Neji vs Shikamaru

[warlee]

Shika is not a 1 on 1 fighter

 

[ShikaShogi]

It is unlikely for one of Shikamaru's shadow to touch Neji because he can clearly see them from a distance and if he thinks he won't be able to dodge them, he can simply use rotation. Assuming the shadows do get Neji, he can (as you said) emit chakra from his body to cut loose. I wouldn't rely on shadows if I were Shikamaru, it's not smart. Seeing this, he has only Taijutsu and Tools left. His taijutsu is weaker than Neji's and in close-range combat, Neji would win unanimously. As in for tools, you are referring to traps. As I said before he won't have the time nor the opportunity to do so and even if he does, if they are chakra based, Neji can detect them.

As for the stage, I have to disagree.

• Almost

every Naruto battle has been within a limited area, and besides, Shikamaru would use the "free roam" opportunity to run away. This is useless because Neji would just follow him with his Byakugan and would detect any trap that would be set. You're also underestimating Neji's intelligence. He knows Shikamaru is renowned for being a superb strategist, he will be paying extra attention to any sketchy patterns or moves and won't let any opening go away. Shikamaru's traps only work with time and help. It would be basically impossible, for Shikamaru to arrange time to think and execute a strategy (traps or whatever) with Neji on his tail seeing everything chakra-related Shikamaru does thanks to his Byakugan. If it's within a limited area, it is impossible.

Hyuga > Nara

Let us begin with why the size of the stage matters. Clearly you have admitted that not all matches have taken place in a single area. So why does this one have to be limited??? It shouldn't matter if the stage is endless, as long as it the member of the parties can find how to benefit from it. As for the trap settings, it's not a complete neceserity for Shikamaru to set traps but it's an ideal move in his case. A rather important factor that you fail to see is the out-witting. Not all moves that Shikamaru makes are direct. Say he enters the fight with Asuma's Knuckles. He can easily set them throughout a certain perimeter and not need to use them untill the time is right. Sure, Neji has his Byakugan and with it, Shikamaru is unable to hide, but Shikamaru doesn't need to hide as long as he can confuse Neji enough to make him believe that Shikamaru is about to execute a plan when in fact he catches him off-guard and "strikes" for a different side, per say. I agree that Shadows aren't the ideal striking attack for Shikamaru in this case, but as long as Neji thinks that he uses them in order to catch him with them, Shikamaru can continue catching Neji off-guard. It is almost unpredictable what Shikamaru is to do when faced with such a complex and skilled opponent.

Hyuga ≤ Nara

 

[sG Taka]

Shika is not a 1 on 1 fighter

I agree.

 

[sG Taka]

Let us begin with why the size of the stage matters. Clearly you have admitted that not all matches have taken place in a single area. So why does this one have to be limited??? It shouldn't matter if the stage is endless, as long as it the member of the parties can find how to benefit from it. As for the trap settings, it's not a complete neceserity for Shikamaru to set traps but it's an ideal move in his case. A rather important factor that you fail to see is the out-witting. Not all moves that Shikamaru makes are direct. Say he enters the fight with Asuma's Knuckles. He can easily set them throughout a certain perimeter and not need to use them untill the time is right. Sure, Neji has his Byakugan and with it, Shikamaru is unable to hide, but Shikamaru doesn't need to hide as long as he can confuse Neji enough to make him believe that Shikamaru is about to execute a plan when in fact he catches him off-guard and "strikes" for a different side, per say. I agree that Shadows aren't the ideal striking attack for Shikamaru in this case, but as long as Neji thinks that he uses them in order to catch him with them, Shikamaru can continue catching Neji off-guard. It is almost unpredictable what Shikamaru is to do when faced with such a complex and skilled opponent.

