Nara (Bloodline)

The Nara Clan (奈良一族, Nara Ichizoku) or Nara family (奈良家, Nara-ke) is known for their manipulation of shadows and tending of deer, which graze in a large area of Nara clan forest. They have kept a book with medicine preparations and effects for generations which implies they are skilled in the area of medicine. Among the medicine described in this book are the secret pills used by the Akimichi clan.

Despite being considered geniuses, the men from this family are prone to being lazy and hard to motivate, but once the situation calls for it, they are very determined and loyal. Ironically, they tend to be attracted to stern, overbearing women. However, there appear to be other factors as well. The Nara men seem to hold women in high esteem, and as a result, willingly defer to their female partners. Shikaku Nara tells his son "Without women, men can't be born. Without women, men go to ruin. Even the hardest of women will show a sweet side to the man she loves and respects."

The Nara clan seems to have a special relationship with the Akimichi clan and Yamanaka clan. For at least two generations, members of these three families have formed an "Ino-Shika-Chō trio", named after the first part of the names of the members. The Nara members are the "Shika" in the trio. "Ino", "Shika" and "Chō" are the names of three cards needed for a highly prized trick of "Inoshikachō" in the Hanafuda.

## Nara Clan Abilities

Note: These are not bloodline attributes and are automatically obtained if the requirements are met.

* Shadow Lurker | Despite being made of chakra, techniques that manipulate shadow that travel along the ground cannot be collided with unless the shadow is manipulated above the earth.

* Master of Shadows | The clan member may learn any listed technique or augment that has the word "shadow" in it without consuming a slot.

* Trinity Teamwork | When performed within the Ino-Shika or Shika-Cho formation, clan imitation techniques have a one post increase added to their duration before the opponent is allowed to spend the chakra to break free. When used within the Ino-Shika formation then this duration is increased by two, for a total length of three posts.

* Shadow Locked | All Nara techniques that restrain movement are considered to also apply the grappled status. This grapple is considered spiritual and equal to the rank of the jutsu, requiring both be broken.

## Bloodline Attributes

* **▱▰▱ Born in Shadow |** All Imitation techniques gain [1] additional use before they are weakened. Additionally, the user's clan techniques are considered one rank higher when attempting to break free.

* **▱▰▱ Tactical Genius |** By spending at least one full post studying their opponent the user gains one extra activation against that specific target, to be used only on a Nara Imitation technique against them. In order to properly study a target one must not take any offensive actions against them and should describe in detail things like the opponents fighting style, as well as formulating a plan against them.

* **▱▰▱ Shadow Reflection |** It can be said for almost anyone that no one knows you quite like your shadow does. This fact cannot be more true for anyone but the Nara however. When taking this PA, the Nara's shadows gain any passive statues effects that the user's other jutsu gains for the same duration that they would receive as if they were of the original type being augmented. This applies to effects gained from, customs that modify jutsu for a duration, bloodlines, other PA's, benefits gained from classes such as ninjutsu, etc. Shadows can gain the benefit of multiple status effects this way.

## Nara Techqniues

**▰ Shadow Release: Far-Reaching Darkness [ Kageton: Endai Yami ] | Rank E**

While a relatively low-level technique, Far-Reaching Darkness is one that sets the precedence for future Nara jutsu. This jutsu allows the target to modify the shape of either their shadow or the shadows of objects to take on a different appearance, possibly to fool a target. It is also possible to create small ( Rabbit sized ) shadow creations with this jutsu. Making up for in duration what they lack in power, modifications with this jutsu are considered only E rank but last indefinitely.

**▰ Shadow Neck Binding Technique [ Kage–Kubishibari no Jutsu ] | Rank C**

A jutsu derived from the Nara Clan's Shadow Imitation Technique, with a more direct approach to combat in mind. Once the target has been captured by an imitation jutsu, this jutsu may take effect by 'planting' the user's own shadow into the targets. Upon doing so, at any time, the user may transform their target's shadow into a twisting mass of hands or tendrils that grasp at the target. Because this takes on the physical morphing capabilities of turning shadows into something that can grasp, these shadows now also apply, or are tangible, in collisions. Unlike other Nara imitation techniques, these appendages do not bind the opponent's body but do apply the grappled status as well as an advanced version of the suffocation status that is strong enough to choke out the breath of the target with an almost supernatural force. The effects of the suffocation applied by this technique lasts for two posts before the target may recover. if this jutsu is applied again before the recovery period is complete, then the suffocation continues where it left off at. ( i.e. breaking the shadow at tier two suffocation but then falling under its effects again causes it to pick back up at tier two going into tier three ). The duration of this jutsu lasts until the target expends one rank higher in stamina to break its binding.

