[Training] With Riku Sensei.

[Ebi..]

*waits for sensei*

 

[Riku..]

(Terrain: The forest of Dead Trees; where Kakuzu and Hidan fought Team Asuma and Team Kakashi)

*Drops out of the sky*

Oi! O^O So... what's first? Lightning or Fire?

 

[Ebi..]

(Terrain: The forest of Dead Trees; where Kakuzu and Hidan fought Team Asuma and Team Kakashi)

*Drops out of the sky*

Oi! O^O So... what's first? Lightning or Fire?

Hiya sensei

Hmmm Lightning please ^^

 

[Riku..]

Hiya sensei

Hmmm Lightning please ^^

Ok, well first, I believe that you told me that you just began RPing, correct? In that case, I would simply like an explanation as to what chakra is and how it relates to ninja. What does having control over it allow ninja to do that ordinary people can't?

In addition, have you already completed the water walking and then tree climbing training? If not then we should probably start with that before you learn any elements. They're pretty essential things to learn and in my opinion the first techniques that you should learn, even if you're not doing basic ninjutsu training. If you have already done it, then answer the following questions. If not, then we'll start there.

Alrighty then. As philosophically as you can, what is lightning? What is its use in the ninja world? Also name for me its strengths and weaknesses as far as its relation to other elements goes. Finally, I would like you to tell me a few of its offensive and defensive capabilities. What properties of lightning give it its role in offensive and defensive combinations and strategies?

 

[Ebi..]

Ok, well first, I believe that you told me that you just began RPing, correct? In that case, I would simply like an explanation as to what chakra is and how it relates to ninja. What does having control over it allow ninja to do that ordinary people can't?

In addition, have you already completed the water walking and then tree climbing training? If not then we should probably start with that before you learn any elements. They're pretty essential things to learn and in my opinion the first techniques that you should learn, even if you're not doing basic ninjutsu training.

Alrighty then. As philosophically as you can, what is lightning? What is its use in the ninja world? Also name for me its strengths and weaknesses as far as its relation to other elements goes. Finally, I would like you to tell me a few of its offensive and defensive capabilities. What properties of lightning give it its role in offensive and defensive combinations and strategies?

Yes that is correct sensei ^^ alright here goes ~

Chakra is gained from exercising and combat experience. Once molded, it can be channelled through the chakra circulatory system to any of the 361 chakra points (tenketsu) in the body. Using various methods, most commonly handseals, the chakra can then be manipulated to create an effect that would not be possible otherwise, such as walking on water, exhaling fire or creating illusions.
By gathering different ratios of the two energies, new types of chakra can be formed. Most ninja have a natural affinity to one type of chakra, but they have the capacity to create elemental chakra apart from their own affinity. There are five basic types, each stronger and weaker to another, but their relations, weaknesses, and strengths to each other are all explored.

No I havent done water walking or tree climbing.

------------------------------

Lightning Release is one of the basic elements, it is created when the user increases the vibrations of their chakra. The electricity serves as a restriction of movement momentarily paralizing the enemy and leaving them vunerable for a finishing strike. In some cases lightning can be fused with a weapon increasing the piercing power greatly.
The power of a lightning technique can be increased if combined with a water technique because water conducts electricity and vice versa.
Lightning is weak to wind techniques because the wind serves as a natural insulator therefore rendering weak. Lightning is strong against earth because it can travel easily through it and break the ground apart.

 

[Riku..]

Yes that is correct sensei ^^ alright here goes ~

Chakra is gained from exercising and combat experience. Once molded, it can be channelled through the chakra circulatory system to any of the 361 chakra points (tenketsu) in the body. Using various methods, most commonly handseals, the chakra can then be manipulated to create an effect that would not be possible otherwise, such as walking on water, exhaling fire or creating illusions.
By gathering different ratios of the two energies, new types of chakra can be formed. Most ninja have a natural affinity to one type of chakra, but they have the capacity to create elemental chakra apart from their own affinity. There are five basic types, each stronger and weaker to another, but their relations, weaknesses, and strengths to each other are all explored.

No I havent done water walking or tree climbing.

------------------------------

Lightning Release is one of the basic elements, it is created when the user increases the vibrations of their chakra. The electricity serves as a restriction of movement momentarily paralizing the enemy and leaving them vunerable for a finishing strike. In some cases lightning can be fused with a weapon increasing the piercing power greatly.
The power of a lightning technique can be increased if combined with a water technique because water conducts electricity and vice versa.
Lightning is weak to wind techniques because the wind serves as a natural insulator therefore rendering weak. Lightning is strong against earth because it can travel easily through it and break the ground apart.

