed and grinded to become thin and sharp.
 * Lightning (雷, Kaminari); Lightning Release (雷遁, Raiton): The vibration frequencies of chakra are increased, making it unstable and electrical.
 * Earth (土, Tsuchi); Earth Release (土遁, Dōton): The density of chakra is increased, and its composition is changed, forming an earthen solid (varing from dirt, mud, and clay, to stone and rock).
 * Water (水, Mizu); Water Release (水遁, Suiton): The viscosity of chakra is increased, forming water in a fluid form (either liquid or gas), but usually more dense and viscous than natural water.
 * Ice (氷, Kori); Ice Release (氷遁, Hyōton): Chakra is made more viscous and fluid, and pressed at the same time (Water and Wind), forming solid ice structures.
 * Note: Water expands when it freezes, but what Water Release utilizes may not be really water.
 * Wood (木, Ki); Wood Release (木遁, Mokuton): Both the density and fluidity of chakra is increased at the same time (Earth and Water), forming trees.
 * Note: As this element creates life, it seems Yang is also required.
 * Lava (溶岩, Yōgan); Lava Release (熔遁, Yōton): Chakra is increased in density and temperature at the same time (Earth+Fire), forming volcanic substances, primarily lava.
 * Blaze (炎, Honō); Blaze Release (炎遁, Enton): Unknown; used by Sasuke Uchiha through his right eye to manipulate the form of Amaterasu.
 * Storm (嵐, Arashi); Storm Release (嵐遁, Ranton): The vibration frequency of chakra is increased, and the chakra is made more fluid at the same time (Lightning and Water), forming a bright, fluid, electrical energy.
 * Dissolution (溶解, Yōkai), Dissolution Release (溶遁, Yōton): It seems that chakra is increased in viscosity and density at the same time (Water and Earth), forming a sticky corrosive.
 * Boiling (沸騰, Futtō); Boil Release (沸遁, Futton): Chakra is turned into a fluid and given burning characteristics at the same time (Water and Fire), forming an acidic vapour.
 * Dust (塵, Chiri); Dust Release (塵遁, Jinton); Chakra is pressed and increased in density at the same time (Wind and Earth), creating a solid, grinding, force that can pulverize anything into molecule-sized dust.
 * Explosion (爆發, Bakuhatsu); Explosion Release (爆遁, Bakuton): Unknown; Deidara claims he possesses this nature.
 * Seeing how his Exploding Clay was considered a Hiden jutsu due to it being derived from the Iwagakure Kinjutsu, this nature may have been a kekkei genkai he originally possessed, but used the kinjutsu to knead this explosive chakra into the clay. As it was diffusable by Lightning, it is likely Earth is involved in the Nature Transformation.
 * Yin (陰, In); Yin Release (陰遁, Inton): Spiritual energy is manipulated, altering thought(idea; concept) and form.
 * Yang (陽, Yō); Yang Release (陽遁, Yōton): Physical energy is manipulated, creating life(reality; existence) and mass.
 * Yin-Yang (陰陽, Onmyō); Yin-Yang Release (陰陽遁, Onmyōton): Both spiritual energy and physical energy are manipulated, creating form and mass at the same time to bring anything imaginable into reality.

Converted Chakra
When changed in nature, chakra takes on the appearance and behavior of another substance or energy. This chakra can be used for two main purposes: Being used to control the corresponding element, or being used as the element itself. When used for controlling, not much chakra is required, but the pre-existing element must be in reach of chakra.

Manipulation of already-existing elements

 * Fire chakra can (theoretically) manipulate pre-existing flames. Not preferred, as fire is not widely available in large amounts.
 * Wind chakra can manipulate pre-existing air currents (like in Wind Release: Wind Cutter).
 * Danzō Shimura's vaccum-based Wind Release techniques may be doing this, by infusing pre-existing air into the techniques.
 * Lightning chakra can manipulate naturally-existing lightning. Not preferred, as lightning is not too common.
 * However, a storm can be created by sending an extremely powerful Fire Release technique into the sky, causing drastic changes in thermals to form thunderclouds. Then, the chakra sent into the sky inside the Fire tecnique is converted into a Lightning type to manipulate the static electricity built up inside the clouds. The user then gathers all the lightning into one form to use, which is much more powerful than using only chakra, as well as more energy-efficient. This technique is known as Kirin.
 * Earth chakra can manipulate pre-existing earth. Preferred, as earth is usually found anywhere on land.
 * Water chakra can manipulate pre-existing water. Preferred, as water sources are quite common.

