Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm

PRIMA Official Game Guide Ninjutsu Puppet: May Shower Puppet: Coarse Coffin Ultimate Jutsu: Puppet Show: Awakening Mode: Secret Black Move, Iron Maiden Puppet Dance Mode Duration: 30 seconds Effects: Speed +10% Fighting Against Kankuro The main concerning when fighting against Kankuro is attacking Kankuro instead of Karasu. A good Kankuro player will have Karasu in front of him as much as possible, making ranged attacks virtually useless. You must get in close to stand a chance against Kankuro, which requires you to be as patient as possible. If you have a strategy to get in close, use it; otherwise, wait for Kankuro to use ninjutsu, then rush him down with a Chakra Dash while his puppets are busy. primagames.com 50 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Kiba and his four-legged friend, Ratings Kiba Inuzuka Chapter 1 Akamaru, are so close that they don’t do much of anything apart. They Speed: 5 Chapter 2 train together, they fight together, Power: 3 and they are even part of the same Items: 2 team. As members of Team 8, Kiba Support: 4 and Akamaru can combine into one Awakening Mode: 4 powerful force. Ninjutsu: 4 Ultimate Jutsu: 2 After Akamaru eats special food pills, Overall: 3 he becomes a clone of Kiba, and the two can execute special jutsu. On the Chapter 3 other hand, when Kiba takes special food pills, he can become more like (but not a clone of) Akamaru. The two are the very definition of a perfect team. Combos Chapter 4 Fighting Fang: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Items Chapter 5 Heaven Fang: O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O,O w: Special Food Pills (2) Chapter 6 a: Burst Kunai (2) x: Shot Run Pill (2) Chapter 7 d: Defense Breaking Tag (1) Support Attacks Fang Over Fang Dynamic Marking Chapter 8 Rage Fang: O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O,O,O (Blow Back) 51 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Combos (continued) Fighting as Kiba Smashing Fang: O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O,O Kiba has a unique fighting style because of his canine companion, Akamaru. You should Air Fang: In the Air, O,O,O always use the Dynamic Marking ninjutsu as Kiba. It has significantly more range than Fang Severing Fang: g+O,O,O Over Fang, does not require a charge to be effective like Fang Over Fang, and is the basis Ultimate Impact: of his offensive strategy. Attack Fang With the aid of Akamaru, Kiba can stay out of his opponent’s immediate attack range, while still using close-range attacks. Kiba’s Severing Fang combo and Dynamic Marking ninjutsu send Akamaru at the opponent from virtually any distance. If either attack misses or the opponent blocks, fear not, Akamaru hangs around the opponent before heading back to Kiba’s location. This is where things get inter- esting. You can follow Dynamic Marking or Severing Fang with another Akamaru attack while Kiba is still at a distance. The advantage of this is two-fold. First and foremost, it keeps Kiba out of physical attack range and forces the opponent to use projectile or other long-range attacks. Secondly, the opponent has to keep an eye on two characters instead of just one. With the camera angles used in Ultimate Ninja: STORM, this is easier said than done. If the opponent runs away from Akamaru’s initial attack, chances are Akamaru will no longer be on screen and viewable by your opponent. For example, if you use Dynamic Marking and your opponent runs to the side to evade it, Akamaru can no longer been seen. Immediately use a second Dynamic Marking, and your opponent can’t see it coming. Dynamic Marking is the preferred Akamaru attack because it lowers the opponent’s attack power, but Severing Fang works almost as well and inflicts more damage. You can couple this strategy with Kiba’s Burst Kunai to make it even more difficult for your opponent to avoid the attacks. Once they’re pinned down, you can use a Chakra Dash and follow it up with a combo or throw, but Kiba works best at a distance and that’s where you should stay if at all possible. However, at close range, Kiba’s Ultimate Impact takes a step to the right, making it somewhat evasive. primagames.com 52 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Ninjutsu Character Guide Chapter 1 Fang Over Fang Dynamic Marking Chapter 2 Ultimate Jutsu: Awakening Mode: Wolf Fang Over Fang Food Pills Mode Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Duration: 30 seconds Chapter 5 Effects: Attack Power +20% Chapter 6 Fighting Against Kiba Chapter 7 The best way to fight against Kiba is to stay as close to him as possible. The closer you are to Chapter 8 Kiba, the harder it is for him to issue commands to Akamaru and use the dog to keep him safe from counterattack. However, at close range you must not use linear attacks because Kiba can evade them with his Ultimate Impact. Stay away from projectile attacks and stick to throws, combos, or ninjutsu that hone in on your opponent. 53 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Kimimaro Kimimaro serves under Orochimaro Ratings and is the last surviving member of the Kaguya clan. Kimimaro is Speed: 3 completely loyal to Orochimaru and Power: 3 believes that he is the only one who Items: 2 cares for him. The Sound ninja has Support: 4 the ability to grow additional bones Awakening Mode: 2 from any point on his body, and Ninjutsu: 2 strengthen his bones to be nearly Ultimate Jutsu: 3 unbreakable, which serves as his Overall: 2 primary weapon in combat. Combos Items Windmill: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O w: Steel Bones (1) Camellia: O,O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O,O a: Burst Kunai (3) x: Shot Run Pill (1) d: Defense Breaking Tag (2) NOTE Refer to Kimimaro: Curse Marked Second State for detailed information on Kimimaro’s Awakening Mode. Support Attacks Larch Dance Camellia Dance Camellia Combo Holly: O,O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O,O (Blow Back) primagames.com 54 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Combos (continued) Fighting as Kimimaro Chapter 1 Alder: O,O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O,O Kimimaro is a close-combat fighter, Chapter 2 which is a difficult occupation to have in Deutzia: In the Air, O,O,O,O,O Ultimate Ninja: STORM. Unlike some of Chapter 3 the other close-range fighters, Kimimaro Clethra: g+O,O,O doesn’t have the tools to get him close Chapter 4 to his opponent. His only options are Ultimate Impact: Thistle to use Burst Kunai, which he only has Chapter 5 three of, or to use support attacks. Any support attack that has range and can Chapter 6 keep his opponent blocking while he uses a Chakra Dash will work. He can Chapter 7 also follow his Burst Kunai with a Chakra Dash to prevent his opponent from Chapter 8 counterattacking in fear of getting hit by the Burst Kunai. Just be sure to use the Chakra Dash as soon as you release the Burst Kunai to ensure the timing of the dash is accurate. At close range, Kimimaro has a better chance of survival than he would at a distance, but he is still very limited. His throw pushes the opponent away, meaning you’ll have to work on getting close again. His ninjutsu has moderate range and can be followed with an aerial combo when it connects; if it’s blocked Kimimaro is vulnerable to a counter- attack. Your best course of action is to play defensively, using only the first few attacks from any combo to prevent your opponent from throwing. Wait for an opening and use a Substitution Jutsu to get behind your opponent and land a Blow Back combo for extra damage. If you can get your opponent’s life down to their final bar or close to it, you can use a Burst Kunai followed by Kimimaro’s Ultimate Jutsu. It has very good range and speed, and the Burst Kunai will prevent a counterattack if your opponent manages to block. You also can use Awakening Mode if your opponent’s life is relatively low because it improves Kimimaro on every front, but make sure you can finish your opponent within 60 seconds or else the reaction from the Awakening Mode will severely hurt your chances of winning the match. 