Highlights
Hashirama Senju possesses a unique and powerful arsenal of Wood Style abilities, making him the strongest shinobi of all time.
The Deep Forest Emergence and True Several Thousand Hands, two of his techniques, not only highlight his immense power and versatility but also exemplify his god-like qualities. Hashirama's phenomenal Wood Style abilities incorporate elements from various mythologies, such as Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, further enhancing his enigmatic and highly respected persona.
Hashirama Senju is arguably the most unique character in the entire Naruto series, possessing an arsenal of incredibly powerful abilities. His extraordinary Kekkei Genkai grants him techniques that surpass those of ordinary shinobi, earning him the title of 'God of Shinobi.'
While his status is emphasized throughout the series, his actual techniques often take a backseat. Although fans may be familiar with the Deep Forest Emergence and the iconic True Several Thousand Arms techniques, many are unaware of the extent of his diverse and immensely powerful abilities. From the Top Transformed Buddha to the Gracious Deity Gates, Hashirama's Wood Style techniques exemplify why he is revered as the strongest shinobi of all time.
Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence
Deep Forest Emergence is one of the earliest implementations of Wood Style abilities in the series, showcasing the full capabilities of this unique Kekkei Genkai. By drawing upon their own life force, the user is able to generate massive trees that emerge from beneath the earth's surface. This technique not only hinders enemy movement, but also serves as a defensive measure. Hashirama utilized this jutsu to establish the foundation of the Hidden Leaf Village, ensuring the safety and protection of the nation within the embrace of the forest.
Another variation of this technique is the Wood Release: Deep Forest Bloom. Rather than simply sprouting trees, this variation incorporates the blossoming of flowers that release pollen capable of temporarily incapacitating enemies. Additionally, the user possesses control over the pollen, ensuring that allies caught within its range remain unaffected by its disabling properties.
Sage Art Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands
The True Several Thousand Hands technique is one of Hashirama's most renowned Wood Style techniques, solidifying his status as a god-like shinobi. This colossal entity surpasses even the full-body Susanoo and the Nine-Tails in size, demonstrating its unimaginable scale. The main body of the structure resembles a Buddha in a prayer-like pose, with one thousand hands forming the back.
Derived from this jutsu is the Top Transformed Buddha technique, in which the hands can detach and attack enemies at the will of the user, while the monumental structure transforms into an independent golem. Not only does this technique highlight the boundless potential of Wood Style, but it also showcases Hashirama's extraordinary power. Drawing inspiration from Buddhist mythology, the thousand hands pay homage to a compassionate Buddhist monk.
Wood Style: Laughing Buddha Jutsu
The Laughing Buddha Jutsu conjures colossal wooden hands that emerge from the earth. These hands are immense, resembling the size of Tailed Beasts. Their primary purpose is to restrain and incapacitate Tailed Beasts, although they can also serve to bind ordinary shinobi. While typically requiring hand signs, Hashirama has demonstrated the ability to summon two hands solely through his willpower.
The technique draws inspiration from Budai, also known as the Laughing Buddha, a revered figure in Japan and Korea. The name 'Laughing Buddha' is derived from Budai's joyful demeanor, as he was perpetually seen wearing a smile. Since he is referred to as Hotei in Japan, the original rendition of this technique is named Wood Style: Hotei Technique.
Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique
The Wood Dragon Technique creates a dynamic wooden dragon that possesses its own consciousness, yet primarily obeys the caster's commands. This colossal construct takes on the appearance of a Chinese dragon, utilizing its sinuous body to effortlessly slither onto adversaries and swiftly disperse them. Furthermore, the wooden dragon possesses the power to absorb chakra, leaving anyone caught in its path completely drained of their chakra. However, its chakra absorption ability is rendered useless if the head is destroyed.
This technique derives inspiration from Japanese mythology, which asserts that dragons hold dominion over the elements of wood, water, and forests. Notably, the dragon's countenance features an elephant-like trunk, signifying its connection to Makara, a creature from Hindu mythology.
Wood Style: Wood Golem Jutsu
The Wood Golem Jutsu, like other Wood Style techniques, creates a massive humanoid structure capable of causing widespread chaos. This golem is adorned with a dragon coiled around its torso, similar to those formed by the Wood Dragon Technique. The dragon can shoot multiple projectiles that can detonate upon command. Remarkably resilient, the golem was able to withstand the impact of an uncompressed Tailed Beast Bomb.
In terms of size, this technique is comparable to Madara's fully manifested Susanoo, and its strength rivals that of the Susanoo. The jutsu draws inspiration from Ryutoki, a mythical creature in Japanese folklore, which features the face of an Oni and a dragon entwined around its body.
Wood Release: Wood Expulsion Jutsu
The Wood Expulsion Jutsu is one of Hashirama's defensive Wood Style techniques. It creates a wooden dome that can deflect incoming attacks. The caster can then split the dome open to release anyone who seeks refuge inside.
This technique is powerful enough to deflect the Nine-Tails' Tailed Beast Bomb, protecting Hashirama from harm. The structure's face resembles the mask worn by Senju Kannon, the compassionate Buddhist Bodhisattva who inspired the True Several Thousand Hands technique.
Wood Style: Wood Clone Jutsu
The Wood Clone Jutsu is an enhanced version of the Shadow Clone Jutsu, incorporating the wood element. It is considered the ultimate Clone Jutsu because these replicas can withstand a certain amount of damage before vanishing. Additionally, they can serve as a substitute for the Substitution Jutsu.
Their affinity for nature makes them ideal for reconnaissance missions. These clones have the capability to communicate with the user and can travel long distances without dissipating. Moreover, they possess the unique ability to convincingly mimic the original without being discerned as fakes, a skill exclusive to wooden clones.
Sage Art: Gracious Deity Gates
The technique known as the Gracious Deity Gates is an innovative sealing method that employs the summoning of Torii Gates from the heavens. These gates have the ability to immobilize any adversary that the caster desires. Its main purpose is to restrain and seal away powerful creatures known as Tailed Beasts, but it can also be utilized to confine shinobi on a smaller scale. By stacking the Torii Gates on top of one another, their effectiveness is enhanced.
The functioning of these gates is similar to other Wood Style techniques that restrict the flow of chakra. However, the unique aspect of these gates is their ability to completely subdue an opponent's will to resist. Once trapped beneath the gates, opponents are unable to break free unless the caster releases the jutsu.
Hokage Style Elder Jutsu: Tenth Edict On Enlightenment
The Hokage Style Elder Jutsu: Tenth Edict On Enlightenment is a specialized technique designed to control Tailed Beast Chakra. It can be used to prevent a Jinchuriki from transforming into their Tailed Beast form or to directly control a Tailed Beast's Chakra.
Hashirama demonstrated this technique during his battle against Madara and the Nine-Tails. The effectiveness of this sealing technique is revealed by the fact that Hashirama was able to subdue Kurama with a simple touch of his Wood Golem's palm on the beast's forehead. Yamato has also utilized this technique multiple times to control Naruto's Jinchuriki form, although on a smaller scale.
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