How to efficiently use Elemental Combinations
In this thread I will try to clarify the usage of elemental combinations and correct any false ideology associated with them. I will go through many common combinations to make myself as clear as possible. However, it is important for all of you to understand that there is no general rule that can be applied to each and every situation when Role Playing. You will have to use your logic in many occasions, and this thread is simply a guide for those who want to learn the basics of this logic.
Let us start at the very beginning, the elemental weaknesses and advantages of every element:
Fire
-Weak to water
-Strong against wind
Water
-Weak against earth
-Strong against fire
Earth
-Weak against lightning
-Strong against water
Lightning
-Weak against wind
-Strong against earth
Wind
-Weak against fire
-Strong against lightning
I am sure many, if not all of you, know about those, nonetheless it’s important to remind them to everyone.
Now when it comes to elemental combination, those weaknesses and strength are extremely important since they define which elements will pairs to form a combination. Some element can mix, and some can’t. This is normally based on the nature of the element. Here are the most common combination of elements:
-Fire and Wind creates a bigger, stronger fire.
**When a fire and a wind jutsu of the same rank are shot by two shinobi facing each other, the result won't be a stronger fire jutsu continuing forward, but instead it'll be a weakened fire jutsu (one rank lower then it originally was).
**When a fire jutsu clash with a one rank higher wind jutsu, they will both cancel each other out. If higher then one rank, the wind will overpower the fire. However, there are exceptions; for further details continue the reading.
(Further explanation on my reasoning of the Fire/Wind clash can be found in the spoiler bellow)
The way I see the fire and wind clashing is like putting too much air into a flame, it won't do any good. However, when a wind jutsu merge from behind it only add to both jutsus momentum, reinforcing each other. I can't think of a jutsu getting stronger as he clashes with another one and loses speed. I know Fire is the elemental weakness of wind, but we shouldn't see it as fire and fuel. Air is only good for fire in certain proportion, let's not forget that.
-Water and Lightning, though not related in the weakness and strength chart, can be used together as water conduct the electricity.
-Water and Earth are very rarely used because of some restrictions with the Mud element, but when use with two separate jutsu, one can create mud.
-Fire and Earth, again those two elements are rarely combined because they are associated with Lava release which is a patented CE. Nonetheless, there’s no restriction against using both a fire and an earth jutsu separately to create lava.
Of course there are many more combinations which are possible, but I only wish to cover the most commonly used.
Now that the basics are covered, let’s cut to the core; how strong is a combination, how to counter, what rank should it be considered.
Let’s begin by establishing some ground rules;
-An A-rank combined with another A-rank does not give you a forbidden rank; it gives you the equivalent of an S-rank jutsu. Two B-rank will give you an A-rank, so on and so forth.
-Non linear combinations such as: B-rank combined with A-rank, will result in an S-rank jutsu. Since it would be debatable whether or not it’s considered an S-rank or an A-rank, we assume it’s the stronger of the two. This way, when defending, you’ll always be safe and no debate will arise. Again, when making a combination of two jutsu which differ by one rank, the resulting jutsu is one rank above the stronger of the two.
-The only exception applies to S-ranked jutsus. When combining an S-rank with another S-rank or an S-rank with an A-rank jutsu, it doesn’t become a Forbidden rank technique. By definition, a Forbidden technique requires that the user suffers severe damage when performing the technique. Hence, those two combinations will only result in a very strong S-rank jutsu.
Example:
S+S= Very strong S-rank jutsu
S+A= Strong S-rank jutsu
A+A=S-rank jutsu
A+B=S-rank jutsu
B+B=A-rank jutsu
B+C=A-rank jutsu
C+C=B-rank jutsu
C+D=B-rank jutsu
D+D=C-rank jutsu
For the Range criteria, the same logic applies when mixing two different types, inversly however. We need to keep in mind that what primarily defines the range of a jutsu is both it's momentum (if it's a projectile) and the "intent" of the jutsu. By "intent" I mean it's goal. For example, the Chidori isn't meant to be a Mid-Long range technique at first (the one Kakashi uses), although it does require a lot of chakra. Since the momentum and speed of a jutsu won't change if he is mixed with another jutsu of same momentum and speed, only faster or slower jutsu afects the range. In other word, only heterogenous compinations will have an impact on the range, homogeneous combinations keep the same range. Also, we will follow the same logic as with the rank of jutsus; when unsure wheter is should be higher or lower, we always assume higher in order to avoid debates. So, we could define the range of a combination this way:
Long Range + Long Range = Long Range
Long Range + Mid Range = Long Range
Long Range + Short Range = Mid Range
Mid Range + Mid Range = Mid Range
Mid Range + Short Range = Mid Range
Short Range + Short Range = Short Range
As for the special case that is the combination between water an lightning, it is a false assumption that lighting can travel indefinetly through water. However, for the purpose of our RP, when using a water and a lightning jutsu in combination, the whole water jutsu is then electrified.