55 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Ninjutsu Larch Dance Camellia Dance Ultimate Jutsu: Awakening Mode: Genji Dance Curse Marked Second State Mode Duration: 60 seconds Effects: Alternate Character Reaction: Attack Power -50%; Defense Power -50%; Speed -5% Fighting Against Kimimaro Aside from support attacks and Burst Kunai, Kimimaro has no safe method of getting close to his opponents. This makes him a very easy opponent if you can keep him at a distance. Even if he gets close, his attack options are limited and he’ll have to rely on the Substitution Jutsu to inflict most of his damage. Fight as you normally would and watch for a Substitution Jutsu. Be ready to counter with your own Substi- tution Jutsu, and Kimimaro will have virtually no offensive options left. primagames.com 56 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Ratings Kimimaro: Curse Marked Second State Chapter 1 As a member of Orochimaru’s Speed: 4 Chapter 2 Hidden Sound Village, Kimimaro has Power: 4 the Cursed Mark, similar to Sasuke Items: 2 and the Sound Ninja Four. When he Support: N/A unleashes the full potential of the Awakening Mode: N/A Cursed Seal his powers dramatically Ninjutsu: 2 increase. When he fights against Ultimate Jutsu: 3 Gaara and Rock Lee just before Overall: 3 Sasuke goes to Orochimaru, he is forced to use his Cursed Seal powers. Chapter 3 Combos Chapter 4 Flying Bone Pellet: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Items Chapter 5 Tiger Lily: O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O,O w: Steel Bones (1) a: Burst Kunai (3) x: Shot Run Pill (1) d: Defense Breaking Tag (2) Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Sonchus Oleraceus: O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O (Blow Back) Chapter 8 57 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Combos (continued) PRIMA Official Game Guide Pinholder: O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O Fighting as Kimimaro: Uncaria: In the Air, O,O,O,O Curse Marked Second State Clematis: g+O,O Kimimaro’s Curse Marked Second State is superior to his original form, but not Ultimate Impact: by a very large margin. He’s still a close- range fighter and still lacks the tools Hanging Flower necessary to get close to his opponent. He’s faster and more powerful than the normal Kimimaro but that doesn’t help Kimimaro’s weaknesses. Like Kimimaro, you must use Burst Kunai or support attacks to pin down your opponent and allow you to use a Chakra Dash while they’re forced to guard against the projectile or long-range support attacks. Luckily, Kimimaro Curse Marked Second State can fight moderately well from just outside his opponent’s physical attack range. His Ultimate Impact and ninjutsu both have extended reach and his throw keeps the opponent close by. From a short distance, Kimimaro Curse Marked Second State can use his Ultimate Jutsu following a Burst Kunai. It executes quickly and follows the opponent if they try to avoid it. However, the Burst Kunai should keep them pinned down and force them to block the jutsu or take the hit. If they block, you can follow up with a throw if you were close enough when the jutsu was initiated. primagames.com 58 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Ninjutsu Character Guide Chapter 1 Clematis Dance: Vine and Flower Fighting Against Chapter 2 Kimimaro: Ultimate Jutsu: Chapter 3 Curse Marked Second State Bracken Dance The same basic strategy used to fight against the normal Kimimaro applies to his Curse Marked Second State. Keep him at a distance and he’ll have very limited attacking options, just make sure to watch out for his ninjutsu and Ultimate Impact if he starts to close in. Both have deceptive range and can hit from farther out than his normal combo attacks. Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 59 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Kisame Hoshigaki Though little is known about Kisame Ratings Hoshigaki, one thing is clear—he’s Speed: 2 not to be trifled with. As a part of Power: 3 the Akatsuki, he roams the Five Items: 3 Great Nations with Itachi Uchiha Support: 4 in search of Naruto, in hopes of Awakening Mode: 4 retrieving the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit. Kisame carries one of the Seven Ninjutsu: 4 Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, a large Ultimate Jutsu: 2 living sword named Shark Skin. Overall: 3 With it, he can simultaneously cut into an opponent and absorb their chakra. He’s highly skilled with Water Style Jutsu and takes every opportunity to use them. Combos Wrath Unleashed: O,O,O,O,O,O Items Counter Slash: O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O,O w: Hidden Mist Scroll (1) a: Bomb Ball (3) x: Food Pill (1) d: Exhaustion Tag (2) Support Attacks Water Style: Water Shark Bomb Jutsu Water Style: Water Shark Shotgun Jutsu Counter Slash Combo Double Doors Cut: O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O,O (Blow Back) primagames.com 60 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Combos (continued) Character Guide Chapter 1 Head Strike: O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O Fighting as Kisame Chapter 2 Air Hammer: In the Air: O,O,O,O,O Kisame is primarily a long-distance fighter Chapter 3 who has a few solid options at close range, Smashing Slash: g+O,O,O,O but does not have the tools to get close to Chapter 4 his opponent. Many of the other characters Ultimate Impact: in the game who can put up a fight from a Chapter 5 distance do so only to create an opening Whirling Current Slash that will allow them to close in on their Chapter 6 opponent. Kisame must stay at a distance until his opponent works their way in, then Chapter 7 continue the fight at close range. Either of Kisame’s ninjutsu work well for his basic offensive strategy. It’s personal preference as to which you prefer, but the Water Shark Bomb Jutsu executes quickly and follows opponents as they move. The Water Shark Shotgun Jutsu shoots in three directions, limiting the opponent’s movements in a similar fashion, but doesn’t inflict as much damage if it hits. Use either ninjutsu repeatedly from a distance, charging your chakra if you land a hit. Combine this strategy with shuriken and Chakra Shuriken until your opponent begins to close in on you. At this point, use Kisame’s Slashing Smash combo, which has good range but is very linear. Only use it in this situation because it will be much harder for your opponent to avoid it as they’re closing in on Kisame and attempting to dodge ninjutsu and shuriken. If your opponent tries to use shuriken as they approach, use Kisame’s Hidden Mist Scroll to automatically evade all shuriken attacks. When your opponent is close enough to use a Ninja Dash, switch from shuriken to Kisame’s Ultimate Jutsu or the first few hits of any combo. This will prevent your opponent from dashing in and force them to guess between Kisame’s numerous attack options. If you knock your opponent down, either use a grounded attack and continue fighting from close range, or use the oppor- tunity to move away and restart the strategy from a distance. Chapter 8 61 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Ninjutsu Water Style: Water Shark Bomb Jutsu Water Style: Water Shark Shotgun Jutsu Ultimate Jutsu: Water Style: Awakening Mode: Grand Water Stab Shark Skin Mode Duration: 20 seconds Effects: Attack Power +10%; Attacks Absorb Chakra Fighting Against Kisame Kisame has tools that allow him to fight from virtually any distance, but his best tools are used at long range. If your character excels at long-range combat, you can go head to head with him from a distance. Otherwise, close in and prevent him from using his best offensive tools. Be cautious of his Ultimate Jutsu and Slashing Smash combo as you’re closing in, but once you’re inside, a heavily offensive mindset with a careful eye