Shuriken, like kunai, are one of the most basic ninja weapons. They are sharpened, four-pronged metal stars, and are useful for throwing. Although small with little to no lethal force, they can be used to distract or pin down enemy shinobi. They have an open circle in the center, used for grabbing with a finger, to avoid cutting oneself, or to put thread through. The circle is also beneficial to the weapons overall aerodynamics, ensuring more accurate trajectories.