Very nicely done, more than I expected. ^_^

The only sketchy part is that I just wanted to point out that chakra is not "gained" as you said. You have chakra from birth; it's a life force without which you can't... well... live lol. Exercising and training and gaining experience simply enhances your ability to access and manipulate your chakra in the ways that you described. That's what sets apart ninja from normal people. Everyone has chakra, but not everyone can manipulate it.

I'll read through and go over your answers to the lightning release question later; the water walking and tree climbing are the priority for now.

From here, begin to mediate. This simply allows you to get a grasp of your chakra flow. Feel your chakra throughout your body and allow it to flow through freely. Do not allow anything to take your mind off of your chakra flow.

 

[Ebi..]

Very nicely done, more than I expected. ^_^

The only sketchy part is that I just wanted to point out that chakra is not "gained" as you said. You have chakra from birth; it's a life force without which you can't... well... live lol. Exercising and training and gaining experience simply enhances your ability to access and manipulate your chakra in the ways that you described. That's what sets apart ninja from normal people. Everyone has chakra, but not everyone can manipulate it.

I'll read through and go over your answers to the lightning release question later; the water walking and tree climbing are the priority for now.

From here, begin to mediate. This simply allows you to get a grasp of your chakra flow. Feel your chakra throughout your body and allow it to flow through freely. Do not allow anything to take your mind off of your chakra flow.

Oh sorry, once I start typing I lose track of any mistake I may have made, Thank you for clearing it out.

Alright sensei Ill get to it ^^

*I look for a good shady spot so I can begin meditating. I close my eyes and begin to feel the flow of my chakra as it travels through my head all the way to my toes. *Skreek*Skreek*Skreek* Birds start to cry above me, I keep concentrating harder and block everything out, I start to feel my chakra once again, sense it as it calmly flows through my body*

How was that sensei ^^?

 

[Riku..]

Oh sorry, once I start typing I lose track of any mistake I may have made, Thank you for clearing it out.

Alright sensei Ill get to it ^^

*I look for a good shady spot so I can begin meditating. I close my eyes and begin to feel the flow of my chakra as it travels through my head all the way to my toes. *Skreek*Skreek*Skreek* Birds start to cry above me, I keep concentrating harder and block everything out, I start to feel my chakra once again, sense it as it calmly flows through my body*

How was that sensei ^^?

*I sit down and relax as you begin meditating. Just as I'm about to go to sleep right after closing my eyes, I'm suddenly awakened by your voice.*

O________O

NO TALK. MEDITATE!

 

[Ebi..]

*I sit down and relax as you begin meditating. Just as I'm about to go to sleep right after closing my eyes, I'm suddenly awakened by your voice.*

O________O

NO TALK. MEDITATE!

xD Right

*I sit back at the shouting voice of Riku sensei, I close my eyes once again and start to practice sensing my chakra as well as disrupting its flow, I keep doing this for a while, I wonder how much time has passed by, I go back to meditating before sensei says something again*

 

[Riku..]

xD Right

*I sit back at the shouting voice of Riku sensei, I close my eyes once again and start to practice sensing my chakra as well as disrupting its flow, I keep doing this for a while, I wonder how much time has passed by, I go back to meditating before sensei says something again*

*After a couple of hours, I roll over and wake up*

Lol you're actually still meditating.

I mean... well done student. O^O

Now, we'll start with the Tree Climbing Excercise.

Spoiler

(Ki Nobori no Shugyō) - Tree Climbing Practice
Rank: E
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 5
Damage points: N/A
Description: This is a training method used to gain the basic skills of chakra control. This training involves focusing a fixed amount of chakra to the bottom of one's feet, and using that to climb a tree without using one's hands. If the stream of chakra is too weak, the user will lose their footing on the tree and fall off. If it is too strong, the user will be pushed away from the tree, causing the bark of the tree to break around the point of contact and the user to fall. This technique becomes second nature to shinobi with more practice.
Note: Technique only for use of training methods.