Chakra being changed into the element
When a pre-existing nearby source of the element is not available, larger amounts of converted chakra must be used to replace the normal amount of the element that would be used. Also, it seems there are some other techniques that involve chakra conversion (also called kneading), other than the Natures:
 * Fire chakra can be exhaled, releasing Fire through the mouth. Preferred, as large amounts of natural fire are uncommon.
 * Wind chakra can be released through the body, such as from the hands or arms; e.g. Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, Blade of Wind
 * Lightning chakra can be released through the body, such as from the hands or arms. Preferred, as pre-existing lightning is uncommon; e.g. Chidori, Lightning Release Armor
 * Earth chakra can be spitten out, providing earth in higher earth-free surroundings. Not preferred, Earth is usually anywhere; e.g. The Third Hokage's Earth Release: Earth Style Wall
 * Water chakra can be spitten out, providing water when there are no water sources nearby. Somewhat preferred, some areas don't have much water. e.g. Water Release: Great Exploding Water Colliding Wave
 * Jiraiya could convert his chakra into oil, in techniques such as the Toad Oil Bullet and the Sage Art: Goemon. This could be absorbed by the Blocking Technique Absorption Seal.
 * Shizune could "knead" her chakra into specal chemicals inside her body, then exhale them. The moment it was released and made contact with the air it would turn into a poisonus mist. (See Poison Mist)

It should be noted converted chakra still contains the properties of actual chakra, and it can be considered "wearing a disguise." Therefore, a chakra absorption technique such as the Blocking Technique Absorption Seal can absorb converted chakra. Also, in can be theorized that increased masses such as water and earth will return to normal as time goes by, as the chakra will dissipate and lose its "disguise."

Left-over Spaces; Theorized Natures
From the behaviour and origins of revealed natures, unrevealed natures' properties can be guessed.

Also, it is possible that there are 20 recompositions instead of 10, as it is implied that Dissolution is Water+Earth and Wood is Earth+Water.

(Fire and Wind) A simultaneous compression and sharpening of chakra, and increase in its temperature.
 * Name Theories: Dark(冥), Blaze(炎), Steam(蒸), Heat(熱), Scorch
 * Effect theories:
 * A “Burning Wind” or “Cutting/Pressed Fire”.
 * A completely different level of enhanced Fire, such as “Blue Fire”, used by the Two-Tailed Monster Cat (and Dark Release: Judgment in the movie). The blue fire itself refers to the will-o-wisp in both cases, which is the link made to Dark.
 * Possibly a blowtorch-like effect which uses fire to cut.
 * Possibly a compressed, superheated, air (maybe steam) which cuts and burns things at the same time.
 * Seeing how Wind could "freeze" (probably compress instead) Water to create Ice, Wind may be naturally cold. The collision of hot and cold air could produce air currents, clouds, etc.

(Fire and Lightning) A simultaneous increase in temperature of chakra, and increase in its vibration frequency. (Wind and Lightning) A simultaneous compression and sharpening of chakra, and increase in its vibration frequency.
 * Name Theories: Blaze(炎), Spark/Fireworks, Light(光)/Heat/Sun(日), Scorch/Searing
 * Effect theories:
 * A “Forking/"Static" Fire” or “Burning Lightning”.
 * Possibly Blaze Release, as Blaze Release: Kagutsuchi created a spiked (forked) arrangement of Fire.
 * A forking, or diving, fire, possibly in the form of a mass of bright sparks, or fireworks. Both static electricity and sparks are created by friction, but sparks are more related to flames.
 * Fire and Lightning both emit Light, and a combination might possible amplify that. Heat and plasma are also common points between the two elements. The Sun emits light, heat, radiation, and is composed of plasma, possibly “summing up” all of these characteristics.
 * Name theories: Swift(汛), Sound/Thunder/Scream(鳴), Heaven(天)
 * Effect theories:
 * A “Pressed/Cutting Lightning” or “Vibrating/Electrical Wind”.
 * A resonating wave, by combining the flow of air with vibration. When added to steel, it would cause it to resonate, and it would also be the ideal Chakra Flow element.

(Lightning and Earth) A simultaneous increase in vibration frequency, and increase in density.
 * Name theories: Steel(鋼)/Metal(金), Magnet(磁)/Compass(針), Glass/Crystal(晶)/Fulgurite
 * Effect theories:
 * A “Solid Lightning” or “Vibrating Earth”.
 * Lightning could refine Earth into Steel, which would conduct electricity and vibrate.
 * The magnetic chakra used by the Third Kazekage for the use of his Iron Sand techniques could be a combination, created by combining the electrical properties with the minerals and metals in magnetic substances.
 * Glass crystals known as fulgurites are created when lightning hits a type of sand at a certain temperature.

