Ninja Tools are a staple in theNarutouniverse, playing a significant role in terms of aiding shinobi combat. With the continuation of the franchise in the form ofBoruto: Naruto Next Generations, many elements of the series further developed and became more refined,with ninja tools being no different. With overall advancements in technology in the shinobi world, ninja tools evolved into their futuristic counterparts – Scientific Ninja Tools.
As the name suggests, Scientific Ninja Tools are technologically advanced weapons that have been based on their traditional counterparts. The prevailing peace and cooperation betweenthe Five Great Nationsafter the Fourth Great Ninja War resulted in unprecedented prosperity and growth, prompting many advancements in the field of science and technology. Scientific Ninja Tools are one by-product of this exponential growth, yet their implications in the series go far beyond being simple tools.
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Pioneers of Scientific Ninja Tools
While all Five Great Nations have greatly contributed to the field of scientific weapons,the Hidden Leaf Villagehas been deemed as the pioneers of Scientific Ninja Tools. Led by Katasuke Tono, the Leaf’s Scientific Ninja Weapons Team exalted the study of these unparalleled tools, and the declassification of their research allowed collaboration between other nations, exacerbating the already prolific research.
Another player in the field of weapon research emerged later on –Kara, one of the series' primary antagonist factions. Under the organization’s lead scientist, Amado Sanzu, Kara’s ninja weaponry evolved far beyond the previously defined limits of Scientific Ninja Tools. Kara’s research of ninja tools may have accelerated development in this field by several decades, yet their intentions and actions depict the darker side of these advanced weapons, shifting the narrative from simply being tools to becoming weapons of colossal destruction.
Types of Scientific Ninja Tools
Scientific Ninja Tools come in all shapes and sizes, yet they are categorized into four basic types; Bionic Type, Condenser Type, Amplification Type, and Advanced Technology Type. Almost all ninja weapons belong to one of these divisions, despite having different functionalities and powers.
Bionic Type
Scientific Ninja Tools that are classified under this category generally serve as either prosthetic limbs or artificial organs. These weapons are primarilyused in medical ninjutsu, and they are the direct result of advanced research into Hashirama’s cells and traditional puppet jutsu, culminating into prosthetic limbs that are almost identical to their natural counterparts.
These artificial body parts contain several chakra pathways that link to the person’s body parts, integrating themselves as an almost natural part of the body. Considering theuse of puppeteer techniquesand Hashirama’s DNA, it seems that this research might be a direct result of collaboration between the Hidden Sand and the Hidden Leaf.
Condenser Type
Condenser Type ninja tools utilize a chakra condenser to gather the required chakra to launch a scroll cartridge, a tiny scroll that has jutsu sealed within. These ninja tools are some of the most dangerous ones out there as anyone without basic knowledge of chakra can simply use these weapons tolaunch advanced-level jutsu.
Furthermore, these tools negate the necessity of learning different types of jutsu and techniques, or even mastering the use of chakra itself, meaning Condenser Type weapons can easily replace these traditional methods of fighting.
Amplification Type
As the name implies, these tools simply amplify the wielder’s own jutsu and techniques, enhancing their overall strength and impact. Apart from the obvious benefit of elevating any jutsu, Amplification Type ninja tools also turn these abilities into physical attacks, meaning they can no longer be stopped or absorbed by other jutsu.
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Advanced Technology Type
These scientific ninja tools are simply traditional ninja tools that have been upgraded with technology. A few notable examples include kunai made out of hard ceramics, uniforms built from heat-resistant and puncture-resistant materials, and advanced telecommunication devices that allow instantaneous communication over large distances.
Implications of Scientific Ninja Tools
The introduction of Scientific Ninja Tools into the series seemed like a reasonable step initially, as the show had little room for growth left after the prequel’s cataclysmic ending. However, these weapons soon became a massive issue for the series as they negated the concept of ninjutsu and genjutsu entirely. Characters that were previously unable to knead even a single shred of chakra could now wield weapons with absurd powers, rivaling even the strongest of shinobi.
The show’santagonist faction Kara is a prime example, as a group of a few misfits turned into an all-powerful organization simply due to the use of advanced scientific weaponry, becoming even stronger than those possessing regular ninjutsu. Moreover, this concept makes ninjutsu quite obsolete, pushing the series’ narrative towards being a semi-mecha anime. While it may seem like a much-needed breath of fresh air, the concept of Scientific Ninja Tools may have done more harm than good to this already complex sequel of theNarutoFranchise.