out for a Substitution Jutsu works very well against Kisame. primagames.com 62 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Guy is an eternal friend and rival to Ratings Might Guy Chapter 1 Kakashi. He is even more emotional than his loyal student, Rock Lee, Speed: 4 Chapter 2 whom he treats almost like a son. Power: 4 He is the leader of Team Guy, Items: 2 consisting of Rock Lee, Neji, and Support: 3 Tenten, and is known as the hottest Awakening Mode: 4 head in the Hidden Leaf Village. Guy Ninjutsu: 2 fights using primarily taijutsu and Ultimate Jutsu: 3 has the ability to unlock the eight Overall: 3 chakra gates to increase his power and speed. Combos Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Savage Beast Flurry: O,O,O,O,O,O,O Items Chapter 5 Upper Finish: O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O,O,O w: Youthful Vigor Herbal Pills (2) a: Exhaustion Tag (1) x: Bomb Ball (1) d: Sluggish Tag (3) NOTE Refer to Might Guy: Chapter 6 Eight Gates Mode for detailed information on Might Guy’s Awakening Mode. Support Benefits Leaf’s Severe Hurricanes Chapter 7 Dynamic Entry Upper Finish Combo Spin Crusher: O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O,O,O (Blow Back) Chapter 8 63 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Combos (continued) Hot-blooded Burst: O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O Fighting as Might Guy Bloom of Youth Flurry: In the Air, O,O,O Guy has a hard time doing just about anything on his own. His items don’t Maximum Attack: g+O,O,O give him much to work with. His ninjutsu can’t create an opening for him to get Ultimate Impact: close to his opponent, and they don’t give him much to work with from a Hot-blooded Soul Fist distance. And even his Ultimate Jutsu falls short because of its moderately slow execution speed. You’ll have to rely on support attacks and, true to the anime version of Guy, you’ll have to go all or nothing in every fight. Select two support attacks that can create a diversion to allow Guy to get in close. Any support attack that forces the opponent to block while allowing enough time for Guy to use a Chakra Dash without fear of a counterattack works well. Gaara’s Sand Shower or The Third Hokage’s Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu are good examples of this. Once you’re at close range, use the Leaf’s Severe Hurricane along with throws and the first few hits of Guy’s combos to dwindle your opponent’s life bar. If your Awakening Lamp ignites, use Awakening Mode as quickly as possible. Once you have activated Guy’s Eight Gates Mode, he becomes much more powerful and capable of defeating his opponent. If you can’t finish them off within the 50-second time limit of Guy’s Awakening Mode, you only lose attack power and a small amount of speed. Guy is already faster and more powerful than most of the other characters, and he has items to raise his attack power and lower his opponent’s speed, so this isn’t a severe loss. primagames.com 64 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Chapter 1 Ninjutsu Chapter 2 Leaf’s Severe Hurricanes Chapter 3 Dynamic Entry Chapter 4 Ultimate Jutsu: Awakening Mode: Chapter 5 One’s Own Rule Eight Gates Mode Chapter 6 Fighting Against Might Guy Duration: 50 seconds Chapter 7 In a battle against Might Guy, you aren’t fighting Effects: Alternate Character against Guy, you’re fighting against his Awakening Mode. Without his Awakening Mode, Guy is average Reaction: Attack Power -50%; at best. He doesn’t have anything to fear and no way Speed -5% to lock you down unless he uses the proper support characters. However, when you hit him enough to Chapter 8 ignite his Awakening Lamp, do not leave him alone long enough to activate his Awakening Mode. If you do, he will become a much more difficult adversary. 65 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Might Guy: Eight Gates Mode When Guy begins to unlock the Ratings eight chakra gates, his power and speed increase exponentially. Speed: 5 However, unlike Rock Lee he can Power: 5 maintain control of his newfound Items: 2 power and does not risk his life or Support: N/A his body in the process. It has been Awakening Mode: N/A said that if Guy were to ever unlock Ninjutsu: 4 all eight gates, he would gain the Ultimate Jutsu: 4 power of a Hokage, but lose his life Overall: 4 shortly after. Combos Wild Beast Flurry: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Items Uppercut Special: O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O,O,O w: Youthful Vigor Herbal Pills (2) a: Exhaustion Tag (1) x: Bomb Ball (1) d: Sluggish Tag (3) Burning Crusher: O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O,O,O (Blow Back) primagames.com 66 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Combos (continued) Fighting as Might Guy: Chapter 1 Hot-blooded Dynamite: O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Eight Gates Mode Chapter 2 Youthful Fiery Flurry: In the Air, O,O,O,O The first thing you need to know about Might Chapter 3 Guy: Eight Gates Mode is that he is one of the strongest characters in the game. It Chapter 4 only takes a few full combos to take out an opponent. He also has one of the best long- Chapter 5 distance strategies in the game. His Ultimate Jutsu allows him to rush past his opponent to a safe distance if it’s blocked from maximum range. You can use it over and over without fear of a counterattack as long as you continue to use it from the proper distance. The only thing that can stop you is a shuriken, which you can dash through. Eight Gates Mode also has his Maximum Break combo, which has more range than most other combo attacks. When used in conjunction with ranged support attacks and shuriken, it can catch an opponent off guard with ease. His Ultimate Mad Dance ninjutsu also has deceptively long range and a quick execution. And if an opponent happens to close in on you, a well-timed Substitution Jutsu into any of Guy’s combos will inflict a significant amount of damage. Maximum Break: g+O Fighting Against Chapter 6 Might Guy: Ultimate Impact: Eight Gates Mode Raging Soul Fist When you’re fighting against Might Guy: Eight Gates Mode, it’s not about defending Chapter 7 against his attacks or keeping him at the appropriate range. Instead, it’s about using Chapter 8 the Substitution Jutsu to the best of your ability. If you keep Guy at a distance, he can use his Ultimate Jutsu and ninjutsu. If you attack from close range, he can use a Substitution Jutsu and attack you from behind with a severely damaging combo. However, if you can Substitution Jutsu out of his powerful combos, you’ll not only inflict damage on him, but prevent him from damaging you. Focus on throws to limit his ability to Substitution Jutsu, and you’ll have a much easier time with Guy. 67 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Ninjutsu PRIMA Official Game Guide Ultimate Mad Dance Ultimate Jutsu: Hidden Lotus primagames.com 68 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide No other person in Hidden Leaf Village—or Ratings Naruto Uzumaki Chapter 1 any village, for that matter—embodies strength of character, determination, and Speed: 3 Chapter 2 compassion more so than our knuckle- Power: 3 headed ninja. Naruto’s rise from social Items: 3 outcast to one of the most powerful Support: 4 Hidden Leaf Ninja has not been without its Awakening Mode: 4 bumps in the road. He has fought deadly Ninjutsu: 3 S-Rank ninja from surrounding villages, Ultimate Jutsu: 3 and he’s done so while struggling with Overall: 3 his own inner demon—literally. Naruto’s greatest strength may not be the Nine- Chapter 3 Tailed Fox Spirit that lives inside him, but rather his willingness to learn, grow, and help others like him. Combos Chapter 4 Double Draw Kick: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Items Chapter 5 Skyrocket: O,O,O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O w: Ramen (1) a: Kunai Rain (2) x: Food Pill (2) d: Bomb Ball (2) Refer to Naruto Chapter 6 Uzumaki: Nine-Tailed NOTE Fox Mode