**▰ Shadow Posession Technique [ Kagemane no Jutsu ] | Rank C**

What can be considered the 'bread and butter' of the Nara Clan, the Shadow Possession Technique is the basis by which all other Nara jutsu were created around. By applying chakra to their shadow the Nara may extend it out as far as they wish or may even split it in order to capture multiple opponents at once, or create multiple avenues of attack that must be defended against. No matter how it is used, the effect remains the same, if the target's shadow comes into contact with the Possession Technique they are immediately considered possessed and unable to take any action aside from mimicking the Nara. Even small things such as talking or eye movements are kept under lock and key until the jutsu ends. Breaking this effect requires the user to pay stamina equal to one rank higher than this technique, and only after the target has been trapped for a full post. If used on the target more than two times in a fight, then the one post waiting period is negated and only the same rank stamina is needed to break free. Additionally, this shadow being manipulated is considered to be intangible when interacting with normal attack collisions. Barriers are excluded from this.

**▰ Shadow Imitation: Shuriken Technique [ Kage Mozō: Shuriken Tekunikku ] | Rank B**

By infusing a blade, or any physical object with their chakra, the Nara may extend their shadow possession technique to it. If at anytime the user is then able to use this weapon(s) to pierce the enemies' shadow, it will inflict the shadow possession jutsu. This possession follows the same restrictions and breaking method as it's predecessor, with the only exception being that the user is not able to control the target's movement at all. Instead the enemy is locked in place. Objects that have this chakra place inside of them cannot be prepped before a battle, however, once this jutsu is used it lasts indefinitely until a successful application.

**▰ Shadow Imitation: Sewing Technique [ Shadō Mohō: Hōsei Gijutsu ] | Rank B**

By apply chakra to their shadow in a manner that is similar to the original shadow Imitation technique, This jutsu allows for a slightly altered form of the technique by choosing an attack-oriented form for their shadow ( traditionally tentacles but may encompass anything aside from living constructs such as birds or lions ), the Nara will turn their shadow into a more solid-state, thus allowing it to now become affected by collisions, but with the target no longer being forced to mimic the Nara's movements. Possession occurs if the target has either their body pierced by this jutsu or their shadow makes contact with the targets.

**▰ Shadow Substitution [ Shadō Chikan ] | Rank A**

By properly using their chakra in a manner similar to the substitution jutsu, the user will perform a substitution with their shadow itself. Initially when this change happens there is no noticeable change as the shadow takes on the perfect likeness of the user, and the user is hidden in its shadow. The 'copy' will only reveal itself when struck with an appropriate strength chakra based attack. The Shadow copy has access to all the user's techniques and draws on its creator's pool to use them. ( Note: For evasion purposes, despite its name, this jutsu is NOT instant and can be considered happening at A rank speeds ). Lasts for [ 5 ] of the user's posts.

**▰ Shadow Clutch Technique [ Kage Tsukami no Jutsu ] | Rank A**

First extending their shadow along a surface, the Nara will merge it with that of the intended target or object, allowing them to grab hold of and manipulate it freely. This technique can even be used to lift and throw objects up to two tons, allies, or even enemies if the capture is successful. Unlike with the Shadow Imitation Technique, though the two shadows are connected, the target is not forced to imitate the user's movements. If an object is thrown this way and does not have a rank itself, then the damage when dealt is considered equal in power to this jutsu. When used in conjunction with techniques that already have a rank, such as Human Bullet Tank [ Nikudan Sensha ], the damage is calculated as the power of this jutsu plus the paired one, with the damage of this jutsu applying to the target first for the purposes of weakening defenses.

**▰ Shadow Onslaught [ Shadouonsurōto ] | Rank A | Training**

A training that becomes passive once learned, after dedicating themselves to the art of controlling shadows, the Nara becomes capable of a self korabo between them. When performing an imitation technique in tandem with another, the user is treated as not only increasing their ranks, but also the post timer before the target is able to expend stamina in order to break free by one per imitation jutsu used. It should be of note that this korabo only increases the timer in this way as long as the user has not gone over their uses for said imitation jutsu.