Possible Natures: Tailed Beasts
As the Four-Tailed Monkey possessed an Advanced Nature, the Lava Release, it is also possible that other Tailed Beasts possess Advanced Natures.
 * Although never mentioned to be an Advanced Nature, the One-Tailed Shukaku has the power to manipulate sand with its chakra. The jinchūriki of the beast also gains this power, and it is viewed as the Shukaku's primary ability. The Shukaku also has a Wind nature, and it also has the ability to use already-existing sand to grind nearby earth(and therefore, possibly connected to Earth Release) into more sand, although it is more difficult to manipulate than natural, desert sand (or chakra-infused sand). Gaara was never seen converting his chakra into sand, but Shukaku may have done so in Wind Release: Infinite Sand Cloud Great Breakthrough, where he spits sand in his miniature Shukaku form. Also, other hosts are covered by bubbles, blood, bones, then muscles of the beast, all composed of chakra, in that order during transformation, while the Shukaku's host is covered in sand, molding into the shape of the beast, rather than a chakra coat. It is unknown how the host can transform when not near sand, or even if they are able to transform at all without sand.
 * This is mainly viewed as not being a Advanced Nature, due to it being an ability used through chakra infusion rather than Nature Transformation (The chakra stays unchanged, only added to sand).
 * When the Two-Tailed Monster Cat's jinchūriki transformed, they became covered in blue flames, taking on the shape of the beast. This is similar to how the One-Tailed Shukaku's jinchūriki would transform, becoming covered in sand. However, the major difference was that a nearby blue flame was not required. It is possible that the jinchūriki's body heat was becoming amplified to produce this effect, or that the user's chakra was turned into a stronger-than-normal Fire chakra. However, as the use of blue fire had not been seen until this moment (neither were ninja using Fire through their skin), it is possible that this was an Advanced Nature that controls Blue Fire.
 * The Five-Tailed Dolphin Horse's latest jinchūriki, Han, wore a "Steam Armor" which allowed him to use steam-based ninjutsu. Although unknown if this was a Tailed Beast Skill, the Five-Tails' colour and appearance was like that of steam. This may have been similar to the Shukaku, where nearby steam, provided by his armor, protected him by the will of the beast.
 * The Six-Tailed Slug's latest jinchūriki, Utakata, utilized Soap Bubble Ninjutsu. In the anime, he had a Water affinity, and it seems this ability was connected to that, and it was used though the Bubble Blower. However, although never mentioned, this Bubble-style ninjutsu may have been derived from the beast, judging from the slug's appearance and colour.
 * Although the Seven-Tailed Horned Beetle's abilities are the most mysterious among the nine Tailed Beasts. Its powers are essentially entirely unknown.
 * It is assumed the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox and the Eight-Tailed Giant Ox do not possess any kind of Advanced Natures, seeing that Naruto and Killer Bee, characters the story has focused much on, have not displayed any sort of new elemental technique.

Possible Natures: Kekkei Genkai, Hiden, etc.
Also, there are certain other abilities that hint the use of a Nature Transformation through words along the lines of "chakra is converted into" or "chakra is made more...". Several kekkei genkai or unknown abilities manipulate substances, and are possible Natures.
 * The Third Kazekage had an unnamed kekkei genkai which allowed him to convert his chakra into magnetic forces, creating a magnetic field around him. He could manipulate any magnetic/metallic object in the field, including iron powder. He discovered an extreme usefulness for this ability, known as Iron Sand, which he could turn into makeshift weapons of his choice, and clot up the joints of puppets, rendering them useless against him as long as they remained in this magnetic field. He gained knowledge of this ability in his attempt to duplicate the sand manipulation powers of the One-Tailed Shukaku, and this ability became known as the "most feared weapon in Sunagakure".
 * A Rinnegan user has several abilities possibly related to elements. First of all, it should be noted a Rinnegan user has access to all six Nature Transformation, although unknown if they can combine natures.
 * The user and reanmated bodies could produce a chakra-conducting metal from their body, and use it as a tool.
 * The Deva Path has the ability to manipulate gravity and repulsion, probably using chakra. The black ball of gravity used in Chibaku Tensei suggests this.
 * The Asura Path uses its chakra as a destructive force in its techniques, such as Flaming Arrow of Amazing Ability, Flaming Arrow Missiles, and Laser Explosion. Flaming Arrow of Amazing Ability also has been mentioned to use chakra like a magnet.
 * Kimimaro's kekkei genkai, the Shikotsumyaku, allowed him to infuse his bones with chakra, and therefore manipulate his skeletal structure. Several of these techniques resembled elemental ninjutsu, but with bones instead.
 * Kidōmaru had the ability to infuse his chakra with sweat or spit, and turn it into either a very sticky silk, or a chakra-blocking metal. This ability is known as the Spider Sticky Gold. Kidōmaru also possessed six arms in total, and could form three Hand Seals at once. It is a Hiden jutsu, probably a result of Orochimaru's experiments, although as a genetic ability (experiment), it could be considered a kekkei genkai. Also, Deidara's Exploding Clay was initially classified as Hiden, but he later revealed that he possessed a "kekkei genkai", the "Explosion Release". However, it did also utilize the Iwagakure Kinjutsu, which was Hiden.

Other than that, there are several other techniques confused with natures, but are likely not actual natures.
 * Konan's transformation technique, the Dance of the Shikigami, turns herself into paper and manipulates it into different shapes.
 * However, it is ranked. (B-rank)
 * Sai has the ability to draw paintings with chakra-infused ink, and bring them to life with Super Beasts Imitation Picture.
 * However, it is ranked. (B-rank)
 * Shizune knew how to use the Poison Mist, which allowed her to exhale a toxic gas, much like Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique.
 * However, it is ranked. (B-rank)
 * Several characters have used sound-based jutsu. Most of these used an instrument (tool) or the user's voices. The majority of these were also genjutsu, and sound-based genjutsu have been mentioned to be the most effective.
 * Too many characters have used this type to be considered an Advanced Nature, although an unused aspect of sound may be used.
 * Jiraiya could convert his chakra into oil, allowing him to use techniques such as Toad Oil Bullet. This "Oil chakra" could be absorbed by the Blocking Technique Absorption Seal, confirming this chakra-converting process.
 * However, it is ranked. (C-rank)

Pattern Theory: Opposite and Adjacent Recompositions
This is the first great idea I had in this research.