for detailed information on Naruto Uzumaki’s Awakening Mode. Support Attacks Chapter 7 Demon Wind Bomb Rasengan Chapter 8 Flying Missile Kick: O,O,O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O,O 69 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Combos (continued) Fighting as Naruto Uzumaki Heel Strike: O,O,O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O Naruto may be the title character of the Clone Jutsu: Whirlwind Strike: In the Air, O,O,O,O,O game, but he doesn’t have much going for him when it comes to combat ability. Clone Jutsu: Charging Bullet: g+O,O,O He has two Kunai Rain that can be used just before a Chakra Dash to force your Ultimate Impact: opponent to block and prevent them from counterattacking after Naruto’s Dragonfly Fireworks Chakra Dash. Once you’re in close, you can use throws and Substitution Jutsu to inflict damage on your opponent. However, two items doesn’t go a very long way and, once they’re used up, Naruto won’t have a reliable way to get close to his opponent aside from support attacks that can serve the same purpose as a Kunai Rain. From a distance, Naruto’s best attack is his Demon Wind Bomb ninjutsu. It practically covers the entire length of any stage. It’s only downfalls are that it’s not as fast as some other projectile attacks and if it’s blocked, Naruto is vulnerable to a counterattack. Lead in with a Kunai Rain or a support attack to ensure Naruto’s safety if your opponent blocks the attacks. As soon as your Awakening Mode becomes available, check your opponent’s life bar. If he has less than two full life bars, activate Naruto’s Awakening Mode. You’ll have 60 seconds to take down your opponent before Naruto feels the reaction of Awakening Mode. Once your time is up, Naruto will take a significant cut to his attack and defensive power, as well as a small decrease in speed. However, he inflicts so much damage in Nine-Tailed Fox Mode that only a few hits will take out your opponent. primagames.com 70 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Ninjutsu Character Guide Chapter 1 Demon Wind Bomb Rasengan Chapter 2 Ultimate Jutsu: Awakening Mode: Chapter 3 Naruto’s Ninja Handbook Nine-Tailed Fox Mode Chapter 4 Duration: 60 seconds Chapter 5 Effects: Alternate Character Reaction: Attack Power -50%; Chapter 6 Defense Power -50%; Speed -5% Chapter 7 Fighting Against Naruto Uzumaki Chapter 8 Naruto is average at best when it comes to attacking from any distance. At close range, he has nothing that stands out except for his Rasengan, which has a moderately lengthy start-up animation and minimal range unless he charges it up. From a distance, he only has Kunai Rain items, support attacks, and his Demon Wind Bomb, but his Kunai Rain are limited. Once they’re used up, the Demon Wind Bomb isn’t nearly as useful. The only thing to fear in this match up is Naruto’s Awakening Mode. If he activates it, use Ninja Moves to get as far away from Naruto as possible because only a few attacks will end the round no matter how much life you have remaining. Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Naruto Uzumaki: Nine-Tailed Fox Mode After being sealed inside Naruto, Ratings the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit lay dormant for nearly 12 years. It Speed: 4 was only a matter of time, though, Power: 5 before the demon’s chakra began to Items: 3 meld with Naruto’s. When the chakra Support: N/A first began to seep out, Naruto Awakening Mode: N/A managed to get it under control. Ninjutsu: 4 Now, Naruto can draw on its power Ultimate Jutsu: 4 in moments of great anger or stress. Overall: 4 During these times, his strength increases exponentially and he can inflict a great deal of damage. Combos Great Spirit Fist: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Items Rising Heaven: O,O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O,O w: Ramen (1) a: Kunai Rain (2) x: Food Pill (2) d: Bomb Ball (2) Floating World Dance: O,O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O,O (Blow Back) primagames.com 72 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Combos (continued) Fighting as Naruto: Chapter 1 Crimson Stigma: O,O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O,O Nine-Tailed Fox Mode Chapter 2 Heaven’s Tears: In the Air, O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O There is one thing that sets Naruto: Chapter 3 Nine-Tailed Fox Mode apart from most Miasma Stroke: g+O,O,O,O of the other characters in the game. Chapter 4 His raw power is so immense he can Ultimate Impact: Brutal Fist end a match in no time flat. With no Chapter 5 additional items affecting the status of either character, Naruto: Nine- Chapter 6 Tailed Fox Mode can nearly defeat an opponent with two Vermilion Rasengan Chapter 7 attacks and an Ultimate Jutsu. So, of course, your primary goal should be to connect with these two attacks. The Vermilion Rasengan has more range than the normal Rasengan without the need to charge it up. If you do charge it up, it has even greater range, but it can generally be seen coming. His Ultimate Jutsu covers nearly an entire stage and executes quickly compared to most other Ultimate Jutsu. You can use Naruto’s Kunai Rain to lead into either of these attacks. Toss out the Kunai Rain and immediately follow with either attack to ensure Naruto’s safety if the attack is blocked. You can also wait to see if the attack hits, then use the opening to land the ninjutsu or Ultimate Jutsu if you’re close enough. Keep your chakra loaded so you can pull off either attack as quickly as possible. If your opponent begins to close in on you, Naruto’s Ultimate Impact has more range than most other Ultimate Impact attacks. Naruto also takes a small jump back before executing the attack, which allows him to avoid the start of many combo attacks. His throw has longer range than any other throw in the game and knocks opponents far away, forcing them to start over in their efforts to close in on Naruto. Chapter 8 73 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Ninjutsu Vermilion Rasengan Ultimate Jutsu: Sealed Power Fighting Against Naruto: Nine-Tailed Fox Mode Although Naruto: Nine-Tailed Fox Mode inflicts heavy damage from his combos, it’s nothing compared to the damage inflicted by his ninjutsu and Ultimate Jutsu. Do whatever it takes to avoid both attacks, even if it means being pinned down by Kunai Rain and support attacks. Anything is better than taking a hit from either of his jutsu. When your opponent realizes he won’t be able to connect with either attack, he’ll have to close in and use throws and combos to wear you down. At this point, you can mount your counterattack with your own combos and throws, as well as a Substitution Jutsu to get behind him. 74 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Neji Hyuga, the older cousin of Ratings Neji Hyuga Chapter 1 Hinata Hyuga, is a child genius. Speed: 3 Unlike his cousin, Neji is not a part Power: 2 of the main Hyuga bloodline, but Items: 4 rather a descendent of a Hyuga Support: 3 branch family. As a result, Neji Awakening Mode: 2 Chapter 2 grew up with a strong resentment toward his cousin and anyone of Ninjutsu: 2 inherited privilege. Hidden under Ultimate Jutsu: 2 his Leaf Ninja headband, Neji carries Overall: 2 the Hyuga sealing curse mark that allows members of the main bloodline to control him. Should the main family ever need Chapter 3 or want to, they could easily kill Neji and remove any trace of the Byakugan Kekkei Genkai from his body. Combos Chapter 4 Chakra Point Instant Slash: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Items Chapter 5 Air Ring Attack: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O,O,O w: Concentration Tag (1) Chapter 6 a: Kunai Rain (3) x: Tortoiseshell Pill (1) d: Bomb Ball (2) Support Attacks 8 Trigrams Palms Rotation Forward Gale Thrust Combo Chapter 7 Twin Hand Shellfire: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O,O (Blow Back) Chapter 8 75 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Combos (continued) Fighting as Neji Volatile Energy Vibe: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O,O,O Neji is fairly limited when it comes to his offensive options. He has very few attacks Heaven Volitant Thrust: In the Air, O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O from a distance, so you’ll need to work your way inside to be effective. Start with Forward Gale Thrust: g+O,O,O Neji’s three Kunai Rain and use them to provide a safe opening to close in on Ultimate Impact: your opponent. Toss out a Kunai Rain, then immediately follow up with a Chakra Heart Demolition Attack Dash. Your opponent will have to block the Chakra Dash, then remain blocking to avoid taking hits from the Kunai Rain. Use this opportunity to throw them and continue attacking from up close. Neji’s throw leaves his opponent directly in front of him, making it relatively easy to stay close. Once inside, you can use Neji’s Concen- tration Tag to automatically escape any physical attack with a Substitution Jutsu. Neji’s attacks don’t inflict much damage, but with the brief ability to evade any physical attack you should be able to get at least two combo opportunities or an Ultimate Jutsu. Neji’s Ultimate Jutsu and both of his ninjutsu have limited range, so you’ll have to make use of them during this opening. You can charge Neji’s 8 Trigrams Palms Rotation, which increases the time he spins, but the range of attack is still limited and Neji is vulnerable to a counterattack immediately after the ninjutsu comes to an end. If you can anticipate your opponent’s attack, Neji’s Ultimate Impact takes a step back before executing and covers more range than most other Ultimate Impact attacks. It has a moderately slow start-up time, but when used in anticipation of an attack it can be very effective. primagames.com 76 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Ninjutsu Chapter 1 8 Trigrams Palms Rotation 8 Trigrams Palm Storm Dance Chapter 2 Ultimate Jutsu: Awakening Mode: Chapter 3 8 Trigrams 64 Palms Byakugan Mode Chapter 4 Duration: 20 seconds Chapter 5 Effects: Speed +10% Chapter 6 Fighting Against Neji Chapter 7 Neji can do very little from a distance, so the best Chapter 8 strategy is simply to keep him away. However, if he does close in on you, watch for his throws and Concentration Tag. If he uses his Concentration Tag, get away as quickly as possible. It doesn’t last very long, but any physical attacks will be easily evaded, leaving you vulnerable to a counterattack. If you can’t get away, rely on blocking and ninjutsu until the item wears off. 77 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Orochimaru In addition to his cool, calm, yet clearly Ratings crazy demeanor and his insatiable lust Speed: 2 for power, there is nothing more terrifying Power: 1 than Orochimaru’s ability to master Items: 4 even the most difficult jutsu. He was not always corrupt, though. Orochimaru Support: 3 was once one of the Legendary Three Awakening Mode: 2 Ninja, along with Tsunade and Jiraiya. Ninjutsu: 2 After turning on the Hidden Leaf Village, Ultimate Jutsu: 3 Orochimaru spent years away, honing his Overall: 1 craft and perfecting his plan to destroy and eventually take over the Hidden Leaf Village. His return marked one of the village’s darkest times. In a failed takeover attempt, he killed The Third Hokage, leaving the village in ruins and its citizens emotionally distraught. Combos Swinging Sickle: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Items Snake Rope: O,O,O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O,O w: Secret Regeneration Pill (1) a: Burst Kunai (2) x: Kunai Rain (3) d: Sleep Tag (1) Support Attacks Blade Dance Striking Shadow Snake Snake Rope Combo Snake Accordion: O,O,O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O (Blow Back) primagames.com 78 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Combos (continued) Fighting as Orochimaru Chapter 1 Snake Bone Slash: O,O,O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O,O Orochimaru is a character that relies Chapter 2 almost exclusively on his items. He’s one Coiled Snake: In the Air, O,O,O,O,O of the weakest characters in the game, and Chapter 3 his ninjutsu does more harm than good Snake Hammer: g+O,O,O because it leaves him open to a counter- Chapter 4 attack for a lengthy period of time if it’s Ultimate Impact: blocked. Use his three Kunai Rain and Chapter 5 two Burst Kunai to lock your opponent Snake Quake down and prevent them from mounting an Chapter 6 offensive against you. Throw one of your items and follow it up with an immediate Chakra Dash. When it’s timed properly, your opponent will not be able to counterattack if the dash is blocked. Once you’re close to your blocking opponent, a throw is virtually guaranteed. Most other characters who can use this strategy are limited to two or three items they can use. Orochimaru has a total of five, which allows him to maintain this lock down for a longer period of time. Eventually your opponent will try to break free of the lock down, which is when your Chakra Dash will connect and you can follow it up with a combo of your choice. Unfortunately, Orochimaru’s combos don’t inflict much damage, so it will take a bit to wear down your opponent. However, you can use Orochimaru’s Sleeping Tag to put your opponent to sleep and follow it up with an Ultimate Jutsu for big damage. You also can use support attacks for damage because many of them can be used during the lock-down strategy. Chapter 7 Chapter 8 79 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Ninjutsu Blade Dance Striking Shadow Snake Ultimate Jutsu: Awakening Mode: Evil Giant Sannin Mode Duration: 30 seconds Effects: Speed +10% Fighting Against Orochimaru All you have to do to defeat Orochimaru is wait him out. He has a limited number of items and, once they’re used up, his offensive options become extremely limited. The best he can do while you block all his attacks is to throw you, but he’s so weak his throws inflict virtually no damage and won’t amount to much by the time he runs out of items. Even if your guard breaks, aside from an Ultimate Jutsu there isn’t much Orochimaru can do to inflict damage. By the time your guard might break, Orochimaru won’t have enough chakra to perform an Ultimate Jutsu. primagames.com 80 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Above all other ninja, there is no Ratings Rock Lee Chapter 1 one more dedicated to training Speed: 4 and perfecting his skills than Rock Power: 4 Lee. In a world where the most Items: 2 successful ninja are those with the Support: 2 best ninjutsu, Rock Lee is a contra- Awakening Mode: 4 Chapter 2 diction. He has absolutely no talent for ninjutsu or genjutsu. His only Ninjutsu: 2 skill is taijutsu. Because he can’t Ultimate Jutsu: 3 complement his fighting abilities with Overall: 3 ninjutsu or genjutsu, he’s dedicated all his training to becoming the most powerful taijutsu master ever. He fights very similarly to his Chapter 3 team leader and mentor, Might Guy, and has the ability to unlock the eight chakra gates at the risk of losing his life. Combos Chapter 4 Rigid Ferocious Fist: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Items Chapter 5 Air Whirl Kick: O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O,O w: Lightweight Bandage (2) Chapter 6 a: Bomb Ball (1) x: Food Pill (2) d: Sluggish Tag (2) NOTE Refer to Rock Lee: Eight Gates Mode for detailed infor- mation on Rock Lee’s Awakening Mode. Support Attacks Chapter 7 Leaf Hurricane Air Whirl Kick combo Double-End Cudgel: O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Chapter 8 (Blow Back) 81 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Combos (continued) Fighting as Rock Lee Meteor Strike: O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O Rock Lee has a few advantages in Demolishing Whirl Kick: In the Air, O,O,O,O,O,O speed and attack power, as well as his Awakening Mode, but beyond that Coccygeal Kick: g+O,O,O,O he doesn’t have much going for him, In a game where