Shinobi as seen in the series.
Shinobi (忍) otherwise referred to as ninja (忍者) in the English translation of Naruto, are one of the classes used to classify warriors. A female ninja is known as a kunoichi (くノ一). Most come from a hidden village, of which some come from specialised ninja clans, and will perform missions for a fee. The clearest characteristic of a shinobi is their ability to manipulate chakra to create and use techniques. Shinobi are expected to be loyal to their villages for life, and any defectors are considered to be missing-nin, and will be marked for death.
Jutsu[]
Jutsu (術; Literally meaning "skills/techniques") are the mystical arts a ninja will utilise in battle. To use a technique, the ninja will need to use their chakra. To perform a technique, the ninja will bring out and release the two energies of chakra. By forming hand seals, the ninja is able to manifest the desired technique. Because of the extensive number of hand seals and different combinations, there are thousands of potential techniques to be discovered.
Shinobi can use a variety of techniques often based on the utilisation of chakra. This allows shinobi to perform extraordinary feats such as walking on water or walking up trees. Jutsu are separated into three groups, ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu. Ninjutsu implies performing a supernatural or beyond normal ability, the most common of which is the elemental jutsu. These are created by the user transforming their chakra into a specific nature or 'release'. The chakra types are Lightning, Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water. Other sub-types of chakra natures such as Wood Release and Ice Release also exist, created by combining two of the basic five releases. Taijutsu implies physical body techniques, which may or may not require chakra. Genjutsu manipulates the chakra in an enemy's mind and disrupts their chakra flow. Their senses get fooled which creates illusions, things that the foe believes to be real that are in fact fake.
Physical Prowess[]
Shinobi, or ninja, have noticeably more physical capabilities than a normal human being. A majority of even the most minor ninja can execute feats that regular human beings are unable to do. A good and common example is their ability to jump. Ninja can jump unbelievable heights like it's nothing, which has been shown many times in the series, especially when jumping on rooftops or travelling by trees. One time as a kid, Naruto jumped over a fence easily in the Academy. However, moments like these are greatly ignored and overlooked due to the fact that they happen so frequent and are not focused on in the series. They also have somewhat impressive strength. For example, a simple kick from Itachi to Sasuke created an exceptionally large crater in the wall.
Tools[]
Ninja tools are used as alternatives to techniques. They can include weapons, accessories, and even clothing. Some ninja have mastered the use of such tools, but all ninja are able to use the most common to some degree. A standard shinobi will have a pouch equipped with many tools, and nearly every ninja is equipped with at least a shuriken holster. Most also possess and wear a forehead protector with the symbol of the village they derive from, though the ninja does not necessarily have to wear it over their forehead. The Inuzuka clan's ninken and Aburame clan's insects are also classified as tools.