The following is a list of the specialties that ninja can be proficient in, along with an in-depth explanation of the specialties system, which will take the place of the previously-used statistics system.
NINJUTSU
Ninjutsu is the use of ninja techniques utilizing chakra to cause physically real attacks, as opposed to illusions cast by genjutsu using chakra. These techniques can vary greatly, and includes all elemental and quite a few non-elemental techniques.
Those with no specialty in ninjutsu are capable of performing E and D-ranked techniques only, and their handseal speed matches that of a person with no specialty in taijutsu.
Ninja with a novice's experience in ninjutsu are capable of performing up to C-rank techniques, and their handseal speed matches that of a person with a novice specialty in taijutsu.
Ninja with an adept's level in ninjutsu are capable of performing up to B-rank techniques, and their handseal speech matches an adept in taijutsu.
Ninja with an expert's level in ninjutsu are capable of performing up to A-rank techniques, handseal speed matches an expert in taijutsu.
Ninja with a master's level in ninjutsu are capable of performing S-ranked techniques, and their handseal speed matches a master in taijutsu.
GENJUTSU
Genjutsu is the use of ninja techniques utilizing chakra in order to cast an illusion on an opponent or multiple opponents, by disrupting their internal chakra flow in a certain way, usually by affecting one of the opponent's senses. Please note, this is not limited to the primary five senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste, or smell. These senses can include one's sense of balance, acceleration, or orientation, sense of temperature, sense of time lapse, etc. In this way, genjutsu can vary greatly.
Those with no skill in genjutsu cannot cast illusions, nor can they recognize a genjutsu at all. Genjutsu cast on those with no skill (or ability to recognize genjutsu without requiring expertise in this field) are put into a kind of trance state which makes the illusion around them seem like reality, making it difficult for those without skill in genjutsu to break free.
Those with a novice skill in genjutsu can cast up to C-rank genjutsu, and can recognize E-rank genjutsu for what they are, within reason. Handseal speed for genjutsu matches that of a novice in taijutsu.
Those with an adept skill in genjutsu can cast up to B-rank genjutsu, and are capable of layering two D-rank genjutsu, or one D-rank genjutsu and two E-rank genjutsu. Adepts at genjutsu can recognize D-rank genjutsu, within reason. Handseal speed matches adept in taijutsu.
Those with an expert's skill in genjutsu can cast up to A-rank genjutsu, and are capable of layering two C-rank genjutsu, or one C-rank and two D-rank. Experts are capable of recognizing C-rank genjutsu, within reason. Handseal speed matches expert in taijutsu.
Those with a mastery in genjutsu can cast up to S-rank genjutsu, and can layer up to two B-rank genjutsu, or their equivalents. They can recognize B-rank genjutsu, within reason. Handseal speed matches masters in taijutsu.
TAIJUTSU
Taijutsu is unique from the first two specialties, in that one is not required to use chakra in order to use techniques in this specialty. Taijutsu techniques can be used immediately and without a need to perform handseals. Please note: in order to use the full strength of your specialty, you MUST create a technique. Simple punches and kicks without actually using techniques will have the speed and strength of one rank below normal. This is in order to have Taijutsu not trump Ninjutsu or Genjutsu easily, by allowing those with a mastery in taijutsu to defeat masters in other areas without having to pay for techniques.
A person with no skill in taijutsu is not particularly strong or fast. They can perform simple punches and kicks which can cause pain and very minor bruises.
A ninja with novice skill in taijutsu is capable of using E and D-ranked taijutsu techniques, with their attacks capable of causing larger bruising and their speed matching that of an athlete. They are capable of interrupting a novice in specialties requiring handseals.
A ninja with an adept level of skill in taijutsu is capable of using B-ranked taijutsu techniques, and his or her full-strength attacks are capable of breaking some bones (excluding the thigh bone). They are now capable of opening up to the second Gate, once purchased. The ninja's speed is now approaching beyond a normal human level. They are capable of interrupting an adept in specialties requiring handseals.
A ninja with an expert level of skill in taijutsu is capable of using A-rank taijutsu techniques, and the full strength is capable of breaking boulders and crushing bone. This ninja is able to open up to the fifth Gate, once purchased. The ninja's speed is now far beyond a human's usual level of speed, capable of outrunning cars on a highway (to use a real-world reference, for clarity's sake). They are capable of interrupting an expert in specialties requiring handseals.
A ninja with a master's level of skill in taijutsu is capable of using all taijutsu techniques, and their strength is incredible, to the point of being able to break most metals with their strength. This ninja can open all eight Gates, once purchased. The ninja's speed can reach up to nearly sonic speed, but only with the use of actual techniques. They are capable of interrupting masters in specialties requiring handseals.
WEAPONRY
Weaponry is the use of equipment made with the express purpose of doing harm or being used in combat. This includes swords. Weaponry, like taijutsu, mostly does not require chakra, with the exception of Chakra Flow techniques that extend the wielder's chakra along the weapon. Those with a specialty in weaponry are generally not as physically strong as taijutsu specialists, but tend to be more agile and dexterous. The exception to this general rule are those weaponry specialists who use heavy or strength-based weapons. Typically, however, weaponry specialists have their strength treated as one below their level of specialty on the taijutsu table when not using a weapon. For instance, a master in swordsmanship only has an expert level of strength without their sword. If one chooses this specialty, they must also list their proficiency/proficiencies within this field: single-handed blade weapon, two-handed blade weapon, single-handed blunt weapon, two-handed blunt weapon, spear (including halberds), projectiles, or simply "other". This "other" must be named.