There are 2 types of elemental recomposition: Opposite and Adjacent.


 * Opposite recomposition includes Ice, Lava, Storm, and Dust, where the elements being recomposed both have a relationship with another element, one superior and the other inferior (e.g. Water → Fire → Wind; Water + Wind = Ice, so Ice is the opposite of Fire, because the Fire chakra will be strong against the Wind component of Ice chakra, but weak to the Water component). This type of recomposition produces an element that is an "opposite" of a basic element. By this theory, Ice is the opposite of Fire, Lava is the opposite of Water, Storm is the opposite of Earth, and Dust is the opposite of Lightning.
 * (Water→Fire→Wind) In Sasuke's fight with Haku, Haku stated Sasuke could not melt his Ice with a C-rank Fire technique, which could show how Fire and Ice are equally opposed, and one can defeat the other only by level of skill.
 * (Earth→Water→Fire) Rōshi's Lava could be cooled and extinguished by Kisame's Water, although Kisame also complained about the difficulty, possibly saying their powers were matched.
 * (Lightning→Earth→Water) Storm is energy-based, while Earth is matter-based. The former also represents "Heaven", while the latter represents "Earth".
 * (Wind→Lightning→Earth) Dust is matter-based, while Lightning is energy-based. In comparison, both involve the breakdown of matter.
 * (Fire→Wind→Lightning)
 * THEORY 1: If Sasuke's new element Blaze is Fire+Lightning, Naruto's Wind chakra will be the only equal counter to it. This was inspired when Yamato explains elemental relationships, about how Naruto's Wind cannot defeat Sasuke's Fire Release techniques, but can defeat his Chidori, and Naruto talked about how he was the only person that could be the one to oppose Sasuke. I especially believe that Sasuke's new element Blaze is somehow related to the two natures he was able to learn at such a young age, and I was mainly motivated by Yamato's lesson, where he showed Fire→Wind→Lightning, which means Naruto and Sasuke are, also in this way, opposites (Wind←→Blaze in this theory).
 * Also, it seems that natures of this element are formed by applying the inferior element’s characteristics to the superior element’s composition. Ice is frozen Water(→Fire→Wind), Lava is molten Earth(→Water→Fire), Storm is fluid Lightning(→Earth→Water), and Dust is solid Wind(→Lightning→Earth). If Blaze is the opposite of Wind, it would be forked Fire(→Wind→Lightning). When an advanced element and its basic opposite clash, the basic element "reduces" the advanced nature. Fire melts Ice, Water cools Lava, Earth "filters" Storm, Lightning dissipates Dust, and theoretically, Wind would destroy the form of Blaze.


 * Adjacent recomposition includes Wood and Boil (and Dissolution if it is truely not the same as Lava), which is a case where elements that may affect each other in relationships outside of recomposition (Earth → Water, and Water → Fire). In such a recomposition, the inferior element must (symbolically) overcome the superior one with "skill"(e.g. Normally, Earth → Water, but Water can cause Wood to grow from the Earth, therefore breaking and dividing it). This is necessary to create balance between the superior and inferior elements, and also gives birth to a new property or substance in the process.
 * (Water-Wood→Earth) Earth blocks, or absorbs, Water, but Water can cause Wood to grow in the Earth, causing the roots of the Tree to part and break into the Earth (This comes from the Chinese elements, which are also used in Japan and other Asian countries).
 * (Water-Dissolution→Earth) Earth blocks or absorbs Water, but Water can dissolve Earth.
 * (Fire-Boil→Water) Water extinguishes Fire, but can cause Water to Boil in the process.
 * (Wind-Dark?→Fire) THEORY: Fire consumes Wind, but Wind can cause Fire to blow out, leaving only Darkness. (Credit to Omnibender)
 * (Lightning-Swift?→Wind) THEORY: Wind dissipates Lightning, but Lightning is faster, which allows it to strike before Wind.
 * (Earth-Steel?→Lightning) THEORY: Lightning pierces/breaks Earth, but the Electricity can be used to purify and refine Earth into Steel, a stronger material which conducts Electricity, and therefore immune, because it just lets it pass through itself.

Taiji Circle Energy-Matter Theory

 * If you can see my profile picture, you will see what seems to be a Yin-Yang diagram with a whole bunch of lines over it. This is a crazy idea I had, and this is how it goes. First you must understand my made-up terminology from my Opposite-and-Adjacent theory. This theory is entirely reliant on the diagram.
 * I draw a circle, and label five points on it  equally distanced from each other (72 degrees each). I label five more points on the same circle, . Each of these five must be equally spaced from its two components (e.g. Wood/Dissoultion in the exact middle of the arc connecting Earth and Water; refer to Opposite-and-Adjacent theory) and therefore, the 10 elements will each be 36 degrees away from each other.
 * Now, I draw another circle with the same center, but with a diameter of half the length of the first circle's diameter. Then, I label , each aligned with Fire, Wind, Lightning, Earth, and Water respectively (e.g. Ice will be exactly between the Fire point and the center). Now I draw arcs to connect each element to its components.
 * Now this is new. I draw a curved line, exactly like that which divides Yin and Yang, formed by two half-circles curved toards opposite directions, to place Fire, Lightning, Wind, Dark, Swift, Storm, Blaze, and Dust on one side, and Earth, Water, Wood, Lava, Steel, Boil, and Ice on the other side of this circle. Now, I shade the side with Fire and Lightning black. If all goes according to plan, the energy-based elements end up on the black area, while the matter-based ones end up on the white area. The end result should be something that looks like an evenly divided Yin-Yang symbol.

