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[[File:Tsukuyomi.PNG|thumb|Itachi using genjutsu on Kakashi]]
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[[File:Demon Flute Phantom Sound Chains.png|thumb|An example of genjutsu being used.]]
<section begin=summary />{{translation|'''Genjutsu'''|幻術|lit meaning=Illusionary Techniques}} are techniques that are employed in the same fashion as [[ninjutsu]], requiring [[chakra]] and [[hand seals]]. However, the primary difference between the two is that the effect of genjutsu is illusory; instead of attacking the victim's body, Genjutsu techniques manipulate the flow of chakra in the victim's brain, thus causing a disruption in their senses.
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<section begin=summary />{{translation|'''Genjutsu'''|幻術|lit meaning=Illusionary Techniques}} is one of the main <noinclude>[[</noinclude>jutsu<noinclude>]]</noinclude> categories which uses [[chakra]]. Unlike ninjutsu, the effects of genjutsu are not real, being only sensory illusions experienced by those who fall victim to it. According to the [[Second Mizukage]], genjutsu falls under the broad category of [[Yin Release]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 548, page 18</ref><section end=summary />
   
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==Overview==
This is often used to create false images or to cause pain from trauma (because the body is led to believe it is in pain); however, there are plenty of other uses depending on the situation. <section end=summary />They are not used as often as ninjutsu because they don't physically harm the opponent, but several characters have made themselves well-known for their great prowess with genjutsu like [[Itachi Uchiha]],[[Tayuya]] and [[Kurenai Yūhi]].
 
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A genjutsu is created when a ninja controls the chakra flow of a target's cerebral nervous system, thereby affecting their five senses; this is frequently used to create false images and/or trick the body into believing its has experienced physical pain. It is further explained in the anime that, because genjutsu affects activity throughout the [[Wikipedia:Prosencephalon|prosencephalon structure]] of the brain, humans, dogs and other species of mammal are therefore all affected by genjutsu; however, the [[kikaichū]], like all insects, lack such a structure to their brains, and so do not even notice it: as [[Shino Aburame]] put it, insects are ruled almost solely by their senses alone, which makes them immune to genjutsu and gives the Aburame clan an ability to detect it, even when heightened senses become succeptible.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 206</ref>
   
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Genjutsu can also be used to manipulate others - similar to brainwashing - by feeding the victim illusive suggestions. Methods include integration with [[nature transformation]], as shown with [[Water Release Genjutsu: Demonic Phantom Fog Prison|Water]] and [[Lightning Release: Lightning Illusion Flash of Lightning Pillar|Lightning Release]], and in the anime, ingesting [[Genjutsu Pills|special pills]] that activate when the target sleeps.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 318</ref> Audible genjutsu is deemed the most dangerous because the user can trap victims from long distances.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 214, pages 13-14</ref>
Genjutsu is created when a ninja extends their chakra flow through the cerebral nervous system of their opponent to control their mind's chakra, thereby affecting their five senses. Those with special abilities like the [[Uchiha clan]]'s [[Sharingan]] or with high intelligence have an easier time executing and countering genjutsu, as attention to detail is key. Those under the influence of genjutsu either freeze in place or lose consciousness, depending on how capable they are in recognizing and defending against it.
 
   
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Despite its usefulness, genjutsu is rarely employed, most shinobi preferring the real, tangible effects of ninjutsu and [[taijutsu]] over the imagined effects of genjutsu. The difficulty of performing genjutsu in the first place presents an additional barrier to its use: genjutsu require precise chakra control in order to manipulate the target's senses and advanced intelligence to make the illusion convincing,<ref>Second Databook, page 163</ref> prerequisites that even someone as skilled as [[Jiraiya]] lacks.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 378, page 6</ref> Some, however, are able to specialise in genjutsu, with [[Kurenai Yūhi]] being regarded as one of [[Konoha]]'s experts in the field and members of the [[Uchiha clan]] being particularly feared because of their [[Sharingan]]'s [[Genjutsu: Sharingan|generic genjutsu]]. According to [[Hagoromo]], the [[Byakugan]] can also be used to extend the range of genjutsu.
Genjutsu attacks usually require a lot of skill, and, if performed incorrectly, will not work; even [[Jiraiya]] had trouble performing such techniques. Genjutsu is most often used by ninja with very precise chakra control and very high intelligence.
 
   
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Those under the influence of genjutsu will either appear to be unconscious or continue to move around under the pretence of the genjutsu. The latter is very effective in battle as a genjutsu user can make themselves appear to be somewhere else and attack the victim from behind or change the environment to make the victim see a flat plain where there is a steep cliff.
Because Genjutsu effects activity in the [[wikipedia:Prosencephalon|Prosencephalon structure]] of the brain, humans and dogs are all affected by genjutsu; insects however, laking such a structure of their brain do not even notice it. As [[Shino Aburame]] put it, insects are ruled almost solely by five powerful senses, which makes them immune to genjutsu and gives the Aburame clan an ability to detect it when nobody else can.
 
