The Naruto series features an extensive lineup of distinct jutsu and techniques, with most varying in strength and power. However, not all techniques align with the concept of ninjutsu set within the series, thereby pushing the boundaries of preexisting narratives. The Substitution Jutsu is one such technique, which, despite being relatively simple, breaks the preset notion of chakra and ninjutsu.
The Substitution Jutsu is the simplest form of ninjutsu in the entire series, with the technique being relegated to an E-rank – denoting the easiest and most basic jutsu. The technique allows a shinobi to dodge an attack by substituting themselves with an object from the surroundings. Being an academy-level technique, every single shinobi has access to the Substitution Jutsu, further pushing the already absurd narrative that this jutsu presents. Taking a closer look at the workings of this technique reveals its world-breaking and incongruous nature.
How Does the Substitution Jutsu Work?
The Substitution Jutsu may seem quite simple, though its workings are rather complex. The technique can only be activated once the shinobi has been struck by an attack, instantly substituting them with an object in the surrounding area. For the technique to work, being wounded is necessary as simply being chained or bound does not activate the substitution.
Moreover, the technique utilizes five hand signs, although no character has ever been witnessed performing the hand signs, implying that it's usually done off-screen. Once the hand signs have been performed, the next instance of lethal damage will trigger the substitution, resulting in an object taking the shinobi's place.
Issues With the Substitution Jutsu
The most glaring issue with this technique is the element of invulnerability that it brings to the table, coupled with its inconsistent usage. The Substitution Jutsu allows a shinobi to essentially survive any sort of attack, despite being chained or held. This concept gives way to inconsistent writing as the author can utilize this technique as a plot device whenever necessary, while ignoring its existence in other moments. The ability breaks the Naruto universe as such an overpowered yet simple technique can be used to survive almost any attack – a concept that has no semblance of logic.
Part 1 of Naruto saw the most usage of this technique, with most characters dodging attacks by suddenly being replaced by a wooden log. However, its usage dissipated as the series progressed, with Shippuden rarely witnessing this technique. Several deaths could have easily been avoided by simply using this technique, further proving how inconsistent the series becomes due to one simple yet absurd technique.
The lack of hand signs is another glaring issue with the technique. It's implied that shinobi use hand signs to prepare for a substitution, yet it's never shown on-screen in a bid to create an element of surprise for the viewers. However, several instances where it would be impossible for hand signs to be cast also utilize this technique, with the series running along with this narrative quite often.
The Substitution Jutsu Is Extremely Common
One would imagine that such a powerful technique would be extremely rare or hard to master. However, the Substitution Jutsu is neither as it has been classified as an E-rank technique. E-rank denotes a jutsu as being one of the easiest ones to master, along with little to no chakra usage. Even academy students can perform this simple technique with ease, making it extremely common.
Such a technique that essentially allows characters to instantly teleport and dodge an attack should at least be somewhat difficult to master. However, the simplicity and ease of mastering furthers the jutsu's absurd nature. The technique would have been plausible if it had a considerable chakra requirement or an extremely high rarity, yet the jutsu was relegated to a mere E-rank technique that quite literally every shinobi could utilize.
Inconsistent Usage of the Substitution Jutsu
The Substitution Jutsu’s inconsistent usage makes this technique seem like a plot device of sorts, ensuring that whenever a character needs to survive, a substitution will conveniently take the shinobi’s place. This paints every single death in the series as an easily avoidable aspect, with Neji’s vainful death being the most prominent example. This inconsistency not only takes away the compelling nature of the death but also portrays a case of inconsistent writing.
The usage of this technique had greatly diminished by Shippuden, with Kishimoto realizing the absurdity of the Substitution Jutsu. By that time, however, the damage had been done to the series as this jutsu had been cemented as a staple technique for every shinobi. The only solution left was to give the technique the backseat, though not without leaving a glaring mark on the Naruto series’ legacy.