The description that I posted does a good job at explaining the mechanics of the technique. Basically, you focus the chakra that is in the soles of your feet in one constant stream. Your chakra acts as a binding of sorts that allows the stream of chakra that you have focused to connect to the tree, or whatever surface you are attempting to climb (this is normally practiced by using a tree, but it can really be done up any surface; mountains, buildings, etc.). The stream that you emit through your feet needs to be constant in this case. The amount of chakra that you need to focus varies between individuals, the only way to find out how much you need to focus is to try the technique until you get it right. If you focus too little, the stream won't maintain contact with the tree and you'll fall off. Too much and your chakra will create an opposing force rather than the equalizing one that you're attempting to create, and you'll push yourself off of the tree.

*I look around for a moment, and find one particularly tall tree that goes up for about 30 meters.*

There's a good one. You're training with this will be complete when you manage to climb all the way up that tree without using your hands at all, not even to regain your balance. Remember that as you move, you still have to focus on maintaining that constant stream of chakra in the soles of your feet.

 

[Ebi..]

*After a couple of hours, I roll over and wake up*

Lol you're actually still meditating.

I mean... well done student. O^O

Now, we'll start with the Tree Climbing Excercise.

Spoiler

(Ki Nobori no Shugyō) - Tree Climbing Practice
Rank: E
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 5
Damage points: N/A
Description: This is a training method used to gain the basic skills of chakra control. This training involves focusing a fixed amount of chakra to the bottom of one's feet, and using that to climb a tree without using one's hands. If the stream of chakra is too weak, the user will lose their footing on the tree and fall off. If it is too strong, the user will be pushed away from the tree, causing the bark of the tree to break around the point of contact and the user to fall. This technique becomes second nature to shinobi with more practice.
Note: Technique only for use of training methods.

The description that I posted does a good job at explaining the mechanics of the technique. Basically, you focus the chakra that is in the soles of your feet in one constant stream. Your chakra acts as a binding of sorts that allows the stream of chakra that you have focused to connect to the tree, or whatever surface you are attempting to climb (this is normally practiced by using a tree, but it can really be done up any surface; mountains, buildings, etc.). The stream that you emit through your feet needs to be constant in this case. The amount of chakra that you need to focus varies between individuals, the only way to find out how much you need to focus is to try the technique until you get it right. If you focus too little, the stream won't maintain contact with the tree and you'll fall off. Too much and your chakra will create an opposing force rather than the equalizing one that you're attempting to create, and you'll push yourself off of the tree.

*I look around for a moment, and find one particularly tall tree that goes up for about 30 meters.*

There's a good one. You're training with this will be complete when you manage to climb all the way up that tree without using your hands at all, not even to regain your balance. Remember that as you move, you still have to focus on maintaining that constant stream of chakra in the soles of your feet.

Alright! Time to climb this tree.

I chanel my chakra to the sole of my feet, trying to keep it steady flow as I gather what I think is enough. I begin to climb the tree*

Woah! This is so weird

*5 meters into the climb I feel my feet slipping and #@$@$... I fall*

Perhaps it was too weak, seems like I need some more chakra

*Once again I begin to gather chakra at the sole of my feet, and begin to climb the enourmous tree, About 10 meters into the climb I feel something pushing against my feet, part of the tree becomes dented and I'm sent flying back, #@%@% I fall back again*

Ai..ai..ai.. ouch I need to concentrate on getting the right amount.

*I practice several times, and with swore muscles and a few bruises in my body I'm able to reach the top.*

I wonder how am I supposed to get off this thing :|

 

[Riku..]

Alright! Time to climb this tree.

I chanel my chakra to the sole of my feet, trying to keep it steady flow as I gather what I think is enough. I begin to climb the tree*

Woah! This is so weird

*5 meters into the climb I feel my feet slipping and #@$@$... I fall*

Perhaps it was too weak, seems like I need some more chakra

*Once again I begin to gather chakra at the sole of my feet, and begin to climb the enourmous tree, About 10 meters into the climb I feel something pushing against my feet, part of the tree becomes dented and I'm sent flying back, #@%@% I fall back again*

Ai..ai..ai.. ouch I need to concentrate on getting the right amount.

*I practice several times, and with swore muscles and a few bruises in my body I'm able to reach the top.*

I wonder how am I supposed to get off this thing :|

*I watch you intently as you climb the tree and fall off multiple times, and once you finally reach the top, I begin to smirk.*

*Suddenly, though, you begin speaking and you fall off. For a moment I think about catching you but...*

Nah...

*With a heavy thump, you slam onto the ground and I walk up toward you.*

You seem to have gotten the basic concept, but the goal here is to get you to a point where you can do this without thinking. When you began speaking, you fell off. Why? Because this isn't second-nature to you. That's where we want to get. Try it a few more times. Climb that tree all the way up twenty times, and then I'll be confident that you've got the concept down.

