2 replies to this topic

[tricksie]

In fanfics, I often come across trivial issues that I have to explain. Some are small details, but important to the plot; some are bigger points that have never been explained in the manga, but I find I have to delve into it in a fanfic.

I thought other writers might have similar issues, and other readers might have some great suggestions! So feel free to add questions or answer/post ideas.

My issue right now is what do shinobis do with dead bodies?

Do they leave them there where they fell? Do they transport them to their hidden village to see if there are any secrets hidden in their bodies? (That has been touched on in the manga and anime. And if so - how do they do it? Through a transport scroll?) Or do they incinerate them on the spot, the way the ANBU do if they're caught in enemy territory?

I tend to think that shinobis from any village would not want to leave a trace of their activities. So they would dispose of the bodies. But how.... Right now, I'm leaning towards some type of incineration jutsu. Something a nin could do with little energy expended, burns the body away completely, and then they scuff some leaves over the ashy spot.

Reasoning: Other nins would know something had happen, but they'd have to search hard for the signs. (Something they're not likely to do, as they're ninja, and a dead nin is of little value to them.) Other villagers would not be alerted to signs of a fight, and therefore wouldn't spread any news of ninjas passing through their area and fighting — so covers their tracks.

Lastly, it would be easy for the reader to grasp. Not a lot of explanation. And then the plot moves quickly on.

So, that's my initial thought, but does anyone else have suggestions or have already tackled this issue in a fanfic? Or have you read a fanfic that adressed it in a good way?

They're ninjas. They operate in stealth. Then what do they do with the body?

[Paradox Jast]

Most of them wear the vests that have enough pockets to have sealing scrolls, I'd think. The quickest way to get rid of bodies is to leave no trace of it at all, seal it away.

Incineration might work, but not everyone is as capable of using fire techniques. Unless each element has its own disposal method. Earth users, for example, could just do an immediate burial deep underground.

[catsi563]

yeah its pretty well implied by Kakashi that they dispose of bodies on the spot.


Hunter Nins especialy since their may be secrets they dont want an enemy to have. Also in a world with Bloodlines like the Byakugan or the Sharingan it makes sense for them to dispose of the bodies in such a fashion that no one can do an autopsy to discover the secret of the bloodline.