1) But what if it's formed next to you? I don't suggest using the "get out of range" escape method. It's not really rewarding since your opponent can intercept you if he realizes what you're doing. What I would do then would be creating earth spikes or any environment changing earth technique to prevent you from moving. I suggest you blow the vortex with a strong wind and force it to "fall" onto the opponent instead of you.I like the fact that this technique can create a water source, thus fuelling another technique that needs a water source..
How to counter it: Hmm, I think to counter this, just simply get out of its range (dodging it)
This is a very quick technique to do, but it’s not very strong..
How to counter it: Use a Doton style jutsu to counter it, because the water would just be absorbed into the earth to the point where it just becomes muddy.
I like this technique because it can be used to trap the opponent, but it isn’t very powerful.
How to counter: Hmm, I would counter this by using a B-Rank fire technique to evaporate the water.
The good thing about this technique is that it doesn’t requite handseals, and it can be done quickly.
How to counter: To counter this, I would continually dodge it, or I would use Earth style or a high rank fire style jutsu to dissipate it.
A very good advantage of this technique is that it creates a water cource.
How to counter: To counter it, use a high ranked Fire style jutsu (a stream or constant fire jutsu) to evaporate all the water, or you can use a earth style jutsu to defend against it..
2) Yes, that would do. A simple earthen structure would be good since it's a focused technique.
3) Ok, but it's forming all around you and most fire techniques are being spit from your mouth. You'd evaporate a part of the water. What about the rest?
4) This one is easier to evade since it's only short ranged. However, because of its short range and use in close quarter battles it can surprise you. You could use it the same way. For example, you're having a tai fight and you forced your opponent to lift up from the ground in order to avoid your leg sweep. As you're finishing your rotation you can create the slicer to prevent him from landing and since he's mid air he has reduced mobility anyway.
5) Yeah, that's the point of this whole method. They create water sources. What's good about it, it's its large scale. You can also redirect the flow of water with earth techniques. Maybe split the earth and force it to sink or redirect it back at the opponent with walls, etc.