And I mean this when I say it... Yeet!
“Let's play a little game called Monkey See, Monkey Do Motherfucker.”
Name
Age
Clan|Rank
Origin
Chakra Nature
Physical Description
Characterization and Prestige
Personal History
Character Development & Conceptualization
Tools
Tantō
Shuriken
Kunai
Wire String
Flash Bombs
Smoke Bombs
Explosive Tags
Unlearned Techniques
C Rank
D Rank
E Rank
“Let's play a little game called Monkey See, Monkey Do Motherfucker.”
Personal Dossier
Name
Nara Shikkaru
Age
14
Clan|Rank
Nara; Genin
Origin
Konohagakure
Chakra Nature
Yin | Wind
Characterization
Physical Description
Standing at 165cm and weighing around 57kg, Shikkaru's physique has the potential to turn into a solid figure as he grows. At the moment, he boasts more lean muscle and gangly limbs than anything else. With his runner's frame, Shikkaru is built for speed and endurance more than brute strength. Shikkaru's appearance fails to conform to the Nara stereotype, it's something he's quite content with. Instead of the classic spiky black hair pulled into a tail, Shikkaru keeps his hair short and untamed, as well as dyed blond in splotches. The hairstyle led to his siblings jokingly calling him Sukanku (Skunk). Instead of only piercing his earlobes, he pierced the cartilage in his left ear as well. Shikkaru's softer facial features contrast his sharp jaw and flat chin. His long eyelashes frame large, expressive amber eyes, and his petite nose creates a youthful look. Shikkaru's sense of fashion is nothing exquisite and tends to be geared towards simplicity and comfortability. Depending on the weather, Shikkaru will wear anything from long-sleeved shirts to tank tops, to hoodies; and his preferred pant styles are joggers. His tool pouches are all positioned in an unorthodox manner, allowing him to use his Shadow Imitation Technique to its fullest potential.
Characterization and Prestige
Shikkaru is the anomaly of the Nara clan. Being the antithesis of the Nara stereotype, Shikkaru deviates from the lazy yet analytical persona that people expect him to embody. Shikkaru is a social, passionate, and ambitious youth who's sharp intellect is developed beyond most kids his age. People are normally caught off guard by Shikka's keenness because at first glance he comes off as a normal, energetic teenager. Shikkaru's smarts are more dynamic, flowing, and creative than average. He's a quick thinker who follows his gut, preferring to adhere to his instincts more than any rigid plan. While this has led to academic success, it sometimes causes conflict when working in teams. He isn't arrogant or overconfident (at least that's what he thinks), he just has a hard time taking things slowly when they could be done quicker.
In social situations, Shikkaru tends to thrive. He can be quite the conversationalist due to his budding wit and odd sense of humor. Being the amiable guy that he is, Shikkaru does his best to be kind to everyone he meets. He's quite open-minded when it comes to meeting new people or encountering new situations. Being a part of a young, increasingly modern generation has raised him to be slightly naïve regarding the older ideals of what a shinobi is. This doesn't hamper his excitement in regards to becoming a ninja, if anything, it just sparks his curiosity to learn the old ways and combine them with his modern approach. Curiosity is one of Shikkaru's defining traits. It's like an itch he can't scratch, he's always getting into things or asking questions. This makes him a great listener but can lead to trouble when it comes to discipline. Shikkaru has a love for academia as well, in fact, after he does his time as a shinobi, Shikka has plans to teach at the academy, or maybe even teach genin. But that's far, far into the future. For now, Shikkaru just wants to do his best at becoming a shinobi and learn as many new things as possible.
In social situations, Shikkaru tends to thrive. He can be quite the conversationalist due to his budding wit and odd sense of humor. Being the amiable guy that he is, Shikkaru does his best to be kind to everyone he meets. He's quite open-minded when it comes to meeting new people or encountering new situations. Being a part of a young, increasingly modern generation has raised him to be slightly naïve regarding the older ideals of what a shinobi is. This doesn't hamper his excitement in regards to becoming a ninja, if anything, it just sparks his curiosity to learn the old ways and combine them with his modern approach. Curiosity is one of Shikkaru's defining traits. It's like an itch he can't scratch, he's always getting into things or asking questions. This makes him a great listener but can lead to trouble when it comes to discipline. Shikkaru has a love for academia as well, in fact, after he does his time as a shinobi, Shikka has plans to teach at the academy, or maybe even teach genin. But that's far, far into the future. For now, Shikkaru just wants to do his best at becoming a shinobi and learn as many new things as possible.