Wu Xing/Gogyō connection
As I have mentioned on my home page, I have also researched other series of Classical Elemental Philosophy, and the Japanese used two systems: The "Gogyō" (五行; Chinese Wu Xing), and the "Godai" (五大; Mostly derived from Buddhism and Hinduism). While Masashi Kishimoto used a variation of the latter (replacing the Heaven element with Lightning), this variation also bears similarities to the Gogyō.

The Wu Xing (五行) means "Five Phases" rather than "Five Elements", in the sense that all things are composed of one "substance", and only in different forms or states. It has two main cycles:
 * The creation cycle: Wood => Fire => Earth => Metal => Water => Wood
 * Wood ignites, creating Fire,
 * Fire leaves ashes (Earth),
 * Earth is refined into Metal,
 * Metal generates Water (Water condenses on metal; Liquids such as mercury were viewed as "water"),
 * Water nourishes Wood.


 * The conflict cycle: Wood -> Earth -> Water -> Fire -> Metal -> Wood
 * Wood digs into and breaks Earth,
 * Earth absorbs, or blocks, Water,
 * Water extinguishes Fire,
 * Fire melts Metal,
 * Metal chops (or is harder than) Wood.

Nothing became Yin and Yang, and they became these five. Wood was the first created element. Wood and Fire are considered to be Yang-based, Earth neutral/both, and Metal and Water are considered Yin-based. The first resemblance is here. In Naruto, Yang is life and mass, while Yin is thought and form. Linking the two together, it would be like this:
 * Yang created life, forming Wood.
 * Yang added further energy, igniting it to create Fire.
 * Yin stabilized the flames' form, and Yang gave it mass, leaving ash (Earth).
 * Yin refined its form, turning it into Metal.
 * Yin changed its state, making it a liquid (Water).

The second connection is in the elements. The original Godai are composed of , and Kishimoto uses . There are two changes: Earth and Lightning. This is done so that: Also, now the cycle can be compared to Wu Xing: By this, it seems that Wind and Lightning correspond to Metal and Wood, respectively, which can be supported: The third connection relies on my Pattern Theory (See few sections above). In Adjacent Recomposition, an inferior element must overcome the superior one, creating, or revealing, a new element or characteristic in the process. This is similar to the Wu Xing.
 * Earth(土; Soil/Dirt) is no longer Earth(地; Land), and therefore does not give the impression that Earth defeats Lightning by grounding. Dirt itself is simply destroyed by the vibration of the electric flow.
 * Lightning(雷) is no longer "vague" in effect, and maintains sense as well as gaining the ability to give proper Recomposition ideas, etc.
 * Godai: Fire->Wind->Lightning->Earth->Water
 * Gogyō: Fire->Metal->Wood->Earth->Water
 * The Byakko (白虎; Baihu), the White Tiger of the West, is a symbol of Metal. Also, in many Asian cultures (including Japan) consider it to be linked to the wind, possibly explaining the connection.
 * The Eight Trigrams - Fire(火), Earth(地; Land), Lake(澤; Swamp), Heaven(天; Sky), Water(水), Mountain(山), Lightning(雷), Wind(風) - Each correspond to an element. Fire(火) has Fire, Earth(土) has Earth and Mountain, Metal(金) has Lake and Heaven, Water(水) has Water, and Wood(木) has Lightning and Wind. However, because Wind is already represented by Metal through the White Tiger, Lightning is chosen.

In my theory,
 * "Fire -(Boil)-> Water"; Fire boils Water.
 * "Water -(Wood/Dissolution)-> Earth"; Water generates Wood, which breaks into Earth; Water dissolves Earth.
 * "Earth -(Steel?)-> Lightning"; Earth is refined into Steel (through Lightning).
 * "Lightning -(Swift?)-> Wind": Lightning is faster than Wind; Speed advantage.
 * "Wind -(Dark?)-> Fire"; Wind puts out Fire, leaving Darkness.

In the Wu Xing/Gogyō,
 * "Fire -(Earth)-> Water"; Fire reduces something(Wood?) to ash, which becomes Earth and absorbs Water.
 * "Water -(Wood)-> Earth"; Water generates Wood, which breaks into the Earth.
 * "Earth -(Metal)-> Wood"; Earth is refined(through Fire?) into Metal, which chops Wood.
 * "Wood -(Fire)-> Metal"; Wood produces Fire (possibly ignited by the Metal's spark), which melts Metal.
 * "Metal -(Water)-> Fire"; Metal becomes liquefied (probably by the Fire), and falls on the Fire, putting it out.

As you can see, extreme similarities can be seen in the second lines, and somewhat the third lines. Both contain the Water-Wood->Earth idea, as well as the "Earth becoming stronger through refining" idea. Also the fourth lines also show competition in one aspect: Speed in the former and density/durability in the latter.

