6 Naruto Characters Who Hilariously Failed the Clone Jutsu

The Bunshin no Jutsu (Clone Jutsu) and Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Jutsu) are essential shinobi techniques used to deceive enemies by duplicating the user’s body. These techniques force opponents to guess which body is the real one before they can land a strike.

In the past, the standard Clone Jutsu was a mandatory requirement for Academy students to graduate and become Genin. The Shadow Clone Jutsu, on the other hand, is a much higher-level technique and far more difficult to master.

While both jutsu serve to multiply the user’s body, there is a fundamental difference between them. The Clone Jutsu creates mere illusions—intangible images that cannot be touched or used in actual combat. In contrast, the Shadow Clone Jutsu creates solid, tangible clones capable of fighting exactly like the original user.

When it comes to clones, there are several memorable moments in the Naruto anime where characters struggled to pull off either technique.

Here are six characters who experienced hilarious failures when attempting to create a clone:

1. Obito Uchiha

During their Academy days, Kakashi and Obito were tested on the Clone Jutsu. Kakashi flawlessly produced three perfect clones, earning a roaring round of applause from the entire class for his impressive display.

Obito, however, failed miserably. Instead of producing a proper duplicate, his jutsu yielded something that barely resembled a human at all. His clone looked like a pathetic pile of gray ash, sending the whole classroom into fits of laughter.

2. Might Guy

When Guy was newly accepted as a reserve student at the Academy, the instructor ordered the class to perform the Clone Jutsu. Almost everyone succeeded without issue.

The instructor then called Kakashi to the front. Instead of walking up, Kakashi remained seated, much to the instructor’s confusion. Without even standing, Kakashi manifested a single clone right next to the teacher, quickly followed by over a dozen more. The class was awestruck. The instructor praised his mastery of the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu, remarking, “Sakumo’s son truly is exceptional.”

Next, it was Guy’s turn to step up. Paralyzed by nerves, he stood in silence for a long time. Some classmates began to sneer, mocking his inability to use ninjutsu and joking that he was about to wet his pants.

When Guy finally attempted the jutsu, no clone appeared. Instead, his clothes abruptly dropped to the floor. The absurd mishap left the entire class howling with laughter.

3. Naruto Uzumaki

During the Ninja Academy graduation exam, Iruka required every student to perform the Clone Jutsu to earn their Konoha headband and graduate as a Genin. Unfortunately, this specific jutsu was Naruto’s absolute greatest weakness.

When Naruto made his attempt, the result was a disaster. His clone was incomplete and looked like a battered, lifeless corpse. Iruka pointed out that while the other students had successfully created three or more clones, Naruto had only managed to produce one entirely useless duplicate. Consequently, Iruka failed him.

4. Konohamaru

After successfully mastering the first two stages of the Rasengan, Konohamaru was ready for the third. However, because he couldn’t yet use the Shadow Clone Jutsu like Naruto, he was forced to master the cloning technique before he could proceed with his Rasengan training.

Naruto stepped in to teach him, but Konohamaru struggled to understand his mentor’s notoriously eccentric teaching methods, openly complaining about the process. Driven by sheer determination, Konohamaru trained relentlessly alongside Moegi and Udon. Despite his repeated attempts, he kept failing, continuously producing ridiculous, deformed clones.

5. Ashura

Indra and Ashura were the sons of the Sage of Six Paths, the founder of Ninshu. Despite both being children of the God of Shinobi, their talents were vastly different.

While training at the Ninshu headquarters, they were instructed to perform the Clone Jutsu. Indra, a recognized genius, effortlessly created four perfect clones, earning high praise from his father’s top disciple. When it was Ashura’s turn, his clone appeared wobbly, pale, and completely unstable—leaving even Ashura himself shocked and bewildered by the pathetic result.

6. Udon

Udon once confessed to Team 5—Iwabe, Metal, and Denki—that he had repeatedly failed his Academy graduation exams. Back then, successfully performing the Clone Jutsu was a strict requirement to become a Genin.

A flashback revealed Udon’s attempt at the Konoha Academy. Tragically, the moment he cast the jutsu, his clone immediately face-planted onto the floor, lying limp and helpless. His failure made him the laughingstock of the class. Even his closest friends, Moegi and Konohamaru, and Naruto—who happened to be watching—couldn’t hold back their laughter at Udon’s dismal attempt.