Hyuga ≤ Nara

The size matters because there's a reason for why "almost every battle" has been within a limited area. Besides, what's the point of being able to "free roam" if you'd just be wasting Stamina and Speed, something Shikamaru is not abundant in. Shikamaru can win, yes, but if he relies solely on "out-witting" Neji (who is a genius) then his chances are less than those of Neji. Again, I say rely solely on intelligence because his Shadow Jutsus are highly unlikely to work and his traps share the same destiny.

Neji has more chances.

 

[ShikaShogi]

The size matters because there's a reason for why "almost every battle" has been within a limited area. Besides, what's the point of being able to "free roam" if you'd just be wasting Stamina and Speed, something Shikamaru is not abundant in. Shikamaru can win, yes, but if he relies solely on "out-witting" Neji (who is a genius) then his chances are less than those of Neji. Again, I say rely solely on intelligence because his Shadow Jutsus are highly unlikely to work and his traps share the same destiny.

Neji has more chances.

Let me lay a down a situation in order to see if you can understand why it only seems fitting that the battle area be limitless. We are trying to set a fair setting for the match. In a closed stage Neji would have the advantage because he does not rely on his surrounding as much as Shikamaru does. On a wider stage, Shikamaru is still at a disadvantage for the same reasons. Now, since Neji doesn't fight with his surroundings, it shouldn't matter where the fight is but since we're trying to reach a fair point, a limitless fighting ground seems to be the ideal terrain for a fair match. This put's no one at a disadvantage. Having our battle area, let's place a situation.
1. Close Ranged
2. Mid Ranged
3. Long Range

When it comes to Close Ranged, Neji has the advantage [even more if hie Byakugan is activated] But say that Shikamaru takes a blow just so that both shadows can touch. Aware of Shikamaru's abilities, Neji takes great risk when coming close to Shikamaru. Say he steps back to Mid Range. At Mid Range, Neji can execute his Air Palms and Shikamaru can still stretch out his Shadows. This is supposing he is planing on out-witting Neji since he is aware that Shadows, at a certain distance, are easily evadable. Id still have to give Neji the lead since we are not certain what Shikamari's plan is yet. Now at Long Range, Shikamaru has the advantage given that he has the freedom of a limitless terrain to fight with. And since Neji's attacks are Close/Mid Ranged based, there is no way he can inflict damage to Shikamaru from such a distance. It's not impossible for either party to win, but I have to give my vote to Shikamaru since he's a brilliant strategist. I can't speak for Shikamaru when it comes to executing an 87 step plan, for example. But given the tools around him, I believe he can put up quite a fight and end as the victor. But I'm also one to believe that one fight doesn't settle who is greater. You would need to set every possible match for these two and take out an average to truly know which one is better.

 

[sG Taka]

Let me lay a down a situation in order to see if you can understand why it only seems fitting that the battle area be limitless. We are trying to set a fair setting for the match. In a closed stage Neji would have the advantage because he does not rely on his surrounding as much as Shikamaru does. On a wider stage, Shikamaru is still at a disadvantage for the same reasons. Now, since Neji doesn't fight with his surroundings, it shouldn't matter where the fight is but since we're trying to reach a fair point, a limitless fighting ground seems to be the ideal terrain for a fair match. This put's no one at a disadvantage. Having our battle area, let's place a situation.
1. Close Ranged
2. Mid Ranged
3. Long Range

When it comes to Close Ranged, Neji has the advantage [even more if hie Byakugan is activated] But say that Shikamaru takes a blow just so that both shadows can touch. Aware of Shikamaru's abilities, Neji takes great risk when coming close to Shikamaru. Say he steps back to Mid Range. At Mid Range, Neji can execute his Air Palms and Shikamaru can still stretch out his Shadows. This is supposing he is planing on out-witting Neji since he is aware that Shadows, at a certain distance, are easily evadable. Id still have to give Neji the lead since we are not certain what Shikamari's plan is yet. Now at Long Range, Shikamaru has the advantage given that he has the freedom of a limitless terrain to fight with. And since Neji's attacks are Close/Mid Ranged based, there is no way he can inflict damage to Shikamaru from such a distance. It's not impossible for either party to win, but I have to give my vote to Shikamaru since he's a brilliant strategist. I can't speak for Shikamaru when it comes to executing an 87 step plan, for example. But given the tools around him, I believe he can put up quite a fight and end as the victor. But I'm also one to believe that one fight doesn't settle who is greater. You would need to set every possible match for these two and take out an average to truly know which one is better.