Personal History
Shikkaru Nara was born and raised in Kohonagakure under two loving parents. Being the youngest of three siblings, Shikkaru has plenty of role-models to look up to. His father, Shusako, works with Kohona's Intelligence Division, and his mother, Ichika, works at a restaurant in town. His older brother, Kishi, works as the Hokage's secretary, while his older sister, Akira, is a teacher. Shikka loves his family, but if he were to pick favorites it would be his sister. She's the one who turned him into the energetic little book worm that he is. Shikkaru still vividly remembers Akira introducing him to Shogi, and recommending books for him to read. He still thinks of her almost like a second mother, though his mom is pretty cool too.
Shusako was the one to introduce him to the world of shinobi. Immediately, Shikka's curiosity grabbed hold and he was hooked right from the start. And so, his life became a mixture of studying and sparring. Training to fight with his father was an amazing bonding experience, and the occasional impromptu "take your son to work day" showed Shikkaru a whole separate world that he ached to be a part of. His ambition was stoked like hot fire and he began to study in earnest.
Ichika showcased to him the civilian lifestyle of Kohonagakure, in all its glory. His mother is the owner of Saito No Kareraisu, a popular restaurant in the village. One that boasts the best curry rice and shabu-shabu in all the Land of Fire. Now whether or not that's true is up to those who eat there, but Shikkaru has yet to find a better cook than his mother (biased much?). Ichika likes to remind Shikka that not everything has to revolve around being a ninja and that there are other options for his future if he so chooses. Nothing is more refreshing after a hard day of training or studying than getting to cook with his mother at the restaurant, he absolutely loves the atmosphere of the place.
During his days at the academy, Shikkaru began to realize he was actually quite intelligent, it showed in his shinobi tactics and academic records. He did his best to make as many friends as possible. He figured that he'd be working with most of them in the future, might as well get acquainted as soon as possible. Even if he didn't particularly like someone, he was mature about it and chose to not let his irritation or frustration get the best of him. Obviously, he wasn't perfect at that, but it's the thought that counts right? Shikkaru is still curious about the future though, he notices how the older people seem to scorn this new, more modern generation. He's curious about why they dislike this shift in culture so much. It's one thing to read a book on history or hear a retelling of it, and it's a whole other thing to have actually lived through that history. Shikka just figures that the times are changing and there is nothing he can do about it, might as well roll with the punches and forge his own path. At the end of the day, he only has one life to live. He plans on living it to the fullest.
Shusako was the one to introduce him to the world of shinobi. Immediately, Shikka's curiosity grabbed hold and he was hooked right from the start. And so, his life became a mixture of studying and sparring. Training to fight with his father was an amazing bonding experience, and the occasional impromptu "take your son to work day" showed Shikkaru a whole separate world that he ached to be a part of. His ambition was stoked like hot fire and he began to study in earnest.
Ichika showcased to him the civilian lifestyle of Kohonagakure, in all its glory. His mother is the owner of Saito No Kareraisu, a popular restaurant in the village. One that boasts the best curry rice and shabu-shabu in all the Land of Fire. Now whether or not that's true is up to those who eat there, but Shikkaru has yet to find a better cook than his mother (biased much?). Ichika likes to remind Shikka that not everything has to revolve around being a ninja and that there are other options for his future if he so chooses. Nothing is more refreshing after a hard day of training or studying than getting to cook with his mother at the restaurant, he absolutely loves the atmosphere of the place.
During his days at the academy, Shikkaru began to realize he was actually quite intelligent, it showed in his shinobi tactics and academic records. He did his best to make as many friends as possible. He figured that he'd be working with most of them in the future, might as well get acquainted as soon as possible. Even if he didn't particularly like someone, he was mature about it and chose to not let his irritation or frustration get the best of him. Obviously, he wasn't perfect at that, but it's the thought that counts right? Shikkaru is still curious about the future though, he notices how the older people seem to scorn this new, more modern generation. He's curious about why they dislike this shift in culture so much. It's one thing to read a book on history or hear a retelling of it, and it's a whole other thing to have actually lived through that history. Shikka just figures that the times are changing and there is nothing he can do about it, might as well roll with the punches and forge his own path. At the end of the day, he only has one life to live. He plans on living it to the fullest.
Character Development & Conceptualization
I was interested in seeing what a motivated Nara would look like. I also didn't want to create some crazy analyst who has to think 200 steps ahead of everyone else before doing anything. I think I hit a good mix that should be fun to play out. I think it'll be fun to see an energetic, witty Nara instead of the lazy genius stereotype we've seen before. I like that Shikkaru wants to be a teacher in the future. It'll be intriguing to see if he continues to want to teach shinobi after becoming one and seeing how they live. I want to see how he interacts with the changing of the times, will his future dream job become more academia than ninja training? Will ninjas become purely ornamental? I can't wait to find out. As a side note, if no one makes an Akimichi I think I'd be interesting to see how the older generation reacts to not having an Ino-Shika-Cho combination if that's even a thing in this AU.
