Mission 3-1: Naruto and Killer Bee

Welcome, Shinobi! This pivotal mission throws you into a high-stakes tag-team battle, pitting the dynamic duo of Naruto Uzumaki (Nine-Tails Chakra Mode) and Killer Bee (Eight-Tails Jinchuriki) against the resurrected legends, Itachi Uchiha (Edo Tensei) and Nagato (Edo Tensei). This guide will equip you with the strategies needed to overcome their formidable abilities and emerge victorious.

Mission Overview & Objectives

Characters: Naruto Uzumaki (Nine-Tails Chakra Mode), Killer Bee (Eight-Tails Jinchuriki)
Opponents: Itachi Uchiha (Edo Tensei), Nagato (Edo Tensei)
Battle Type: Tag-Team Battle (2v2)
Primary Objective: Defeat Itachi and Nagato.
Key Mechanics: Character Switching (R3/RS), Storm Gauge, Team Ultimate Jutsu, Awakening.

Character Strengths & Switching Strategy

Mastering character switching is paramount in this fight. Each character brings unique advantages:

Naruto Uzumaki (Nine-Tails Chakra Mode):
- Strengths: High speed, excellent mid-range projectiles (Rasenshuriken), strong close-range combos, quick chakra recovery. His Rasengan and Giant Rasengan are fantastic for guard breaking.
- Role: Primary damage dealer, guard breaker, and evasive fighter. Use him to pressure opponents and set up openings.
Killer Bee (Eight-Tails Jinchuriki):
- Strengths: Raw power, long-reaching attacks with Samehada, high defense, and powerful Lariat and Tailed Beast Bomb Jutsu. His combos are slower but hit harder.
- Role: Tank, heavy hitter, and excellent for punishing opponents after their guard is broken or when they are recovering. His Awakening (Eight-Tails) offers immense power and super armor.

Optimal Switching (R3/RS):

Switch to Naruto: When you need to close distance quickly, apply pressure with fast combos, or use Rasenshuriken from a safe distance. He's also ideal for building the Storm Gauge.
Switch to Killer Bee: When you've broken an opponent's guard, need to absorb some damage, or want to unleash a high-damage Jutsu like Lariat. His longer reach can also catch opponents off guard.
After a Combo: Often, switching characters mid-combo can extend the attack and catch opponents off guard, preventing them from substituting.
To Recover Chakra/Health: While one character is active, the inactive character slowly recovers chakra. If one character is low on health, switch them out to allow them to recover a small amount over time (though this is minimal).

General Combat Strategy

Prioritize Targets: While you'll be fighting both, consider focusing on one opponent at a time to reduce the pressure. Nagato, with his long-range Rinnegan abilities, can be a nuisance, but Itachi's Susano'o is a major threat. We recommend focusing on Itachi first due to his Susano'o's defensive capabilities and powerful ranged attacks.
use Support: Your inactive character acts as a support character. Use their support attacks (L1/LB or R1/RB) to extend combos, interrupt enemy attacks, or create openings. Killer Bee's Lariat support is excellent for closing distance and stunning, while Naruto's Rasengan support is great for quick damage.
Guard & Substitute: Itachi and Nagato are aggressive. Don't be afraid to guard (L2/LT) and use substitutions (L2/LT + X/A) to avoid their powerful Jutsu and combos. Conserve your substitution bar, as it's crucial for escaping sticky situations.
Chakra Management: Keep an eye on your chakra bar. Use chakra dashes (X/A + X/A) sparingly for offense, but don't hesitate to use them defensively to close gaps or escape. Charge chakra (Hold Y/Triangle) when there's a safe opening.
Team Ultimate Jutsu: Once your Storm Gauge is full, unleash your Team Ultimate Jutsu (Y/Triangle + Y/Triangle + B/Circle). This deals massive damage and can turn the tide of battle. Aim to land it when both opponents are close together or when one is vulnerable.

Guard Breaking Strategies

Breaking Itachi and Nagato's guard is essential to land significant damage. They guard frequently and effectively. Here's how to do it:

Naruto's Guard Breaking Tactics:

Rasengan (Neutral B/Circle): A quick, high-impact Jutsu that deals significant guard damage. Follow up with a combo immediately if it breaks their guard.
Giant Rasengan (Down + B/Circle): Slower to activate but deals even more guard damage. Best used when an opponent is recovering or after a support attack stuns them.
Chakra Dash Combos: Dash into an opponent (X/A + X/A) and immediately start a standard combo. The initial dash hit often weakens their guard, making the subsequent attacks more effective.
Charged Chakra Shuriken (Hold Y/Triangle + X/A): While not a primary guard break, a fully charged chakra shuriken can stun opponents and leave them open for a quick Rasengan.