I don't know if you're aware of this, but stages or limited areas can be close, mid, long or all of the said. The thing with making the battlefield "limitless" would be that Neji would suffer a disadvantage since Shikamaru can keep running away and the battle would remain long-range. However, Shikamaru can't keep running due to his weak stamina and speed. This being said, I'd grant the battle to be within an "endless" area because Neji has, in fact, overcome long-range battles such as the one with Kidomaru. Neji would still have better chances due to the fact that Shikamaru can't hide from Neji, and Neji would probably just catch up and detect any trap set up by Shikamaru.

As for your other statements, I will remind you (for the last time) that Shikamaru's shadows are highly unlikely to have an effect on Neji (if Neji fails to evade them) because Neji can easily emit chakra and break free or rotate them away..leaving Shikamaru mid-to-close range away from Neji. A perfect opportunity for Neji's 64 (or 128) Triagrams or Air Palm to land a direct hit on Shikamaru, weakening his already low stamina and sealing his chakra points, putting him in great disadvantage.

I have to say you do bring about some good points. Good discussion!
However..if you decide to write another post, try not to repeat yourself

 

[sG Taka]

Shikimaru shadows are chakra are chakra so they can't get near neji??
WTF

I mean , you should say naruto's rasen shuriken is chakra so neji can block it susanoo is just a mass of hatred chakra so its arrows and sword can't affect neji . Seriously , WTF

What? It's not the same thing..you can't see it like that. Besides, Shiakamaru's shadows can be compared with Kidomaru's webs. He can see them coming, and if he fails to evade them, he can simply "cut" them by emmiting chakra from his fingertips or his body. Also people are forgetting the fact that Neji can severly damage the opponents organs with his Gentle Fist, one blow to the heart and its over for Shikamaru.

 

[MinatoFLASH]

neji very barely or cud go either way

 

[sG Taka]

neji very barely or cud go either way

Why very barely? I agree that Shikamaru can win, but Neji has better chances.

 

[MinatoFLASH]

Why very barely? I agree that Shikamaru can win, but Neji has better chances.

He can get Neji in a shadow and hurt him badly and Neji wud have to keep Byakugan on at all times so he can see everything Shika is bout to throw at him.

 

[ShikaShogi]

I don't know if you're aware of this, but stages or limited areas can be close, mid, long or all of the said. The thing with making the battlefield "limitless" would be that Neji would suffer a disadvantage since Shikamaru can keep running away and the battle would remain long-range. However, Shikamaru can't keep running due to his weak stamina and speed. This being said, I'd grant the battle to be within an "endless" area because Neji has, in fact, overcome long-range battles such as the one with Kidomaru. Neji would still have better chances due to the fact that Shikamaru can't hide from Neji, and Neji would probably just catch up and detect any trap set up by Shikamaru.

As for your other statements, I will remind you (for the last time) that Shikamaru's shadows are highly unlikely to have an effect on Neji (if Neji fails to evade them) because Neji can easily emit chakra and break free or rotate them away..leaving Shikamaru mid-to-close range away from Neji. A perfect opportunity for Neji's 64 (or 128) Triagrams or Air Palm to land a direct hit on Shikamaru, weakening his already low stamina and sealing his chakra points, putting him in great disadvantage.

