One of the fundamental schools of Ninjutsu, Bunshinjutsu (Clone Techniques) are actually a prerequisite for ninja academy cadets to graduate. The most basic form is essentially an illusion, incapable of fighting and easily dispelled. However, many variations of these techniques exist, some which create different kinds of illusions, and others that make physical clones capable of battle.
The Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique) is another common ninja technique with many variations. This technique allows ninjas to move at such high speed they virtually are invisible while in motion. The initial movement is usually masked with a puff of smoke, a wisp of fog, a flurry of leaves or blast of sand. It is also an essential component of the Body Replacement technique.
The Kawarimi no Jutsu (Body Replacement Technique) is another essential ninja skill used by virtually every ninja. Using the Body Flicker at the moment of an attack's impact, the ninjas give their attacker the illusion of a successful strike. However, as they swiftly move out of harm’s way, they usually leave an object, such as a section of tree log, in their place to further sell the illusion. The attacker is then open for a counter-attack.
The Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique) is another basic ninja skill required of academy cadets for graduation. Essentially, this technique allows ninjas to transform their appearance, or the appearance of an object, into something else. This technique is essentially an illusion and being injured dispels the transformation. However, it is a useful technique for infiltration, escape or for setting up a feint attack.
One of the weapons commonly used by ninjas in Naruto are exploding tags. These scraps of paper are capable of igniting and exploding like a bomb. Many ninjas master the ability to remotely detonate these tags from virtually any location, allowing the set-up of traps or a means of effectively destroying something from a safe distance.
Many ninjas also use the Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique) in order to summon animals or items. In order to summon an animal, the ninja must first have a contract with the animal species he is trying to summon. This contract is usually in the form of a tattoo or a scroll. Either form is signed in the contractor's blood, solidifying the pact. The summoner offers a donation of blood from the hand that signed the contract and performs the necessary hand seals to summon the animal. Typically, ninjas can only summon one animal type at a time. The summoning of items is somewhat different, typically requiring no contracts, and summons the items from storage elsewhere.