Other Theories on Anime-/Movie-only Elements and Relationships
I consider the elements only in the movie Naruto Shippūden 3: Inheritors of the Will of Fire as possibilities for canon assumptions, mentioned earlier.
 * Dark Release (and probably the Chimera Technique) is channeled through the special mark on the user's left hand (or mouth). Wood Release's Tailed Beast suppression technique was first seen being channeled throught the user's right hand. Dark Release seems to be related to Yin in a "dark" sense, and Wood Release is definitely related to Yang, its life energy source.
 * If the case in the first theory is indeed correct and Yamato is only able to use his technique through his right hand, Dark(Fire+Wind) and Wood(Earth+Water) could be a form of "opposites", representing Death (Dark, 冥, is related to the dead, and the underworld) and Life(Wood is the only element which manipulates life) respectively. In modern popular culture, Fire is depicted as the oposite of Water, and Air(Wind) is depicted as the opposite of Earth. The elements Dark and Wood are both unique in the idea that Wind and Fire must "annihilate"(instead of combining) each other to become Dark, while Earth and Water produce a biotic component while they are both abiotic (They create life).
 * The only element not used in this system is Lightning, which could lead to other relations. In Japanese culture, Heaven is represented by Lightning, and Heaven is viewed as the supreme element when put in the traditional order of "Heaven-Wind-Fire-Water-Earth", and the other four elements are considered to be elements of the Earth (地; not "heavenly").


 * In the movie, after Hiruko displayed his Dark Release with his left hand, he quickly switched to his right hand to block Sai's tantō assault with Steel Release: Impervious Armor, suggesting he cannot use his Steel in his left hand, (or maybe, it's only available in his right hand). It is possible the parts(DNA? Blood? Skin? Other body parts?) of the kekkei genkai-bearing victims of the Chimera Technique were simply assimilated (or were planned to be assimilated) into different parts of his body (Left Arm/Hand: Dark Release, Right Arm/Hand: Steel Release, Stomach/Mouth: Storm Release, Feet/Legs: Swift Release, Chest~Head: Sharingan?) granting him the abilities with the sources at those points.

Nothingness Release
This is entirely my own idea. It is an element that is neither Yin nor Yang, and therefore is 無極 (Mugyoku; Wuji), which is basically limitless, infinite, nothingness (Ultimate-less). It is contrasted with the 太極 (Taigyoku; Taiji), which is the limited, Supreme Ultimate (See Yin-Yang Release). While the Mugyoku is not bound in time nor space, the Taigyoku represents this universe, as well as its beginning and end. The Mugyoku gives rise to Yin and Yang, which become arranged into the Taigyoku, which then produce the Five Phases in succession: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, which then create the flow of the Four Seasons. This arrangement will one day return into the unlimited void from which anything may arise.

The Nothingness(無, Mu) nature, which allows for the use of Nothingness Release (無遁, Muton). This nature manipulates nothing(the state of the Mugyoku/Wuji) itself. It would give the user the only thing Mugyoku can do: divide into a "Yin" and a "Yang", which in this case, is any two things that could potentially combine back into nothing by cancelling each other out (Prominent example is positive charge and negative charge). Nothingness is not true nothingness, but rather a random assortment of opposing forces which cancel each other out, and therefore are undetectable. Detecting these differences would allow one to figure out how to divide these "Yins" and "Yangs" (See below)
 * As , infinite amounts of either force could be produced without breaking the Law of Conservation of Mass and other laws of nature, as the equilibrium of Yin and Yang would not be broken as long as both were in balance.
 * For this nature to be of any use, the user must make sure the "Yin" and "Yang" produced must not come crashing back together, and my idea is that sealing the two attracting forces in separate containers, such as eyes (Dōjutsu? Don't wanna get too fanonic), for future use would be logical. For problems such as negative mass to not arise, it would be preferable to only divide nothingness into things with no mass. The most basic idea of this nature would be push and pull, two forces which cancel each other out.
 * This nature could be a combination of Yin-Yang Release and Lightning Release (which is the "heavenly" element in Japan) to go with Dark Release being "Fire + Wind" and Wood Release, which is "Water + Earth". The charge manipulation of Lightning could aid in the splittng, as well as the advantage that this nature would be able to produce unlimited amounts of natural electricity with the separated charges produced, while only requiring the use of chakra for the division. This advantage of "infinite" amounts of naturally available electricity could be compared to Kirin.

Ice Release (and the movie use)
Haku's clan possessed the Ice Release, which allowed them to simultaneously use Water and Wind to produce Ice. The technique Ice Release Secret Technique: Magical Mirrors of Ice Crystal produced an arrangement of 21 levitating ice mirrors. Haku could then “enter” one mirror, and leap out of another. The reflection of the mirrors seems to be what allowed him to do so. This could either be an optical illusion, or a Jikūkan Ninjutsu.

Also, in the first movie, the ninja of Yukigakure possessed an affinity for Ice Release, but as a sixth basic nature rather than an advanced nature. This nature focused on the manipulation of snow and freezing, rather than the manipulation of solid structures. Also, it is likely that this nature is a mistake, as the Nature Transformation concept hadn’t been explained at that point.