getting close to your Ultimate Impact: Blood and opponent is the key to victory, Rock Guts Kick Lee doesn’t have a good way to do that safely. You’ll have to use support attacks to keep your opponent busy while you close in on them. Otherwise, you’ll have to risk a Ninja Dash or Chakra Dash to get in close, which will leave Rock Lee vulnerable if the move is blocked. Your main objective should be to land as many attacks as possible and not worry too much about getting hit yourself. Continuously attack your opponent with combos and throws until they begin to counterattack. At this point, go for as many Substitution Jutsu as you can get. Rock Lee has a high attack power, so every hit will count. And every time your opponent lands a hit, it will bring you one step closer to Awakening Mode. Once you activate Awakening Mode your already high speed and attack power will see a significant boost for 50 seconds. Combine this boost with Sluggish Tags, Food Pills, and Rock Lee’s Lightweight Bandage, and you’ll be running circles around your opponent while inflicting ridiculous amounts of damage with every attack. primagames.com 82 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Ninjutsu Character Guide Chapter 1 Leaf Hurricane Primary Lotus Chapter 2 Ultimate Jutsu: Awakening Mode: Chapter 3 Leaf Sky Hurricane Eight Gates Mode Chapter 4 Duration: 50 seconds Chapter 5 Effects: Alternate Character Reaction: Attack Power -50%; Chapter 6 Speed -5% Chapter 7 Fighting Against Rock Lee Chapter 8 Rock Lee’s primary strategy revolves around high risk, high reward. Aside from support attacks, he doesn’t have a safe way to close in on you. Even if he manages to get inside, he doesn’t have much to attack with that poses a significant threat. If he does connect with an attack it will hurt; good use of the Substitution Jutsu will prevent that. The one thing to worry about is his Awakening Mode. As soon as his Awakening Lamp ignites, use a continuous stream of attacks to prevent him from activating his Eight Gates Mode. If he activates it, do everything you can to use a Substitution Jutsu because, if you don’t, you won’t survive long. 83 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Rock Lee: Eight Gates Mode Rock Lee is very similar to his team Ratings leader and mentor, Might Guy. That Speed: 5 similarity extends to his ability to Power: 5 unlock the eight chakra gates, but Items: 3 it comes with the risk of losing his Support: N/A life. When Lee begins to unlock Awakening Mode: N/A the eight chakra gates, his power and speed increase exponentially. Ninjutsu: 4 However, it poses a great danger Ultimate Jutsu: 2 to his body, which caused him an Overall: 4 extended hospital stay after his battle with Gaara during the Chunin Exams. If Lee were to ever unlock all eight gates, he would gain the power of a Hokage, but lose his life shortly after. Combos Regal Fist: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Items Saint Kick: O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O,O,O w: Lightweight Bandages (2) a: Bomb Ball (1) x: Food Pill (2) d: Sluggish Tag (2) Evil Shredder Combo Attack: O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O (Blow Back) primagames.com 84 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Combos (continued) Fighting as Rock Lee: Chapter 1 Raging Hammer: O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O,O,O,O Eight Gates Mode Chapter 2 Supernova: In the Air, O,O,O,O,O,O Coccygeal Kick: g+O,O,O,O,O Rock Lee: Eight Gates Mode is very similar Chapter 3 to the normal version of Rock Lee, except that he’s faster and stronger. Because Chapter 4 the normal Rock Lee is already faster and stronger than most of the other characters Chapter 5 in the game, this makes him a force to be feared based solely on his attack power. In addition to the standard Rock Lee tactics that involve using support attacks to close in on your opponent, Rock Lee: Eight Gates Mode’s ninjutsu is fast, inflicts significant damage, and has a very good range of attack. Use this while your opponent is busy defending against a support attack to get in close and poten- tially inflict a great deal of damage. Once you get close to your opponent, your only goal should be to land attacks. If your opponent attacks you, worry about landing a Substitution Jutsu so you can get behind them and continue your offensive assault. If you find an especially wide opening, use Rock Lee’s Ultimate Jutsu for huge damage. It has very limited range, so an opportunity to use it won’t come along often, but it’s not as important as it is for other characters because of Rock Lee’s already high attack power. Ultimate Impact: Chapter 6 Serious Kick Chapter 7 Chapter 8 85 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Ninjutsu Mad Dance of Infinity Ultimate Jutsu: Hidden Lotus Fighting Against Rock Lee: Eight Gates Mode If you get hit by Rock Lee: Eight Gates Mode, it is going to hurt. However, your attacks will inflict more damage on Rock Lee: Eight Gates Mode than they would on most other characters. Unless you have a character that excels in long- distance combat and keeping opponents away, it will be extremely difficult to keep Rock Lee: Eight Gates Mode at a distance because of his reckless offensive strategy and extreme speed. If you can keep him away, do so; otherwise, bite the bullet and attack him head on using the Substitution Jutsu as much as possible and being cautious of Rock Lee using a Substitution Jutsu. primagames.com 86 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide The third member of Team 7, Sakura Ratings Sakura Haruno Chapter 1 Haruno is highly adept at chakra Speed: 4 control and healing techniques. Power: 3 Though she spent her early days Items: 2 of training concentrating more Support: 3 on Sasuke than on improving her combat skills, she’s grown a lot as Awakening Mode: 3 Chapter 2 a ninja since leaving the Academy. Ninjutsu: 4 Sakura spent many of Team 7’s Ultimate Jutsu: 3 early battles on the sidelines, Overall: 3 either protecting a patron or quietly freaking out about what to do next. All the while, Sakura’s inner thoughts—personified by a Chapter 3 darker, slightly more zealous “Inner Sakura”—never failed to express what she was really thinking. Combos Chapter 4 Trample: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Items Chapter 5 Winner’s Uppercut: O,O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O w: Dumpling with Sweet Bean Chapter 6 Paste (2) Chapter 7 a: Exhaustion Tag (2) x: Paper Bomb (2) d: Defense Breaking Tag (2) Support Attacks Booby Trap Bug Off Bug Kick Combo Chapter 8 Twinkling Shooting Star: O,O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O (Blow Back) 87 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Combos (continued) Fighting as Sakura Bug Off Bug Kick: O,O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O Sakura has an interesting offensive strategy that revolves around her ninjutsu. You’ll need Love Stomp: In the Air: O,O,O,O,O to select support attacks that can keep your opponent busy. Anything that your opponent Maiden’s Step: g+O,O,O has to remain stationary to block will work— something like The Third Hokage’s Shuriken Ultimate Impact: Shadow Clone Jutsu that follows your opponent if they move and forces them to block it to avoid Maiden’s Single Blow getting hit. Once you have your support attacks arranged, use one to keep your opponent busy. While your opponent is blocking, use Sakura’s Booby Trap ninjutsu to lay a trap directly in front of them. This stops your opponent from moving forward without jumping or dashing first. Immediately follow the ninjutsu with your second support attack. While your opponent is busy with that, quickly move to the side and lay down a second Booby Trap perpendicular to the first. If you don’t have time to move all the way to the side, set the trap so it’s at roughly a 45-degree angle to the first and overlapping it slightly to seal your opponent inside. At this point, you can still lay down a third Booby Trap (Sakura