 

[Ebi..]

*I watch you intently as you climb the tree and fall off multiple times, and once you finally reach the top, I begin to smirk.*

*Suddenly, though, you begin speaking and you fall off. For a moment I think about catching you but...*

Nah...

*With a heavy thump, you slam onto the ground and I walk up toward you.*

You seem to have gotten the basic concept, but the goal here is to get you to a point where you can do this without thinking. When you began speaking, you fell off. Why? Because this isn't second-nature to you. That's where we want to get. Try it a few more times. Climb that tree all the way up twenty times, and then I'll be confident that you've got the concept down.

*I walk up to the tree with my bottom hurting from my previous fall, I gather chakra on the bottom of my feet, I try to remember the sensation that I felt earlier as I was able to climb to the top, once I recreate that same feeling I start walking up steadily concentrating. I do a few motions with my hands so that I'm able to multitask while climbing. I do this several times, I have more confidence in climbing as I can even sprint while climbing up. I get down and wait for sensei to examine my training.*

 

[Riku..]

*I walk up to the tree with my bottom hurting from my previous fall, I gather chakra on the bottom of my feet, I try to remember the sensation that I felt earlier as I was able to climb to the top, once I recreate that same feeling I start walking up steadily concentrating. I do a few motions with my hands so that I'm able to multitask while climbing. I do this several times, I have more confidence in climbing as I can even sprint while climbing up. I get down and wait for sensei to examine my training.*

*You successfully manage to climb the tree every time*

Well done. Adding the mock-handseals was a nice touch to show me that you can multitask.

Moving on, we'll move on to a similar but more difficult technique for you to master.

Spoiler

(Suimen Hokō no Gyō) - Water Surface Walking Practice
Rank: E
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 5
Damage points: N/A
Description: This training method is used to gain better chakra control. To do this, the user has to be emitting a constant stream of chakra from the bottom of the their feet and using the repellent force to walk across the water's surface. This technique is more difficult to master than the Tree Climbing Practice, because the amount of chakra that needs to be emitted changes constantly. This technique becomes second nature to shinobi with more practices.
Note: Technique only for use of training methods.

*Suddenly, I drop down to the ground, placing my palm on the ground, and in between the two of us a twenty meter deep trench is suddenly created:*

(Doton: Chidōkaku) - Earth Release: Moving Earth Core
Rank: A
Type: Offensive, Defensive, Supplementary
Range: Short - Long
Chakra cost: 30
Damage points: N/A
Description: The user lowers or raises the ground in the surrounding area at high speeds, allowing them to create giant holes in the ground or avoid attacks. The size of the affected area as well as the depths that it is lowered to is up to the user and rasing earth can be done up to 20 meters tall creating a small cliff or they can create trenches that can be as deep as 20 meters. Other than being moved below ground relative to the surrounding surface the terrain is not altered, plant life and people retaining their same positions.

*And afterwards, I begin spewing water from my mouth so that it fills the trench to the brim:*

(Suiton: Bakusui Shōha) - Water Release: Exploding Water Colliding Wave
Rank: B
Type: Offensive, Supplementary
Range: Short - Long
Chakra cost: 20
Damage points: 40
Description: The user performs the snake hand seal and creates a large volume of water from their mouth spilling it toward the ground and lifting them up into the air. The user can also ride the wave, allowing him to travel at high speeds and attacking the enemy. The user can create a small ocean worth of water even in barren conditions and can use the water for additional techniques.

*Once the trench is filled, I look back over at you.*

Now, basically this technique is quite similar to the Tree Climbing one, but the way that you focus your chakra is different. Water is almost never still, it's always moving in slight ripples and currents and then when in an actual ocean you have to take tides into account. As a result, instead of focusing a constant stream of chakra through your feet, you have to constantly adjust that stream of chakra in relation to the movement of the water. But not only that, you have to take your own movements into account as well. You have to feel how the water is moving, and focus your chakra in such a way that you'll stay on the surface. Focus too little, and you'll just fall right into the water. Focus too much, and you'll disrupt the water, causing it to move more in small waves and, again, you'll fall in. For now, just try standing on the water.

 

[Ebi..]

*You successfully manage to climb the tree every time*

Well done. Adding the mock-handseals was a nice touch to show me that you can multitask.

Moving on, we'll move on to a similar but more difficult technique for you to master.