I have to say you do bring about some good points. Good discussion!
However..if you decide to write another post, try not to repeat yourself

I wish more people would comment on this x))

Shikamarus counters:

-To Close Combat-
1. Taijutsu - Unable to spot Chakra Points, Neji is at a slight disadvantage due to Shikamaru's numerous amounts of weapons that he carries. These could easily be used to counter ALMOST any fist to fist attack. That being said, Neji still has the possibility and hitting any mayor organs in the process.
2. Ninjutsu - The usage of Rotation and/or 8 Trigrams are Neji's strong points. IF he were given the chance to get close enough to Shikamaru to perform these attack, surely, Shikamaru would be at an enormous disadvantage. As for a counter, relying on his strategies, Shikamaru would most likely try to get some distance from Neji using Shadows to cause the appearance of a grab. Let us not forget wind abilities. In order to counter these, Shikamaru would either have to take a blow to get the distance he requires [this way he saves himself for getting vitally hit by the Neji's Trigrams]or keep dodging [which is highly unlikely to do for the entire match].

-To Mid Range Combat-
1. Ninjutsu - Here, winds are easier to dodge and so are Rotations and 8 Trigrams. Of-course, maybe Neji would rely more on his wind burst the Trigrams, but the possibility of Shikamaru dodging them still stands. Say Neji is to perform a combo by adding Shurikens to his wind abilities, here Shikamaru would require an substantial amount of Stamina. Eventually, Neji would run out of Chakra, leaving his Byakugan useless.

-Long Range Combat-
1. Ninjutsu- It's at this distance that Shikamaru would have a lead on Neji due to the amount of tools and Shadows he can use. Since Neji is a close/mid range fighter, long distance attacks are extremely difficult for him. I believe this is the reason as to why you kept insisting on putting a certain amount of terrain to battle on. Any attack made by Neji at this distance can easily be countered by Shikamaru.

I've had my debates before on whether how good a ninja Shikamaru is, but never had I felt the need to defend him like this. It would be a very interesting match to see. Excellent choices, I must say.

 

[sG Taka]

I wish more people would comment on this x))

Shikamarus counters:

-To Close Combat-
1. Taijutsu - Unable to spot Chakra Points, Neji is at a slight disadvantage due to Shikamaru's numerous amounts of weapons that he carries. These could easily be used to counter ALMOST any fist to fist attack. That being said, Neji still has the possibility and hitting any mayor organs in the process.
2. Ninjutsu - The usage of Rotation and/or 8 Trigrams are Neji's strong points. IF he were given the chance to get close enough to Shikamaru to perform these attack, surely, Shikamaru would be at an enormous disadvantage. As for a counter, relying on his strategies, Shikamaru would most likely try to get some distance from Neji using Shadows to cause the appearance of a grab. Let us not forget wind abilities. In order to counter these, Shikamaru would either have to take a blow to get the distance he requires [this way he saves himself for getting vitally hit by the Neji's Trigrams]or keep dodging [which is highly unlikely to do for the entire match].

-To Mid Range Combat-
1. Ninjutsu - Here, winds are easier to dodge and so are Rotations and 8 Trigrams. Of-course, maybe Neji would rely more on his wind burst the Trigrams, but the possibility of Shikamaru dodging them still stands. Say Neji is to perform a combo by adding Shurikens to his wind abilities, here Shikamaru would require an substantial amount of Stamina. Eventually, Neji would run out of Chakra, leaving his Byakugan useless.

-Long Range Combat-
1. Ninjutsu- It's at this distance that Shikamaru would have a lead on Neji due to the amount of tools and Shadows he can use. Since Neji is a close/mid range fighter, long distance attacks are extremely difficult for him. I believe this is the reason as to why you kept insisting on putting a certain amount of terrain to battle on. Any attack made by Neji at this distance can easily be countered by Shikamaru.

I've had my debates before on whether how good a ninja Shikamaru is, but never had I felt the need to defend him like this. It would be a very interesting match to see. Excellent choices, I must say.