Wood Release (and Tailed Beast control, and Sage of the Six Paths)
Hashirama Senju possessed the Wood Release, which he used to create the foundation of Konohagakure. Yamato and Danzō Shimura later gained access to this nature through Orochimaru’s experiments with Hashirama’s DNA. The user converts their chakra into a life force, and then creates trees from their own cells, or the ground.

Hashirama also used a technique known as the Hokage-Style Sixty-Year-Old Technique - Kakuan Entering Society with Bliss-Bringing Hands, which suppressed the chakra of Tailed Beasts. This is mainly why Wood Release is seen as synonymous to “Tailed Beast control” to some characters, as both Yamato and Danzō were mentioned that they gained access to this power for the ability to control the Tailed Beasts. As it is unknown why particularly Wood is necessary for this ability, it is quite possible that “Tailed Beast control” and “Wood Release” are two different powers Hashirama possessed, and all the other users gained the Wood Release as a “by-product” in their quest to gain control over the Tailed Beasts.

Madara also stated that, as both Uchiha and Senju blood (together forming the blood of the Sage of the Six Paths) is required to use Izanagi, he stole some of Hashirama’s DNA, which he used to grow a mindless “clone” of Hashirama in the form of a flower. He uses this flower to produce Zetsus, which have plant-based abilities. It also seems quite possible that some part of his body is like Zetsu, as he removed and replaced and arm, seemingly made of the same substance as Zetsu. This may be what grants him the use of Izanagi.

As the Sharingan and Wood Release are the only abilities that seem to grant manipulation of the Tailed Beasts, it is possible that Uchiha and Senju only possess the power to control Tailed Beasts due to their common ancestor, the Sage of the Six Paths, being the first Jinchūriki.

Transparency Release??? (Jiraiya)
Earlier in the plot, Jiraiya mentioned a technique he could use: the Tōton no Jutsu, or Transparent Escape Technique. Although it is quite unlikely that it was a nature, it may have been one, or a similar use (or maybe even a pun):
 * Transparency (透明, ‘’Tōmei’’); Transparency Release (透遁, ‘’Tōton’’). The “透” part of its name means “through”, although in this case means “see-through”.

Lava Release (and Mei's Dissolution Release confusion)
Lava Release (熔遁) is the only nature seen to be accessible through a Tailed Beast, the Four-Tailed Monkey. However, Kurotsuchi also possesses this nature, probably as a kekkei genkai.

This does bring up the possibility of Tailed Beast Skills being able to be passed down as kekkei genkai, as the One-Tailed Shukaku left permanent changes in Gaara, as Gaara still had the rings around his eyes, as well as the ability to manipulate sand, after the beast was extracted from him.

If this is true, it becomes likely that Kurotsuchi is related to a Jinchūriki of the Four-Tails.

However, there is another confusion with this nature. While the Lava Release (熔遁) is used by Rōshi (a Jinchūriki) and Kurotsuchi, both from Iwagakure, there is another nature, the Dissolution Release (溶遁), which is used by Mei Terumī, from Kirigakure. Although normally there would be no confusion at all between Lava and Dissolution, both “熔” and “溶” can be used for the word Lava (“溶岩/熔岩”; Yōgan), and Kishimoto himself writes Lava like 溶岩, while naming the nature that manipulates it as 熔遁. On the other hand, Mei’s “Melt” is written as 溶遁. However, as there must be some reason for why Kishimoto uses different characters to name the natures, I believe they are different. Mei’s only seen “Melt” technique, the Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique (Yōton: Yōkai no Jutsu) is a pun on the term “dissolution” (溶解; Yōkai), which strongly suggests to me that it is a dissolving substance, rather than lava.

Crystal Release (Anime-only)
In the anime only, Guren possessed the Crystal Release. It was assumed by several characters to be related to Earth Release. It had the ability to crystallize any physical matter, including earth, rock, water, wood, human bodies, and even the moisture in the atmosphere. However, it could not crystallize non-physical energies, such as Fire, Wind, Lightning, or plain chakra. A certain sound frequency, available to bats (See Bat Controlling: Ultrasonic Mind Waves) could disrupt the molecular bonds inside the Crystal, dispersing the particles back into the air. Shino could also conduct selective breeding with his kikaichū, which would produce bugs that were immune to crystallization.

One possible flaw with this element is that it literally cannot produce its element out of chakra, but rather only produce it from other elements. However, the Wood Release also wasn’t seen producing trees from just chakra, but rather the user’s body or the ground.

Blaze Release (Clarification & Theories)
Sasuke Uchiha has used a technique known as Blaze Release: Kagutsuchi, which allows him to manipulate the black flames of Amaterasu. This ability is used through his right eye (whereas Amaterasu itself is cast with his left). There are three possibilities for this nature:
 * 1. Sasuke was only boasting, comparing his ability to an actual nature.
 * 2. This nature is a combination of Fire and Yin, applying the form aspect of Yin to the flames of Amaterasu. This would make sense in the fact that Sasuke and Itachi both have control over Amaterasu(Fire) and Tsukuyomi(Yin) in one eye each, and therefore the casting of Amaterasu(Fire) and the form manipulation(Yin) may be what is being combined to form this nature. However, it is strange that only his right eye is needed for the actual technique. Also, the Uchiha have connections to the Fire and Yin natures, possibly meaning they can be combined in this way.
 * 3. This nature is a combination of Fire and Lightning. Fire is modified to move and behave like Lightning, forming forks and Lightning Chakra Flow-like auras. It just happened so that Sasuke was using the flames of Amaterasu for this, although he can utilize other existing flames.
 * Also, the flames of Amaterasu are as hot as the flames of the sun, meaning they are composed of ionized plasma. The Lightning may be what is being used to change the shape of the charged particles, forming spikes, or forks.

