Shadow Imitation Technique

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Shadow Imitation Technique
Name
Kanji	影真似の術
Rōmaji	Kagemane no Jutsu
English anime	Shadow Possession Jutsu Shadow Paralysis Jutsu
Alternative names	Shadow Bind Technique (影縛りの術, Kageshibari no Jutsu) Leaf Secret: Shadow Bind Technique (木ノ葉秘伝・影縛りの術, Konoha Hiden: Kageshibari no Jutsu, Literally meaning: Tree Leaf Secret: Shadow Bind Technique) Ninja Art: Shadow Imitation Technique (忍法・影真似の術, Ninpō: Kagemane no Jutsu, English TV: Ninja Art: Shadow Possession Jutsu)
Debut
Manga	Naruto chapter 55
Anime	Naruto episode 33
Novel	Kakashi Hiden: Lightning in the Icy Sky
Movie	Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel
Game	Naruto: Ninja Council
OVA	Hidden Leaf Village Grand Sports Festival!
Appears in	Anime, Manga, Novel, Game, Movie
Data
Classification	Hiden, Ninjutsu
Nature	Yin Release
Class	Supplementary
Range	Short to Mid range (0-10m)
Hand seals	Rat
Other Jutsu
Derived Jutsu ● Shadow Clutch Technique → Human Bullet Yo-Yo ● Shadow Imitation Field Technique ● Shadow Imitation Shadow Bind Technique ● Shadow Imitation Shuriken Technique ● Shadow Sewing Technique → Black Spider Lily ● Shadow–Neck Binding Technique
Users
Original Universe: ● Daen Nara ● Ensui Nara ● Kasuga Nara ● Maen Nara ● Shikadai Nara ● Shikaku Nara ● Shikamaru Nara ● Suzaku Nara ● Momoshiki Ōtsutsuki ● Urashiki Ōtsutsuki (Anime only) ● Kakashi Hatake (Game only) Fanon Universe: ● Asuchi ● Byakuya Nara ● Daisuke Kurama ● Hamura Nara ● Hideyoshi Nara ● Katsuro Minoru ● Kogomei Nara ● Kuro Nara ● Masaru Senshi ● Shikashide Nara ● Yun Nara ● Naoki Nara ● Kinsago Nara ● Kenji Nagakura ● Kōji Nakano ● Sami Nara ● Shugohime ● Kagerin Nara ● Kansui Nara ● Uaio Kaguya ● Yami Nara ● Kenji Hatake ● Tamashī ● Munashii Nara ● Gengaku ● Kazuma Aburame ● Shikaru Nara ● Akarui Uchiha ● Hikari Nara ● Korosen Nara ● Shizuma Nara ● Yumi Nara ● Honoka Nara ● Mikoshi Nara ● Shikara Nara

The Shadow Imitation Technique is a signature technique of the Nara clan.

Overview

This technique allows the user to extend their shadow on any surface (even water) and as far as they want as long as there is a sufficient area. Once it comes into contact with a target's shadow, the two merge and the target is forced to imitate the user's movements. As demonstrated with Shikamaru Nara, if an opponent has their holster located in a different spot on their body than them, the user can take advantage of this by having the opponent reach for nothing while they proceed to throw their shuriken.

If the target is out of range, the user can produce a better light source to increase their shadow's size or rely on pre-existing shadows for their shadow to freely travel through. It's also possible to split one's shadow, either to trap more opponents at once, or to create a distraction. The shadow can also be attached to people without binding them, letting the "victim" move freely. Doing that has the purpose that the person, the shadow was attached to, makes contact with a third person, to bind the latter one with the shadow instead.

The major downside of this technique is that it is tiring to use repeatedly. Hidan notes that the ability is subject to some form of diminishing return and decreases in potency after repeated use. If the user is low on chakra, the performance rate of the technique also deteriorates. Insufficient lighting will make the technique less effective. A particularly strong opponent can also resist the shadow's forced imitation.