A person with no skill in weaponry can only use kunai and other thrown weapons with any kind of accuracy, and are only accurate when aiming at stationary targets.
A person with a novice's skill in weaponry can now use heavier weapons, such as a Fuuma shuriken or light single-handed weapons, excluding the weapon they are proficient in. They are also more accurate, able to track and accurately hit targets moving at novice or lower taijutsu speed. These ninja are also capable of matching novice taijutsu speed.
A shinobi with an adept amount of skill in weaponry is capable of using heavier weapons, excluding the weapon they are proficient in. This includes heavier single-handed weapons, such as swords. They are again much more accurate, capable of tracking targets moving at an adept speed, which these ninja are capable of matching. They can also choose a second proficiency.
A ninja with an expert amount of skill in weaponry is capable of using even heavier weapons, up to heavy two-handed weapons, unless their weapon of choice was already a heavy two-handed weapon. They are capable of tracking targets moving at expert speed, and these ninja are again capable of matching such a speed. At this level of expertise, they can also wear armor without hindrance.
A shinobi with a mastery in weapons is capable of understanding the use of almost all weapons. They can track nearly all targets, and can choose a third proficiency.
Medical Ninjutsu
Medical ninjutsu, like standard ninjutsu, applies a users chakra to cause change in the outside world. The changes made by medical ninjutsu, however, are as it's name implies, medical. Users of this specialty can heal themselves and comrades, or use their medical knowledge to cause damage to the bodies of their enemies.
With no skill in medical ninjutsu a shinobi cannot heal or apply any medic ninjutsu based damage to others. The reasoning behind this is directly in lieu with the intense chakra control required in the use of this speciality.
A novice in medical ninjutsu is capable of using D ranked medical techniques. D-ranked techniques of this specialty are capable of healing minor cuts and scrapes OR with a very lengthy amount of application and chakra consumption, healing deeper more heavily intricate ailments.
An adept user of medical ninjutsu is capable of healing deep wounds, and curing mild poisons. They may also use C and B ranked techniques. With a lot of chakra and time these users can heal minor illnesses.
An expert in medic ninjutsu is able to use A ranked healing techniques. These techniques can potentially heal fractured bones and heal severe wounds. At this level of control using offensive techniques such as the chakra scalpel are possible in combat.
A master of medical ninjutsu can perform S ranked medical ninjutsu. They are capable of healing a large crowd of individuals
These shinobi know enough about the human body to create techniques that disrupt bodily functions and target specific organs.
Fuuinjutsu
Fuuinjutsu is the art of using sealing techniques, or creating seals. Each seal may have a different purpose. From becoming a type of augment for Chakra reserves to sealing Bijuu within a body or object. There's a wide range of techniques that come with using Fuuinjutsu.
Without a skill in Fuuinjutsu the user will not be able to create seals of any kind. They do not possess the knowledge required to tamper with the specialty and thus will not be able to do much.
Novice level Fuuinjutsu allows the user to perform D and C Ranked sealing techniques. These techniques can be used to hold items, scrolls, and weapons.
Adept level Fuuinjutsu allows the user to perform B-Rank sealing techniques. At this level the user can create seals that bind movement, transfer Chakra, and even seal memories into others.
Expert level Fuuinjutsu allows the user to perform A-Rank level sealing techniques. Around this stage the user can create seals that either serve as an augmentation for Chakra pools, physical strength, and speed. During this stage the user can also create seals to use in conjunction with other shinobi, to act as a form of communication. An example would be telepathy.
Master level Fuuinjutsu is the maximum skill level and allows S-Rank usage. The user is now able to seal Bijuu into humans or items. They can also create seals that enhance regeneration and strength. Another perk is creating techniques that can seal elements.
Puppetry
Puppetry is the art of using Chakra threads to control puppets and other objects. Using puppetry, the user will usually fight from a distance and control the puppet to carry out combative actions.
Without a skill in Puppetry the user lacks the requirements to completely control a puppet and maintain Chakra threading.
A novice skill in Puppetry allows the user to create D and C Ranked puppets. They can only battle with one puppet on the field and nothing more. Their puppets can only use standard weapons and such.
An adept skill in Puppetry allows the user to create B-Rank puppets and they can now use two puppets on the field at once, the B-Rank puppet and C-Rank puppet from previous rank. They can now add more weapons.
An expert skill in puppetry allows the user to create A-Rank puppets. They can now use three puppets on the battlefield at once, the A-Rank, B-Rank, and C-Rank. At this stage only the A-Rank can act as an armor for the puppeteer.
At master level the user can now create an S-Rank human puppet. Meaning they can use a Shinobi's corpse, doesn't matter if NPC or PC, to become the puppet's template. At this stage the user could use the secret puppet techniques. They can also battle with four puppets at once, (One A-Rank, two B-Rank, and one C-Rank), or use their S-Rank puppet. The user may also become a puppet themselves.