Talents
Keen Intellect: Shikkaru is bright for his age, despite how he may appear to those who don't pay attention. He's quick thinking and fast-acting. He enjoys academia, learning new things, and practicing strategy games such as Shogi. Though his methods of displaying his intelligence outside of scholarly pursuits may be unorthodox, Shikkaru will surprise those who underestimate him.
Tantō User: Shikkaru's tanto is sheathed horizontally on his lower back, and it's his preferred blade of choice. He'll normally use this and forgo kunai in close quarters situations. It's placed the way it is so that he can draw it after successfully completing his Shadow Paralysis Jutsu. He's become quite the tanto combatant, preferring to strike with a blade than engage in taijutsu fights. He excels at this fighting style because he's quicker than he is strong.
Chakra Control: Shikka has above average chakra control, meaning he wastes less chakra while performing jutsu, though his chakra pool is only average, meaning he can't continuously crank out jutsu like a machine. He'll continue practicing his control in an attempt to increase the duration of his paralysis jutsu, which gets weaker after continuous use.
Chef Shikka: Since Shikkaru loves causing a ruckus in the kitchen of Saito No Kareraisu, he's spent a good amount of time around competent chefs, including his mother. Ichika teaches Shikkaru how to cook new dishes as often as she can, although sometimes it's just to get him out of her employees' hair. Over the years, Shikkaru has picked up his mother's hobby of cooking and being a foodie. He enjoys not only making tasty meals but eating them as well!
Tantō User: Shikkaru's tanto is sheathed horizontally on his lower back, and it's his preferred blade of choice. He'll normally use this and forgo kunai in close quarters situations. It's placed the way it is so that he can draw it after successfully completing his Shadow Paralysis Jutsu. He's become quite the tanto combatant, preferring to strike with a blade than engage in taijutsu fights. He excels at this fighting style because he's quicker than he is strong.
Chakra Control: Shikka has above average chakra control, meaning he wastes less chakra while performing jutsu, though his chakra pool is only average, meaning he can't continuously crank out jutsu like a machine. He'll continue practicing his control in an attempt to increase the duration of his paralysis jutsu, which gets weaker after continuous use.
Chef Shikka: Since Shikkaru loves causing a ruckus in the kitchen of Saito No Kareraisu, he's spent a good amount of time around competent chefs, including his mother. Ichika teaches Shikkaru how to cook new dishes as often as she can, although sometimes it's just to get him out of her employees' hair. Over the years, Shikkaru has picked up his mother's hobby of cooking and being a foodie. He enjoys not only making tasty meals but eating them as well!
Jutsu List & Tools
Tools
Tantō
Shuriken
Kunai
Wire String
Flash Bombs
Smoke Bombs
Explosive Tags
Unlearned Techniques
Shadow-Neck Binding Technique
Shadow Sewing Technique
Shadow Imitation Shuriken Technique
Shadow Imitation Field Technique
Shadow Sewing Technique
Shadow Imitation Shuriken Technique
Shadow Imitation Field Technique
Name: Shadow Imitation Clone Technique
Rank: B
Range: Supplementary
Description:
After performing the clone hand sign, one to three clones spawn from Shikkaru's shadow and rush his target. Shikka focuses on keeping the clones mobile and agile so they can close the space between the target and themselves. The purpose of the clones is not to inflict damage, in actuality, they are a segway into the Shadow Imitation Technique (surprise, surprise). When a clone makes contact with the target Shikkaru forms the Rat sign and his clone will melt into the foe's shadow and extend back to Shikkaru's own shadow, completing the technique.
Rank: B
Range: Supplementary
Description:
After performing the clone hand sign, one to three clones spawn from Shikkaru's shadow and rush his target. Shikka focuses on keeping the clones mobile and agile so they can close the space between the target and themselves. The purpose of the clones is not to inflict damage, in actuality, they are a segway into the Shadow Imitation Technique (surprise, surprise). When a clone makes contact with the target Shikkaru forms the Rat sign and his clone will melt into the foe's shadow and extend back to Shikkaru's own shadow, completing the technique.
Name: Advanced Strategy: Cunning Combo
Rank: A
Range: Medium - Long
Description:
Shikkaru utilizes the majority of his jutsu for this combo to be effective. This is not its own jutsu but is the ideal steps Shikkaru would take to successfully capture and eliminate his target. He would first set his trap by using the Crouching Spider technique, this would place an array of wire string around the battlefield, disguised as an offensive shuriken play. The next step would focus on positioning the target and their shadow to overlap the wire string trap. To do this, Shikkaru ideally would use his Shadow Imitation Clone technique to force the target to move by having the clones attempt to capture them in his jutsu. Best case scenario: they'll fall prey to the shadow clone possession or they'll eventually trip a wire string trap and end up under Shikka's control anyways. The final step would be to either switch to Shadow Neck Binding or perform the Tantō Style: Clean Kill technique.
