Water Release

The area of elemental Nature Transformation are techniques that allow for the user to to manipulate their water chakra-nature for Water Release Ninjutsu. Water Ninjutsu is common among Kirigakure ninja from the Land of Water. Water Release ninjutsu is commonly affiliated with the Bird hand seal, "Tori".

To use Water Release techniques, it is usually necessary for the user to perform them near a large mass of water (for example near a lake or river). Although there are exceptions such as Akatsuki's member, Kisame Hoshigaki (who creates a mass of water on his own because of his incredibly high chakra levels) and Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage.

Water Release techniques are the second common element seen in the series. The Water Element has a very compatible and diverse range of "Form Modification". Whether it is in the form of a fog for masking your form, or to trap someone in a tsunami, its auxiliary capability is very high. Water Release attacks can take the form of mostly walls of water or water in the shape of sea creatures. Water Release ninjutsu is not limited to just manipulating water, but can also manipulate other liquids, fluids, oils, resins, or indeed any other liquid/fluid regardless of whenever they are thick or thin. This has been seen in both the manga and the anime, with jutsu like:
 * Gamabunta's Toad Oil Bullet technique which he uses in a collaberation jutsu with an ignition source from his summoner - the Fire Release: Toad Oil Flame Bullet technique.
 * Kagari of Team Oboro's Water Release: Black Rain Technique, (anime only,) which produces a black mist which then condenses over the target, dousing them in an flammable black oil which Team Oboro can then set alight. This technique is similar to Greek Fire and Meng Huo You - an ancient Chinese incendiary weapon.
 * Izumo Kamizuki's Water Release: Syrup Capture Field technique, a technique that is used to restrict a targets movements by adhering their feet to the ground so that Izumo's partner, Kotetsu Hagane could use his Summoning: Conch Shell Mace while the target is immobilized.

A Water Ninjutsu is strong against a Fire Ninjutsu of the same level/rank, but will naturally be overcome by a Earth Ninjutsu with the same level/rank. It has been shown that certin Water Release ninjutsu, like the Toad Oil Bullet technique, a water technique that manipulates a liquid/fluid/oil substance, can be used in coordination with a Fire Release to make the fire jutsu stronger. It was also confirmed that a water-natured jutsu could even be overwelmed by a fire-natured jutsu of a higher rank in episode 111 in part II of the anime, by producing enough heat to cause the water to evaporate.

As seen in both the manga and the anime, it has been demonstrated that Water Release has a good affinity with Wind Release. When used together in a collaberated jutsu, the water ninjutsu needs to be implemented with the right timing in order for the wind ninjutsu to be fed into it, the wind chakra adding much more pressure to the water ninjutsu, giving it more impact force, both in width and range.

Furthermore, in the case of Elementally-recomposed Nature Transformations, (rarely found outside of a kekkei genkai,) water-natured chakra can be blended with wind-natured chakra; the molecular structure of the water, that the water chakra provides and controls, is induced to form ice crystals by the wind chakra, creating Ice Release Ninjutsu.