-- Brief Overview of Jutsu + Ranks --
I think at this point, we all know what ninjutsu is, so I won't bore you with the details. Sufficed to say, not everyone can use all ninjutsu and different bloodlines/clans give access to different techniques, etc. What I want to get across to everyone here is the concept of jutsu ranks and what they mean. Sure, they serve as limitations for different ninja, but it also serves to show the power of the attack coming towards you.
Academy Techniques, E-rank: With hardly any real combat value, these are the basic techniques which will build on the skills required to master techniques higher up in the chains. Still, this does not mean that they do not have value. Many E-rank techniques can help even advanced Shinobi to attain what they want, or escape from simple situations. they may not be powerful in terms of effect, but where they shine is in creating versatility for the shinobi and by supplying a firm foundation for them to grow on.
Genin Techniques, D-rank: These techniques are when the effects of the ninjutsu start to get dangerous. Still fledgling techniques as compared to the upper levels, Genin techniques can still manage to harm or injure an opponent and form the basis of many other, more deadly attacks. Also, at this level, versatility reigns... from Offense, to Defense, Support, and Distraction... Genin techniques are the backbones of all other techniques and in the hands of a master can accomplish most anything a shinobi could want.
Chuunin Techniques, C-rank: This is were a shinobi's arsenal of ninjutsu begins to get more deadly and much more effective. These techniques are often much more focused and dangerous to face off against, often being both larger and of higher intensity then Genin techniques, proving to be much more of a threat. Still not the strongest techniques, C-ranked jutsu are nothing to be laughed at as many given their own natural talents can enhance them to be even stronger, and with a higher class of ninja wielding them, the techniques gain a new threat and effectiveness in both offense and defense.
Sp. Jounin Techniques, B-rank: A specialist's rank, techniques of this level tend to be customized to each user. They are more powerful then C-ranked techniques, but not always as universally useful. Still, they are a force to be reckoned with and the size and scale of the techniques can be rather large. Their true danger lies in their specificity however and their effects... acting as specialized jutsu for a specialized rank of ninja, the versatility of these techniques is unmatched and they can be forged into incredibly powerful and often dangerous techniques.
Jounin Techniques, A-rank jutsu: A superior brand of jutsu wielded by a superior rank of shinobi makes these ninjutsu more then deadly. The size of these jutsu can be immense and the damage they can inflict, equally as threatening. These techniques are wonders of precision customized techniques and of large-scale defense and damage. To face an A-rank technique is to stare possible death in the face as one slip could result in the end of your life. To deal with an A-ranked assault, even those of Sp. Jounin rank would be fools to regard them carelessly as the power they hold will cripple or utterly destroy those careless enough to fall into them.
Sannin/Kage Techniques, S-ranked: The pinnacle of all ninjutsu, these abilities are techniques of the highest caliber, requiring the greatest control, and invoking the greatest effects their elements have to offer. Such techniques can level villages, destroy forests, or utterly decimate and destroy your foes. At the same time, they can do amazing things defensively, saving villages from utter ruin, restoring near-dead foes to life, or applying support to entire troops of shinobi. There is no standing toe to toe with these techniques as they will utterly crush and devastate on massive scales.