Example:
Ninja 1 and his clone use both those jutsu at the same time, creating a water lightning combination:
(Suiton: Suigandan) - Water Style: Water Fang Bullet
Rank: C
Range: Short
Type: Offense
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: 30
Description: The user gathers water in his/her mouth and then shoots out multiple spherical projectiles.
(Raiton: Kangekiha) – Lightning Release: Wave of Inspiration
Rank: B
Type: Offensive
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra cost: 25
Damage point: 30 (normally) 50 (when used in conjunction with water technique)
Description: After using a Water Style technique, the user releases a wave of electricity that can electrocute any water within range, electrocuting and knocking back an opponent in contact with the water. When used without a water technique, its power is moderate. The technique can be used extremely quickly, so that it finishes almost in conjunction with the previous jutsu.
Rank: C
Range: Short
Type: Offense
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: 30
Description: The user gathers water in his/her mouth and then shoots out multiple spherical projectiles.
(Raiton: Kangekiha) – Lightning Release: Wave of Inspiration
Rank: B
Type: Offensive
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra cost: 25
Damage point: 30 (normally) 50 (when used in conjunction with water technique)
Description: After using a Water Style technique, the user releases a wave of electricity that can electrocute any water within range, electrocuting and knocking back an opponent in contact with the water. When used without a water technique, its power is moderate. The technique can be used extremely quickly, so that it finishes almost in conjunction with the previous jutsu.
I chose this example very carefully. Notice that the range of the water is "Short Range", but the lightning is a "Short-Mid" range jutsu. Would their combination become a mid range attack? No. When using water and lightning in combination, remember that water vehiculate the lightning, not the opposite. So, when using water and lightning in combinations, THE RANGE OF WATER IS THE OVERALL RANGE OF THE COMBINATION.
Now the other posibility is using lightning on a vaste source of water (look at example below). In such a case, for the lightning to be out of range, the jutsu used must be below B-rank and the opponent must be standing long range from the user. Again, if a lightning jutsu below B-rank is used on a shinobi that is standing on a water source long range from the user, it will be ineffective.
Example:
Shinobi 1 creates a water source for both opponents to stand on:
(Suiton: Takitsubo) - Water Style: Waterfall Basin
Rank: C
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra cost: 15
Damage Points: N/A
Description: This jutsu summons a large amount of water. Yamato used this technique along with Earth Release: Earth Flow Rampart to create a waterfall as an example of elemental chakra to Naruto. (No water source required)
Rank: C
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra cost: 15
Damage Points: N/A
Description: This jutsu summons a large amount of water. Yamato used this technique along with Earth Release: Earth Flow Rampart to create a waterfall as an example of elemental chakra to Naruto. (No water source required)
The water starts to emerge from the ground. As soon as the field is covered in water, Shinobi 1 shoots a lightning jutsu at the water source:
(Raiton: Raikyu) - Lightning Release: Lightning Ball
Rank: C
Type: Offense
Range: Short/Mid
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: 30
Description: By gathering chakra in their hands, the user can create a ball of electrical energy and launch it at the enemy.
Rank: C
Type: Offense
Range: Short/Mid
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: 30
Description: By gathering chakra in their hands, the user can create a ball of electrical energy and launch it at the enemy.
In this case, the lightning is out of range if his opponent is standind long range from him.
Again, it is important to consider that those rules cannot be applied 100% of the time, and here is why. The rank of a technique will be based of two factors; chakra manipulation and the “size” of a jutsu. Some jutsu, as you may or may not know, require extreme precision when molding the chakra. The rasengan is the most eloquent example. The difficulty with this jutsu isn’t to gather a massive amount of chakra and shoot it out at the opponent, it’s to mold the chakra into one of the most compact and destructive jutsu shown in the Manga. Because of this, it is considered A-rank.
Now consider the opposite; a jutsu that requires close to no chakra manipulation but only creates an element in massive amount. Here’s an example:
Example:
(Suiton: Suishouha) - Water Style: Water Shock wave
Rank: C
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: N/A
Descripton: causes a large volume of water to materialize out of nowhere. The water can then be directed at his target.
Rank: C
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: N/A
Descripton: causes a large volume of water to materialize out of nowhere. The water can then be directed at his target.
Those two factors; manipulation and size, are the corner stone when defining the rank of a jutsu.
Now that I’ve demonstrated this, I’ll explain why having a higher ranked jutsu doesn’t necessarily mean its superior to a lower ranked jutsu.