**▰ Darkness Miming [ Yami no Mimingu ] | Rank A**

After applying a successful imitation technique, this jutsu may be used to apply a portion of the user's chakra into the target's shadow. Doing so requires no activation on part of the user but should clearly be stated in their post when it has been placed and when it has been activated. After activation, every action ( jutsu cast, exact steps taken, etc ) and the manner that they used it in ( such instances with korabo, or aiming at specific targets if possible ) will be "saved" until such a time when the user decides to end this "saving snapshot" portion of the jutsu. Then spending an activation to end this portion of the jutsu, the target is forced to repeat every technique that was used during the "saving snapshot" began. While not powerful in its own right, the strength of this jutsu lies within the Nara member's ability to plan out their opponent's moves perfectly in order to both counter them, as well as place them in the perfect situation for defeat.

**▰ Shadow of the Crescent Moon Forest [ Kage no Gengetsu Mori ] | Rank S**

Using chakra to flood their shadow, the Nara will grow it outward to eclipse an entire 30ft space underneath the user. As opponents step onto the shadow, the user may use it to mimic the effects of any Nara Clan jutsu, as if cast at the A rank level. Furthermore, for each opponent beyond the first the user may expend an additional A-ranked of chakra in order to replicate use of said jutsu without paying multiple activations to do so. For the purposes of imitations techniques, the circle of shadow is considered to always be in contact with the target's shadow if they are moving on it. Similar to other Nara Clan jutsu, Shadow of the Crescent Moon Forest itself is immune to conventional attacks. ( i.e. attacks aimed at it will destroy the ground but the shadow will remain there afterward. Barriers are exempt from this ) but does not change this for other jutsu that may not immune to collisions. Lasts for [ 5 ] of the user's posts.

**▰ Shadow Dancing [ Kage no Mai ] | Rank S**

The effect of this jutsu is twofold. First, all shadows may now be used as portals for movement. This includes those from other jutsu, but not those under the opponent's control. Transportation is considered instant but the user the act of entering the portals is not. Secondly, all Nara Clan jutsu affected become more physical and harder to dispel, granting them a two rank increase when attempting to break free of other Nara possession jutsu. If stacking bonuses would bring this to over S+ rank (such as a Ino-shika-cho formation) then it grants overwhelming instead of being lost. Lasts for [ 12 ] posts.

**▰ Moon Shadow Technique [ Tsukikage no Jutsu ] | Rank S**

A technique that can only be used when the fight has been established to occur during the night when the moon is visible. The user forms and holds a single hand sign with both hands, breaking the technique if the hand sign is broken. They then target up to three individuals and begin to manipulate their shadow. From the target's shadow a black silhouette like figure of the target is formed that is devoid of personality or emotion. This clone is a perfect copy of the target's abilities and statistics and is attached to the target's shadow while they fight. The clone has one activation it's initial post and gets the standard amount of rpc activations every post afterward. While active, the clone draws on the target's reserves to utilize their own abilities. The only other way to break the technique is severing the shadow that links the target and the clone. This technique requires a B ranked upkeep cost per post from the user.

**▰ Shadow Box [ Kagehako ] | Rank S+**

One the Nara Clan's most unique jutsu, after the opponent has been possessed by an imitation technique, or is in physical contact with a Nara controlled shadow then access to this jutsu becomes available. The Nara will begin by stamping their foot in order to cause the surrounding shadows to expand and bend to their will. The target and the user will then be enveloped in a pitch-black Box of shadows spanning up to 100 feet across its parameters. ( The box can be made smaller if desired ). While inside the box everyone except the Nara themselves is afflicted with tier four blindness, Blindness, and Mutness so that only the Nara is aware of what is happening within the Shadow Box. The Shadow Box can only be destroyed from the outside and is immune to collisions coming from inside of it, however, this comes with the drawback that in order to maintain this zone of control the Nara must pay an S+ upkeep on each of their posts. The Nara can choose to exempt themselves from the Black Box thus entrapping the target inside with no means of escape but they will be unable to influence what occurs inside of it. If inside the Black Box the Nara can use the Black Box itself as the conduit for any of their Shadow techniques.

**▰ Oppression [ Yokuatsu ] | Rank S+**

With an unprecedented level of control over their shadows, the Nara who has reached this point is considered to be a true master of shadows. Going so far as to be be able to seal away or "steal" someone else's shadow. By those victims the experience has been described as losing one's soul. Usable only after a successful capture with any imitation technique, the user will apply an additional portion of their chakra to the shadow that may be activated anytime the user wishes. Doing so will cause the target to grow pale in color, an indication that their shadow has been sealed away by the Nara, altering the spiritual 'essence' in a sense, that allows the prevention of using any technique that requires the use of chakra. This effect lasts indefinitely until the target pays 1.5x the cost of this technique in stamina. In situations where overwhelming is already being applied then this cost is increased to two times the cost.