First of all, no matter how you put it..Neji will always win close range, regardless of Shikamaru's ninja tools. Neji has a way better, stronger and quicker hand-to-hand combat technique. With or without the Byakugan, Shikamaru will not be able to keep up with Neji's taijutsu, even if he manages to block one or two blows. Neji is faster, stronger and better at taijutsu and close-range attack than Shikamaru is. Shikamaru would not keep up in both stamina and speed. If the battle comes to close-range, Shikamaru's chances are almost none. Also, Neji has the Eight Triagrams Mountain Crusher technique, where, if the opponent is at close-range distance Neji hits them wth both a powerful and wide wave of chakra. Shikamaru will probably not evade this due to the fact that he doesn't have to speed to get out in time since the wave is pretty big.

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(the full size is not shown but you can imagine)

Second, you mentioned the wind abilities. Let me tell you this, evading them are not easy, and it's not one blow of wind only, it is highly unlikely that Shikamaru would be able to dodge more than one combo. Neji shoots multiple air palms (3+) that go at very fast speeds (again, something Shikamaru does not have). Other than this you mention that Shikamaru can "take" these blows and get the distance he requires. You are forgetting that the they are very powerful, if Shikamaru gets hit, he'll have trouble standing back up.

Third you say that by the use of shadows, Shikamaru can "fake" a grab and get the distance he needs. This is unlikely because as Neji sees the shadows coming, he would not only evade them but he would move forward afterwards to make sure the battle remains close-to-mid range. Therefore the the distance would remain the same and Shikamaru would lose both stamina and chakra.

Long distance is a bit of an issue obviously..but Shikamaru only has weaponry for long range just as Neji. Yes, I admit he does have a more varied arsenal but still..Kunais and Shurikens are easily dodged and anything else that involves chakra is also easily dodged for Neji because of his Byakugan. (I do not mention traps because we have already covered this)

 

[sG Taka]

He can get Neji in a shadow and hurt him badly and Neji wud have to keep Byakugan on at all times so he can see everything Shika is bout to throw at him.

The shadow part is true..unless Neji avoids it or cuts loose like a boss.
Hahaha yeah that's true, his Byakugan is essential for this battle.

 

[ShikaShogi]

First of all, no matter how you put it..Neji will always win close range, regardless of Shikamaru's ninja tools. Neji has a way better, stronger and quicker hand-to-hand combat technique. With or without the Byakugan, Shikamaru will not be able to keep up with Neji's taijutsu, even if he manages to block one or two blows. Neji is faster, stronger and better at taijutsu and close-range attack than Shikamaru is. Shikamaru would not keep up in both stamina and speed. If the battle comes to close-range, Shikamaru's chances are almost none. Also, Neji has the Eight Triagrams Mountain Crusher technique, where, if the opponent is at close-range distance Neji hits them wth both a powerful and wide wave of chakra. Shikamaru will probably not evade this due to the fact that he doesn't have to speed to get out in time since the wave is pretty big.

You must be registered for see links

(the full size is not shown but you can imagine)

Second, you mentioned the wind abilities. Let me tell you this, evading them are not easy, and it's not one blow of wind only, it is highly unlikely that Shikamaru would be able to dodge more than one combo. Neji shoots multiple air palms (3+) that go at very fast speeds (again, something Shikamaru does not have). Other than this you mention that Shikamaru can "take" these blows and get the distance he requires. You are forgetting that the they are very powerful, if Shikamaru gets hit, he'll have trouble standing back up.

Third you say that by the use of shadows, Shikamaru can "fake" a grab and get the distance he needs. This is unlikely because as Neji sees the shadows coming, he would not only evade them but he would move forward afterwards to make sure the battle remains close-to-mid range. Therefore the the distance would remain the same and Shikamaru would lose both stamina and chakra.

