Ninjutsu

vaguely refers to pretty much any technique that uses chakra and allows the user to do something that they otherwise would be incapable of doing. Unlike genjutsu, which makes the opponent see illusions, the effects of ninjutsu are quite real. Ninjutsu relies on chakra and, most of the time, hand seals (each hand seal showing a different animal in the chinese zodiac) to be effective. The hands are put in sequential positions that mold chakra in the necessary manner to perform a jutsu. This is not always consistent, however, and some of the simpler jutsu seem to become second nature to experienced ninja, after which they can perform them at will. Additionally, some ninjutsu can be classified as an elemental jutsu, in those cases where a specific element (wind, water, fire, earth, lightning) is used.

Since the origin of the Naruto manga, ninjutsu techniques have become greatly exxagerated. The first ninjutsu were techniques that focused more on simple abilities. As time went on, however, it became the case that all ninja had exceptional techniques at their disposal. This is especially so in the anime, as the fights which take place are often very different from the manga versions.