The Substitute doll/wooden block is created after the counter triggers can be attacked by opponents and hit Greninja.Hydro Pump doesn't have front hitboxes, meaning that Greninja will pass through opponents rather than causing direct damage.Opponents can see where Greninja will appear when charging Shadow Sneak by paying attention to his shadow on the ground.The projectile is also not so fast compared to other charging projectiles. Water Shuriken cannot be stored like other chargeable projectiles.
This is mostly noticeable in his Up Smash, which deals negligible knockback if it doesn't sweetspot. All Smash Attacks have a sweetspot at the edge of Greninja's Water Swords.Considerable startup and ending lags on many moves, mostly its aerials.Weak grabs that cannot KO even at higher percentages.Limited options for KO, specially in the air.