Theoretically, chakra natures should all be equal. However, I don't think that's really the case. I was wondering how would you guys rank them from best to worst?
Here's my take
1) Earth
Earth release is, by far, the most versatile nature. It's useful for both offense and defense (Kakuzu's earth spear is, IMO, the strongest elemental armor). It can be used for incredibly large techniques like Kitsuchi's mountain jutsu or Oonoki's Super light weight technique on the meteorite. It can also be used practically anywhere since most battles happen on land, and it can easily change the battleground if necessary.
2) Lightning
Lightning release is the best offensive chakra nature in the NV. We've seen what Kakashi, Sasuke, and the 3rd/4th Raikage can do with it. The Lightning release armor is strong and enables its user to move very fast. It's very strong against the best chakra nature and its weakness, wind, is quite rare. The only drawback about lightning is that it's not very useful for defense.
3) Wind
Wind is also a primarily offensive nature. While it's not as strong as lightning in short range combat, it more than makes up for it in long range battles. It's a rare chakra nature so most opponents won't be used to fight against it. Naruto and Temari have shown how strong wind can be. Unfortunately, like lightning, wind isn't very useful for defensive purposes, other than deflecting below average attacks.
4) Water
I see water as a weaker earth. It can be used for offense and defense, but it's not as strong as earth for both. It's also very difficult to use large scale water jutsus when there's no water. However, coupled with someone like Kisame who has a lot of chakra, water can be very strong. One of the unique things about water is it's easiness to use with other elements; it's part of the Wood, Ice, Storm and Boil kekkei genkai, and it can be used with wind and lightning in combination techniques.
5) Fire
Although the second strongest clan (the Uchiha) were known for their mastery of fire release, I think it's the weakest chakra nature. Although it's very good at taking out fodder ninjas, I find fire to be extremely one dimensional. There's not much you can do besides spitting various types of fire balls. Its only advantage is when fighting against wind users, and wind is the rarest chakra nature.
Your turn!
Here's my take
1) Earth
Earth release is, by far, the most versatile nature. It's useful for both offense and defense (Kakuzu's earth spear is, IMO, the strongest elemental armor). It can be used for incredibly large techniques like Kitsuchi's mountain jutsu or Oonoki's Super light weight technique on the meteorite. It can also be used practically anywhere since most battles happen on land, and it can easily change the battleground if necessary.
2) Lightning
Lightning release is the best offensive chakra nature in the NV. We've seen what Kakashi, Sasuke, and the 3rd/4th Raikage can do with it. The Lightning release armor is strong and enables its user to move very fast. It's very strong against the best chakra nature and its weakness, wind, is quite rare. The only drawback about lightning is that it's not very useful for defense.
3) Wind
Wind is also a primarily offensive nature. While it's not as strong as lightning in short range combat, it more than makes up for it in long range battles. It's a rare chakra nature so most opponents won't be used to fight against it. Naruto and Temari have shown how strong wind can be. Unfortunately, like lightning, wind isn't very useful for defensive purposes, other than deflecting below average attacks.
4) Water
I see water as a weaker earth. It can be used for offense and defense, but it's not as strong as earth for both. It's also very difficult to use large scale water jutsus when there's no water. However, coupled with someone like Kisame who has a lot of chakra, water can be very strong. One of the unique things about water is it's easiness to use with other elements; it's part of the Wood, Ice, Storm and Boil kekkei genkai, and it can be used with wind and lightning in combination techniques.
5) Fire
Although the second strongest clan (the Uchiha) were known for their mastery of fire release, I think it's the weakest chakra nature. Although it's very good at taking out fodder ninjas, I find fire to be extremely one dimensional. There's not much you can do besides spitting various types of fire balls. Its only advantage is when fighting against wind users, and wind is the rarest chakra nature.
Your turn!