can have up to three Booby Traps out at once), but you won’t be able to use another support attack yet. Use a paper bomb instead, but jump to the opposite side so it’s blocking the open area where no Booby Trap has been set. Now quickly lay a Booby Trap in that same location to create a barrier cutting off three directions of movement for your opponent. With all three ninjutsu laid out, your opponent will not be able to move toward you unless they jump or Ninja Dash. Your first support attack should be ready again, so use that to keep your opponent busy and move in with either a Chakra Dash or Sakura’s Ultimate Jutsu. Both attacks look very similar, making it difficult for your opponent to determine which attack Sakura is using. This strategy works even without the third support attack because your opponent’s movement will be severely limited. If they attempt to counterattack, they’ll inevitably cross one of the Booby Traps and take a hit. Repeat this process to keep your opponent locked down and Sakura safe from counterattacks. primagames.com 88 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Ninjutsu Chapter 1 Booby Trap This Fairy Tale is for Real!! Chapter 2 Ultimate Jutsu: Awakening Mode: The Great Sakura Maiden’s Anger Mode Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Duration: 30 seconds Chapter 5 Effects: Attack Power +20% Chapter 6 Fighting Against Sakura Chapter 7 How you fight against Sakura depends on which ninjutsu your opponent selects. If your Chapter 8 opponent chooses to go with This Fairy Tale is for Real, you don’t have much to worry about. It has good range, but it can be seen coming and blocked relatively easily. Once blocked, Sakura is vulnerable to a counterattack. If your opponent selects Booby Trap, it’s very important to keep on the move, even if it means taking a few hits you would normally block. If you get locked down by Sakura’s Booby Trap, it’s very difficult to escape them. 89 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Sasuke Uchiha After returning from a day at the Ratings Academy to find that his entire clan Speed: 4 had been destroyed by his older Power: 3 brother, Sasuke Uchiha was changed Items: 4 forever. Since that day, he has Support: 4 vowed to become powerful enough to avenge his family by seeking out Awakening Mode: 3 and destroying his brother, Itachi. Ninjutsu: 3 Nothing motivates Sasuke to do Ultimate Jutsu: 4 anything but train and perform Overall: 3 missions. He relies heavily on the power of his Sharingan eyes, as well as the Cursed Seal he obtained from Orochimaru. Combos Items Swallow Turn Fire: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O w: Scroll of Perception (1) a: Burst Kunai (2) x: Shot Run Pill (1) d: Paper Bomb (3) Support Attacks Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu Shallow Turn Fire Combo Rising Blaze Kick: O,O,O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O,O,O Flying Fire Dust: O,O,O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O,O (Blow Back) primagames.com 90 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Combos (continued) Fighting as Sasuke Chapter 1 Lions Barrage: O,O,O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O,O Sasuke has a few options to aid his offense, Chapter 2 but your main priority should be to activate Blaze Ax: In the Air, O,O,O,O,O Awakening Mode and finish off your opponent Chapter 3 as quickly as possible. From a distance, use Flame Formation Kick: g+O,O,O,O,O Sasuke’s Burst Kunai followed by a Chakra Chapter 4 Dash. The Burst Kunai prevents your opponent Ultimate Impact: from counterattacking if they block the Chakra Chapter 5 Dash. You can also use the strategy to work in Scattering Fire Dust an opening for Sasuke’s Ultimate Jutsu. It can Chapter 6 be used from any distance because Sasuke teleports behind his opponent to execute Chapter 7 the initial attack. It’s a guaranteed hit if your opponent does not block the Burst Kunai. Chapter 8 The Fireball Jutsu and Phoenix Flower Jutsu can also be used from a distance, but only use the Fireball Jutsu following a Burst Kunai. It’s very easy to evade if your opponent has nothing else distracting them. The Phoenix Flower Jutsu is more difficult to evade, making it much more useful with or without the Burst Kunai, but it does not inflict as much damage as the Fireball Jutsu. The Chidori is better for close-range combat, but even then it has an initial start-up animation that tends to telegraph its use. Once you get close to your opponent, you can use Sasuke’s Scroll of Perception item to automatically activate a Substi- tution Jutsu any time your opponent attempts to use a physical attack. This does not work against ninjutsu or projectile attacks, but at close range this is a very good item to use. You may also want to save it for Sasuke’s Awakening Mode (Curse Marked Second State Mode), which greatly increases his speed and attack power. Unfortunately, if you select Sasuke’s alternate black outfit, his Awakening Mode changes to Sharingan Mode, which is nowhere near as effective. Sasuke has two Awakening Modes: Sharingan Mode for his black alternate outfit and Curse Marked Second State Mode for NOTE his default outfit. Refer to Sasuke Uchiha: Curse Marked Second State Mode for detailed infor- mation on Sasuke Uchiha’s Awakening Mode: Curse Marked Second State Mode. 91 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Ninjutsu PRIMA Official Game Guide Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu Awakening Mode: Sharingan Mode Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu Duration: 20 seconds Effects: Speed +10% Chidori Reaction: Attack Power -25%; Defense Power -25% Ultimate Jutsu: Awakening Mode: Curse Mark Chidori Curse Marked Second State Mode Duration: 30 seconds Fighting Against Sasuke Effects: Alternate Character Reaction: Attack Power -50%; How you fight against Sasuke depends on which ninjutsu Defense Power -50%; Speed -5% your opponent chooses to use. The Chidori, which will likely be a popular choice, is very limited. It has minimal range unless it’s charged, and even then it’s very easy to see coming. If you block it, Sasuke is vulnerable to a counterattack. The Fireball Jutsu is also easily avoided from a distance, and leaves Sasuke vulnerable if used at close range. That only leaves the Phoenix Flower Jutsu to worry about, which can be tactfully avoided if you watch the trajectory of the projectiles, otherwise use a ninjutsu support attack just before it reaches you, then block the attack. This will prevent your opponent from rushing you while you block. If Sasuke activates his Curse Marked Second State, stay away from him for 30 seconds until it wears off, then pummel him while his attack power, defense, and speed are down. primagames.com 92 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide After leaving the Hidden Leaf Village Ratings Sasuke Uchiha: Curse Marked Second State Mode Chapter 1 the Sound Ninja Four placed Sasuke in a barrel sealed with chakra. They Speed: 5 Chapter 2 carried the barrel with them while Power: 4 Sasuke slept inside. As he slept, Items: 4 the curse mark that Orochimaru Support: N/A placed on him during the trials in Awakening Mode: N/A the Forest of Death was allowed Ninjutsu: 3 to grow and slowly increase his Ultimate Jutsu: 4 power. When Sasuke was finally Overall: 4 released from his chakra cocoon, he’d been endowed with the power Chapter 3 to transform into demon form! Combos Chapter 4 Depravities Barrage: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Chapter 5 Heavenly Demon Combo Attack: O,O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O,O,O Items Chapter 6 w: Scroll of Perception (1) a: Burst Kunai (2) x: Shot Run Pill (1) d: Paper Bomb (3) Chapter 7 Azure Demon Combo Attack: O,O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O Chapter 8 93 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Combos (continued) Fighting as Sasuke: Divine Devil Combo Attack: O,O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O,O