Killer Bee's Guard Breaking Tactics:

Lariat (Neutral B/Circle): Killer Bee's signature move. It's fast, powerful, and deals excellent guard damage. It also has super armor during its animation, allowing you to power through some attacks.
Tailed Beast Bomb (Down + B/Circle): A slower, ranged projectile that explodes on impact, dealing massive guard damage. Use it when opponents are at a distance or after a successful substitution.
Heavy Attack Combos: Killer Bee's standard combos, especially the ones ending with heavy attacks, deal substantial guard damage due to Samehada's power.

General Guard Break Tip: Mix up your attacks. Don't just spam the same Jutsu. Use standard combos, then cancel into a Jutsu, or use support characters to create openings for your guard-breaking attacks.

Countering Itachi's Susano'o

Itachi's Susano'o is a formidable defense, making him immune to most damage and granting him powerful ranged attacks (Yasaka Magatama) and a devastating close-range sword (Totsuka Blade).

Phase 1 (Initial Susano'o): Itachi will often activate a partial Susano'o for specific attacks or as a temporary shield.
- Strategy: During this phase, focus on evasion and defense. Do not try to attack him head-on. Wait for his attacks to finish, then counter-attack during his recovery frames. Use Naruto's speed to circle him and Killer Bee's Lariat to punish any openings.
- Guard Breaking: While the Susano'o is active, his guard is incredibly strong. Your best bet is to wait for it to recede or to use powerful Jutsu like Killer Bee's Tailed Beast Bomb or Naruto's Giant Rasengan when he's briefly vulnerable.
Phase 2 (Full Susano'o Awakening): Later in the fight, Itachi may enter a full Susano'o Awakening. This is his most dangerous state.
- Strategy: This is the perfect time to activate Killer Bee's Awakening (Eight-Tails). Killer Bee gains super armor and increased damage, allowing him to trade blows with Itachi's Susano'o more effectively. Use Bee's Tailed Beast Bomb and powerful melee combos.
- Naruto's Role: If Naruto is active, maintain distance and use Rasenshuriken to chip away at Itachi's health from afar. Do not engage in close combat unless you are confident in your ability to dodge his Totsuka Blade.
- Team Ultimate: If your Storm Gauge is full, unleashing your Team Ultimate Jutsu during Itachi's full Susano'o can deal massive damage and potentially end his Awakening early.
Key Weakness: Itachi's Susano'o, while powerful, has a limited duration. Once it dissipates, he will be vulnerable for a short period. This is your window to unleash your strongest combos and Jutsu.

Countering Nagato's Rinnegan Abilities

Nagato's Rinnegan grants him a versatile array of abilities, making him a tricky opponent. He excels at mid-to-long range combat.

Shinra Tensei (Almighty Push): A powerful push that knocks you back.
- Strategy: Guard or substitute through it. If you're caught, quickly recover and close the distance.
Bansho Ten'in (Universal Pull): Pulls you towards him, often followed by a combo or another Jutsu.
- Strategy: This is a dangerous ability. As soon as you see the animation, prepare to substitute or guard. If pulled, immediately substitute out of his follow-up attack.
Chibaku Tensei (Planetary Devastation): Summons a massive rock sphere that traps you.
- Strategy: This is his ultimate Jutsu. When you see him charging it, dash away immediately. If caught, mash the indicated button prompts to break free. If you have a full Storm Gauge, a Team Ultimate Jutsu can interrupt him.
Soul Absorption (Preta Path): Absorbs your chakra if he grabs you.
- Strategy: Avoid his grabs at all costs. His grab range is decent. If you see him lunging for a grab, dash away or use a quick Jutsu to interrupt him.
General Strategy vs. Nagato:
- Close the Distance: Nagato is less effective in close quarters. Use Naruto's speed and chakra dashes to get in his face and initiate combos.
- Punish Openings: After he uses a Rinnegan ability, there's often a brief recovery period. This is your chance to attack.
- Guard Breaking: Nagato guards frequently. Use Naruto's Rasengan or Killer Bee's Lariat to break his guard, then unleash a full combo.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Getting Caught in Combos: Itachi and Nagato can chain powerful combos. Always be ready to substitute. Don't waste your substitutions on minor hits; save them for when you're truly vulnerable.
Ignoring Support: Forgetting to use your support characters means you're fighting at a disadvantage. Integrate support attacks into your offense and defense.
Chakra Depletion: Running out of chakra leaves you unable to substitute or use Jutsu. Manage your chakra by charging when safe and using Chakra Pills strategically.
Panic Awakening: Don't activate Awakening just because you're low on health. Use it strategically, especially Killer Bee's Eight-Tails form, to counter Itachi's Susano'o or to unleash a final burst of damage.

By following these detailed strategies, you'll be well-prepared to overcome Itachi and Nagato and successfully complete Mission 3-1. Good luck, Shinobi!

Mission 3-1: Naruto and Killer Bee