   
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== Countering ==
Shikamaru Nara states that among genjutsu the most dangerous are those that affect the opponent with sound allowing the user to stay out of sight. Tayuya is a great example of this sound-based, long-range type of combat.
 
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There are several options to combat genjutsu:
 
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*A victim's chakra flow, if disrupted enough, can break the caster's influence. This {{translation|"Genjutsu Dissipation"|幻術解|Genjutsu Kai|lit meaning=Illusion Technique Dissipation}} or {{translation|"Genjutsu Reversal"|幻術返し|Genjutsu Gaeshi|lit meaning=Illusion Technique Reversal}}<ref>''Naruto Shippūden'' episode 484</ref> can be done by the victim themselves, (assuming they realise they're under a genjutsu's influence) or an ally who emits chakra into them;<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 259, pages 8-10</ref> [[jinchūriki]] who have formed a good relationship with their [[tailed beast]] prefer the latter method whenever they need it.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 413, page 15</ref>
== Combating Genjutsu ==
 
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*Pain that is not caused by the genjutsu can bring victims back to their senses.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 345, pages 8-9</ref>
To combat the effects of genjutsu, there are two options. The first option is for the ninja to stop the flow of chakra in their body, and then apply an even stronger power to disrupt the flow of the caster's chakra; this is called {{translation|Genjutsu Release|幻術解|Genjutsu Kai}}. This can also be done by an unaffected ninja. The second option is through intense pain not caused by the genjutsu and utilizing the resulting pain to bring their senses back in order (of the two options, the latter seems more effective in most situations, or at least is the easiest).
 
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*If a caster's vision is obstructed, such as by the [[Hiding in Mist Technique]], that at least prevents the use of ocular genjutsu.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 26, page 13</ref>
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*Possessing a [[Sharingan]] renders one largely invulnerable to genjutsu as their acute vision allows them to recognise its flaws and influence. They can also free others from genjutsu by inserting themselves into the opponent's illusion and release it.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 585, page 13</ref>
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*[[Deidara]] is somehow able to condition his left eye to break genjutsu.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 360, page 17</ref>
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*In the anime, [[kikaichū]] are impervious to genjutsu because their brain structures aren't sophisticated enough, allowing members of the [[Aburame clan]] a method to identify and counter genjutsu.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 206</ref>
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* In the anime, strong smells, such as those from [[Chilli Pepper Bomb]]s, can counteract genjutsu.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 187</ref>
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* In the anime, [[Kabuto Yakushi]] attempted to use his [[Demonic Flute: Phantom Sound Chains|own genjutsu]] on himself in order to override [[Izanami|the one]] [[Itachi Uchiha]] placed on him, though due to the complex nature, it failed.<ref>''Naruto Shippūden'' episode 337</ref>
   
 
== See Also ==
 
== See Also ==
* {{Drilldown|List of Genjutsu|Jutsu|q=Jutsu classification=Genjutsu}}
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* {{Drilldown|List of genjutsu|Jutsu|q=Classification=Genjutsu}}
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== Trivia ==
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* [[Izanagi]] has the opposite effects to normal genjutsu, changing reality to illusion and vice versa.
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* [[Obito Uchiha]] had been able to completely control [[Yagura Karatachi]] with a genjutsu, despite the latter being a perfect jinchūriki.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 507, pages 12-15</ref>
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* In the anime, genjutsu even works on [[Mecha-Naruto]], corrupting its internal system.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 377</ref>
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* Because genjutsu are not real, they are not supposed to be able to kill victims. However, [[Izumi Uchiha]] is killed with [[Tsukuyomi]] in ''[[Itachi Shinden: Book of Dark Night]]''.
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** In the anime, due to the [[Kurama Clan]]'s [[Kurama Clan's Kekkei Genkai|kekkei genkai]], certain members can use their exceptional talent for genjutsu to make the brain to believe the illusions are physically real, which can cause the victim to be potentially killed.
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* Itachi claimed that his Tsukuyomi can only be broken by a Sharingan user who shares the same blood with him.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 142, page 15</ref>
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== References ==
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<references />
   
 
[[Category:Jutsu Type]]
 
[[Category:Jutsu Type]]
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[[de:Gen-Jutsu]]
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[[es:Genjutsu]]
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[[id:Genjutsu]]
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[[ka:გენძიუცუ]]
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[[ru:Гендзюцу]]
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[[sr:Генџицу]]

Revision as of 15:20, 17 October 2019

Demon Flute Phantom Sound Chains

An example of genjutsu being used.