Curse Marked Second State Mode Fallen Heaven Barrage: In the Air, O,O,O,O,O,O,O Sasuke: Curse Marked Second State Mode is faster and more powerful than Gale Bullet: g+O,O the normal version of Sasuke. He can pin down opponents with the Burst Kunai, Ultimate Impact: using it to keep an opponent blocking while he uses a Chakra Dash or Ultimate Azure Whirling Attack Jutsu. However, he has different ninjutsu that change the rest of his offensive strategy in comparison to the normal Sasuke. The Chidori Lament has moderate range without a charge, which makes it useful with the Burst Kunai strategy or if your opponent recklessly moves toward you. His Ultimate Impact also has slightly longer range than most other Ultimate Impact attacks, but it must be used in anticipation of your opponent closing in on you. If the attack misses or is blocked, Sasuke: Curse Marked Second State Mode floats down during the latter half of the attack, leaving him open to a counter- attack for a relatively long period of time. From a distance, Sasuke: Curse Marked Second State Mode has a built-in long-range ninjutsu attack. Instead of throwing standard shuriken he spits fire at his opponents. He also moves into the air with consecutive attacks, allowing him evade projectile attacks at certain distances. He can use the first attack of the Gale Bullet combo to jump out of his opponent’s physical attack range and, with proper timing, even evade shuriken and projectile ninjutsu. He can transition from the Gale Bullet directly into a Ninja Dash or Chakra Dash for a quick counter- attack. primagames.com 94 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Ninjutsu Chapter 1 Chidori Lament Ultimate Jutsu: Cursed Power Chapter 2 Fighting Against Sasuke: Chapter 3 Curse Marked Second State Mode Sasuke: Curse Marked Second State Mode has multiple offensive tools from a distance, so your best course of action is to get in close. Once you’re at close range, his primary tools are used to evade your attacks, so be mindful of his Gale Bullet combo and Ultimate Impact. If he uses the Gale Bullet, his only course of action is to dash after it. Use the first couple attacks from any combo to defend against a dash and mix this up with shuriken or long-range ninjutsu to keep your opponent on his toes. Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 95 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Shikamaru Nara Shikamaru is the laziest ninja in all Ratings the Hidden Leaf Village, often lying Speed: 3 about without a care in the world, Power: 3 but he is actually the smartest, Items: 3 most gifted tactician of his Support: 4 peers. Of all the chunin hopefuls, Awakening Mode: 3 Shikamaru was the only Leaf Ninja to acquire chunin rank after the Ninjutsu: 3 initial Chunin Exam—and that was Ultimate Jutsu: 4 despite having given up during Overall: 3 the final battle of the exam. After becoming a chunin, he became one of The Fifth Hokage’s most appreciated advisors. He’s great at planning missions, putting together solid ninja teams, seeing through ninja’s weaknesses, and even spotting traps. Combos Shadow Manipulation: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Items Shadow Dispatch: O,O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O w: Nara Clan’s Secret Medicine (2) a: Kunai Rain (3) x: Shot Run Pill (1) d: Bomb Ball (2) Support Attacks Explosive Style Flying Blade Shadow Steal Combo Shadow Steal: O,O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O,O (Blow Back) primagames.com 96 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Combos (continued) Fighting as Shikamaru Chapter 1 Shadow Scoop: O,O,O,O,O,∫+O,O,O Shikamaru is one of the few characters in Chapter 2 the game that can play mind games with his Shadow Dance: In the Air, O,O,O,O,O opponents. He has the same basic lock-down Chapter 3 strategy that every character with a kunai-based Shadow Stretch: g+O,O,O,O item can use, but he also has a few unique Chapter 4 abilities that make his play style vary quite a bit. Ultimate Impact: Chapter 5 His basic strategy is similar to most other Shadow Stomp characters: Use his Kunai Rain item followed immediately by a Chakra Dash to prevent your opponent from counterattacking. However, Chapter 6 along with this strategy, his Ultimate Jutsu can be very handy. The initial attack of his Ultimate Chapter 7 Jutsu throws three items that are similar to paper bombs. They don’t have a significant Chapter 8 amount of range, but you can use them from well outside your opponent’s physical attack range. The paper bombs remain on the ground for a short time, then explode. If your opponent touches any of the paper bombs or gets caught in the explosion, the Ultimate Jutsu initiates. It’s not possible to cross over the paper bombs with a Ninja Dash or Chakra Dash, severely limiting your opponent’s options. This strategy is especially effective in conjunction with Sakura’s Booby Trap support attack. Toss the Booby Trap first, then follow it up with Shikamaru’s Ultimate Jutsu. If you can make your way to the far side of the camera viewpoint, the cloud of smoke that follows the explosion will hide any action you perform immediately after the Ultimate Jutsu. With proper timing and distance you can completely hide a Chakra Dash until you’re nose to nose with your opponent. Rounding out Shikamaru’s main strategy are his counter and ninjutsu. His Shadow Possession Jutsu has limited range, but executes fairly quickly. However, his Explosive Style Flying Blade is a projectile attack that executes quickly and follows your opponent as they attempt to avoid it. His throw doubles as a counter against physical attacks. Using the throw command (l or r+O) places Shikamaru in his thinking position. Any physical attacks that hit him during this time will result in the execution of his throw. This is a perfect tactic to use as soon as an opponent closes in on you because they will most likely start with a combo. 97 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

PRIMA Official Game Guide Ninjutsu Explosive Style Flying Blade Shadow Possession Jutsu Ultimate Jutsu: Ninja Art: Awakening Mode: Shadow Strangle Jutsu Strategy Mode Duration: 30 seconds Effects: Projectile Power +30%; Speed +10% Fighting Against Shikamaru To best combat Shikamaru, you should fight from either a distance or close range. Do not engage him at mid-range, just outside of your physical attack range, because that’s where he’s deadliest. At close range, the only thing you need to worry about is his throw counter. If you see him enter his thinking position, wait until he starts to stand up before you attack. The active window of the counter isn’t very long and Shikamaru is vulnerable immediately after. From a distance, just be cautious of the standard Burst Kunai traps. If you get caught at mid-range, it’s better to run farther away from Shikamaru than to get caught in his Ultimate Jutsu trap. primagames.com 98 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.

Character Guide Shino doesn’t use conventional Ratings Shino Aburame Chapter 1 ninja weapons like kunai or shuriken. His weapons of choice are Speed: 2 Chapter 2 the myriad insects that he controls Power: 3 with chakra, an ability that runs in Items: 2 his family. Shino is part of Team Support: 4 8 and is actually the team’s most Awakening Mode: 3 intelligent member. Like Shikamaru, Ninjutsu: 4 Shino is a child genius capable of Ultimate Jutsu: 2 seeing through traps and enemy Overall: 3 weaknesses and planning a fight ten steps ahead. Combos Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Main-De-Fer Insect: O,O,O,O,O,O,O,O Items Chapter 5 Infesting Insects: O,O,O,O,†+O,O,O w: Mimesis Insects (1) Chapter 6 a: Defense Breaking Tag (2) x: Paper Bomb (3) d: Poison Tag (1) Support Attacks Ground Scamper Insects Insects Net in the Mist Main-De-Fer Insect Combo Chapter 7 Swarm Attack Insect: O,O,O,O,ƒ or ˙+O,O,O,O,O (Blow Back) Chapter 8 99 Protected by copyright. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading is prohibited.