Wind Release

The techniques are an offensive type elemental jutsu, that according to Asuma Sarutobi is created by parting one's chakra in two and then make them grind against each other until it becomes thin and sharp. Wind element is a chakra that cuts through everything like a blade. When used on special ninja weapons or deployed in jutsu, it is best for short to middle distance offensive attacks.

In Konohagakure, Wind Release users are considered rare and the only known users in Konoha are Naruto Uzumaki, and Asuma (Shikamaru seems to have some talent for it too). Apparently though, shinobi from the Land of Wind have figured a way to use this rare element commonly by manipulating the wind through an item.

Wind-based jutsu are strong against lightning, but will only make fire stronger. As shown by Asuma, the wind element can be guided into blades to make them sharper, and as demonstrated it can cut through a tree and through a rock, while a normal blade would only be able to lodge itself into the tree.

Wind Release training as prescribed by Kakashi Hatake involves using wind natured chakra to first cut a leaf to bring out the wind chakra, and then cutting a waterfall (producing a wind strong enough to temporarily halt the flow of water) in order to make it strong enough to be combat applicable. Though rare in Konoha, all of the Wind element users in the series have been very combat capable and wielded devastating techniques. Also of note six of the known wind users require a tool through which to focus their wind chakra, such as Temari's fan.