Genjutsu (幻術, literally meaning: Illusionary Techniques) is one of the main jutsu categories which uses chakra. Unlike ninjutsu, the effects of genjutsu are not real, being only sensory illusions experienced by those who fall victim to it. According to the Second Mizukage, genjutsu falls under the broad category of Yin Release.[1]

Overview

A genjutsu is created when a ninja controls the chakra flow of a target's cerebral nervous system, thereby affecting their five senses; this is frequently used to create false images and/or trick the body into believing its has experienced physical pain. It is further explained in the anime that, because genjutsu affects activity throughout the prosencephalon structure of the brain, humans, dogs and other species of mammal are therefore all affected by genjutsu; however, the kikaichū, like all insects, lack such a structure to their brains, and so do not even notice it: as Shino Aburame put it, insects are ruled almost solely by their senses alone, which makes them immune to genjutsu and gives the Aburame clan an ability to detect it, even when heightened senses become succeptible.[2]

Genjutsu can also be used to manipulate others - similar to brainwashing - by feeding the victim illusive suggestions. Methods include integration with nature transformation, as shown with Water and Lightning Release, and in the anime, ingesting special pills that activate when the target sleeps.[3] Audible genjutsu is deemed the most dangerous because the user can trap victims from long distances.[4]

Despite its usefulness, genjutsu is rarely employed, most shinobi preferring the real, tangible effects of ninjutsu and taijutsu over the imagined effects of genjutsu. The difficulty of performing genjutsu in the first place presents an additional barrier to its use: genjutsu require precise chakra control in order to manipulate the target's senses and advanced intelligence to make the illusion convincing,[5] prerequisites that even someone as skilled as Jiraiya lacks.[6] Some, however, are able to specialise in genjutsu, with Kurenai Yūhi being regarded as one of Konoha's experts in the field and members of the Uchiha clan being particularly feared because of their Sharingan's generic genjutsu. According to Hagoromo, the Byakugan can also be used to extend the range of genjutsu.

Those under the influence of genjutsu will either appear to be unconscious or continue to move around under the pretence of the genjutsu. The latter is very effective in battle as a genjutsu user can make themselves appear to be somewhere else and attack the victim from behind or change the environment to make the victim see a flat plain where there is a steep cliff.

Countering

There are several options to combat genjutsu:

  • A victim's chakra flow, if disrupted enough, can break the caster's influence. This "Genjutsu Dissipation" (幻術解, Genjutsu Kai, literally meaning: Illusion Technique Dissipation) or "Genjutsu Reversal" (幻術返し, Genjutsu Gaeshi, literally meaning: Illusion Technique Reversal)[7] can be done by the victim themselves, (assuming they realise they're under a genjutsu's influence) or an ally who emits chakra into them;[8] jinchūriki who have formed a good relationship with their tailed beast prefer the latter method whenever they need it.[9]
  • Pain that is not caused by the genjutsu can bring victims back to their senses.[10]
  • If a caster's vision is obstructed, such as by the Hiding in Mist Technique, that at least prevents the use of ocular genjutsu.[11]
  • Possessing a Sharingan renders one largely invulnerable to genjutsu as their acute vision allows them to recognise its flaws and influence. They can also free others from genjutsu by inserting themselves into the opponent's illusion and release it.[12]
  • Deidara is somehow able to condition his left eye to break genjutsu.[13]
  • In the anime, kikaichū are impervious to genjutsu because their brain structures aren't sophisticated enough, allowing members of the Aburame clan a method to identify and counter genjutsu.[14]
  • In the anime, strong smells, such as those from Chilli Pepper Bombs, can counteract genjutsu.[15]
  • In the anime, Kabuto Yakushi attempted to use his own genjutsu on himself in order to override the one Itachi Uchiha placed on him, though due to the complex nature, it failed.[16]

See Also

Trivia

  • Izanagi has the opposite effects to normal genjutsu, changing reality to illusion and vice versa.
  • Obito Uchiha had been able to completely control Yagura Karatachi with a genjutsu, despite the latter being a perfect jinchūriki.[17]
  • In the anime, genjutsu even works on Mecha-Naruto, corrupting its internal system.[18]
  • Because genjutsu are not real, they are not supposed to be able to kill victims. However, Izumi Uchiha is killed with Tsukuyomi in Itachi Shinden: Book of Dark Night.
    • In the anime, due to the Kurama Clan's kekkei genkai, certain members can use their exceptional talent for genjutsu to make the brain to believe the illusions are physically real, which can cause the victim to be potentially killed.
  • Itachi claimed that his Tsukuyomi can only be broken by a Sharingan user who shares the same blood with him.[19]

References

  1. Naruto chapter 548, page 18
  2. Naruto episode 206
  3. Naruto: Shippūden episode 318
  4. Naruto chapter 214, pages 13-14
  5. Second Databook, page 163
  6. Naruto chapter 378, page 6
  7. Naruto Shippūden episode 484
  8. Naruto chapter 259, pages 8-10
  9. Naruto chapter 413, page 15
  10. Naruto chapter 345, pages 8-9
  11. Naruto chapter 26, page 13
  12. Naruto chapter 585, page 13
  13. Naruto chapter 360, page 17
  14. Naruto episode 206
  15. Naruto: Shippūden episode 187
  16. Naruto Shippūden episode 337
  17. Naruto chapter 507, pages 12-15
  18. Naruto: Shippūden episode 377
  19. Naruto chapter 142, page 15