Spoiler

(Suimen Hokō no Gyō) - Water Surface Walking Practice
Rank: E
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 5
Damage points: N/A
Description: This training method is used to gain better chakra control. To do this, the user has to be emitting a constant stream of chakra from the bottom of the their feet and using the repellent force to walk across the water's surface. This technique is more difficult to master than the Tree Climbing Practice, because the amount of chakra that needs to be emitted changes constantly. This technique becomes second nature to shinobi with more practices.
Note: Technique only for use of training methods.

*Suddenly, I drop down to the ground, placing my palm on the ground, and in between the two of us a twenty meter deep trench is suddenly created:*

(Doton: Chidōkaku) - Earth Release: Moving Earth Core
Rank: A
Type: Offensive, Defensive, Supplementary
Range: Short - Long
Chakra cost: 30
Damage points: N/A
Description: The user lowers or raises the ground in the surrounding area at high speeds, allowing them to create giant holes in the ground or avoid attacks. The size of the affected area as well as the depths that it is lowered to is up to the user and rasing earth can be done up to 20 meters tall creating a small cliff or they can create trenches that can be as deep as 20 meters. Other than being moved below ground relative to the surrounding surface the terrain is not altered, plant life and people retaining their same positions.

*And afterwards, I begin spewing water from my mouth so that it fills the trench to the brim:*

(Suiton: Bakusui Shōha) - Water Release: Exploding Water Colliding Wave
Rank: B
Type: Offensive, Supplementary
Range: Short - Long
Chakra cost: 20
Damage points: 40
Description: The user performs the snake hand seal and creates a large volume of water from their mouth spilling it toward the ground and lifting them up into the air. The user can also ride the wave, allowing him to travel at high speeds and attacking the enemy. The user can create a small ocean worth of water even in barren conditions and can use the water for additional techniques.

*Once the trench is filled, I look back over at you.*

Now, basically this technique is quite similar to the Tree Climbing one, but the way that you focus your chakra is different. Water is almost never still, it's always moving in slight ripples and currents and then when in an actual ocean you have to take tides into account. As a result, instead of focusing a constant stream of chakra through your feet, you have to constantly adjust that stream of chakra in relation to the movement of the water. But not only that, you have to take your own movements into account as well. You have to feel how the water is moving, and focus your chakra in such a way that you'll stay on the surface. Focus too little, and you'll just fall right into the water. Focus too much, and you'll disrupt the water, causing it to move more in small waves and, again, you'll fall in. For now, just try standing on the water.

Alright ^^ lets do this

*I focus chakra on the bottom of my feet, I put one foot in the water and it stays up, as I try to put my other foot in the water, I lose my chakra concentration and fall in*

Achoo, phew this water is super cold I need to stop falling in

*Once I get out of the water, I focus my chakra on my soles once again, I put my foot in the water steadily, ( I better practice holding the chakra in one foot, wouldnt want to fall in again). I continue to do this for a few mins and once I get the hang of it I use both feet, Yes! Im standing!, Suddenly an air current passes by and small waves are created in the water, I fall back into the water, (seems like I will have to steadily change my chakra due to the movement of the water).

I'm going to catch a cold if this keeps up

Once again I gather chakra on the bottom of my feet and step on the water, I feel another air current by and creates small ripples in the water, I change my chakra flow in relationship to the movement of the water, and I'm still standing.

How is it Sensei ^^?

 

[Riku..]

Alright ^^ lets do this

*I focus chakra on the bottom of my feet, I put one foot in the water and it stays up, as I try to put my other foot in the water, I lose my chakra concentration and fall in*

Achoo, phew this water is super cold I need to stop falling in

*Once I get out of the water, I focus my chakra on my soles once again, I put my foot in the water steadily, ( I better practice holding the chakra in one foot, wouldnt want to fall in again). I continue to do this for a few mins and once I get the hang of it I use both feet, Yes! Im standing!, Suddenly an air current passes by and small waves are created in the water, I fall back into the water, (seems like I will have to steadily change my chakra due to the movement of the water).

I'm going to catch a cold if this keeps up

Once again I gather chakra on the bottom of my feet and step on the water, I feel another air current by and creates small ripples in the water, I change my chakra flow in relationship to the movement of the water, and I'm still standing.

How is it Sensei ^^?

*Suddenly you stop changing the way that your chakra is focused and you fall in.*

When I say constantly changing the flow I really mean CONSTANTLY changing, like the way that you focus the chakra one second is never the same as the next. You only changed your chakra when you felt wind changing the flow of the water, but that's not the only time that water is in motion. Water is always swaying back and forth, so every second the chakra flow changes slightly so that you can maintain perfect balance on the water.