Long distance is a bit of an issue obviously..but Shikamaru only has weaponry for long range just as Neji. Yes, I admit he does have a more varied arsenal but still..Kunais and Shurikens are easily dodged and anything else that involves chakra is also easily dodged for Neji because of his Byakugan. (I do not mention traps because we have already covered this)

You're reasoning is highly inductive by saying: "Neji will always win close range". I will not deny that his chances are better that of Shikamaru's but, if you recall the fight against Tayuya, before relesing her Genjutsu, Shikamaru threw a Shuriken [which missed] in order for Tayuya to use it against him by getting close. By knowing this would happen, Tayuya let her guard down and Shikamaru was able to grab her with his Mimic Jutsu. So if Neji was given the opportunity of getting close to Shikamaru, he'd have to take this into consideration, since he can't repel this Jutsu with a burst of Chakra.

Another thing I feel like correcting you on, is the use of tools. Sure, Neji has his Byakugan, but if we, once more, look up the fight against Tayuya, once he summoned her 3 creatures, Shikamaru gave the impression of running away, when in-fact he was using that as an excuse to move around and set traps. Not all his traps require Chakra. I feel the need to say this since I can see you are very defensive about Neji's use of the Byakugan. As for long range, I'd have to say that Shikamaru has the advantage once you take in the multitude of moves that Sikamaru could make in order to grab Neji. A good example for this would be the match against Temari. In order to move Temari, he made her think he was acually going to grab her by using a Kunai, his Headband and jacket to work as an extra shadow to extend the one he was already controlling. This shows that every move that Shikamaru makes is for a reason. So if Neji were to get close to Shikamaru, it would mot likely be because he planned it that way.

Oh, and let us not forget now that Shikamaru carries scrolls. He might have a good counter against Neji's Wind Abilities.

 

[sG Taka]

You're reasoning is highly inductive by saying: "Neji will always win close range". I will not deny that his chances are better that of Shikamaru's but, if you recall the fight against Tayuya, before relesing her Genjutsu, Shikamaru threw a Shuriken [which missed] in order for Tayuya to use it against him by getting close. By knowing this would happen, Tayuya let her guard down and Shikamaru was able to grab her with his Mimic Jutsu. So if Neji was given the opportunity of getting close to Shikamaru, he'd have to take this into consideration, since he can't repel this Jutsu with a burst of Chakra.

Another thing I feel like correcting you on, is the use of tools. Sure, Neji has his Byakugan, but if we, once more, look up the fight against Tayuya, once he summoned her 3 creatures, Shikamaru gave the impression of running away, when in-fact he was using that as an excuse to move around and set traps. Not all his traps require Chakra. I feel the need to say this since I can see you are very defensive about Neji's use of the Byakugan. As for long range, I'd have to say that Shikamaru has the advantage once you take in the multitude of moves that Sikamaru could make in order to grab Neji. A good example for this would be the match against Temari. In order to move Temari, he made her think he was acually going to grab her by using a Kunai, his Headband and jacket to work as an extra shadow to extend the one he was already controlling. This shows that every move that Shikamaru makes is for a reason. So if Neji were to get close to Shikamaru, it would mot likely be because he planned it that way.

Oh, and let us not forget now that Shikamaru carries scrolls. He might have a good counter against Neji's Wind Abilities.

Why would Shikamaru plan for Neji to get close? That's not a smart thing to do. You are relying on factors (Shadow Possesion, Close-Combat and such) that are unlikely to succeed. Please, I urge you to stop using unpractical arguments. Shikamaru won't be able to "run away" towards any perimiter with traps because he never set any traps before the match. Also, he couldn't have set them up while fighting because Neji would've always been chasing him from the start. You are setting up a scenario where Shikamaru is just running away looking for an opportunity to set up traps while Neji is chasing him, what kind of battle is this? It's not a battle it's a mere "let me get away from this guy" technique. The strategy against Temari wouldn't work because as he was throwing his jacket and whatnot, he was extending his chakra filled shadow along with it (the one he was already controlling) , something Neji would notice and avoid.

As for the scrolls, there is not much known about them.