Rank: A
Range: Medium - Long
Description:
Shikkaru utilizes the majority of his jutsu for this combo to be effective. This is not its own jutsu but is the ideal steps Shikkaru would take to successfully capture and eliminate his target. He would first set his trap by using the Crouching Spider technique, this would place an array of wire string around the battlefield, disguised as an offensive shuriken play. The next step would focus on positioning the target and their shadow to overlap the wire string trap. To do this, Shikkaru ideally would use his Shadow Imitation Clone technique to force the target to move by having the clones attempt to capture them in his jutsu. Best case scenario: they'll fall prey to the shadow clone possession or they'll eventually trip a wire string trap and end up under Shikka's control anyways. The final step would be to either switch to Shadow Neck Binding or perform the Tantō Style: Clean Kill technique.
C Rank
Shadow Imitation Technique [Range: 10m/30ft]
D Rank
Name: Crouching Spider Technique
Rank: D
Range: Medium - Long
Description:
Despite the brief amount of time needed to prep this technique, Crouching Spider is an effective trap jutsu when used in the correct circumstances. By tying wire string to shuriken and placing them around the battlefield, Shikkaru can create thin pathways that his shadow can travel across. Shikka will often act as if he wishes to strike his opponent with the shuriken but purposefully miss, setting up the wire string for later use. Much like a spider waiting for its prey to enter its web, Shikkaru will wait until his foe's shadow is merged with a shadow from the wire string to activate his Shadow Imitation Technique.
Rank: D
Range: Medium - Long
Description:
Despite the brief amount of time needed to prep this technique, Crouching Spider is an effective trap jutsu when used in the correct circumstances. By tying wire string to shuriken and placing them around the battlefield, Shikkaru can create thin pathways that his shadow can travel across. Shikka will often act as if he wishes to strike his opponent with the shuriken but purposefully miss, setting up the wire string for later use. Much like a spider waiting for its prey to enter its web, Shikkaru will wait until his foe's shadow is merged with a shadow from the wire string to activate his Shadow Imitation Technique.
Name: Flash Bomb Capture Technique
Rank: D
Range: Supplementary (extends Shadow Imitation Technique)
Description:
This jutsu is used for ambushes and surprise attacks and is especially effective in dark or low-visibility areas. Shikkaru will throw multiple flash bombs at his target's position while safely behind cover or in hiding. Once the flash bombs detonate, Shikka activates his Shadow Imitation Technique and uses the strong light sources to extend his shadow further than normal, hopefully catching his opponent off-guard.
Rank: D
Range: Supplementary (extends Shadow Imitation Technique)
Description:
This jutsu is used for ambushes and surprise attacks and is especially effective in dark or low-visibility areas. Shikkaru will throw multiple flash bombs at his target's position while safely behind cover or in hiding. Once the flash bombs detonate, Shikka activates his Shadow Imitation Technique and uses the strong light sources to extend his shadow further than normal, hopefully catching his opponent off-guard.
Name: Shadow Barrier Technique
Rank: D
Range: Short
Description:
After performing the necessary hand seals, Shikkaru's shadow becomes solid and rises up from the ground, resembling a wall around Shikkaru's height. This barrier is opaque black and can deflect projectiles or one D rank technique before shattering. Once the barrier is erected, it becomes stationary, if Shikkaru wishes to reposition the barrier, he would have to disperse the technique and perform the hand seals again.
Rank: D
Range: Short
Description:
After performing the necessary hand seals, Shikkaru's shadow becomes solid and rises up from the ground, resembling a wall around Shikkaru's height. This barrier is opaque black and can deflect projectiles or one D rank technique before shattering. Once the barrier is erected, it becomes stationary, if Shikkaru wishes to reposition the barrier, he would have to disperse the technique and perform the hand seals again.
Name: Tantō Style: Clean Kill
Rank: D
Range: Short
Description:
After successfully completing his Shadow Imitation Technique, Shikkaru draws his tantō while his target mimics him and instead comes up empty-handed due to his tantō's placement. Shikka then walks towards his target while they walk towards him as well. Once he is close to his foe, he prevents them from moving while he slips behind them and holds them at knifepoint. He can either finish his target when he's ready or he can force their surrender from this position.
Rank: D
Range: Short
Description:
After successfully completing his Shadow Imitation Technique, Shikkaru draws his tantō while his target mimics him and instead comes up empty-handed due to his tantō's placement. Shikka then walks towards his target while they walk towards him as well. Once he is close to his foe, he prevents them from moving while he slips behind them and holds them at knifepoint. He can either finish his target when he's ready or he can force their surrender from this position.
