This article, Clone Technique, contains content taken directly from our mother site. All credit of such content is reserved the original authors over at Narutopedia, the original article can be read here: "Clone Technique".
This is the article on the actual ninjutsu. If you are looking for the article on the classification of this ninjutsu then you should head to Clone Techniques.
A ninjutsu that creates an intangible copy of one's own body, without any substance. Since the clone itself doesn't have the ability to attack, and thus can only be used to confuse the enemy, it is mainly used in combination with other ninjutsu. It's a basic technique, but depending on one's ingenuity, it can be used effectively. The clones will dissipate when they come into contact with something.
These clones can be easily distinguished by persons with dōjutsu. A person with normal eyes can also distinguish the clones from the original, since the clones do not have shadows and will not disrupt the area around themselves with their movement (i.e. won't kick up dust, crush grass, etc.…).
Trivia[]
Part of the requirements to graduate from Konoha's Academy and become a genin is to properly use this technique during their evaluation.[1]Naruto Uzumaki and Rock Lee are the only two ninja known to graduate without mastering this technique.
When Sakura performs this technique, the hand seals she uses are: Tiger → Boar → Ox → Dog.