Storm Release (and Movie-only natures)
Darui possesses the Storm Release. The fluid motion of Water is applied to the electricity of Lightning, creating a bright, fluid, electrical energy.

However, Hiruko had stolen this nature, although in his case, it manipulated dark thunder clouds. The movie Hiruko was featured in did premiere before the chapter Darui was introduced, suggesting a possibility of Kishimoto collaborating with the movie. Later in the manga, characters revived by Kabuto with the Summoning: Impure World Resurrection resemble characters from the movie, such as Chūkichi, Gari, the Unknown Kumo Ninja, and Pakura, further supporting this idea. It is now quite likely that the Dark Release, Steel Release, and Swift Release are also going to be in the manga, although likely in different form and effect, as with the changes made to Storm Release.

Boil Release (and Mei's multiple Kekkei Genkai)
Mei Terumī also possesses the Boil Release as well as the Dissolution Release. It is possible that these two natures were possessed by separate bloodlines that joined at some point, or that they were part of the same bloodline from the beginning. Mei has control over Fire, Water, and Earth, and has Boil(Water+Fire) and Dissolution(Water+Earth). However, if the Dissolution is just the same as Lava, it is “Lava(Earth+Fire)” instead.

Dust Release (Theory on Kekkei Genkai passage)
Ōnoki possesses the Dust Release, which has the power to reduce anything into molecule-sized dust. It is unknown why his granddaughter, Kurotsuchi, does not possess this nature, and it is therefore possible that the Dust Release is unique to him, much like Hashirama’s Wood Release. His granddaughter instead possesses the Lava Release, which probably means another member of Kurotsuchi’s family has the Lava Release (related to a Four-Tail’s Jinchūriki).

This nature manipulates molecules, but the extent of this “universal” ability is unknown.

Dark, Steel, and Swift Releases
Hiruko had also stolen the Dark, Steel, and Swift natures, probably from the ninja who resembled Chūkichi (Kiri nin), Gari, the Unknown Kumo Ninja and Pakura (or them themselves). Due to these characters appearing in the manga, the natures themselves could be in the manga, in the same case as Storm.
 * Dark may be Fire+Wind, its name being derived from “Wind puts out Fire”, and its manipulation of Blue fire (will-o-wisp) as “Wind enhances Fire”.
 * The Two-Tailed Monster Cat is a nekomata, and has connections to the dead, and the underworld, referred to by the name of this nature. It is also surrounded by blue fire, representing the will-o-wisp, going with the gloomy, dark feeling referred to the name of the nature.
 * Steel may be Earth+Lightning, its name being derived from "Lightning refines Earth (through electrolysis)", probably created by applying the electrical properties of Lightning to the components of Earth, possibly forming a well-vibrating steel.
 * Swift may be Wind+Lightning, its name being derived from "The speed of Wind and Lightning combined", probably created by pressing and sharpening chakra, as well as increasing its vibration frequencies, possibly forming extremely fast waves of energy. I myself imagine this much like sound waves, or shcok waves, resonating through the air. This nature would be ideal for a Chakra Flow.

Yin/Yang Relationship Theories

 * Yin and Yang are not opposed, they are complimentary. Yin energy is attractd to Yang energy, and vice-versa, as seen in Demonic Haunts Disorder. The spiritual/mental energy is attracted to the bodily energy, and it takes much power and skill to do separate the two. In a technique such as Mind Body Switch Technique, the user's mind (part or whole is unknown) is shot into the target's mind, and therefore gains control of them. However, when the duration ends, or the target's mind forces them out with willpower, their mind returns to their body, proving that the mind recognizes its "true compliment", the original body.
 * Kisame Hoshigaki had a vaguely related logic where he believed lives (Yang) were expendable for the protection of valuable information (Yin).

Explosion Release (Theory: Deidara's boast, or "Explosive chakra = chakra nature"?)
Deidara has stated that he has access to an “Explosion Release”, as he compares it to the Tsuchikage’s Dust Release. However, his Exploding Clay was establshed earlier to be an Earth Release Hiden Jutsu, and derived from the Iwagakure Kinjutsu. There are two possibilities as a result:
 * 1. Deidara was only boasting, comparing his art to his opponent’s kekkei genkai. It has been noted that he does not respect users of kekkei genkai, especially the Sharingan.
 * 2. Deidara has an explosive chakra transformation, but he needed the Iwagakure kinjutsu to knead it into his art for use. Therefore, his chakra was explosive by kekkei genkai, but the Exploding Clay itself was Hiden, being derived from his nature.

Credits
Special thanks to Omnibender and Shounensuki !!!

Under construction--GoDai (talk) 09:24, March 6, 2010 (UTC)