Two main updates since last time:
Konoha Ninja Academy has an entry (added back in March).
Also, Bunshin no Jutsu has been returned to Ninjutsu instead of being Genjutsu. It even has an entry on the wiki now. I'll be working on getting the related Bunshin entries up. In total, there should be Bunshin no Jutsu, Elemental Bunshin set, Elemental Kage Bunshin set, and a Bunshin family entry.
Basically, we kinda have a scale of Bunshin complexity and strength.
- Bunshin no Jutsu (E-rank)
- Juujin Bunshin (D-rank)
- Same rank:Oboro Bunshin (Genjutsu) (and technically probably Mushi Bunshin)
- (Common) Elemental Bunshin - Iwa Bunshin, Mizu Bunshin, Kaze Bunshin. (C-rank, based on canon placement of the Mizu Bunshin)
- Same rank: Sumi Bunshin, Nendo Bunshin, Karasu Bunshin (and technically probably Suna Bunshin)
- Kage Bunshin (B-rank)
- Same rank: technically probably Moku Bunshin
- Elemental Kage Bunshin - Raiton Kage Bunshin, Katon Kage Bunshin, Fuuton Kage Bunshin, Doton Kage Bunshin (A-rank)
- Same rank: Bunshin Bakuha, Jibaku Bunshin, Shuriken Kage Bunshin, Tajuu Kage Bunshin
- Tajuu Elemental Kage Bunshin (S-rank, theoretical based on Tajuu KB being +1 rank from regular KB)
Basically, Bunshin is used to teach a student how to create the shell that replicates their appearance and teach them how to have them operate independently somewhat. Elemental Bunshin are two ranks higher because they are a more complex/durable shell than original Bunshin (thus +1 rank), and they would automatically start at D-rank due to being an Elemental Ninjutsu.
Kage Bunshin switches from using a common elemental from one's surroundings to forming it completely from chakra including a chakra system while upping the durability of the shell slightly more (which is why some KB can last long enough to fake death or injury instead of immediately breaking into smoke). Elemental Kage Bunshin takes the chakra innards of the KB and changes the element to the specified type, though its only noticeable when the shell is damaged enough for the KB to disperse.
The theoretical improvement on the A-rank Elemental KB would be a Tajuu version of them. C-rank and below Bunshin don't expend enough chakra to create or use that there's a need to have a different jutsu to create large numbers of clones as opposed to the chakra reserve splitting effects of Kage Bunshin type clones. Given that the Tajuu KB is +1 rank from the regular KB, the theoretical Tajuu Elemental KB would therefore be an S-rank jutsu. Also, extremely taxing on chakra reserves and likely not a possible technique except maybe to jinchuuriki.
--
Kaze Bunshin, when dispersed, results in a close range AoE equivalent to the C-rank Fuuton: Reppushou (Gale Palm) (gust of wind). Typically used to break up formations or to provide extra fuel to enhance Katon jutsu. Fuuton Kage Bunshin acts like a close range AoE equivalent to the B-rank Fuuton: Shinkuuha or Kaze no Yaiba (blade of wind) when dispersed.
We've seen the Raiton KB in use, and I don't think I need to explain what happens when a shell full of Katon goes boom.
If someone can suggest what equivalent a dispersing Suiton KB could be. I was thinking maybe similar to a Sujinheki (as seen used by the Nidaime during the Sand-Sound Invasion and also apparently by Darui during the Kage Summit fight against Sasuke).
And this would continue the theme that Doton bunshin/KB are the odd jutsu out on what happens when dispersed (namely that they don't really help anything or do damage when dispersing, though they are tougher to destroy than other equivalent rank versions).