Example:
Ninja 1 use a Water Dragon to attack him opponent:
(Suiton: Suiryuudan) - Water Style: Water Dragon
Rank: B
Type: Offense
Range: Short/Long
Chakra Cost: 20
Damage Points: 40
Description: A huge rushing water projectile in the shape of a dragon that can level anything in its path.
Rank: B
Type: Offense
Range: Short/Long
Chakra Cost: 20
Damage Points: 40
Description: A huge rushing water projectile in the shape of a dragon that can level anything in its path.
Ninja 2, only looking at the ranks, use a Rasengan to defend:
(Rasengan) - Spiral Sphere
Rank:A
Type:Attack
Range:Short
Chakra Cost:
Damage Points:
Description: Rasengan was a Ninjutsu technique developed over the span of three years by the Fourth Hokage. The technique was taught to his sensei Jiraiya, who then passed it on to the young ninja Naruto years later. The technique is unlike many other jutsu in that it does not require any hand seals. It just relied on the ninja’s ability to mold chakra. The ninja concentrates a contained, fast, rotating sphere of chakra in the palm of their hand, which can create a destructive impact. Limit: None
Rank:A
Type:Attack
Range:Short
Chakra Cost:
Damage Points:
Description: Rasengan was a Ninjutsu technique developed over the span of three years by the Fourth Hokage. The technique was taught to his sensei Jiraiya, who then passed it on to the young ninja Naruto years later. The technique is unlike many other jutsu in that it does not require any hand seals. It just relied on the ninja’s ability to mold chakra. The ninja concentrates a contained, fast, rotating sphere of chakra in the palm of their hand, which can create a destructive impact. Limit: None
It’s obvious that because of its size, the Water Dragon will hit Ninja 2, even if the technique he used was ranked higher.
Of course this is an obvious example, only to demonstrate that ranks doesn’t define the outcome between two jutsus.
Now, what does this mean when applied to elemental combinations? Well, the answer is simple; it means that even though a combination may outrank another one (or simply a jutsu), it doesn’t mean it will overpower it. Such factor as the size, the manipulation and the elemental advantage needs to be taken into account. Here’s an example:
Example:
Ninja 1 and his shadow clone use two jutsu at the same time:
Fuuton: Senpuuken (Wind Style: Hurricane Fist)
Type:Attack
Rank: B
Range:Short-Mid
Chakra Cost:20
Damage Points:40
Description: A vortex of wind shot out of the users fist wind he/she punches.
(Katon: Bakuhatsu Enhogan) – Fire Style: Exploding Flame Shots
Rank: B
Type: Attack
Range: Mid
Chakra cost: 20
Damage points: 40
Description: The user shoots multiple fire shots from their hands that are able to cause fiery explosions on impact with any object. The shots can't set the opponent on fire, though they can cause damage by exploding on him.
Type:Attack
Rank: B
Range:Short-Mid
Chakra Cost:20
Damage Points:40
Description: A vortex of wind shot out of the users fist wind he/she punches.
(Katon: Bakuhatsu Enhogan) – Fire Style: Exploding Flame Shots
Rank: B
Type: Attack
Range: Mid
Chakra cost: 20
Damage points: 40
Description: The user shoots multiple fire shots from their hands that are able to cause fiery explosions on impact with any object. The shots can't set the opponent on fire, though they can cause damage by exploding on him.
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As both the jutsus mix to create bigger and stronger fire shots, Ninja 2 use:
(Suiton: Suishouha) - Water Style: Water Shock wave
Rank: C
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: N/A
Descripton: causes a large volume of water to materialize out of nowhere. The water can then be directed at his target.
Rank: C
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: N/A
Descripton: causes a large volume of water to materialize out of nowhere. The water can then be directed at his target.
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Causing a massive amount of water to materialize in front of him, which he then directs at the incoming fire projectiles. Those fire shots will then be drown in this giant wave that’s heading toward Ninja 1.
Smaller water techniques could have been evaporated, but in this case, it would have required a stronger and bigger fire technique. In fact, there are two important things to notice here as to why the fire lost to the water; the first being the elemental weakness, the second being that the fire jutsu was classified as B-rank because of the chakra manipulation required in creating several smaller fire projectile instead of one big.
I hope you now understand that a combination can, most of the time, be classified with a rank and countered accordingly, but that some other time you have to actually look what the jutsu looks like and what it does. You’ll notice far too often people rely only on the rank and start endless debate because they don’t understand how lower ranked jutsu could counter theirs.
I hope this thread was useful to you, that you’ll now use your logic when fighting and that you’ll try and understand a jutsu when using it other than simply shooting them at each other. I’ll gladly respond to any comments bellow.
~Approved by Nexus and Zenryoku~
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