Now if you managed to hear what I just said despite the fact that you're currently sinking... try again. O^O

 

[Ebi..]

*Suddenly you stop changing the way that your chakra is focused and you fall in.*

When I say constantly changing the flow I really mean CONSTANTLY changing, like the way that you focus the chakra one second is never the same as the next. You only changed your chakra when you felt wind changing the flow of the water, but that's not the only time that water is in motion. Water is always swaying back and forth, so every second the chakra flow changes slightly so that you can maintain perfect balance on the water.

Now if you managed to hear what I just said despite the fact that you're currently sinking... try again. O^O

Aghagh... I'm sinking?!

*listening to what Riku sensei says, I focus the chakra at the bottom of my feet, and try to walk bit by bit so that I can rise to the top of the water, remembering what sensei said, I feel the water under my feet swaying back and forth and as it does, I try to use small bursts to change my chakra often.*

Alright ^^ how was that?

 

[Riku..]

Aghagh... I'm sinking?!

*listening to what Riku sensei says, I focus the chakra at the bottom of my feet, and try to walk bit by bit so that I can rise to the top of the water, remembering what sensei said, I feel the water under my feet swaying back and forth and as it does, I try to use small bursts to change my chakra often.*

Alright ^^ how was that?

Better. ^_^

Now, try to walk around on the water. Remember to factor in not only the movements of the water but the way that you move as well. Each of your steps has an effect on your chakra flow just like the movement of the water does. Take all of that into account while altering your flow of chakra.

Provide a satisfactory explanation of how you go about walking on the water, and we'll move on to your actual Raiton training (I think I've kept you waiting long enough ).

 

[Ebi..]

Better. ^_^

Now, try to walk around on the water. Remember to factor in not only the movements of the water but the way that you move as well. Each of your steps has an effect on your chakra flow just like the movement of the water does. Take all of that into account while altering your flow of chakra.

Provide a satisfactory explanation of how you go about walking on the water, and we'll move on to your actual Raiton training (I think I've kept you waiting long enough ).

Nah this is actually fun ^^

Alright lets do this

*As I am standing along the edge of the trench, I begin to move taking short steps, (this is much harder than i thought) I feel the water moving underneath me, I keep channeling my chakra through my soles and changing it accordingly as I move, I try to quicken up the pace all the while to keep my chakra constantly changing along with each and every step i take. I sprint to the edge to where sensei is and await for him to speak*

 

[Riku..]

Nah this is actually fun ^^

Alright lets do this

*As I am standing along the edge of the trench, I begin to move taking short steps, (this is much harder than i thought) I feel the water moving underneath me, I keep channeling my chakra through my soles and changing it accordingly as I move, I try to quicken up the pace all the while to keep my chakra constantly changing along with each and every step i take. I sprint to the edge to where sensei is and await for him to speak*

Glad that you're enjoying the training then ^^.

*I watch silently as you attempt to move across the water, and suddenly you begin to sprint in a burst of motion and stop suddenly right in front of me, still standing on the water but only a meter away from where the trench ends I stand.*

Very nicely done. ^_^ And with that... we're moving on to the good stuff. Now... you already gave your answers to my questions about lightning...

Lightning Release is one of the basic elements, it is created when the user increases the vibrations of their chakra. The electricity serves as a restriction of movement momentarily paralizing the enemy and leaving them vunerable for a finishing strike. In some cases lightning can be fused with a weapon increasing the piercing power greatly.
The power of a lightning technique can be increased if combined with a water technique because water conducts electricity and vice versa.
Lightning is weak to wind techniques because the wind serves as a natural insulator therefore rendering weak. Lightning is strong against earth because it can travel easily through it and break the ground apart.

Good explanations. Again, only a few slight things that I want to add.

Note that while lightning is good for paralyzing the opponent, it's offensive capabilities do not simply end there. As far as clearing long distances in a quick fashion, lightning release is almost always the way to go. Many lightning techniques can clear a very long distance within a matter of moments, making it a very good offensive element as it can often move a lot quicker than other techniques and can even augment the user's own speed. It's speed also makes it a good defensive element; a quick response is often optimal when making a defensive strategy, and lightning techniques can often provide that quick response. In addition, higher forms of the element can be used to completely obliterate forested or otherwise densely populated areas.

Any comments or questions on that?