Shikamaru is slow and lacks stamina, he'll have to stop running and face Neji because if not he will eventually catch up. This is all with an "endless" arena for them..something that benefits Shikamaru more than Neji.

 

[ShikaShogi]

Why would Shikamaru plan for Neji to get close? That's not a smart thing to do. You are relying on factors (Shadow Possesion, Close-Combat and such) that are unlikely to succeed. Please, I urge you to stop using unpractical arguments. Shikamaru won't be able to "run away" towards any perimiter with traps because he never set any traps before the match. Also, he couldn't have set them up while fighting because Neji would've known because Neji would have always been chasing him from the start. You are setting up a scenario where Shikamaru is just running away looking for an opportunity to set up traps while Neji is chasing him, what kind of battle is this? It's not a battle it's a mere "let me get away from this guy" technique. The strategy against Temari wouldn't work because as he was throwing his jacket and whatnot, he was extending his chakra filled shadow along with it (the one he was already controlling) , something Neji would notice and avoid.

As for the scrolls, there is not much known about them.

You underestimate Shikamaru, as do many of his opponents. I feel you should know that Strength, Speed & Stamina aren't the only factors regarding this match. Fine, Neji's stats state that he is superior to Shikamaru in these, but what good is it if it's not used properly. Shikamaru has a superior intellect [IQ over 200], giving him an advantage when it comes to executing plans. Keep in mind that this allows him to think of all the possible moves Neji could make and just as quickly think of counters. Shikamaru surpasses Neji when it comes to executing moves.

If Neji is close to Shikamaru, he suffers the same risks Shikamaru does. I urge you to see the match against Tayuya in order to see the tools he uses that don't necessarily e used as traps [Flash Bomb for example]. If the case of Shikamaru running away during battle occurs, then one is to believe that it's only because it's part of Shikamaru's master plan. Remember, once caught by the Mimic Jutsu, Shikamaru is in total control of Neji. No Byakugan can save him here. I also ask you to think before writing anymore nonsense about Neji always winning if it's a close combat match.

 

[Adore]

I think Shikamaru. >_>

 

[sG Taka]

You underestimate Shikamaru, as do many of his opponents. I feel you should know that Strength, Speed & Stamina aren't the only factors regarding this match. Fine, Neji's stats state that he is superior to Shikamaru in these, but what good is it if it's not used properly. Shikamaru has a superior intellect [IQ over 200], giving him an advantage when it comes to executing plans. Keep in mind that this allows him to think of all the possible moves Neji could make and just as quickly think of counters. Shikamaru surpasses Neji when it comes to executing moves.

If Neji is close to Shikamaru, he suffers the same risks Shikamaru does. I urge you to see the match against Tayuya in order to see the tools he uses that don't necessarily e used as traps [Flash Bomb for example]. If the case of Shikamaru running away during battle occurs, then one is to believe that it's only because it's part of Shikamaru's master plan. Remember, once caught by the Mimic Jutsu, Shikamaru is in total control of Neji. No Byakugan can save him here. I also ask you to think before writing anymore nonsense about Neji always winning if it's a close combat match.

What I have highlighted is not true, if this where true Shikamaru could easily beat everyone. If this were true, Shikamaru could have easily came up with a tactic to save Asuma and counter Hidan's attacks. Shikamaru would be too busy (if not hit) trying to keep up with Neji's fast and powerful Gentle Fist to think of a strategy to counter the current and upcoming attacks.

"Shikamaru surpasses Neji when it comes to executing moves"? What? Neji is physically more skilled than Shikamaru, he's a genius, he made it to Jounin before anybody else. (Please don't come with the "Shikamaru has been invited to the Twelve Shinobi Guardians" because that was solely based on intellect only).

I believe tools and intellect are not enough to win against Neji.

 

[soulreaper11]

neji with easy Shikamaru can fight worth for crap all his battles he had help and was all traps that were planned out

 

[Kakashi Fang]

Neji wins easily he would not give shikimaru time to think.