Zokujin Path

The Tirthika path (外道, Tirthika), the first body to be shown of Ryun's Four Paths of Ryun jutsu, was the body of an unknown Konohagakure shinobi. It the most often seen and used of the Paths of Ryun, and acted as Ryun's representative during reconnaissance missions and is his primary path in difficult battles. Its main abilities revolved around manipulating the Taifugan and it's main power, Izanami, allowing it to control chakra in almost anyway imaginable.

Abilities
It's main powers, revolve around use of the Taifugan, and different forms of the Izanami technique. He has been seen using Izanami and a number of genjutsu while using the Taifugan. While he has yet to actually name any of these genjutsu, they are presumably very strong, however, it should be noted that although these genjutsu are cast via the eyes, they are not Taifugan techniques. They are merely strengthened by the Taifugan. The difference between Ryun and the two prior users of Taifugan is his, harnessing the chakra controlling powers of Izanami, capable of manipulating the directions of the chakra, and even extinguishing them at will. He is also able to control the shade and direction of Izanami to aid him in battle for a number of versatile tactics.

In addition to Izanami manipulation, the Tirthika path can also inexplicably use a number of other miscellaneous jutsu, something none of the other bodies have been shown doing. It can use the Earth Release: Earth Style Wall, to protect the other paths or Ryun himself. It can also control electrical currents, a possible throwback to Ryun's lightning nature chakra, which even allowed him to sense the muscle contractions of his opponents for a great distance.

Influences

 * As with many of Ryun's techniques, it is influenced by Buddhist terminology. Gedō (外道, lit. "Outer Path"), derived from the Sanskrit Tīrthika, refers to any doctrine which "treads the outer path" to enlightenment. This is opposed to the teachings of orthodox Buddhism (the "inner path"), and is thus considered misguided and heretical.